LifeSport at Ford Ironman Louisville

The race started in the fairly cool pre-dawn Kentucky darkness in front of a huge crowd near the Tumbleweed restaurant situated a mile up river from the swim exit and the transition area.

The temperature of the Ohio River was 80+ deg so wetsuits were not allowed. The Pro men and women started as a group in the water, followed 10 minutes later by the Age group competitors who left one by one by leaping off the dock. Even though they cross the timing mat every 1-2 seconds, it still takes almost an hour for the last person to start. This format spreads athletes out quite well on the course avoiding a significant amount of congestion. We were back in transition just in time to see Eileen and Bree leave on their bikes near the front. Race organizers tried to alleviate spectator traffic congestion on the bike course by offering free bus shuttles to La Grange. This small town was 22 miles from Louisville on the 30 mile loop the athletes rode twice during the race before heading for home. We had a great vantage point on a small hill. By the second lap, Bree was in front, she looked calm and in control. After the Pros went by there is no way to tell positions as everyone starts at a different time. The town had made a festival of the event and there were grandstands and tents with food and goodies on every lawn.
 

We arrived back in transition just in time to see the fourth male head on the run. This is where Ironman pacing, nutrition, hydration and the ability to handle the heat come through. The cloud cover disappeared and the temperature shot up to the mid to high nineties. From here on, the race took on a completely different tone. Many struggled with the heat, except the men's and women's leaders who both seemed to get stronger over the day. Congratulations to all LifeSport athletes, Coach Mark and all the Louisville camp participants who made it through the race.