Rookie no more

The race is over and I, as many before me have stated, have a greater appreciation for what it is to race the Ironman World Championships. The race is on another level from every aspect. While I didnt have the race that I am capable I could I have enough respect for the sport, my competitors and the race to finish even if it meant walking in the dark.

Before the race I felt really good about my preparation leading up to the event and was feeling as though a top 20, and possibly a top 15, was well within my reach if everything went to plan. Needless to say it didnt. I will spare the details of the swim and sum it up by saying I need to figure out how to stave off leg cramps in the water.

Exiting the water in just over 75min doesnt do much for the morale but I am used to racing from behind and was ready to go for broke on the bike to make up some time. I was ticking off the miles quite easily on the way out to Hawi and felt great. By the turn around I was on pace for a 4:45 bike and still had enough in the tank for the way back to Kona. My Quarq Cinqo powermeter was working flawlessly and my avg wattage was exactly where it needed to be. Then, after turning back on the Queen K the wheels came off. I had been feeling really good but realized I hadnt eaten enough and quickly downed my whole bottle of nutrition. This brought me back to normal but at that point it was probably too late. I tried to maintain an even tempo into the headwind around Kohala but I my energy was just not there. I had no fatigue in my legs but just wasnt able to get the power to the pedals. Just past the airport the wind turned to a cross and the speed came back a little but it was a little too late with only 5 miles to T2.

On the run I got a little caught up in the excitement and ran the first 5k in just over 18 min- WAY too fast. By mile 4 I was walking. I have had issues in the past with asthma but hadnt experienced any for the entire season so I didnt pack my inhaler. Mistake number...I lost count. The rest of the run turned into a walk/run between aid stations. I was able to run until my body's need for oxygen surpassed my lungs limited ability to supply it.

As I stated earlier I now have a greater respect for this race. I didnt have the race I wanted but can make no excuses for my performance. I will leave Hawaii knowing what I need to do to come back and race well. To those with aspirations of competing in the IMWC remember that just getting here is an accomplishment but now that I have there is a score to settle.

Kona at last

After almost a day of sitting in airports, automobiles and cramped airline seats we finally arrived in Hawaii last night and I cant convey how good it feels to be here. It has been a long time since last Sept when I initially qualified for the race at Ironman Wisconsin. Being here after an already great season of racing is, for me, the cherry that tops my sundae. Of course I am not taking the race lightly and have done all I can to get myself ready for what is the greatest test an Ironman can face.

To be here racing this time (I have been here during the race 3 other times) seems almost surreal. I appreciate the level of stress one feels when arriving and can understand why I see so many people on Alii drive running WAY faster than they should be. It is the check and re-check of the body systems so you don't lay in bed at night wondering if you are actually ready. I am not going to follow suit by sprinting up and down the hills on Alii trying to show the other competitors how fit I am but it will be tempting.

Today was just an easy swim and some last minute shopping for the necessary supplies that one inevitably forgets to pack. A short bike ride and 15-20 min run this afternoon and then off to Splash and Dash to watch my young friend Molly start what will assuredly be a long career in Triathlon. Watch out ladies 10 years from now she will be a force to be reckoned with. At the tender age of 5 she is already a fierce competitor. Good Luck Molls!