Music blaring. Crowds roaring. The announcer’s voice booming over the microphone. The countdown was on. It would be just seconds before I dove into the cold waters of the Mediterranean Sea with over 200 other women in the 40-44 year old age group at the 70.3 Half Ironman World Champs in Marbella, Spain. As the final beep sounded, I ran into the sea to begin my journey of swim, bike, run.