The Wicked Running Register August/September 2012 • Priceless
EST. JAN 2010
summer celebration double issue
Race Review
b
Timberman 70.3 Half-Ironman Triathlon Mike Paulin
I recently completed the Timberman 70.3 Half-Ironman Triathlon in Gilford, NH (Lake Winnipesaukee) on August 19th.
but that was about it. But the Sprint distance proved to be very fun experiences ... which only further built my triathlon intrigue.
I have always been a pretty strong runner, but never had a huge desire to do triathlons. When I happened upon a relatively affordable road-bike about 18 months ago, I became intrigued by the idea of triathlons and decided to do one or two Sprint distance events (.25 mile swim, 10-15 mile bike, 5k run). I was pretty nervous, since at the time I could swim to save my life ...
Slowly I developed a bucket-list goal of completing a Full Ironman distance triathlon. I could not, of course, jump from Sprint distance to Full Ironman in one leap, which is what led to the Timberman 70.3 (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). Over the past several months, through much swimming at the Sterling Center YMCA in Beverly, several long bike rides through the North Shore and my old stomping grounds of Western Massachusetts (for some hill work), and the continued dedication to running (thanks to Wicked!), I was able to complete the race and also have a great time with it ... it was a truly enjoyable experience and a great distance. I also have to say that it was one of the best-organized races that I have ever completed, from the check-in process through the race event itself (I definitely give it 5 Cats!). I was able to complete the swim in 43 minutes, the bike in just under 3 hours (2:57), and the run in about an hour and a half (1:33), for a total time of 5 hours and 24 minutes. Now, ready or not, I am registered for the Lake Placid, NY Full Ironman triathlon in July 2013!