Florida Half Ironman

Source: Chris Lieto

I finally feel like I just got my season started.  With a couple early season races that didn't go as planned I was ready for this last weekends race in Orlando Florida at Disney World.  

I have been training for Ironman Coeur de Alene and was unsure about putting a Half Ironman in the middle of that.  I decided it would do me good to push myself and see how my Ironman training is progressing.  I put in a couple of very big weeks training and headed off to Orlando on Friday. I was excited to be around my friends that I compete against and meet some new ones as well.  I was just looking forward to be out there and mix it up with everyone.  I had no real expectations on this race. 

The men’s field was a strong one having many past Ironman winners and many top 10 World champion finishers.  I knew it was not going to be an easy one.  I was relaxed and out to have fun.  Things went well straight from the water.  The water was a little warm at 85 degrees, but I paced myself and exiting the water in 4th or 5th.  I headed out on the bike and settled into my pace which brought me up to 2nd place by just a few miles in.  I held onto that position as I pulled away from the rest of the field.  Starting the run I was 4 minutes down from Bjorn Anderson who put in a phenomenal bike ride.  I started out running what felt comfortable to me.  I was slowly reeling Bjorn in and caught and passed him by mile 8.  Also at the same time Simon Lessing was having an incredible run and caught me close to the same place.  I tried to run with him for a while but was unsuccessful to hold onto his pace.  I was able to finish in a solid 2nd place finish behind one of the Worlds best triathletes, Simon Lessing. 

The day was fun, hot, and humid.  I am happy with my finish and know that my Ironman training is going in the right direction.  I am looking forward to the upcoming Ironman.  I will keep everyone posted on my progress and my upcoming race. 

Thank you again to everyone that helped put this race together and help me in my everyday training. 

Sincerely,

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