9/30/15 It is
all about the journey.
I just completed my second ½ Ironman race. I was never going to do another one, funny
how things turn out.
Last year I was so strong in my training and racing. This year it seems like it’s just managing
one issue after another. I’m not
complaining, it’s just a different mindset.
So far no injuries and that’s really the goal besides enjoy the heck out
of the journey.
I went up to Augusta, GA last weekend for the 70.3
Ironman. I went up with friends that I
don’t get to see very often. I met them
swimming, biking and running. You see a
lot of the same people so you get to know them.
I love that. Generally
triathletes are pretty great people, very supportive and friendly. It’s one of the main reasons I do
triathlons. I drove up with my friend
Krissi and caravanned with Carl & Larry.
I met Carl through Krissi and ocean swims. It’s the first time I really met Larry.
Larry was like a brother from another mother, we were very
much alike. We had a great time driving
up, I didn’t know it could be as much fun as it was. 8 Hours went by fast. We met up with some other friends for dinner;
again people I know but rarely get to hang out with. What fun to get to know everyone. They are all very good athletes but are also
there to have fun. For me that’s what
it’s all about, the race is a side effect.
From the moment I left to drive up until I got home it was just non-stop
fun.
It’s a great race. I
think it’s the largest 70.3 in the United States if not the world. 3500 signed up, 2700 actually competed. Its well-run and a really fun course. It’s a beautiful area; you get to swim in the
river, with the current. I think someone
said they threw a can in and it made it to the exit in 40 minutes can’t go
wrong with that. I loved the swim.
It’s an odd start, you go out on the dock and you can start
in the water (if you hang on to the dock because of the current) or start from
on top of the dock. By the time my wave
got onto the dock, I immediately hopped in the water to acclimate. It was a little chilly but I didn’t think it
was too bad, I don’t remember the actual temperature but high 60’s or low 70’s. Most everyone had wetsuits on which is great
for buoyancy but can feel very restrictive which is not always good at the
start of the race.
So I jump in the water, get my face wet, get water down my
suit, bit of a shock but I’ve been in colder and didn’t think it was too
bad. I don’t like to be cold and I don’t
like cold water. I had 15 seconds from
the time I jumped in to when our wave started, very little time. I heard the gun and off I went. I was on the right closest to shore and from
the minute I started I didn’t see anyone else in my wave. Usually I’m kind of in the mix of things
because I’m an ok swimmer but not the fastest.
I decided I wasn’t waiting around I was going!
I always look for people to draft and I did see a couple of
girls ahead of me with the same color cap but I was pretty much on my own. I did catch one girl and she stayed beside me
much of the way but I finally passed her the last ¼ mile. We caught up with the last wave and lots of
other back markers from previous waves.
That’s a whole other issue, trying to pass slower swimmers
and really just being aware of them so you don’t run into them. Made it to the Swim Out with the other girl
right on my heels. I loved the swim, 4th
in my age group. I like in water start
much better than running into the water.
Also first time I used the wetsuit strippers. Brilliant!!!
They rock! Got to my bike and
discovered I was on top of a red anthill.
Yikes! There were red ants
everywhere in my gear and shoes. I had
to take extra time to try and get the red ants out of my shoes and helmet.
Finally, I get on the bike and off I go. We drove the bike course the day before,
which I’ve never done at a race. I’ll
bike it but when it comes to driving it, it seems too long, which is so funny. It’s a beautiful course. It’s one big loop thru South Carolina. We cross the river and it’s a lot of rolling
hills, horses and just beautiful green country.
It did help that I’d just seen the course the day before. I knew where I was and more or less what to
expect. My friends Krissi and Carl
passed me at some point. Always fun to
see my friends on the bike and they are really good on the bike.
It’s challenging for a flatlander but down hills are super
fun! We did have a headwind on some of
the uphill climbs but such is life. I
enjoyed it even if my legs didn’t. For
some reason I couldn’t get into the right gear for the climbs. Didn’t think far enough ahead until the last
20 miles. Finished the bike and into
transition and more red ants.
Once again took extra time to get the ants out of my shoes
and hat. Then to the Port-A-Potty to
pee, boy did that feel good. I hate to
take the time but it was a must. I spent
way too much time in both my transitions but not the end of the world. Off to the run! Saw my friend Steve as I was running
out. Met him when he first started doing
triathlons. He’s come a long way. Now it’s time to get my mental game into the
run, which is the hardest thing for me.
The run, not the mental game.
The weather has been perfect all day, overcast and just a
minor amount of misting on the bike. My
toes were cold on the swim and the bike but nothing major. It was a bit warmer on the run but at no time
was I overheated. I forgot to leave my
sunglasses in transition so ran the whole way carrying them. The run course goes thru the downtown area
and lots of people were out to cheer us on.
That always makes the run so fun.
I knew my run wasn’t going to break any records for me so I find ways to
pass the time and enjoy it. I talk to
people, I look around and sightsee, I daydream and try and keep my run form
where it should be. I'm pretty sure I had an ant or two in my shoe biting my foot but I wasn't going to stop. I can't believe they were alive, how did they not get flattened while I was running! Darn those red ants! Let’s not forget the
miracle salt licks we learned about yesterday.
I can’t believe I forgot to mention that.
What’s the number one rule on race day? Never do anything new that you haven’t tried
in training. So what do we do? Try Base Salt licks because the rep was so
compelling at a seminar we attended the day before. We figured what could it hurt and according
to the rep it will cure upset stomach, fatigue and every thing else. On the bike it’s one lick every 5 miles and
on the run it’s one lick every mile. So
funny, at least 3 or 4 of my friends were doing it too.
I have to say it’s the best my stomach has felt in a
triathlon. Not bloated or burping or
anything. I think the Base Salt licks
and the Carbo Pro had something to do with it.
Got thru the run ok until just after mile 10. It’s less than 3 miles! My legs were tightening up so that slowed me
down for the last few miles. I was ready
for it to be done. A lot of it’s mental
too, if you get it in your mind that you are almost done then your body says
ok, shutting down now. Finished,
finally, just 4 minutes longer than my first Half Ironman.
Had some yummy pizza and a massage from two girls at
once!!! Can’t beat that. Cleaned up, went to dinner, waited way to
long to eat. So tired too. I should have eaten sooner but I get
distracted talking with everyone there, it’s so fun! The weekend went by so fast. I can’t believe I did a second Half
Ironman. My husband reminded me when I
did the first one, he was making signs of congratulations for me to see when I
got home, I cried crossing the finish line, it was a huge deal for me. This time it was just a training race.
Not trying to minimize the effort but I had done one before
and now I’ve been training for a full do putting in longer runs and bikes so
just not as big a deal. It’s so funny
how your perspective changes. I still
remember my first time I ran 5 miles. It
was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
What a huge effort hat was. Now
look at me J
Larry emailed that he has done 9 ½ Ironman and this was the
most fun, start to finish. It’s the
journey and the company. It’s
accomplishing things you never thought you could. It’s the support of your friends, making new
friends and seeing people overcome unimaginable things. Everyone has a story. I always say that this sport is so life
affirming. I wish I were better at
putting these feelings into words because it’s priceless. I also say the actual races are filled with
lots of friends you didn’t even know you had.
I know people think I am a crazy person.
Every triathlete I know gets what I’m saying, I wish I could bottle this
feeling or knowledge and be able to give it to others.
There isn’t anything you can’t accomplish if you don’t let
you mind hold you back. 6 weeks to the the full Ironman Florida. I can do this!
