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The 70.3 Ironman Austin was suppose to be my back up plan just in case I did not compete in Hawaii. You always need a Plan B. But as you know if you already have been reading my previous blogs ypu know that I have a partial tear in my calf that I sustained at the 70.3 Ironman Cancun. So running for me for at least 6 weeks.:(
So after conversing with Keith the Race director from Austin my plan was just to swim and run at the event. I was also going to be Sherpa for Pablo. Thank goodness I had plenty of practise when Holly and I went to Cancun.

This was also going to be Simon Lessings last race of his Triathlon career so it was great to be a part of that. At the Carbo Dinner Simon talked about the three reasons he knew it was time to retire. Firstly while running on the treadmill back in January the guy running beside him asked if he raced Clysdale. Secondly one of his children asked him if he ever won and finally it seemed he always gets the disabled rooms at hotels. Maybe they think he is too old.:) I did tell him age was just a number.

On Saturday after a little sleep in it was time to hit downtown Austin to find a local breakfast hangout. But I think everyone was still sleeping after hitting all the night life that Austin is famous for so back to the Hotel for breakfast.

The Pro Panel was next and then it was time to go check out the race course. Which I normally never do because 56miles seems even longer when you drive it in a car. But I am glad Pablo wanted to because it definetly helped to know what was coming up when I raced the course the next day.

By the time we checked our bikes in it was time for dinner. Of course when you are in Texas you have to visit a Texas Barbque. I think we found the best one in Austin as the chicken and ribs were to die for.

Race morning loomed bright and early especially when you are coming from a 2 hour time change. So after allowing ourselves a good 2hrs to get to the race site will still manged to have only 30mins to get ready.

Can not complain too much about my swim only got a little beat up by the guys.:) I was was 4th or 5th out of the water. Once I got out on the bike I just tried to get into my normal cadence for a Half Ironman. the course was a little more rolling at the begining then some really long flat sections into a good wind ending with a few good roller which keep me honest. So with about 20km to go I finally caught 2nd place  Pip Taylor had gone out pretty hard over the first half because I rolled passed her quite fast when I passed her. After passing her I had my sights on first but I did not catch her in time we almost transitioned off the bike together and while I racked my bike I was very envious my race my over. Run envy is not much fun.:(

But at least now I could cheer for Pablo as he wave had started about 8 mins behind mine. As long as he did not out bike me then I would have something to tease him about tet me explain why. A few weeks before this race before I hurt my calf we had competed in the Pacific Coast Sprint Tri. Although I beat his overall time he managed to out run me. Which was fine with me he had a fantastic run. But when I turned up for my regular ART appointment with Dan The Man Selstad the Wall of Fame had been altered. Paula Newby-Fraser's picture is on top with Luke Walton's. Then I am on the second row  with Heather Fuhr then Pablo's is on the next row. Now mine was where Pablo's was and his where mine is. Which again was no problem, the problem was a Post-it note was now stuck on with Pablo's run splilt. So when I got hurt before Cancun Austin was suppose to be my chance to get revenge. So at least when I did out split him revenge was sweet.

I cheered Pablo on as he transitioned for the run then headed out for a good spectator position. The great thing about this course was lots of loops so I got to see him on a regular interval. Boy was it hot out just standing so it had to be hot for the athletes on the run. On the final loop I headed over to the finish and even with some stomach issues Pablo finished 4th in his division and a spot for the 2009 70.3 World Champs. I guess I will have to get my spot in 2009 so I can at least challenge him a little.:)

Lisa Bennetly and Simon Lessing



All smiles for the Pro Panel.

Our MC talking it up.

Listening to us all sharing our knowledge.

Packed house.

No spectator is complete without a cow bell.

Of course being in Texas you need a Longhorn.

A band out on the run course.

Simon and MJ. Happy retirement from Triathlon Simon. We will miss your great dry sense of humour.