Waco 70.3

Texas

When I heard that Ironman was replacing Austin 70.3 with Waco, I knew I had to add this to my schedule.  In fact, I actually won the Waco Triathlon YEARS ago and it was my first "big girl" win, so it lies happily in my heart. After living for 6 years in Texas, I consider myself almost a Texan and have a deep heart for my southern friends (and food). Any trip back to Texas is a good trip so off we went!

A trip to Magnolia Market in Waco. This actually wasnt here when I lived there, so it was my first!

October was a whirlwind, with a 2 week "vacation" to Kona, I came back stressed, tired, and sick. Race week was a culmination of lots of sleep, trying to get back on east coast time, and tapering to the extreme aka not doing my intended workouts. I am a scheduled person and very routine, so throw me off just a little bit and I go haywire! Dont get me wrong, Kona was AMAZING!, I was just tired, thats all...

Me and Old Roomie Caitlin pre-race

Honestly, I knew this race would not be anything special because the Kona trip has been on the schedule for over a year and I know how my body typically responds. One thing going for me-- I was super heat acclimated ;) So, as I boarded my flight to Texas the Friday before the race, I thought alot about how I wanted to "race" this race.

When it comes down to it, no one gives a crap about your times or your numbers. Ultimately, we are all out there just doing the best we can and sometimes that is pretty and someday's it is not. But the JOY of racing never goes away. Racing professionally, I ALWAYS give it my best and I do take it seriously, BUT I decided to not get so bent of shape as to where my body was. I wanted to have fun, smile, and see my Texas friends again. Sometimes it just takes a mental perspective change to be OK with your results.

Texas had horrible rains the week before the race and the course ended up getting flooded and the swim was canceled. Ironically, both of my September races were canceled this year due to storms, and this actually was going along with the trend. I wasnt happy about the swim getting canceled but I already changed my mind on how to execute the race and had accepted it. After seeing the Brazos river, and remembering my first trip in it years ago (I exited the swim with a face mud mustache), I was pretty glad we were not getting in that crap.

This is Me in my AGGIE suit, exiting the Waco Water in 2010! Yuck

We pulled numbers at the Pro meeting the day before to determine how we would TT start, every 30 seconds apart. I pulled lucky number 7 for the girls and lined up ready to start my day.
Its hard to believe that Waco replaced Austin due to bad roads, because I thought this was a true Texas ass whipping. The roads were horrendous and me and chip-seal for 56 miles are not friends. It was a pretty lonely ride and I thought that I was either going into a head wind or my tire was flatted practically the whole time. I dont know if anything was rubbing or If I just road like a little shit, but I had a horrible bike and I couldnt be more glad to get off the bike.

Despite feeling like Poop, atleast Scott Flathouse Photography makes me look good on my Quintana Roo

Going into this race I was a little checked out. My mind and heart were not into swimming and biking and when you race at a high level you have got to want it. I think this showed up immensely in my bike ride, but for some reason I changed my attitude on the run. I love to run. Running found my happy spot this year and brought me back to who I identify as. When I dismounted the bike, I had such a shit ride that I actually contemplated not running. I wouldn't let my season end like that. I took off at roughly 650 pace and couldn't believe how well I felt.

Heading out on the Run!

I remember the "hills" of Cameron park from when I raced on it before and was interested to see how now living in a hilly area they would seem. Well- They were damn hilly. Texan or not, those were some hills. My goal was to keep moving and thats all I did. I ran comfortably hard and executed one of the best run splits of the day. I was pleased to end the season on that note. More importantly I was Just. So. HAPPY. Seeing my Texas friends on the course, and so many familiar faces. Gah, this is why I do this!

Matt Hanson Racing Crew post races

My body is tired and told me to hang it up for the season, but it wasnt all a bust. I remembered my "Why" as Coach Matt Hanson always tells me. Having a good or a bad race doesnt define you as an athlete but it can change you. I look forward to running season and have already sketched out a great season for 2019. I cant wait to get back to it.

My year in Medals.

HUGE thanks to all my sponsors and teammates this year. Sponsorship and teams go a long way and they are more then what they are they defined. Motivation, support, guidance. I have the Dream team. Thanks Yall!
DC Tri Club, Matt Hanson Racing, Quintana Roo, Klean athlete, Zone 3, SBR Sports, Bonzai Sports. 

Finally, Some food and friends pictures....

Texas knows tacos

and ice cream 

and BFFS