70.3! Completed my first half-iron distance race yesterday at the Pigman Triathlon in Palo, Iowa. All in all it was a good race for me. See the video at newsconference.blogspot.com (8/17/08). Race Report:

So I'm planning on doing my first HIM next year and was wondering which race I should do. I was looking at the Vineman because I like the area and also because I'm hoping to do it summer/fall. I was looking at Trimapper and there are quite a few so I'm just hoping I can get an idea of everyones favorites so I can narrow it down a little more.

Who's going to be at the Kansas 70.3 in Lawrence on Sunday? I won't be racing (I'm doing Tinman the day before), but I would be happy to cheer you on if I know your name and number!

Second year of triathlons, I am about to sign up for my first half. The race description talks about a "bottle drop"- since everyone has always been very supportive of newbie questions on this site- what happens at a bottle drop?

Professional triathlete, Matt Lieto, has put together a Half Ironman training program for his fellow Trifuelers. This is a 20 week plan that includes several weeks of Base training. The plan is intended for intermediate athletes and ramps up to about a 15 hour week.

The half ironman triathlon presents unique challenges. This distance is short enough that a well-conditioned athlete pushes throughout the race, but long enough to demand disciplined pacing and effective nutrition strategies.