Race Coverage

Highways to Hell & Patience...

Sunday, 08 October 2023 00:10

By Brandon Lee

Ironman Chattanooga Race Report - Absolutely the most fun at a race I’ve ever had. Having so many people I love being at the event was so special and I can’t thank you all enough. @megklef @mergemultisport @lee_cj777 @adamlee3642 @kelceyrae08 you guys are the best.

The Tennessee River did not disappoint, and I felt like a pro swimmer swimming 1:07/100yard. The extra 4 miles on the bike course and notoriously hard run makes up for that fast swim.

Transitioned well and took off like a rocket on the bike, trying to get out with a pack of guys who were all riding similar speeds. Power felt great all day, and I stayed about 15-20 watts higher than our plan, but knowing I was out in front I decided to roll the dice a bit. Mile 80 I was still feeling good so kept pressing on, heart rate started to elevate a bit as it got hot on the back half of the course, and I was starting to get a little nervous for the run. I knew I was probably in the top 5 overall when I got close to town as I had a moto following me in, that gave me an extra mental push to finish strong and transition to the run.

Saw coach at the run out, he was cheering and told me to just let other people blow up and stay patient. My legs felt great immediately and didn’t have any trouble holding 7:10-7:20 pace. Again rolled the dice on the pace, thinking I put myself in a pretty good position to have a day out there. I had a feeling I was probably in 4th or 5th place overall, but I wasn’t focusing on that. I know this course and I knew how hot that second loop would get....

Rounded mile 13 strong, saw my mom and Meagan and that was super motivating, but around mile 15 or 16 on “Highway to Hell,” I started to falter and the heat hit me pretty hard. Tried to get fluids in as best as possible and I was forced to walk for a bit.

The rest of the run was pretty much survival mode and trying to keep core temp down. Crossed the line in 8th place overall at 9:03:58, 3rd in 40-44 AG.

Thanks again to my coach Thomas Skelton and @mergecoachthomas, for another wonderful season. I could not do it without you. Thanks Meagan for your wonderful support and believing in me