What a perfect day for racing! Could not have asked for anymore. Sun was out, calm waters, and low wind (OK, there was some wind...but it seemed to be a blessing on the bike & run this year vs. hindrance like in 2008).
So, I met both of my previously stated goals: to PR and to finish in under 6 hrs. Yeah! So, all-in-all, the race was a success and I'm so very glad I have this one over with. One less thing to do prior to Ironman.
The swim (1.2 miles) went pretty well, fairly uneventful except for at one point I was gasping for air for about 15-20 strokes. Felt like I had some sort of phlegm ball in my throat and I couldn't breathe. Weird...but it passed as soon as it came on. Never had that happen to me before. Noelle and I finished in the same fashion, and time for that matter, as last year (back to back out of the water within about 30 seconds). Swim time: 36:58, (5th place in my age group).
My feet were numb from the water, so when I got on the bike (56 miles) I had to work that out. Took about a mile or so to get feeling back. Noelle passed me on the bike right away, but I hung close. (Same scenario as last year again - de ja vu!) This time, however, my bike just felt awesome, so I surged ahead.
My legs felt strong and I was pushing 21-23 mph easily on the course on the flats. The hills seemed almost non-existent too (which is weird...because they were there for my practice rides). But I decided not to question it. I just focused on getting in my supplements, food and water on a consistent basis and to make sure that my mind stayed alert and didn't start to go 'goofy'. I caught myself a few times going a little loopy, but then forced in some food - hoping to clear that up fast.
Before I knew it, the first loop was done, and in really good time. I was just hoping loop #2 stayed as strong. Michelle (one of our TCMC peeps) was out on the course and popped up about 4-5 times in various areas to cheer us on. Mom was at the corner by the start of the race too. Was nice to have great cheerleaders! Loop #2 and the small dog-leg flew by fast too...I felt a little bit of fatigue - but was still pushing some good mph. In the end I finished up the bike in 2:55, (averaging 19.2 mph, 7th place in my age group). Was SUPER happy about getting under 3 hrs on that guy!
Then, the run (13.1 miles).... What can I say about the run? Well, was worried about the calf and back (as I mentioned before) - but I was determined after having one hell of a bike ride to muscle through this sucker and try to get under that 6 hr mark for the finish. So, I attacked as best that I could. I ran on the flats pretty well, but when the rolling hills started...I had to 'power walk' them as my back started to scream at me. (I decided I wasn't going to lolly-gag these walks. If I had to walk - well it would be a fast walk, darn it!).
At about mile 6, Noelle caught up to me, as I had predicted in my head based on her position on the bike when I last saw her. She gave me a pep talk and was on her way (what a little speedster!). For the rest of the run I played leap frog with 3 other guys. We all just passed each other back and forth. Was kind of humorous that the pic of me on the bike (above) the guy in that pic is one of my leap-froggers and he finished the run just a few seconds ahead of me.
Finally, the last mile was upon me and I had about 17-18 minutes (according to my watch) to make this race in under 6 hrs. So, I kicked 'er into gear and motored her to the finish line. Had mom, Noelle, and the TCMC crew cheering loudly. (Run time: 2:19, 10:38 average pace)
Post race issues:
- Small blister on toe had a nice little blood bath to my foot once I got my shoe off post race. Can not believe that a mosquito bite of a blister could produce that much blood!
- I'm limping profusely with my calf (last night and this morning)
- Back is sore
Tuesday I go to see Dr. Dave and see what is going on with all this stuff in my lower extremities. I can't have this going on in about 3 months. Will keep you all posted.
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