Great Illini Half-Iron Distance Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Neoga, Illinois
United States
Mattoon Beach MultiSport
75F / 24C
Sunny
Total Time = 6h 23m 50s
Overall Rank = 128/181
Age Group = Athena
Age Group Rank = 1/4
Pre-race routine:

MJ and St. Tom picked up at 4:45 and we drove over to the race. On the way, I realized I forgot my Garmin back at the hotel. Made the executive decision to race without it. At the race site, I set up transition and chit-chatted with lots of people. I spent a good hunk of time trying to figure out how I would determine nutrition needs and pacing without a watch.
Event warmup:

I didn't do much to warm up. Listened to some music. Walked around a bunch. I did get a quick swim in before the start.
Swim
  • 41m 56s
  • 2112 yards
  • 01m 59s / 100 yards
Comments:

I placed myself right in the middle to help get me used to swimming with the masses. Still not my favorite and things shook out pretty quickly. The buoys were far enough apart that the group dispersed pretty quickly. It reminded me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer pained over the lines on the highway to make luxury lanes. This seemed like a really long 1.2 mile swim. I was off by at least 5 minutes but everyone else swam the same distance. Took me the first bit out to get adjusted and then about halfway through I found my groove. It was a really nice lake to swim in.
What would you do differently?:

I'd like to find the aggressiveness I have on the bike and run during the swim.
Transition 1
  • 02m 43s
Comments:

I took my time ... it was a long race, I saw no reason to blow through transition like a bat out of hell.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing.
Bike
  • 3h 09m 16s
  • 56 miles
  • 17.75 mile/hr
Comments:

Cycling without my Garmin was an interesting experience. I had to really pay attention to my energy levels, fatigue and fight with my mind to stay focused. I spent a lot of time thinking about my friend Steve and how lucky I was to be out on the course. Here's a guy fighting for his life and I'm out for 6+ hours of fun. I also spent a lot of time looking for "the competition" and I was sufficiently satisfied I was in front of most, if not all, the women in my group.
What would you do differently?:

Bring my watch. Maybe push a bit harder.
Transition 2
  • 03m 30s
Comments:

Again, I wasn't too concerned with getting out of transition. I felt good but I wanted to make sure that I had everything I needed for the run.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing.
Run
  • 2h 26m 23s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 11m 10s  min/mile
Comments:

This hurt. Almost immediately. I ran the first two miles straight through ... something I hadn't done all summer. I ran/walked the remaining 11ish. Hot, hot, hot. At the end of the first loop, some of the water stations ran out so that had me worried. I got to see my son and husband at the turn around (with lots of cowbell!), which really lifted my spirits. Feet started cramping on the second loop but I managed to get through that will just a bit of adjustment. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the run.

It really helped seeing people I knew out on the run too. A huge shout out to MJ, Glenn, Steve and Katie for all the support out there. Also to the other racers. Lots of smiles and supportive statements to one another. Made it all a bit easier.
What would you do differently?:

Coming off injury this season, it's hard to say what I'd do differently.
Post race
Warm down:

The best part of the day was crossing the finish line with my little guy. Afterward, I stretched, got some food and headed back into the lake for a cooldown dip. That felt great.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Lack of a watch, coming off injury. But believe me, I am not at all dissappointed with this race. It was my first at this distance and I am thrilled to have finished.

Event comments:

Good race. Very well organized. Nice people/volunteers. Not the most interesting run course but heck, I wasn't there for the scenery.




Last updated: 2008-08-04 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:41:56 | 2112 yards | 01m 59s / 100yards
Age Group: 1/4
Overall: 0/181
Performance: Average
Suit: Of course!
Course: The swim was out, parallel to the shore and back.
Start type: Wade Plus: Waves
Water temp: 76F / 24C Current: Low
200M Perf. Below average Remainder: Average
Breathing: Good Drafting: Below average
Waves: Navigation: Good
Rounding: Average
T1
Time: 02:43
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
03:09:16 | 56 miles | 17.75 mile/hr
Age Group: 1/4
Overall: 0/181
Performance: Average
Wind: Cross-winds
Course: Bike was a lot of out and backs ... down a country road, turn around a cone and head back to the main drag. It was somewhat hilly, especially the first leg of the course.
Road: Rough Dry Cadence:
Turns: Below average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Good Hills: Average
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 03:30
Overall: Below average
Riding w/ feet on shoes Below average
Jumping off bike Below average
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Average
Running
02:26:23 | 13.1 miles | 11m 10s  min/mile
Age Group: 1/4
Overall: 0/181
Performance: Good
Course: Two loops through the cornfields of Neoga. Aaaaaaaa!
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 4