tall texan

Little late on this post, but last Sunday was the Tall Texan 70.3 in Boerne. Tate and Dad went to San Antonio Friday morning for some pre-race training which consisted of two rounds of golf at La Cantera. They ate breakfast with a real life IronMan Saturday morning to seek advice on a nutrition plans, training and other things Iron Men dream about. 

{golfing at La Cantera}

While the guys were in San Antonio preparing for their race, I caught a flight to Amarillo (or as Tate refers to it, God's country) for Tye and Katie's wedding shower. These ladies know how to throw a party! I was glad to be there. After watching them open 153 gifts and hopped on another plane to Lovefield to pick up the other half of the support crew, mom, and then down to San Antonio to meet up with our 

 triathletes. 

{wedding shower crew}

After we got in, we ate a quick dinner at the hotel and then it was back to the room to complete some pre-race tasks: write their ages on their leg and numbers on their hands, round up some bananas, yogurt and gatorade and pack the fanny pack. Sunday morning came early. 4:00 AM to be exact. This race was much smaller than the last 70.3 they did back in September. There were 120 participants and what seemed like only 20 spectators. It was small, but they were easy to spot. 

{1.2 mile swim}

At 8:00 AM they were off and into the water! They made it allll the way around all 4 buoys with ease. However, climbing up the slippery moss and rocks wasn't quite as easy. As they conquered the mossy rocks, two "wet suit stripers" were shin deep in the water, helping them out of their suits. Dad and Tate met at the transition area in a sea of bikes to gear up for the second leg. They put on their bike shoes, strapped on their helmets, and were off for the bike ride. Both have Felt tri bikes, so as they left the transition area, the announcer said, "There goes Team Felt."

{56 mile bike}

They stayed together pretty much the entire bike ride, give or take a few miles where one anonymous biker got burst of energy and took off without his buddy, only to do a U-turn at the turn around point to find his buddy kept up the whole time! He was right behind him. From there on they stuck together for the rest of the race. By this point PaPa and Uncle Randy had joined us, doubling the support crew! Tate and Dad came in on the bike looking sharp. I have to say, they even beat a guy with an aero helmet, IronMan sticker AND IronMan tattoo! As they entered the transition area, it was announced, "Here come the Felt Brothers."

{13.1 mile run}

After they suited up in tennis shoes and hats, they started up the rocky hill for the half marathon. From what they said, they ran the entire way, only walking through aid stations (which I'm told is mandatory). After the second loop, they rounded the corner to the finish line. 6 hours, 23 minutes. Dad beat his last 70.3 time by 30 minutes and Tate by over an hour! They did awesome, as always! Thanks for your prayers and support. Both members of Team Felt finished strong. 

{Felt bros}

Next stop: IronMan Texas!