Florida 70.3
<p>I completed Florida 70.3 in Haines City on May 19th. I think I would probably share the opinion of most when it comes to the topic of Florida having hills.. well that was before Haines City... Hills in Florida?? oh yes</p>
<p>It was my 7th half Iron event and I can certainly say that it was by far the most challenging bike and run route I have ever competed on. Even more so than Vineman in Sonoma, CA. Florida 70.3 made Vineman seem flat! ha ha!</p>
<p>If it weren't for EN's OS and Half Iron plan, I would not have not been able to execute the hills as well as I did. I had a personal best on the bike and worked very hard. 2:47. The run was another story.. As I racked my bike, I realized the heat was abundant at 105 heat index and I have not clue what the humidity was. I do know that I now how a baking potato feels! Stomach cramps hit me as soon as I tried to stand up straight after putting on my running shoes.. It was a long 13.1 miles. The first mile was straight up.. and yes, it was a mile long. There were 3 loops, plenty of long hills and no shade.. I must say that I worked hard for that medal. I had two wonderful friends that caught up to me and they pushed me to the run/walk plan... I was so hoping for 5:50, but am truly happy I finished and was well prepared for the bike.. Had it not been for the relentless stomach cramps, I would have had a great run. My legs were raring to go, just not my tummy!</p>
<p>The Neighborhoods we ran through had so many awesome people spraying us down with their sprinklers and hoses!! AWESOME</p>
<p>Oh, the swim was fine... Not as described as "serene lake water". It was more like a swamp with a pretty beach.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, If next year you are thinking of a fast and flat 70.3.... Haines City, Florida 70.3 should not be a choice! I swear IMFL last November was not as difficult as this event!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>kc</p>
<p>It was my 7th half Iron event and I can certainly say that it was by far the most challenging bike and run route I have ever competed on. Even more so than Vineman in Sonoma, CA. Florida 70.3 made Vineman seem flat! ha ha!</p>
<p>If it weren't for EN's OS and Half Iron plan, I would not have not been able to execute the hills as well as I did. I had a personal best on the bike and worked very hard. 2:47. The run was another story.. As I racked my bike, I realized the heat was abundant at 105 heat index and I have not clue what the humidity was. I do know that I now how a baking potato feels! Stomach cramps hit me as soon as I tried to stand up straight after putting on my running shoes.. It was a long 13.1 miles. The first mile was straight up.. and yes, it was a mile long. There were 3 loops, plenty of long hills and no shade.. I must say that I worked hard for that medal. I had two wonderful friends that caught up to me and they pushed me to the run/walk plan... I was so hoping for 5:50, but am truly happy I finished and was well prepared for the bike.. Had it not been for the relentless stomach cramps, I would have had a great run. My legs were raring to go, just not my tummy!</p>
<p>The Neighborhoods we ran through had so many awesome people spraying us down with their sprinklers and hoses!! AWESOME</p>
<p>Oh, the swim was fine... Not as described as "serene lake water". It was more like a swamp with a pretty beach.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, If next year you are thinking of a fast and flat 70.3.... Haines City, Florida 70.3 should not be a choice! I swear IMFL last November was not as difficult as this event!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>kc</p>
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