IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship | 2021
This event took place in St. George, Utah, on September 18, 2021. The race was described as one of the wettest and most challenging Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
Here's a breakdown:
Microburst Storm:
A sudden and intense storm with high winds, lightning, and even hail hit the race, impacting both the swim and bike legs.
Swim Challenges:
The storm's impact on the swim included strong winds, potentially causing five-foot swells in the water. Some events had to cancel the swim altogether due to lightning.
Bike Difficulties:
The high winds and potential for hail made the bike portion more challenging. Some athletes even reported barricades being blown across the road by the wind.
Need for Adaptation:
The unpredictable weather emphasized the need for athletes to be adaptable and prepared to adjust their plans on the fly.
How did it go for me?
In early summer 2021, I had an AC joint separation, grade 3. Yes, I have strong bones; grade 3 takes more than a year to heal fully.
I fell when I was unexpectedly pulled while standing, holding a scooter in one hand and our lovely golden retriever Phoenix with the other. I landed on the pavement on the right shoulder. This happened five weeks before my next event, Ohio 70.3, and around ten weeks before this event, IM 70.3 WC.
I requested a deferral for Ironman 70.3 Ohio, then I took 8 weeks of Physical Therapy and trained a bit for this event.
The Ironman 70.3 St. George triathlon is widely considered one of the toughest, yet most rewarding and scenic triathlon courses in the world, renowned for its challenging terrain and stunning natural beauty in Southern Utah.
What makes it stand out:
Impressive Scenery and Challenging Course:
The race takes place through a beautiful desert landscape, including two state parks (Sand Hollow and Snow Canyon), some communities, and a desert reserve.
Swim:
The 1.2-mile swim was held in the calm, clear waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir.
Chilly water temperatures (around 15-17 °C/59-61 °F)
Bike:
The 56-mile bike course takes athletes through breathtaking desert terrain, including the iconic Snow Canyon climb.
The bike course is known for its relentless hill, it boasts freshly paved roads and stunning mountain views.
Run:
The 13.1-mile, two-loop run course winds through the streets of downtown St. George, featuring a mixture of uphill and downhill sections.
The course went through the Red Hills Golf Course, with a mix of golf cart paths and fairways between striking red sandstone cliffs, with 904 ft of elevation gain and 920 ft of elevation descent.
I was undecided whether to attend the event because I was still in pain with the AC Joint Separation, but after consulting with my coach, he encouraged me to go and have fun. And that's what I did, despite the race-day weather. Everything was so beautiful. The best part was seeing so many tri-friends. A lovely friend of mine from California drove to St George to cheer me on; she and her husband supported me a lot. I was, and I am very thankful.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”