Ford Ironman 70.3 California - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The water was not shockingly cold as I expected. The swim to the start was a little chaotic and nerve wracking. I started in the 2nd row and felt I got a good start. I was spotting the buoys fine until I hit what I thought was the turn around. I made almost a 360 degree turn instead of going to the next red triangle which was at about a 90 degree turn. I really should have studied the map better. I did a bit of bumping other people but was able to ignore it and keep swimming without freaking out like last year. I did get frustrated when the guys wave behind us (blue caps) started to pass me. But then I was passing green caps which were ahead of me. I had to stop 2x to wipe the fog from my goggles. I should have kept swimming because it is hard to see anyway but I wanted to double check my sighing. I think I was swimming in a straight line but I am guessing that is what everyone thinks. At one point on the way back I jammed my lead hand into someone treading water. I had to stop to apologize because I would have been pissed. I was swimming right into the sun and was blinded. I had no idea she was in front of me. The swim felt longer than I had expected and I really didn't feel like I was doing good efficient strokes with hip rotation. I think I should do more open salt water swims.

I am not sure. Last year I did a few more open water swims and a lot less distance and speed in the pool. This year I joined a masters club which has given me a lot more yardage, and sprint sets. I love to swim so I am glad I am doing masters but I don't think it has made any improvement in my open water/ triathalon swim. If it is possible to compare year to year, this swim took me 1 minute longer and I prepared much more for this year. I was really hoping to do much better. I think I should swim in the ocean more.

I cannot imagine doing this any faster. I had to sit down to remove my wetsuit. I already had my cap and goggles off. Then I worked from feet up. Socks, shoes, jersey, race belt, helmet, gloves, glasses. I had everything set out perfectly and then I was off. I did stumble putting on the gloves which I could have done without.

SUNSCREEN. My shoulders got fried!!!

Ugh, where to begin...
The start and warmup was very slow. My legs were frozen from the water. I sipped water the first 20 minutes and then moved on to perpetuem. The sport drink helped boost my energy. I have 5 scoops in one waterbottle which was 650 calories. I felt good on the first half, tried to stay aero as much as possible. The first aid station I took only water to refill my aero bottle. The second aid station I stopped to pee. After the stop I decided to have a gu, I knew the hills were on their way. The first hill I rode up with a few people and we all encouraged each other up the hill. I pushed it and felt really good on the steep hills but struggled on the moderate "rolling" hills. The third aid station I was completely out of water so I filled up. Everyone was so friendly. I love the spirit and encouragement of the other triathletes. With the exception of the speed limit zone, I took the downhills really fast. Near the end I tried to pick up the speed but there was a strong headwind and I had to pee again. This made staying in aero position hard. As I was coming into transition I heard someone screaming my name before they saw my race number. I couldn't see them but turned out to be Fred.

Train more. Push it more. This is where you can make up the most time. I will suffer on the run no matter what.

I took off helmet and gloves, switched shoes, took off race belt, pulled on race belt skirt, applied sunscreen (lifesaver for my arms and face!!!), and then was off. Before I left transition I took a quick potty stop. I saw Carla on the way out to the run. I saw Fred on the way out jumping up and down and cheering. That was awesome!

Nothing.

I have so much trouble with the run. I don't know if it is because I am exhausted or if I am not trained well enough. I did a 1/2 marathon in Feb and thought that would help me for this race. I told myself that I was going to walk the aid stations and run everything else. I basically did that but then I talked myself into walking the uphills and downhills. And then I told myself I could walk the sand segments. At the end I did some "I'll just walk to the next cone" games at the end. During the first lap I saw Steve on his second. He ran with me a bit. I also saw Jeremy and some other IITC folks. I did walk with Tim one time and we were talking about dinner plans and when I would finish -- that is not the best idea. I need to focus instead of thinking of what to do next. My gut was killing me during the run. That second lap is so lonely when you are back of the pack! I sipped gatorade and water at each aid station. at mile 5 I started munching a pretzel or two at most stations. That helped with my gut. One guy at the 1/2 way mark told me to get some salt at the aid stations. I know he was trying to help but I consumed so much salt all day. 578mg on the bike and then more on the run with gatorade and pretzels. I am sure I looked like crap but I don't think he should be offering up nutrition advice to strangers.

Some random highlights: I ran with Elvis for a bit, the guys with the cow bell on the back stretch. Steve decided to slow his pace and stick with me a bit during my 1st lap and his second. I didn't pass out. The pretzels were a lifesaver. San Diego Tri Club party was very helpful. I really liked the high-fives on the way to the finish.

I would train with some longer bricks. I need to do at least a 30 mile bike and then 8 mile run before the race. I really need to practice race day nutrition. I cannot be trying to figure out how to eat during the run. I might have gotten new shoes too close to the race.

Walked got my bling, ate some pizza, oranges and bananas, sat down, did some moderate stretching, talked with Steve, hung out with Tim, packed up my stuff, and walked more than a mile back to the car. I then showered and we went out for greasy loaded nachos and beer for dinner.


#1 Training

My general thoughts: This is not a race to mess around with. This was a very important reminder that I cannot show up to a half ironman race without significant training. I had a training plan this time but I didn't completely follow it. I skipped my last 2 long bike rides for no real reason. I also was unable to make a week's worth of workouts because of a work deadline. This year I felt that I was more prepared for the run and I was mentally ready. But I physically wasn't up to meeting my 2nd goal which was to beat last year's time. (first was just to finish) I didn't miss it by much and an extra bathroom stop could have made the difference. I also thought I was ahead of my time so I relaxed more on the run.

Next half ironman I will make sure I develop a plan early on and STICK TO IT! This was a fantastic experience and I am really glad I did it! But I need to remind myself this is not a distance to take lightly!


This is a very challenging, well organized event.