"Keepin it Sexy"

"Keepin it sexy." That was the theme of the day on Saturday,as I raced St George Ironman 70.3. I know... What a weird statement to have running through you're mind on race day, while you are sweaty, nose running, EFS smeared all over you're face with sticky hands and hair drenched in lake water.  Not many people's idea of sexy.  But for me "keepin it sexy", meant just keep it long strong and smooth all day.  Whenever things would get a little hectic, pacing off, stroke shortening up, tensing up on the run.. I would remind myself to just keep it sexy... long, strong and smooth.  Patience is key and as silly as it sounds this mantra helped me maintain patience all day. Here's how it went down..
The swim: honestly I was most apprehensive about this part of my day. Mostly because last year I was absolutely freezing and it negatively affected the beginning of the race for me , until about mile 25 of the bike.  However I am happy to report that this time, although the water was 60 degrees, I had no problems with being cold on the swim at all. This was my first time racing in my T1 wetsuit  (thanks De Doto) and was super pumped with how it turned out. Not only was I actually warm on the swim, I felt like I could swim with less restriction, staying long and smooth, aka "keepin in sexy." And ended up with pr Half Ironman swim time of 29:20. 

At the start

Coming out of T2 I saw my two Sherpas, sweet! Jess and Jake were there cheering me on for a positive lift to head out on the bike. No arm warmers needed, temperature wise I was feeling great. Score!!
The Bike: I love this course because the scenery is amazing and it is hilly, I love hills. Mostly on this portion of the race I was concentrating on not holding back too much and once again "keeping it sexy". By the time I hit mile 25 there was my cheering squad, so pumped to see me and I knew I was making solid time. I Kept up the positive thoughts and just enjoyed the course and it's constant changes, which I love. Nutritionally I was feeling great, no complaints there, so after the snow canyon climb,  it was time to focus on trying to push the downhill to T2 and get ready for the run! I ended up with a time of 2:43.42. , some improvement from last year!

The Run: heading out of T2 I knew I had to let my legs and stomach settle in, so I saw my friend Andy and paced off of him for a couple of miles, when I saw Jess and Jake, woohoo!! They told me they were pretty sure I was in the top 5 overall and that I had a great bike.  That gave me just the boost I needed to start heading up the first long hill and get into a groove.  I kept up this pacing the whole way through, staying strong uphill and letting it ride on the downhill repeating my mantra in
my head. Once I reached the turn around there was my amazing support crew to cheer me on.  I was pumped and actually yelled out at them, " just keepin it sexy over here"! They kept cheering with looks of bewilderment, one because usually I can't even speak during the portion of a run, and two because they had no idea what I was taking about.  As I headed up the hill to run back home, they yelled "first in you're age is about one minute ahead. "As I passed her a bit later, my legs began to feel even stronger... It was time to bring this thing home. And I did. I was super happy with another pr for the run portion of a Half Ironman. 1:28.02.

Total time 4:47.35
What an epic and fun day!!! I was so happy to find out I placed 1st in my age and 2nd overall female amateur:)
Thank you to my sponsors De Soto Sport Triathlon Company, Elete Electrolytes, Canyon Bicycles, Wasatch Runnning Center, Rudy Project, and Porcupine Pub and Grille for helping me to race and train at my best.  Thank you coach AJ for being the best coach and mentor and taking time out to help me be a better athlete. Thanks Rob for the guidance nutritionally and in general as a triathlete. Chad and coach Todd thanks for all the help with the swim and  to all of my training buddies you have taught me so much. Cher you rock!! Kara Vetica and Tom Fletcher thanks for keeping this body in check. Jess (best friend a girl could have )for all of you're support!!! Lastly Jake... I love you, the most supportive boyfriend, I could not do this without you and you're faith in me !!

UP NEXT...  Boise 70.3!!