One of the lead women on our team just finished Ironman China. She was the 1st non-pro woman (and I believed 7th woman, overall). Phenomenal finish given the conditions. Check it out:
It was 107F in the shade, 120F heat index and 112F air temp in the sun.
Don't get me started on the currents in the swim, they made 250m of it a beach run b/c the current was so strong I was swimming my heart out and was getting further and further. I was afraid I'd end up somewhere in the South China Sea scooped up by a fisherman in a week. Scary.
Bike was windy, but they changed the course from last year and took out hills, so just mild rolling with wind and gusts of wind to add some fun. Bike was way easier than last year. Aid station volunteers rocked.
The run is another story. There was a lot of carnage out there, the pro guy sitting next to me on the bus (from finish to hotel) had a seizure form hyponetremia (?too much water), some guy had to get paddles for his heart when he finished and tons of people ended up in the medical tent. It was the highest drop out rate, even took over Malaysia haha. I didn't realize how hot it was, I knew it was hot and I was miserable, but not much more than usual. Although I did go through water bottles like no tomorrow. I guess my nutrition strategy is my competitive advantage in hot races because I feel completely fine, probably the best I felt after any ironman (this was #13).
Got my Kona slot, ready to head back for a 5th trip to the Big Island. Definitely earned that trip. :)
Lidia
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