Swim
Comments: Where were the bouys? I think there was one when we started then not another one till about a half mile away at the turn. I just followed the swim caps ahead of me hoping they knew where they were going. I started out pretty hard and kind of tired out a bit but eventually cought my wind again. After the turn the water turned pretty choppy which wasn't too fun along with not another bouy till the finish. I finally saw an orange bouy and just started heading for that. Once I got close to it I stopped to tread water and scope out the actual finish and there was no one around me. I was supposed to veer right BEFORE the bouy. really!? So I had to go back to the swim finish. What would you do differently?: Not sure. I need to navigate better but it's close to impossible if there aren't any bouys to guide my way. Transition 1
Comments: This definately should have been faster but everything I was doing took twice as long as usual. Even clipping my race belt took me 3 times. It was kind of funny. What would you do differently?: Not be so clumsy in transition. Bike
Comments: I think I hit the bike a little too hard. With the 90 degree heat I probably should have held back a bit. But....I hit it. There were some rolling hills but nothing too crazy. The wind was pretty brutal during a few parts. Most of the time I felt pretty good and just tried to keep my mind clear and not focus too much on the heat or the wind. Just go. I tried to drink as much water as I could. I drained my aero bottle and another water bottle as well as 3/4 of a water bottle of perpetuam. I was also taking enduralytes every 20 minutes because I know I was losing a LOT of salt and electrolytes with the amount I was sweating. I would lower my head and sweat would run off like a river. I felt pretty strong on the bike and this was by far my best event of the day. What would you do differently?: Maybe not hit it so hard and pay for it on the run. The bike felt pretty good though. Transition 2
Comments: I stopped for a cup of water which added some time here but at that point I knew if I didn't stop and make sure I drank at every opportunity I'd pay for it in the heat. Run
Comments: Holy hot! During my first 1/4 mile I could already feel the heat and dehydration. There was a water stop at the first mile and then there wasn't one for 2 more miles. I was hoping that with the heat and everything that they might set up an extra aid station but I suppose not. There were some hills I had to walk as well. Then on the way back I had to do the 2 miles again without a water stop and that took it's toll. I took a couple enduralytes during the run and I think that really saved me. Usually I would cramp during the run but didn't this time. I felt exhausted but I didn't cramp up. It's amazing what the heat can do to you when your body isn't accustomed to it. What would you do differently?: Carry a water bottle with me so I don't have to depend on the water stops. I needed more water than they provided. Post race
Warm down: Sat in the shade and downed 2 bottles of water. My body was done. Did a little stretching. What limited your ability to perform faster: The heat. We've had a really cool summer with temps in the 70's and it hit 93 by 10:30 yesterday. If my body was used to training in that weather I would have been ok. Event comments: They really need to have more bouys. It was almost unfair that they only had 1 bouy at the turn and 1 at the finish. I couldn't navigate well at all and that affected my swim time. They NEED to have more bouys. Also more water stops on the run course when it's that hot out. Just set another one up. It would have really helped everyone I think. It was a tough race. Hopefully Ironman Wisconsin isn't that hot. Last updated: 2009-08-05 12:00 AM
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United States
90F / 32C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 119/378
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 22/44
Event is only about a 20 minute drive so we got up had some coffee, toast with PB&J, threw the bikes on the car and were off. Felt rushed the whole morning. Got to transition and had to squeeze my bike in there and make room for my stuff. Then had to catch a shuttle to the swim start.
Got in the water for about 5 minutes. No real warmup, just paddled around a little and let some water into the wetsuit.