Muncie Endurathon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Alright, after reading all of these speed-demon race reports, it's time to hear from someone who's just not that fast...

Very slow swim. I was hoping for 50-55 minutes, but was really thrown off by the strong chop that was pushing everyone north. Unfortunately the course was east-west, so many of us were constantly sighting and adjusting.

Nothing. This was my first half-ironman, so my goal was simply to finish feeling strong and pain-free. To that end, I really tried to pace myself and not push too hard too soon. This distance was completely new territory for me, so I just listened to my body.

Wow, I peed and changed in four minutes? I'll take it. Walked most of the loooong way from water to transition, then sped it up. Sucked down a gel.

Save time by peeing in water instead of transition ;-)

Because I was so slow in the water, my timing on the bike/weather was, well, a bit of a suckfest. The headwinds were brutal for the entire first 28 miles. The "tailwind" was disappointing, as it was mitigated by a nasty crosswind. I was hopeful the torrential downpour might tame the winds a bit, but no luck. Nonetheless, I was very, very pleased with my bike. I have done minimal training on it, and my longest ride this year was 30 miles. My goal, remember, was to feel good and not hurt. Didn't enjoy the crotch-beating section around miles 51-53, though. Yikes.

I was completely unaware that my right shoe was bumping a nerve or something until I got off the bike and could barely plant my right foot. Would have taken the thing off but didn't want to put a mud-coated sock into my running shoe. Thankfully the pain went away as soon as the shoe came off.

Nutrition was Perpetuem (sp?) in the water bottle, half a power bar, two gels.

Spend more time in saddle before race day. Make sure cleats are properly aligned.

Soggy. Very soggy. Did I mention that it was soggy? Had to laugh when I picked up my running shoes and they weighed about five pounds more than normal. Well, at least the rain kept me cool! Sucked down a gel, put on soggy shoes, and left.

Nothing. No need to waste time drying off anything.

Shins finally stopped screaming after 1.5 miles or so. Had to walk/stretch until then. Sheer agony. Finally they let go and I could begin the run, er, trudge. Didn't think "oh geez, now I have to do a half-marathon." Instead, focused on getting to the turnaround. The brain handled that much better. Alternated walking/trudging, and did ok. After initial pain, felt fine, just tired. They kept moving the finish line the last mile, though! Took gel at miles 5 and 9.

Amputate shins? I dunno. Sometimes they do that, sometimes not. All I can do is out-last them.

I can't eat solid food for about an hour after exercising hard, so I collected food for later. Enjoyed massage. Whined in car for coffee. Others in car were grateful that rain had washed off most of the stink. Enjoyed hot shower immensely. Followed the beer-aided recovery plan. No pain next day, walking normally, did a nice four-mile jog Monday. Fabulous!


Genetics. Weather. Training.


Many many thanks to the volunteers who stood out in the thunderstorm and KEPT SMILING! They were wonderful! Will do this one again.