For nearly 10 years, Muncie, Indiana has been residence to one of many Midwest’s hottest 70.3 Half Ironman Triathlons. You may usually discover this race in the course of July on a sizzling summer season’s day. Athletes are normally greeted with non-wetsuit swim, a flat and quick bike course, and a blistering sizzling run providing no shade and simply what the physician ordered: rolling hills.
However 2021 was a bit completely different, very similar to the remainder of life today. When Ironman races began to refill quicker than anticipated after most athletes deferred 2020 races to 2021, Ironman listened to their athletes loud and clear. They needed extra choices they usually needed it NOW. Ironman was in a position to supply an additional Ironman distance race in Muncie, Indiana. As a consequence of COVID, the 70.3 race that will usually happen in July was pushed again to October. Alongside aspect it could be the primary ever Ironman Indiana.
The small city of Muncie, Indiana doesn’t appear like a spot you’d host a triathlon of such distance. However simply to the east of Muncie, The Prairie Creek Reservoir awaits athletes, surrounded by nation roads and lingering with hopes and desires of a end line.
Race morning rolled round and the air temperature hung round within the mid 50’s. Organising your transition space required an additional layer of garments to remain heat, one thing that usually is unparalleled for this race in July. The water temperature was a balmy 65 levels. Some would possibly take into account {that a} tad brisk, whereas most would agree it felt good. The sunshine breeze within the air created minimal chop on the backstretch of the swim, however nothing that couldn’t be managed. After the primary loop, athletes exited the water and ran alongside the shoreline earlier than getting into the water once more for a 2nd loop. The shoreline was plagued by followers. Cowbell and cheers stuffed the air. Electrical energy ran by means of athletes’ vein as they received a style of dryland earlier than ending the 2nd half of the swim.
Exiting the water, wetsuit strippers had been not provided as a result of COVID. When you discovered your bike, your gear luggage awaited you and the following factor you already know you entered the bike course.
The bike course exited on what was additionally the run course. Hilly, curvy, and some beat up roads meant athletes took this part a bit slower. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than the bike course took you alongside Route 35, which was completely closed to visitors (a real deal with for triathletes!) however provided an added impediment: wind. Headwind and crosswind, it by no means allow you to loosen up. Athletes accomplished 2 loops on Route 35. Throughout the 2nd loop is when the rain started to fall. At first it was mild and virtually nice. Inside minutes it picked up considerably and athletes had been compelled to sluggish their tempo to remain secure. Take observe triathletes, that is the place bike security information comes into play! For nearly 50 miles, athlete’s highway by means of wind and rain, all in hopes of discovering their trainers.
Upon entry of transition, athletes racked their very own bikes and located their sea legs earlier than beginning out on the ultimate 26.2 mile journey to the end line.
Instantly stepping foot on the run course, you’re greeted with an exquisite downhill, adopted by a direct uphill. After which one other downhill and uphill. And that cycle is repeated over and over till you attain the primary flip round at mile 6.5. Help stations had been stocked with every thing you can hope for 115+ miles into your day. Water, Gatorade, Coke, ice, grapes, bananas, chips, pretzels, Gu, hen broth, Tylenol, Vaseline, excessive fives and encouragement. The volunteers in Muncie, Indiana deserved the very best of reward. Everyone knows that races wouldn’t be attainable with out them. However this small city might need among the greatest. Highschool youngsters labored alongside somebody that could possibly be their grandparent, doing every thing they may to encourage athletes like me to search out that end line. Excessive fives and heartening reward got to anybody and everybody. Life after 2020 would possibly by no means be the identical, however operating 26.2 miles on the Ironman Indiana run course was all you wanted to be reminded that there’s hope that we will return to that point, if we work laborious sufficient collectively.
After the primary run loop (13.1 miles) athletes rotated solely toes from the end line to run the ultimate 13.1 miles to name themselves an Ironman. The solar started to set and athletes had been doing every thing they may to maintain spirits excessive and encourage one another. When it was that point, athletes veered off beam in the direction of the sunshine and entered the finisher’s shoot. One after the other, every was introduced to the group as the latest Ironman in Muncie, Indiana. Leaves scattered the pink carpet, giving the end line a real fall vibe. And you already know what? It was about as picturesque as you’ll be able to think about for an October day in the course of the Midwest.
