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Ironman Lake Placid - Triathlon


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Lake Placid, New York
United States
World Triathlon Corporation
Sunny
Total Time = 13h 43m 16s
Overall Rank = 1189/3055
Age Group = F60-64
Age Group Rank = 2/13
Pre-race routine:

Set my iPhone alarm to 3:30. Note to self: turn off text noises. They kept waking me up. Woke up for the last time at 2:30 and finally got up at 3:10.

Made my pb&j, filled my bottles, ate my oatmeal and headed over to transition with Bill about 4:30ish. Bob dropped us off and walked back.

Got body marked, put my sandwich in my T1 bag and the rest of the stuff on my bike. Met Bill and we headed over to the beach. We brought 2 chairs. We got lovely pictures of the fog over the water.

I lined up about 25 minutes ahead of time by the 1:10 sign. Met some nice ladies and we chatted. People kept squeezing in. I eventually felt like a sardine. We hardly had room to bring our arms up to put goggles on.

Note to self about the transition bags: Lots of people had used very colorful tape or other kinds of markings to make their T1 and T2 bags stand out. Instead of the plastic cup on top of the bag to keep the rain out, a couple of people used bathing caps. All great ideas!!!
Event warmup:

None
Swim
  • 1h 09m 36s
  • 4224 yards
  • 01m 39s / 100 yards
Comments:

I had been worried about this swim only because of the number of people. My fears quickly became reality. There wasn't much room to swim. Lots of pushing, kicking, hitting of the arms, blocking, pulling, and aggressiveness. It was more like a boxing match than anything else. I wondered why I even bothered to practice swimming. I did not feel like I was swimming at all. It was more like surviving. I would try to draft at every chance. I kept touching some guy's feet and felt bad but whatever. His feet certainly weren't smooth.

I was very surprised when I saw my time in the results. Not too shabby for me! It was my second fastest IM swim.

I ate a half of a Power Bar before the start.
What would you do differently?:

Take boxing lessons
Transition 1
  • 08m 19s
Comments:

I had decided not to lay on the ground for the wetsuit strippers because of my bad experience last year. So when I ran up to a guy for help, I said I was going to just stand, he moved on to someone else. But I wanted to lean on him. He helped the other guys first and then me. It still was quicker than last year.

It felt like a long run out of the swim area, down the hill and into T1. I saw Susan W. right away and she helped me. It's a good thing to keep wits about you otherwise you will forget stuff, especially when they spread your stuff over 3 different chairs. I stayed fairly focused.

Ran out for my bike. They noted my number and I stupidly assumed they get my bike ready. Next time, keep yelling out my number. Once is not enough. I had to find my own bike and get it out.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing
Bike
  • 7h 03m 7s
  • 112 miles
  • 15.88 mile/hr
Comments:

Got off to a good start. Felt okay. Drank my first bottle and dropped it at the first aid station so I could pick up a water. As I was trying to take the blue cap off while it was in the bottle cage, it flew out. My water was gone. Nice! I had to drink straight Gatorade until the next aid station.

The decent into Keene scared me. My wheels felt like they were floating. I was nervous. I used my breaks a lot. I didn't go over 33 mph. At least I made it down safely.

I tried to eat consistently throughout the ride. It took at least 20 miles to eat my PB&J. I ate the Clif Bloks first. Had 3 banana halves and a chocolate Power Bar. I grabbed a water at most aid stations. I would not drink it completely before the next one. I had 2 tall biking bottles filled with my favorite flavor of Gatorade. I had about a half leftover at the end.

A ton of people passed me. I didn't feel like I was doing as well as last year. The good news is that I didn't crash or get any penalties. I did see a lot of people drafting.

I started the BASE salts about an hour into the ride. I did 2 licks every half hour. Towards the end of the ride, I started feeling slightly nauseous and discontinued the salt.

The second 4-mile decent into Keene was just as scary as the first time. I have no idea how people go so fast.

Peed approximately 9 times on the bike. My shoes reek now.

Some chafing started developing in the crotch area. I opened my Aquaphor and tried to apply. It worked for awhile and the changing came back. I didn't feel like reapplying.

What would you do differently?:

Not a whole lot
Transition 2
  • 09m 54s
Comments:

By the time I got off my bike, my feet were absolutely killing me. I took my shoes off and walked slowly. The volunteers were telling me to take off my helmet to cool down. I just didn't feel like it. I stopped at the porta pottie before getting my bag and going into the tent. Once in the tent, a woman helped me right away. Then I saw Susan Reiter and almost cried. I felt so emotional. Both women continued to help me. Then I realized the first woman was Sue W. I didn't recognize her with a visor on.

I gooped my feet with Vaseline. Susan "cleaned" them off. I had to regoop. Oh well. They put sunscreen on me.

I grabbed my visor, changed sunglasses, and changed shorts.

What would you do differently?:

Nothing
Run
  • 5h 12m 20s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 11m 55s  min/mile
Comments:

I started out on the run and was surprised that I could run. While I was biking, I couldn't imagine running afterwards. I felt like I was doing fairly well. I was hitting the split time on my watch for each mile. I was shooting for an 11-minute average.

I had the BASE salt with me but didn't think I could stomach it.

I took yellow Gatorade (yuck), chased by water, pretzels and dumped ice down my top at every available opportunity.

Hit the porta pottie twice during the run.

The second half of the run seemed harder. I allowed myself to walk a couple of times without being in an aid station or hill. I was a bit disappointed with myself. Then I saw the people throwing up. I realized I wasn't doing so bad.

Consumed 1 GU around mile 7. Couldn't stomach the second.

I skipped the last two aid stations. Maybe I shouldn't have but I just wanted to get done. The urge to walk was really plaguing me and I'd give in more frequently at this point.

Coming into the Olympic oval was exhilarating. It was so great to be done!!!
Post race
Warm down:

I went to the triage area and sat on a chair. I didn't feel well at all. I thought maybe I was hungry. A volunteer brought me a piece of pizza (which I never touched) and some delicious French fries. I ate a few. Jayson from Doylestown came over and said hello. I began to feel nauseous. I quickly realized that I was going to vomit. The volunteer brought me a barf bag and I used it. She decided I should go to medical.

Once inside, my nausea got worse. I couldn't believe how much I was puking. I felt dreadful. I got weighed and they tried to tell me I gained weight because I was a pound heavier. I pointed out that I had my sneakers on and didn't have them on for weigh-in. They gave me anti nausea medicine. I didn't drink anything. (Big big BIG mistake.)

I started cramping in my left shin. It hurt so bad and I wanted to get up. Instead, they called the PT guy over and he gave me the most incredible shin and calf massage and eased the cramp away. I've always had to stand up and stretch to get rid of my cramps. I told the guy that I thought my right calf was tight but he said that one wasn't a problem. Bummer.

The volunteer got word to Bob (via her phone) and she brought some clothes in. I took my sports bra off and didn't care who saw. I wanted out of that thing. After about 50 minutes, I left. I called Bob again from her phone. He was outside on the road. I told him I couldn't make it that far but he said he wasn't allowed in. So I walked out. Bill held me up for the entire walk back. Bob was limping terribly because of his sciatica. I felt so bad for him. A few people congratulated him on his race. LOL.

My next mistake was not drinking and eating when I got back to the house. I didn't sleep well. The next day, things went to hell!!!

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Next day, went to award ceremony. Had lovely breakfast. Very excited about winning Roka first out of water in age group award and 2nd in my age group overall. Was going to ask the woman that was first if she was taking the Kona slot. Mike Reilly started talking. He mentioned the ideal day. I was thinking how I didn't think full sun was ideal and next thing I knew, I got light headed and fainted. I woke up on the floor. Why was everyone standing over me? Anyway, Bob had yelled "call 911" and Mike stopped the ceremony. Medics came. They were making such a big deal. I was fine. I refused the ambulance. The entire room clapped when I got up. (I like attention but this was ridiculous.)

Called my name for swim award. I walked up, got it, turned around and then couldn't find my way back. All of those tables with red cloths and people sitting looked the same. I knew I wasn't normal. Is this what dementia feels like? So I eventually found the table, sat down, and those same medics came rushing back. They hadn't left. The ambulance was still outside. Everyone wanted me to go to the hospital. I didn't want to go. I wanted to watch the ceremony and get my award. Jeff, the VP of Ironman, came over and stooped next to me. He said that I could have hyponatremia and that I could die. Those words made an effect. He basically was the one that convinced me to go to the hospital. I did the walk of shame through the crowd, tears in my eyes and got in the ambulance. I could not believe it. Me, in the ambulance!

I arrived at the hospital in Lake Placid...had EKG...passed out 3 times more. PA in the ER said I needed a cardiologist right away. Another ambulance ride to a hospital in Plattsburgh, NY, 50 minutes away. Passed out twice in the ambulance. I was very upset upon arrival at the second hospital. Bob wasn't there and my phone didn't work. (AT&T sucks up there.) I kept thinking, I just did an Ironman. I do not belong here. Nothing is wrong. I'm just dehydrated. Bob arrived. I passed out, then I crashed twice and needed CPR both times to come back. Poor Bob having to watch this. I was rushed into emergency surgery for a temp pacemaker. (BTW, when I passed out each time, it looked more like seizures with eyes rolling back and shaking. For me, I was having very nice dreams.)

Got the temp pacemaker and was 100% fine all day Tuesday in ICU. I still thought I didn't belong there and didn't need a pacemaker. Wednesday was a different story. Fainted three more times but didn't look like a seizure because I didn't go all the way out. Doc decided I needed a permanent pacemaker. I can't tell you how depressing this was for me. Mostly because I don't want this apparatus protruding from my chest (which it does) because I have no fat at all up there. And secondly, because now I have to go to a cardiologist regularly.

The real bummer is that Jeff called while I was in the first hospital. I got the Kona slot. It rolled down to second. Of course, I took it when he called but reality set in and I realized that I was knocking on death's door and this year is not the year for me to go.

Jeff's words were what got me to the hospital. And then he called every day to check on me. I was really impressed.

Event comments:

Very nice race. Volunteers are amazing. I could've done without the sun! Let me just say that it's a real bummer winning the Kona slot and having to give it up.




Last updated: 2016-05-27 12:00 AM
Swimming
01:09:36 | 4224 yards | 01m 39s / 100yards
Age Group: 1/13
Overall: 471/3055
Performance: Good
Suit: Long-sleeved wetsuit
Course: 2 laps rectangle
Start type: Wade Plus:
Water temp: 73F / 23C Current: Low
200M Perf. Remainder:
Breathing: Drafting:
Waves: Navigation:
Rounding:
T1
Time: 08:19
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike:
Jump on bike:
Getting up to speed:
Biking
07:03:07 | 112 miles | 15.88 mile/hr
Age Group: 1/13
Overall: 0/3055
Performance: Average
Wind:
Course:
Road:   Cadence:
Turns: Cornering:
Gear changes: Hills:
Race pace: Drinks:
T2
Time: 09:54
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
05:12:20 | 26.2 miles | 11m 55s  min/mile
Age Group: 2/13
Overall: 0/3055
Performance: Average
Course:
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5]
Physical exertion [1-5]
Good race?
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] 5

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2016-07-29 3:13 PM

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Subject: Ironman Lake Placid


2016-07-29 4:40 PM
in reply to: #5193237

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Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid

What a write-up and what a weekend, I'm relieved to hear you are OK.  I was a volunteer at one of the run aid stations that day, so likely I was one of the people you refused to take a drink from!  As against your beliefs/feelings as it was to get medical help, it sounds like a lot of other people helped you make the right decisions. Our health is not something to take lightly or take for granted.  Congratulations on your awards and potential Kona slot, and do take care.

2016-07-29 5:04 PM
in reply to: #5193237

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Veteran
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South Windsor, CT
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
I am so happy you are alive and well! That is quite a story, and as a cardiologist myself, I am happy you got help right away and were lucky enough to not have any symptoms during the race. If your heart had slowed in the water, it could have been different. Sick sinus syndrome and slow heart rates are a somewhat common finding as people get older and most present with fainting and passing out-sometimes at very bad times. I can't think of a much better place (other than a hospital) to pass out. There are lots of skilled volunteers and medical people at these races and I'm so glad you were cared for quickly and adeptly.

You will recover quite quickly, I'd imagine. Do let your body get used to the device and have your cardiologist make adjustments to the pacer. I have so many patients that are athletes who continue to race and train and compete. The triathlon lifestyle is so beneficial for lowering long term cardiac risk from ischemic heart disease.

Actually, within the past week, I've seen a few of my patients with pacemakers who range from early 30's to a 96 yo today. (She's not an athlete, though). One of my patients passed out shortly after his open heart surgery in my office from heart block and I did CPR for a few minutes and when he woke up he yelled at me to get off him! HA! He even argued with me about putting in the pacemaker...some people don't get it.

Passing out should always be evaluated by a cardiologist. And going to a cardiologist isn't that bad a deal. We will watch over for you and make sure it's safe for you to race.

Oh, and by the way, congrats on Kona.
2016-07-29 5:44 PM
in reply to: dtoce

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Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Dale, Thank you for reading my race report and commenting. I've wondered if I did this to myself and the cardiologist assured me that I didn't. But I wonder if I didn't do IMLP16, if I'd have this pacemaker right now. I'm still having a hard time accepting this. I cry a lot. This sure put a damper on my race.
2016-07-29 6:13 PM
in reply to: lmecoll

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Veteran
945
50010010010010025
South Windsor, CT
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Originally posted by lmecoll

Dale, Thank you for reading my race report and commenting. I've wondered if I did this to myself and the cardiologist assured me that I didn't. But I wonder if I didn't do IMLP16, if I'd have this pacemaker right now. I'm still having a hard time accepting this. I cry a lot. This sure put a damper on my race.


Linda-
You did NOT do this to yourself. It is always scary when someone has a new 'heart condition' that they didn't think they had. In reality, most people who come to present with heart disease (and a weak electrical system requiring a pacemaker IS a heart condition) wonder if it was something they did, something in their lifestyle or was it just genetics. It is often mostly due to genetics with some influence on how well people take care of themselves. It is rarely something they did or did not do.

Don't cry about getting a pacemaker. Celebrate the fact that you are alive and will be able to complete and compete in future races!

I'd say this race was the BEST thing that happened to you because the circumstances could have been radically different if the timing was different. And it would probably be a nice gesture to thank some of those people along the way who helped you out...People in the medical profession live for that.
2016-07-29 7:11 PM
in reply to: dtoce

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Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Trust me, I thanked them. My husband went back to the first hospital to thank the PA for making such a good call but he wasn't in at that time. He asked that the message be passed along. When we checked out of the second hospital yesterday, he wanted to go around to everyone and say goodbye. I told him this wasn't a wedding. We are not saying goodbye to everyone.

The poor cardiologist that took care of me (Dr. McDreamy...not his real name) had to watch me crying every single time he gave me news. I almost felt sorry for him.

The EMTs were amazing. The nursing staff in Plattsburgh were unbelievable. I was calling the nurses my Lady's Maids (in reference to Downton Abbey). They didn't get it because they didn't watch that show.

I should send the cardiologist a thank you note. Thanks for the suggestion.


2016-07-29 7:55 PM
in reply to: 0

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South Windsor, CT
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
You rock!


Edited by dtoce 2016-07-29 7:56 PM
2016-07-31 7:58 AM
in reply to: dtoce

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Camden, NC
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Wow, I am overwhelmed about reading a racer crashing in an ambulance and requiring CPR during a race report this morning. I am so thankful that you are alive and well. We are all truly a different breed to challenge ourselves with the IM journey and I am so proud of you for what you have accomplished. Take care of yourself!
2016-07-31 2:27 PM
in reply to: HercDriver

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Expert
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Mastic Beach, NY
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
I'm just speechless after reading your RR. Congrats on the Kona slot even though you had to give it up. I'm sorry to hear about what happened but I do agree with Dale that doing IMLP may in fact have been a blessing in disguise and may in fact have saved your life. I hope you are doing well and feeling better and wishing you a very uneventful and speedy recovery.
2016-07-31 5:03 PM
in reply to: #5193237

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Langley, BC, 'Wet Coast' Canada
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Wow! Congrats on the race, and best wishes going forward. You are a winner!
2016-07-31 6:29 PM
in reply to: triosaurus

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Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid

Well that was one heck of a RR.  What a scary experience that must've been.  Congrats on a terrific race performance/ Kona slot.  



2016-07-31 6:40 PM
in reply to: #5193237

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Warminster, PA
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Linda, I enjoyed your race report and I agree with one of the other's comments that doing the IMLP may have in the long run saved your life. Your medical problem might have been aggravated by doing the race but at least the symptoms came on when others were around to help you. If this had happened when no one was around who knows what may have been the end result. Anyway it sounds like you will be fine and I know you will not let this change the way you life your life, you are not one to give into any road blocks. Wishing you a quick recovery and that pace maker will be your invisible friend, well almost invisible.
2016-07-31 9:41 PM
in reply to: #5193237

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Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Congrats. Hope you are okay and this is a blip on the radar
2016-08-02 3:26 PM
in reply to: Dream Chaser

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Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid

Originally posted by Dream Chaser

Well that was one heck of a RR.  What a scary experience that must've been.  Congrats on a terrific race performance/ Kona slot.  

x2 - Amazing all around. You will get through this and you got some awesome info from Dale. You are still an ironman who KQ'ed even with a pacemaker. It doesn't change who you are and how awesome you are. 

2016-08-07 2:31 PM
in reply to: #5193237

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PA
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid

Wow, Linda, that's quite a story. Ironman is too weak a word to describe you. I'm sure you'll be back!

2016-08-07 4:23 PM
in reply to: #5193237

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Veteran
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South Windsor, CT
Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
How's it going Linda? I usually see my patients with a new pacemaker about 2 weeks post implant, so it's getting close. Almost back to normal life, even if it 'feels funny' to have a big bulge in the top of your chest from the device.

The best thing is that you are now protected from dangerously slow heart rates and hopefully should be able to get back to triathlon! (Depending on what your MD says, of course...)

Keep up updated-we care...


2016-08-08 2:31 PM
in reply to: dtoce

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Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Great RR and wow, what an incredible post race debacle! Glad you're ok and congrats on a great race.
2016-08-09 5:39 AM
in reply to: dtoce

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Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
Dale, I saw my primary for a wound check (good) but wasn't able to get an appt. with the recommended electrophysiologist for 6 weeks (September 13). Ugh! I get slight headaches in the middle of the night every night, which go away when I get up. (I never used to get headaches.) I think I need the pacemaker adjusted.
2016-08-09 5:40 AM
in reply to: 50yearoldbaby

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Subject: RE: Ironman Lake Placid
I sure hope so Bob.
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