Failure was not an option - I knew that all along, but...you...just...never...know. Here is my Racine Half Iron Distance race report.
Swim - water temp on Sunday was 64 degrees. I really hate to wear a wetsuit, but sometimes there is no other way. I lost my training partner, Elena, on the walk down to the swim start. I'm not sure how that happened, except maybe I stopped at the porta-johns before heading down.
I found Elena standing next to me with 10 secs before our start. We ran into the water and you had to run almost to the first buoy as the water was so shallow. I tried to swim through the crowded wave, but it was very difficult. Since the water was so shallow, I kept standing and running and swimming for awhile. Then the water deepened and I tried to get into a rhythm. I was struggling really bad and ended up having to side-stroke for a time. I beat myself up the whole time as I see myself as an excellent swimmer and I'm wondering why I can't seem to get going sometimes. Finally, I settled down and swam to the last buoy, made the turn and began the run into shore. And there was Elena, right with me. She took off running up the beach to transition and I opted to slowly jog my way. She was only doing the Aquabike (swim and bike) so she could push it a bit harder.
Bike - I took my time and got everything I needed. Ran my bike out of transition and jumped on to begin the 56 mile journey. I had decided to try to hold a steady, comfortable pace for awhile. There was a lot of people on the course and it was difficult to try not to draft. There were a lot of people intentionally drafting. In fact, this guy went past the girl in front of me and told her she could draft off him all she wanted. She responded that she couldn't do that - good for her!
About mile 15, Elena pulls up next to me - why was she behind me? She indicated that she must've spent too much time in T1 - roger that. Then she went on her way. I wanted to get some water from the aid stations, but had never grabbed a bottle while riding before - I was a little nervous. But I gave it a try and it went very well. Took a few swigs of water and tossed the bottle - what a waste! I did that at all the stations ensuring I got enough water and I had Heed in my aerobottle - I never did finish all of that. I did finish all of my gel and Sustained Energy mixture.
About mile 40 I saw Elena up ahead of me. I sped up and asked her "What do you think?" to which she responded, "I think I need to beat you!" and she sped off again. I pretty much stayed behind her the rest of the way in. I was actually feel quite well and then realized that I was nearing the beginning of a 13 mile run - oh my God! When I got off my bike at T2 I told the volunteer that I hoped there was a new pair of legs waiting for me at my rack as the current pair were worn out.
I, again, took my time in transition and started off on my run. I jogged to the hill and began walking up. Can you believe the photographer was in the middle of the hill. He was telling people they needed to be running - so I did for my picture and finished walking up the hill. Then I began my 7 min run/1 min walk sequence. I was able to hold that for the first 6.5 mile loop and then it was all bets off. The second loop was for survival and finishing the race.
At various points on the bike and on the run, I became a bit emotional as I realized the day had finally come and I was doing this race. I was feeling pretty confident that I would make it to the finish. The run course was great as I was able to see all of the tri club members at least once on the run. It was helpful to know that they were still on the course when I hit the run rather than being totally done. I was on my first loop and most of them were on their second. That second loop was tough, but I kept alternating running with walking - although in retrospect, I wished I could've gotten a little bit faster time. But then, that's why you do the race again.
So, after the turnaround on the second loop, I kept slingshotting back and forth with this one girl. We talked a little bit and I would run by. She would pass me again when I stopped to walk. As we neared the finish, I ran past her for the final time - I didn't realize she was in my age group. I feel a little bad for her as she essentially had me beat but her run was worst than mine and I got past her for an award.
When I crossed the finish line, I was happy to be done, but didn't feel the swell of emotions that I had previously experienced on the course. Everyone from the tri club was cheering for me and the announcer noted the fact that I was another St. Louis tri club member to finish the race. He went on to thank the club for being so supportive and for coming up - good PR for the club.
The whole experience was great but best of all was spending so much time with many of the club members. They are truly a friendly and supportive group.
The race itself was staffed very well with lots of volunteers and the townspeople were quite friendly and supportive out on the course. A very positive experience. My only complaint was the post race food - fruit, pork & beans (?) and peanut butter and jelly on a hamburger bun. I was really happy the club grilled up hamburgers and hotdogs so I could eat something a bit more substantial.
So I have completed my very first half iron distance race and lived to tell about it - Yay! So will I do that distance again - most definitely!
1 year ago
