PAUL LENZ……Ironman 70.3 OHIO

Ironman 70.3 Ohio
Delaware, OH
08/21/16

Time: 05:14:52
Place: 26 AG, 197 OA

Our bikes stayed intact in T1 despite tornados the night before the race with the weather breaking nicely on race day-temps in the mid to high 70’s, dry with some wind. I started the triangle shaped swim course in Delaware Lake (water temp 79 degrees) 48min after the sound of the cannon in wave 13 with expected congestion throughout. The bike course was flat and fast despite many turns with some rollers in the last 10-15 miles on country roads, single lane at times, with the last 1 mile being on a paved bike trail into T2. T2 was on the field in Selby Stadium at Ohio Wesleyan University with the run taking us out on rural streets outside of town, a 2 loop course with rolling hills and some shade along the Olentangy River. A stadium finish on the track back in the stadium made for a great end to my 2nd 70.3 race! As expected for an Ironman event, this was a large race (selling out in the first 48hrs last fall) that was well organized, participant friendly with great support throughout.

There was a strong showing of many in and out of state triathlon teams at this race. Chris Schmauder and I represented Team ER at this inaugural Ironman 70.3 event.