Racine Half Ironman 2008 - Nancy Toland

Selina already mentioned that my goal for this summer was to complete the Steelhead Half Ironman. The Racine Half Ironman was just two weeks before Steelhead. Although I had been to Benton Harbor, where Steelhead is held, for a training ride and rode the course, I still had not done a 56 mile ride without stopping - let alone race for that long of a distance! Therefore, I thought it would be a good idea for me to practice during this relay.

It was exciting to be a part of a relay team, but I was also more nervous knowing that two other people were counting on me. It was a lot of fun hanging out in the transition area. It was kind of hard waiting around to get started mostly because I had an idea of how long it would take Selina to swim, but with the conditions of the water, I wasn't sure. Our friend Melissa, who was competing on the "other" TFP relay team did come out of the water first, so biker Lisa did have a head start. However, I was so proud of Selina because she was right behind Melissa, which didn't give me enough time to get nervous, actualyl!

Stacy put the chip on me and off I went. The ride was bumpy and I was trying so hard not to draft. This was really my first race with all of those rules! I was also freaked out about getting a flat. If I was on my own time, I wouldn't have felt so much pressure, but I am not the fastest of tire changers (and that's if I actually can change the tire!). I knew Stacy was waiting on me to start her run, so I tried to move fast.

The first 20 miles did seem to move really quickly. I guess I got caught up with all the hype and started out too fast (both in pace and with my heart rate). When I finally settled down and got into a comfortable zone, the ride was over. Having my team there for me as well as having our TFP "opponents" really helped to motivate me. Lisa had finished way before me on the bike and Melissa and Selina, once they thawed from the water, all helped me get off my bike and get Stacy going to try and catch Tom. Although it really wasn't a good match up on the bike or run, I was really proud of how everyone on both teams did. It was also such a great experience to see all the TFP athletes who did the whole race as individuals. It was a nice chance for me to get motivated for Steelhead. I was sore coming off the bike and learned that I needed to take some stretch breaks for Steelhead. But I would definitely be part of a relay again. It was an awesome feeling to cross that finish line with my training partners!