New Orleans 70.3

Race was on April 5th. I went down to cheer on Bill Polk (El Gato) and Lauren Gibbs.

Bill Polk 5:53:43 (Half iron PR by 8 minutes)
Lauren Gibbs 6:28:12 (First half iron, 2nd tri ever)



Photo: El Gato, Coach Taylor, and Lauren Gibbs, pre-race.


Photo: Lauren Gibbs just before the swim start.


VIDEO: Lauren Gibbs' wave swim start (VERY COOL.)



Photo: Walking through shallow water at the swim exit.


Photo: The bike.


Photo: Lauren, rolling out towards the Louisiana swamps on the bike course.


Photo: Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack


Photo: El Gato, on the run course around Mile 3.


Photo: The most insane Ironman Tattoo I have ever seen.


Photo: The devastation of Hurricane Katrina was nothing compared to a run aid station.


Photo: Lauren and Vandy Tri alum Sarah meet out on the run course.



Photo: Lots of racers out on the run course, next to Lake Pontchatrain.




Photo: Me giving El Gato a pep talk.

Yes it hurts at the end of a half iron, but that is the time to suck it up, suffer as much as you can, and get the time or result you are going for. Don't give yourself the comfort to slow down, there will be time for refreshment when the race is over.




Photo: On the home stretch down The Esplanade.


Photo: An ACME jersey representing in New Orleans.