Starykowicz 2nd at Steelhead 70.3

The race at Maytag 70.3 Steelhead straddles the point in training for Ironman Hawaii where you pivot from building fitness to building championship form. 

The swim on race day tailored to my strengths with a choppy swim, of which I was strong, but not fast. I very much expected this judging by where I am at in my training. On the bike my legs felt strong and fluid and speed came easily to me. My mind was in the right spot to really put the hurt on and I felt like I exceeded my expectations on the bike. I maximized my performance on the bike leading into T2 with the fastest ride of the day, but more importantly it set me up for a strong run. Out on the run, my legs felt very similar to my arms did in the water:  Strong but not sharp. I kept the pressure on really hard, but the extra effort lacked better pace. It was a great motivator having my family out on course (and mom racing) giving me lots of high-fives to motivate me through the day. In my 5th 70.3 of the year I notched my 5th podium again trending the exact same way I did this spring:

3rd - 70.3 Texas
2nd - 70.3 Monterrey
1st - 70.3 Chattanooga
3rd - 70.3 Coeur d’Alene
2nd - 70.3 Steelhead

Next up, Ironman World Championships in Kona!