Race Coverage

"I Didn't Know I Could Go That Fast"...

Saturday, 15 June 2024 00:10

By Paige Schulz

Ironman 70.3 Des Moines Race Report- Swim: Chaos as usual. It’s a not really a lake, more of a glorified retention pond, right? so they set the course up like a zigzag in order to get the full 1.2 mile. The water was warm and murky. I couldn’t see my watch splits in front of my face. Ick. We are really spoiled in Minnesota with beautiful lakes. 34:42; 1:40/100 yd

Bike: This course is nice because it is closed to cars, roads are smooth, and there are some out and back sections so there is some entertainment when the bike power houses fly by the other direction. My bike was pretty uneventful – a good thing. I was under my goal watts, but over my goal pace. Which means I’m more aero than we expected. Win. Also means I should be able to go faster. Ha 2:33; 21.8 mph.

Run: It always feels like I’m barely jogging when I get off the bike. Legs feel heavy, but in reality the pace is good. I was getting complacent around mile 5 and slowing down, but then started focusing and...

picked up the pace without much extra effort. It’s arguable that I could have found more time (as my husband told me); most triathletes don’t drop their fastest mile for mile 13… (6:29) 1:29; 6:48 min/mile.

My thoughts: I had a great race. I did not know I could go that fast. Brennen’s thoughts (in the most genuine, nicest way ): You had a normal race. I knew you were going to go that fast. You can go faster.

Nursing & racing mom life: I pumped when I woke up, nursed Declan on the 15 min walk from transition to the swim start, and only felt the milk hit once right at the end of the bike. IYKYK. (Too much time leaning over in aero.) My mom gave Declan a bottle while I was on course. He just started taking a bottle well about a week ago. Perfect timing.

I am a slight overproducer and haven’t historically had racing/training impact nursing. Hopefully that trend holds through this year.

I wouldn’t be here without @outpacecoaching. Track Tuesdays 100% set me up have a great 13.1 miles. Gotta run fast to be fast!
And a big shoutout to @team_octagonelite for all the support and amazing sponsors!!

Result - 4:41. 5th OA. 3rd AG.