We had a great time last weekend Ironman Kansas 70.3. One of my favorite aspects of racing triathlon is going to new places that I would otherwise never visit. Lawrence, Kansas qualifies as one of those places. I think I was actually there many years ago in my former life as a musician touring with a punk rock band. This trip was a little different than that last one.

It’s always a treat to spend time in the mid-west, the people are special. People in Kansas are just flat out nice. Everyone from the people at the airport to the race volunteers and athletes to the people we met around town were helpful and friendly. Lawrence itself is a great college town reminiscent of Austin, Boulder or Madison. Centered about the University of Kansas, Lawrence has all the elements that make college towns great; bars, restaurants, music venues, used book stores & interesting people.

The weekend could’ve been bad if I had succumbed to the negativity of a few situations, bad first hotel room, awful race check-in line, stomach issues, etc…but who really cares? All that stuff is minor compared to a fantastic weekend of traveling, partying and racing. The rest of the trip was very positive. There is nothing to be done about bad shit happening, bad shit will always happen. It’s how you deal with that situation that really defines the experience.

I had a good race with a little PR, but I’ll keep pushing for the next goal. My tummy hurt much of the day, but I just blocked it out, kept my head up and did what I could. Swim was a little choppy but fine. The bike was very hilly with some wind. The run was a couple loops, pretty cool.

The race was further improved by having a little cheering squad out on the run course. Seeing my pregnant wife out there kept my feet moving when my stomach felt like there was a giant spiked brick stuck in there. We passed the campsite 4 times, and I think it really helped keep me going. Big thanks to ANTI-Carly’s awesome husband, Artie & their college friends, Brooke, Mario, & Katie for the support & the awesome campsite complete with post-race beer & BBQ. Congrats to ANTI-Carly on an amazing race too. Thanks to great ANTI-RACING TEAM sponsors Santa Monica Mountains Cyclery for the bike box, RaceWheelRental.com fro the speedy Zipps, and Coach Gareth Thomas/TRIO for the great training program and race plan. Overall, it was a great weekend!

Every day out on a race course is special and I try to appreciate those moments. I’m not racing a whole lot of events this season, so each race is kind of an “A” race for me. I wish I could afford another mid-western 70.3 in July/August but it’s just too expensive, especially with another baby on the way. I am however, toying with the idea of measuring out my own 70.3 course on a random Saturday/Sunday and just racing against the clock, I really want to hit that time goal.

Keep training and racing AGAINST THE GRAIN!

Oh yeah…Rock Chalk Jayhawk! I finally know what that means too.

This post was written by ANTI-Mike