Ironman 70.3 Tallinn (Estonia)
After missing Tours, France with my team (woke up sick, the worst kind of DNS), I still wanted a race. Scrolling through the calendar, Tallinn, Estonia popped up. Why not? We’ve actually been to Tallinn before so I knew I could focus on race rather than adventure. But/AND, add a few destinations before and after for a fun Lisa Luca adventure! So, Estonia it is! I mean, how bad could it be? Spoiler alert: cold! Freaking cold!
Before heading to Estonia, I even joined a Facebook travel page to get the scoop on what to pack for August. Rookie mistake. I was immediately trolled, “It’s summer, wear summer clothes” and “Check a weather website.” Yeah, thanks, hadn’t thought of that. But let’s be real: 60°F in northeast Europe is not the same as 60°F in southern Italy. Needless to say, I left the group with my tail between my legs… and, of course, we packed all wrong. To be fair, the islands and Pärnu were chill but manageable. But once we got north? COLD. And all I could think about was the swim, the rain, and the combo of both; cue nervous shivers before the race even started. Let’s just get to the race…
The Swim – Baltic Sea Ice Bath
Baltic Sea. 14–16°C (57–60°F). Yes, you read that right. An in-water start from a platform because the water is so shallow. Even then, we had to wade/run out before we could actually swim. Once going, the swim wasn’t too bad except for two rough patches when I found myself boxed in by aggressive athletes. Later, I could even see on my Garmin the spike in my heart rate. Otherwise, rhythm felt good. Until the end, of course, where the last 300 meters were too shallow to swim, so it turned into an awkward jog/walk/flail to the exit.
Toes and fingers numb, swim time: 49 minutes. Not fast, not slow, but I’ll take it.
T1
The real goal of T1: dry off and layer up. Six minutes later, I’m loaded with socks, toes covers, bike gloves, gloves, my team TOA bike jersey (super thick warm!) and a (thin) wind/rain jacket shoved in my pocket for just in case.
The Bike – Flat, Boring, and Rain
Two loops. Flat. Straight. Boring. Rain, then no rain (RELIEF), then rain again. Mild wind. I messed up my new watch and somehow stayed on the T2 screen the whole ride. No mileage, no alerts, no pacing info. Just me, my legs, and the long Estonian roads.
The course was closed, the roads are really well kept and clean, and I have nothing further to report! Although, shout out to UK Julie if she ever comes across this. Our 3 hour game of leap frog was entertaining.
Nutrition: Belvita biscuits and a peanut butter sandwich because I’m a simple girl with simple race fuel.
Bike time: 3 hours 22 minutes. Solid, considering I was basically riding blind and frozen.
T2
T2 was in a separate location from T1. About five minutes here: wet clothes off, shrug on, fresh socks… except my feet were completely frozen. Like, I couldn’t even feel myself touching them. What choice did I have? Run! Luca was there cheering, and out I went - feet transformed into solid blocks of ice…
The Run – Rye Bread, Pickles, and Pain
Two loops. Flat course. Great crowds and aid stations. Estonia wins at snacks: rye bread and pickles mid-race? Don’t mind if I do. But here’s the reality: I was so slow. Feet were numb, back pain flared up, and new knee/hamstring issues chimed in just for fun.
Despite all that, I stayed happy. I smiled, cheered with the crowds, and honestly, the miles ticked by faster than expected. I love being complimented for my smile through a race. Some people take this stuff SOOOO serious!
Run time: 2 hours 44 minutes.
Overall: 7 hours 7 minutes. Cold, wet, tired, but still smiling. That’s what I’m most proud of, my attitude never dipped.
I have to say, the race itself was so well organized. From water safety in the frigid Baltic, to a fully closed bike course, to the smooth expo and even the after party, everything ran like clockwork. I’ve done a lot of races, and this one honestly impressed me. Estonia, you nailed it.
Post-Race Thoughts
Here’s where I’m struggling: if I train too hard, I feel broken and exhausted before I even get to the race. If I don’t train enough, I feel underprepared. Add in being 45, perimenopausal, and years of triathlon behind me… I’m in this weird, in-between space as an athlete.
I don’t have the perfect answer yet. But Tallinn reminded me: no matter the rain, cold, or aches, I still find joy out there. And maybe that’s the point right now, keep showing up, keep smiling, keep finding the little wins (like rye bread and pickles).