Ironman 70.3 Kansas

June 21st, 2009

Tri- and duathlete Nicholas Sterghos (West Point, '09) competed in the 2009 Javelin Ironman 70.3 Collegiate Championship competition in Lawrence, KS. He placed 10th for Amateur Athletes, and 2nd for his age group and collegiate category.

Second half in my life, and first one this year, Kansas 70.3 was more challenging than I expected — especially as, for the first time ever, I experienced what it means to hit the wall and not recover.

Interesting race, with two transition areas, almost a mile or two apart (or at least it seemed that way after the race when I had to go pick up my swim gear).  Unfortunately, when I got to T1 to claim my gear after the race, it had been moved to T2.  Meaning I thought I had walked all that way for nothing.  Luckily, a volunteer securing participant gear gave me a ride to the other area in an air conditioned vehicle (making the walk very worth it).

All in all the race was a success.  As always, I gained more racing experience and for the first time qualified for the world championships in Clearwater, FL.  I will hopefully be able to attend this year (depending on my Army training schedule).  I placed 30th overall, 10th for the Amateur Athletes, and 2nd in my age group and collegiate category.  Unfortunately at mile eight of the run, I ran out of gas.  But I think I have it figured out for next time.  As always I thank my sponsors, family, friends, and teammates for their support.