Prepping the bikes for the big day!
We signed up for this Half Ironman about a year ago, before I had my hip surgery. But since I couldn't defer to another year, I decided to go ahead and plan on doing the swim and bike at least. The water temp was so cold on race day....58 degrees! And wetsuits were mandatory.
The girls had fun coming with us to pick up our packets and drop our bikes off the day before the race. We got up early Sunday morning and headed to the race. Found our spots, and got our wetsuits on and were ready to go! They had a staggered start where you lined up according to how fast you thought you were going to swim, and then started three people every three seconds. It took us 45-55 min after the starting gun went off for us to actually get in the water. And it was sooo cold. Cameron had a great swim and the water temp didn't seem to bug him at all! I struggled for the first 200-300 yards as my body adjusted (I couldn't bring myself to dip in the water before I actually had to). After 100 yards I wondered if I had forgotten how to swim! haha. But once I got used to the water it went really well. We had spent the last few months teaching ourselves how to swim and we both felt much more confident.
Obviously we don't really have pictures mid race, but the bike went well. I felt pretty strong and the CDA crowd was great cheering everyone on. The bike portion was very hilly with long climbs. But it was beautiful.
And then I couldn't help myself and decided that I would just start the run so I didn't have to wait forever for Cameron to finish. But the crowd and the atmosphere was so great that once I started I knew I would finish the race....whether I should or not. I took it easy and enjoyed the crowd, the aid stations every mile, and the best part was the people who lived along the course who came out with their garden hoses and would spray us all down. Definitely made it easier!
We both loved the race and agreed that we would be back for another someday.
They also had a meal for us at the finish. Lots of tacos, chips, drinks. We ate up and then headed back home.
It was one of the most fun races I have ever done. I think partially cause I went into it just to finish instead of having a real goal in mind. So I just enjoyed each step and having the time to enjoy the things we love.
Lesley Harvey
Swim: 52:52
Bike: 3:36:55
Run: 2:02:26
Overall: 6:44:30
Cameron Harvey
Swim: 41:12
Bike: 3:30:51
Run: 1:41:35
Overall: 6:08:52
I think we will be back and even faster next time!
