We could not have asked for better weather. Low eighties, low humidity, a calm lake.
The race was superbly organized and the course was great. My wonderful hubby was on hand to simultaneously control my two little guys and video me whenever I came by. It was a long day for them but they a great time on the beach all day (This is a great family venue, BTW)
As for me, this was my first half and I am really happy with my time. I had tummy issues on the swim which slowed me down. I flew on the bike and was actually comfortable for the first time in my life thanks to Rich and Chris at The Bike Shop (in Glen Ellyn, IL. An awesome shop!) I was worried about making a last minute bike-fit change two days before the race but went with it. I’m so glad I did. My run was pretty solid for someone who started running from scratch again in April due to an injury. Thanks to my great coach, Jen Harrison, I had such a huge fitness base from the bike that it helped make up for my missing running base. Right now, though, my legs are so achy that I walk like an 90 y.o. with peg legs. I need a hot tub and a massage!
Hee hee…I didn’t know this was you! Congrats on a great race – a 5:40 at your first 1/2 Ironman is SUPER impressive! Now, you earned your R&R! Rest up! You had a great season.
For the last 100 finishers - the medals have been ordered and we will have them mailed out to you in 3-4 weeks. Sorry I did not order enough! Next year I’m ordering 200 extra so we do not run out! Z
This race was perfect. I’ve never done a 1/2 before only 3 full IM’s, but this 1/2 stuff rocks!!! Even with an ankle injury, I finished o.k.!! Loved the pier start, the beautiful bike course and a nice 13mile run course. Kudos to Tom Z and all the volunteers and race coordinators.
I am thinking about coming over from Madison for Stealhead 2006. It sound like a great event. Any recommendations for a place to stay for the family (3 kids 6 and under) that would be close to the race? Most likely will try to make it a week vacation on the beach. Thanks
There are quite a few vacation house rentals near the beach in St. Joe. Since I live in SJ, I don’t often have the need to look for one though. You can get a start at www.vacationrentals.com. Most of the rentals are near Silver Beach, which is about 2 miles from the race site, but is a great place for the family. It’s also within walking distance of downtown. For a week’s stay, that is the way that I’d go. There are also a couple of hotel options. There’s a Holiday Inn Express about 5 miles from the race site and overlooking the lake, and there’s a Clarion Hotel about 1.5 miles from the race site. Feel free to PM me if you want more help.
We stayed at the Boulevard Inn. It’s nice, clean, has a good restaurant, nice view of the lake, is in downtown with all the shops and it’s only 1.5 miles away from the race site. We had a 2 room suite with a king bed and a sofa sleeper for the kids. The room had a frig, coffee maker (no nuke) and internet access.