Chisago Half IM Race Report

Last race before IMWI...complete! Race went well, and had a good time. I met up with Stacy in the AM and we walked over from Betty & Vern's to transition. Was a little cramped on the racks...but oh well. I didn't have very much time prior to the race, so didn't get in any warm-up of any sorts (don't tell Jonny!).

Swim went off well - was in heat 3 and felt relaxed but strong. I just kept the arms moving and tried to keep it straight. After the turn-around, I found another guy that was moving at a good clip and seemed to be swimming straight. So, I decided to practice my 'drafting' on him for most of the way back into shore. I did pretty good on the drafting, if I do say so myself. I got out of the water and saw on my watch a pretty good time (it said 29:something, but I start my watch with 30 seconds to go). Actually got a 30:13 (6th in age group). Um...that doesn't seem right - expecting another 5 minutes onto that time. But I'll take it!

Off to bike! Sporting the new aero helmet - I was off on Pink Lightning. the first few miles felt pretty bad - legs were like lead and something seemed a bit 'off' on P.L. I stopped to see if I could adjust my front break alignment and my chain was falling off (to the outside of the crank). Crap! So, I hopped around and fixed that up - hands now full of chain grease... Yuck! Got back on the bike and started off again. As predicted, the wind started to rear its ugly head - specifically on the 20 mile trek North (the longest stretch of road, mind you!). So, that really blew (literally). I had to stop ONE more time about mile 35ish - as I was paranoid and thought maybe my back wheel was flat. False alarm. Grrr.... Back on P.L. and kept going. Cindy wizzed by me about 10 miles from the end - looking like a champ! I kept going. Finally finished and clocked a 2:50:24 (19.5 mph).

Now, run. I grabbed my iPod, recently loaded with peppy tunes and took off (this race allowed iPods on the run and since I had 13.1 miles to run...I was listening to it - damn it!) Run felt pretty good. Lame leg was behaving, actually! I did break for a few 'walk breaks' when the terrain hit an incline, as my lower back was a bit achy on those still...but kept up a steady pace for the duration. Sara and Daniel found me on the route and were cheering loudly, as did Heidi and Jim. Was nice to see some faces out there! Noelle zipped by me around mile 9 - looking strong and on a mission. Wish I had that running strength! I finished up with a 2:10:20 split (averaging 9:57/mi.)  Final time: 5:33:44 (PR!) Was very happy and made most of my goals for the day. 

Finish:  5:33:44

Noelle and Jen

Leanne, Noelle, ??, Cindy, Jen and Stacy

Jen and Stacy

Jen and Val

Afterwards, we went over for goodies at Betty and Vern's with the family (and triathlon friends). Stacy did her 2nd triathlon today too - and did AWESOME! She is a rock star! In addition, she made the sweetest cake for me and my Ironman. So talented!

 Jen and Jon, sporting my Aero helmet

I got home from the race and took an ice bath to calm down my angry legs. My 'other' leg (the non-injured one) is a bit tender and there is a bit of swelling by the knee. So thought I better nip that in the bud. (Don't worry Mom...this is what happens after long races!!! I swear!). My 'injured' leg feels like a champ, though. Which is good. Now, maybe some food...only burned 3000 calories today. Need to refuel.