Revolution3 Half Ironman - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The timing of the swim would be more accurate if they began when you could physically swim. The muck was still calf deep and it took 1-2 minutes of wading before you could get into swimable water. Once that came it was "easy-going". It didn't take long for people to thin out and get clean water.
The sighting bouys were a little difficult to see, but the turning bouys were very easy to spot.

Nothing. I swam my pace and stayed relaxed during the swim. The practice swim the day before really prepared me for the darkness underwater.

Goal: finish in 34-35 minutes. MET.

Two main ideas sum up T1: Long run and wetsuit strippers! They are the best thing since sliced bread!!!!!

I took my time gathering my wits and rinsing my feet. The stream of water didn't really do it coming off of the beach. I felt I had to do both. Maybe I could think faster?

Again, I just wanted to race my race and not blow up on the bike, figurativly or literally. I have a big concern of biking due to cars, blown tires, death... Weather was beautiful, roads were ok if you were watching carefully, and hills were short. With that said, some roads were yucky- potholes, bad pavement, chip & seal... but for some odd reason, I was ahead of my usual pace! My only problem was a popped chain on one of the hills. (At least it wasn't a flat!) With lots of effort, I worked the chain free and got back on my ride. Amazingly, it wasn't as hard getting up the rest of the hill from that point! This minor fix cost me 1-2 minutes. It's hard to tell. It was nice that Aysel checked on me as she passed me during this issue.

On the way back, there were lots of racers drafting and the final road seemed to go on forever!

Goal: 3 hours + change with no incidents
Actual: 2:58 with a popped chain. I'll take it!

Nothing. I raced my race again and just kept going. I will be taking some mechanical classes at the LBS this winter, though.

Happy to come in and rest my aching leg--mysteriously, this pain would disappear for the run! Again, took my time making sure I had everything. And I didn't. I forgot to put out my run nutrition. Good think I packed extra in my bike bag!

Remember to put everything out. Oh well. I can't complain, the rest of the race went so well!

After realizing I forgot my nutrition in my transition bag IN THE CAR I realized I had to make due with what I had. So I planned to chew 1/2 a block per 20 minutes instead of 1 full block. This was ok beacuse a. I was sick of eating them and b. My stomach didn't really want solids.

At the first aid station (just after 1 miles) I used the potty. Best Decision EVER! I had no GI issues or had the need to use the bathroom the rest of the run. (and it was just more comfy than to pee in my pants!)

My pace was comfortable for about 4 miles (8:30 or so) and then it started to get hot and I began to get thirsty and mentally drained. I told myself to run until mile 6. Then to the end of the street. Then to the next mile. Then I pictured the firefighters in their boots and gear going up 80 flights of steps 10 years ago. They couldn't stop. I couldn't either. It was my motiviation to keep going. This was 9-11. I had to keep running. It was my one small tribute to them. My new goal was to just keep running the rest of the race. I found myself in a loose pack of about 5 guys and we would change leads every so often. One guy afterwards even shook my hand because he kept his eye on me. He was running but would walk when his watch beeped. Everytime he went back to running, he caught back up to me. This was mentally helpful to me, too. I would count the shirtbacks and see if he was missing or not.

Say Dean on my mile 10.x, his 3.x... good to see a familiar face to jog my brain out of monotony.

On the final mile, I took a friends advice and took pop (and water). It tasted so good, and gave me a little pick-me-up, and mild cramping. This, I think, was due to lack of normal nutrition on the run, too. I stopped eating my blocks at mile 8 or so. I just couldn't swallow then anymore.

Once into the parking lot, I passed someone from my age group. I was determined to stay ahead of her. For the entire race, I just wanted to finish and race MY race. Not worry about placement, not worry about anyone else. Except for her. I didn't want anyone from my age group passing me in the last half mile. My pace picked up, I met my kids for the finish chute, picked up an American flag and the 3 of us ran it in! I did it without stopping! Teary-eyed, I went to hug my kids who quickly backed away because I was sweaty and smelled awful!

Goal: under 2 hours
Acutal: 1:58 MET

Remember my nutrition and bring my own water bottle like I had planned. The run wasn't as good as I liked, but again, I didn't stop running or keel over. I'll take it!

Walk around, cleaned up my stuff, met with Bananatoes and Mr. Cyclist and waited for other BTers to finish up.


All of elements were there to help me to go faster! All prayers were answered!


Here's the prayer list for the day:
Calm waters-- done.
No rain on the bike-- done.
No major bike issues-- done.
Run the entire race-- done.
Other personal issues-- done.

God even put a cherry on the top of the day with a 4th/3rd place finish!!! What's that you ask? I placed 4th, but, since the top female was in my age group, she was removed and the rest of us were bumped up one place!!!!! I podiumed!!!!! I podiumed my entire season!!! I can't believe it!!!! As I walked back to the car, the ladies from breakfast remembered me. As it turns out, both of them made the podium, too! How about that!!!!

(And I think I'll be back next year!)