Four athletes in three different races, two different states and even a jump across the big pond to Europe.
Gulf Coast Triathlon
Jonathan Farmer-5:37:15
This was Jonathan's first attempt at this distance. An humble athlete, Jonathan reached all new personal bests while training for this event. The journey was by far the most swimming, biking and running he has ever done.
Gulf Coast is notorious for being a blistering day. To date, we certainly had not experienced many days reaching even 80 degrees. Fortunately the temperature was moderate that day, the water unusually calm and the wind was bearable.
Congrats to Jonathan for pulling off a more than impressive first HIM race.
Swim: 35:14; Bike: 2:52:12; Run: 2:02:24 Good for 39th in his age group
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White Lake I
Jessica Van Orden-5:20:27
This year was personal for Jessica. Last year, she competed in White Lake for her first ever half iron race. The overbearing heat of the day left carnage all over the course and derailed her race in the final minutes. This time she was out for blood.
No stranger to the sport of triathlon, she entered the race determined to improve on last year's performance--in all three disciplines. Unfortunately, mother nature once again made its presence known. This time it was fog. After delaying several times, the race director ordered the race to become a bike run duathlon.
Congrats to Jessica for making all the right adjustments and taking nearly 30 minutes off her previous bike + run times. She placed 9th in her age group just barely missing the national championship qualification.
Bike: 3:04:06
Run: 2:12:58
Ironman Austria 70.3
Becky Sharpe: 6:20:52
Becky is no beginner. Several years of dedicated training and racing has constructed quite the competitor. This race was Becky's fourth time racing the half iron distance. But the first overseas. Traveling with friends, this race had a high priority but second to having a great time in Austria.
The Austria course is unique in several different ways. First it is a two lake swim, requiring you to exit the first lake, run to the second and finish the swim there. Secondly, the bike is partially on the country's 'autobahn' road and provides breathtaking views. Finally the two part transition only adds to the confusion.
Dave Bishop: 5:21:51
Dave 'Stud' Bishop was on a mission in Austria. This race kicked off an awesome season that will later culminate in China at the ITU World Championships. Dave paced the bike perfectly and set up an awesome run.
Swim: 35:04
Bike: 2:50:30
Run: 1:48:38
