Wildflower - Half Ironman

This past weekend I completed a 70.3 mile triathlon race. This is half of an Ironman:

a 1.2 mile swim

56 mile bike ride

and 13.1 mile run! 

What's worse (or better?) is I did this at Wildflower, one of the top 5 most difficult half Ironman distance races in the world. I can't even begin to put into words the insanity of this past weekend! .. So, this blog will be pictures.

 This is Wildflower:

 Wildflower is at Lake San Antonio in Paso Robles. There are no hotels, so you camp.. On the way up with all camping and triathlon gear

At our camp prepping bike for the race

You start with a 1.2 mile swim. Swim area before race:

Please note abs..

3. 2. 1. GO!! (ok, yes those are the pros.. I'm sure I look just as bad ass when I start)

Yes, you do get kicked in the face..

Me getting out of the water! Goal at this point: take off wet suit, don't fall over, find bike.

Next is a 56 mile bike ride, but first you have to take off your wetsuit, put on your bike gear, and FIND YOUR BIKE! All in a matter of minutes. For you non-triathletes, this is called transition

The Wildflower Long Course Bike ride would be beautiful if it weren't so hard.. This is the legendary 4 mile climb called 'Nasty Grade'

Me on bike:

Last you run 13.1 miles uphill. Yes, it is all uphill.. I don't know how this happened because logically you start and end at the same spot.. But somehow you only run uphill.

And the finish line: