Two of my athletes decided to take on one of the hardest 70.3 courses I've seen - Ironman Branson 70.3. The bike course was really tough and although the run was flat, it was 90+ with high humidity. So the hills took it out of you on the bike and the heat just beat you down on the run.
Nonetheless, Josh Wells and Scott Sivills did their first half-Iron distance races at this venue and both toughed it out like champs!
They came out of the water within minutes of each other - both have made huge strides in their swimming. Going from nothing to 1.2 miles in open water is no joke!
Once on the bike Josh was hammering and Scott was powering his 6'7" frame up and down those hills. It took Scott a little longer, but both got off the bike with no issues and ready to give it their best.
It was a 3-lap run through the Branson Landing area along the river so it was very flat with really good spectator support. The run was brutally hot, but both of them toughed it out and made it through their first half-IM races!
And just a little while after the race, both were already thinking about what was next...
It was a beautiful venue and a well-run race for a first time event and I highly recommend it to anyone. A great time with my family and a great experience spectating.
