Yesterday we had the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 in Galveston Texas. Having done this race 2 years ago I wish I could have been there in person, but I caught most of the action on IronmanLive.com. This extremely flat course still has plenty of challenges and we saw them yesterday as the race leader for the pro men changed several times throughout the race.

It was Tim O’Donnell that finished first for the pro men as he battled Sebastian Kienle for the final miles of the run. For the pro women, Kelly Williamson, of Durata Training, in Austin, took control of this race all the way to the finish line. Both winners also earned the title of U.S. Pro Champions though I’m not sure why this race in particular is designated as the U.S. Pro Championship for the 2012 season.

Lance Armstrong finished 7th overall in this race as he battled some GI issues during the run. This marks Lance’s second triathlon race of the season, and I’m excited to see him racing triathlons again.

View the photo slideshow by Andrew Loehman.

Congrats to all the finishers, and for future racers the Memorial Hermann 70.3 makes a great first time race as the looping run course and easily viewable transition area make cheering easy for friends and family. The biggest challenges during this race are typically the heat and humidity, wind, and staying fully aero throughout the bike leg.