If you are on time, you're late.

I don't know how many times I have heard that saying, especially since I have been in the Army for a few years.  Unfortunately, at one of the most important races of my season, I did not heed that warning.  I showed up on time at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, Florida ... but 15 minutes too late.

Actually I showed up 10 minutes before my scheduled age group start time, but the entire race had been 25 minutes ahead of schedule.  Although the race had a time trial start, where your personal time starts when you step into the water, I missed my competition and ability to draft in the swim and have someone to pace with on the bike and run.

Although I was time trial-ing the entire race in no man's land, I still managed to pull off a good finish.

My swim was respectable, having to not only swim by myself, but also know that I'd be playing catch-up the entire race.  My bike was not as good as usual, which potentially kept me from a sub-4-hour finish.  Even so, I had the best run yet for a 70.3 posting a time of 1:18:47, almost breaking a sub-6-minute pace per mile.  With swim, bike, run, and a few transitions, my total time was 4:13:15, which placed me 12th in the 18-24 Age Group and 98th Overall with the professional athletes.

Although I am not pleased with my time and finish, it was a great experience to know what the race will be like in the future.  In addition, I did get a chance to meet up with old West Point Triathlon teammates, which is always a pleasure.

Thanks to all those who supported me this year, including my family, friends, and sponsors:  Sable WaterOptics, sbill swimming, Serotta, TGI Healthworks, and Total Immersion Swimming.  Also a special thanks to my coaches Louis Tharp and Tony Deboom, who have helped me realize my goals and chase improvement.

-  STERG

Have questions or advice to share?  Please send me an e-mail.

Interested in sponsoring me for tri- and duathlon races?  Please contact my representative, Louis Tharp.