Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Galveston, Texas
United States
World Triathlon Corporation
Total Time = 6h 31m 21s
Overall Rank = 1681/2781
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 268/342
Pre-race routine:

I will temper all of this by saying this was my first HIM, and my only goal was to finish, soke in the experience, and have a good time. Decided to stay in Texas City and save a few pennies, so my wife and I woke up at 4:15 after sleeping for about an hour and a half. I was a mess. 90% of it was just freaking out about the swim. Got dressed, ate a banana, had a granola bar, half a gatorade and a bottle of water. Out the door of the hotel and on we go. Got to transition at about 5:30.
Event warmup:

Stretched and jogged near transition a little to settle the nerves...it didn't work. Marking was a breeze, the volunteers were abundant, professional and very nice. Plenty of room at transition and set up was great. Left transition at about 6:30 and hung out with the very supportive wife. That did help the nerves.
Swim
  • 42m
  • 2112 yards
  • 01m 59s / 100 yards
Comments:

The water was really cold for about 5 minutes, then it felt really good. I had done an open water swim at only one other event, but I was ready for the washing machine. I stayed to the outside and tried to avoid most of the chaos, and for the most part I was pretty successful. However, one kick to the goggles (that were not on tight enough) at about 300 yards in, allowed for salt water to start creeping in. Let's just say that after that I had to stop about every 100-150 yards to let the water out of the goggles. Eyes burning...couldn't see a thing. At the first turn, instead of turning at a 90 degree turn, I did about a 45...so I was heading back towards the start. One of the guys in the kayak had to shout at me and get me going back in the right direction. I'd probably gone 50 yards in the wrong direction. CRAP! After getting out of the water, all I could do was laugh. Oh well, it could have been worse.
What would you do differently?:

Put my goggles on about 5 minutes earlier than I did, and tighten the hell out of 'em. Other than that...maybe learn how to swim correctly with better form. I'm thinking that could help a bit.
Transition 1
  • 07m 57s
Comments:

I went in to this knowing my transition times were going to be slow. I'm cool with that. I wanted to make sure I was physically and mentally ready before heading out. I helped a friend of mine get his jersey on about 5 guys down from me, and off I went. No complaints.
What would you do differently?:

It will get faster and easier the more I race. No worries or concerns.
Bike
  • 3h 02m 53s
  • 56 miles
  • 18.37 mile/hr
Comments:

I, like probably everyone, wasn't really sure what to expect from the cross-winds and 95% flat course. So I had moderate expectations of what I was expecting. I really enjoyed the ride. The wind wasn't anywhere near as bad as what I was expecting and the overcast made the temperature perfect. Almost everyone I passed or passed me was very nice and followed the "laws of the road". Only saw a couple people drafting, and 2 jerks who threw their trash in the middle of the road. Aid stations. So...as this was my first experience with a bike aid station, I was a little nervous getting my first bottle. The hand-off went great and I was glowing with pride. I went down to put the bottle in it's cage when I realized I already had 2 bottles there. I'd just passed the last trash area. My jersey didn't really have big pockets for a bottle, just 2 little pockets for gu, so I rode the next 15 miles or so with a bottle in one hand. Also a moment that just made me laugh to myself. Oh well. We move on. Other than that little drama of dorkdom the ride was nice. I could have done better, but with my training where it is, I really can't complain. Of the 3 disciplines, this is the one I was most proud of.
What would you do differently?:

Start with only 1 bottle.
Other than that, I think more time on the bike will fix all here.
Transition 2
  • 05m 36s
Comments:

Again, took the time to gather myself before heading out. No complaints here.
What would you do differently?:

Forced myself to eat something before heading out.
Run
  • 2h 32m 55s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 11m 40s  min/mile
Comments:

HA HA HA HA HA!!! Ka-Boom! After finishing the first mile, I heard the music from The Price is Right in my head, when someone just misses winning a car. Whah whah whah...

The run wasn't bad...it was horrible. Or I should say half of the run was horrible...the other half wasn't a run...it was a walk.

I will just say, the crowd of people were awesome, very supportive and a blast. But this was horrible. All I can do is train more and do longer bricks to help my body get used to the distance. Also, after an overcast bike, the sun came out with a vengence and the run was HOT.

And after sucking it up and trying to finish strong, I got to the 13 Mile marker. There it was! I had 0.1 of a mile left. Then, with no warning...I got a cramp in the back of my hamstring. The kind of cramp that wakes you up in the middle of the night screaming in pain. I couldn't move my leg. I stood there next to the 13 mile marker trying to stretch it out. I wasn't walking through that finish line. I stretched for about 2 minutes (felt like 30) and a racer that had already finished leaned over to me and said, "Hey, you got this, just stretch it out. Deep breath, finish strong". I know it sounds corny, but I'll never forget that guy. Exactly what I needed. Off I went. 70.3 complete.
What would you do differently?:

As far as running: Everything you can do differently, I need to do.
Post race
Warm down:

Pizza, beer, water, banana, stretching. Made out with my supportive kick-ass wife.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Spend more time training. Be better at fuel intake.

Event comments:

Awesome experience, well organized staff and volunteers. Very supportive city, and a really fun course. Overall, I have nothing to complain about. I went in for the experience and to finish. I learned a lot, and I now know tons of things that will help me for my next half. And that one, I'll have goals! Big goals. I have expectations now!


Profile Album


Last updated: 2012-08-29 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:42:00 | 2112 yards | 01m 59s / 100yards
Age Group: 0/342
Overall: 0/2781
Performance: Below average
Suit: sleeveless wetsuit
Course:
Start type: Plus:
Water temp: 66F / 19C Current: Low
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Bad
Breathing: Good Drafting:
Waves: Navigation: Bad
Rounding: Bad
T1
Time: 07:57
Performance: Below average
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed:
Biking
03:02:53 | 56 miles | 18.37 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/342
Overall: 0/2781
Performance: Average
Wind: Cross-winds
Course: Very flat. Picturesque.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Below average Cornering: Below average
Gear changes: Good Hills:
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 05:36
Overall: Below average
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Average
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
02:32:55 | 13.1 miles | 11m 40s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/342
Overall: 0/2781
Performance: Bad
Course:
Keeping cool Below average Drinking Not enough
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Below average
Mental exertion [1-5]
Physical exertion [1-5]
Good race? Ok
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5