Race Coverage

"My First Pro Race"...

Thursday, 23 May 2024 00:10

By Shyanne McGregor

Ironman Chattanooga 70.3 Race Report - My first pro race. Although, I qualified to get my “pro card” in both my 70.3 races last year, I struggled feeling like I really belonged there. However, I was really excited to experience all that racing on a pro level entailed, learn a ton and have fun out there. It was such a cool experience! All the women I met were so nice and so welcoming. I learned a lot, made new friends, got to catch up with old ones.

The swim: Except for Kona, I’ve never had a mass start type of swim. It was definitely an all out brawl for the first few minutes. I could feel myself getting a little panicky but I was able to take some breaths and not go there. I settled in with a group for maybe the first half and realized I could go faster. So I went ahead of them and was on my own for the last half of the swim. I learned some tactical lessons that I’ll implement next race.

My time was close to last year but this year was without the aid of a wetsuit. So probably a better swim comparatively....

Bike: I was happy with my bike. About one minute faster than last year. There was the added element of using the Race Ranger (a device that monitors how close you are to the bike ahead of you to prevent drafting). I felt strong, pushed hard and made up 12 places finishing 12th pro on the bike.

Run: I’ve only had a couple small issues with running leading up to this race, but that may have been because we were very conservative on run intensity and volume. I knew my run fitness was not at the level it needs to be to have a good run (for me), but I steadily knocked off one mile at a time. It was very hot, humid and sunny which made the day harder for everyone.

Am I proud of my performance (4:45:25)?? Parts of it, yes, but not overall. It’s the first race of the season and my first pro race. I’ll work hard to improve.

Races always really ignite this fire in me to go all in and get to the next level……at the same time as being busy mom of three, a wife, a physical therapist and coach and still get some sleep.

…… Although my volume of training isn’t “pro level” I’ll continue to give it my all every single day.
you to my coach Pedro Gomes for maximizing the time I have and getting me ready.
I had a blast out there racing with the all the other @rts team!
Thank you to my supportive friends and family for your love and encouragement. It takes a village!