Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains...That's a Wrap!

Chris & me at the finish...3rd in my age group!

The last "tri" of the season is now in the books (actually a "du" because the swim was cancelled)!  Even without the swim, this was probably the hardest course I've ever experienced (judging by the soreness in my legs and the limp in my walk)!  What did I expect?  It's the Poconos!  Hills, hills and MORE HILLS!!  It was a constant up and down, so not only a physical challenge, but a mental one as well.  But, coming off my last half-iron skinned-up, bleeding and cramping on the run, I was ready to make this final "tri" count.

Aside from the extreme hills, this race was unique for many reasons.  The swim was cancelled due to high water levels in the Delaware River, a very fast current and trees and other assorted debris floating down the river.  A certain recipe for disaster!  It rained all night before the race, making for some wet, slick road conditions, not to mention the "bumpiness" in the roads due to mother nature taking out her wrath on the east coast all summer/fall!  Plus, it was forecast to be in the 40's race morning.  What to wear?!  My gear bags looked like I was packed for a week of camping in the mountains rather than racing (T2 took a little longer than usual for this reason)!  Finally, there was the "time trial" start, which sent each racer off on the bike one at a time every 5 seconds.  A new experience, but it definitely helped to take away the usual pre-race jitters!

Fortunately, it only rained a little on the bike course and the beautiful mountain scenery definitely helped the miles go by.  Sites from the course: dead squirrel, dead skunk (more of a smell), dead opossum, running dog (had to swerve around him!), beautiful mountains, gorgeous trees, wonderful cheering crowds (especially at the finish line...just AWESOME!).  It was also GREAT to see so many friends and Philly Tri Club folks out on the course making for some phenomenal support!  The finish of the race was similar to the finish of our first tri this season...hugging Chris with tears in my eyes after a hard effort, thoughts of my dad and what this tri season has meant for me.  I really couldn't have asked for a better last race of the season.

Here's the breakdown of Chris' and my results:
Polly:
3rd in AG; 10th amateur female
Bike: 2:59:17; T2: 2:13; Run: 1:32:19; Total: 4:33:49
Chris:
Bike: 2:49:57 (19.8 avg.!); Run: 1:50:55; Total: 4:44:36