Great Illini Half-Iron Distance Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Hmm...wtf? My swim PR is 38 minutes and change for this distance. Clearly, my head wasn't in it on race day. Or the course was slightly long. Or a combination of both.

First of all, the swim was clockwise. And for someone who routinely pulls left, this was a problem as I tend to drift out to sea. In my OWS practices I've been sighting every 4-5th stroke. So I kept at it during the race. I was so far off course (probably close to 70 yards at one point) I ended up sighting every 2nd stroke for the second loop which helped a little bit.

Because the wave was so small I didn't feel any urgency with going fast either since it was open water for almost the entire swim. I just allowed myself to slip into a slow, comfortable rhythm and stayed there. Not good. Perhaps I just do better when there's chaos around me?

- Actually light a fire under my *ss and swim with a purpose instead of allowing myself to be lazy.
- Go back to stroke basics and figure out why I'm pulling left to such a degree.

Felt a little slow in transition today, but focused on making sure I had everything I needed.

Actually run up from the water rather than walk.

Biking is my weak point by a long shot. I know this, I'm okay with this, I've been working on this and getting a lot more time in the saddle this season. I came in to the race wanting to break 3:45, so I'm thrilled that I was able to squeak by with 3:44:59 on the bike. Now looking at how close I was to averaging over 15mph, I wish I had pushed it a little bit harder. I typically ride too conservatively, fearful for blowing up on the run.

The course itself is mostly flat with the exception of a highway overpass and a few small hills (easily less than 50ft of climbing each). Lots of cornfields to look at and nicely paved surfaces with the exception of a 1.5 mile stretch of packed gravel.

Nutrition was spot on with the intake of Infinit and Gu. I just found myself craving more water along the way. I need to pick up an Aquacell so I can carry more than one cage bottle with me.

Toward the end of the ride, Colleen caught up to me so we finished together which was nice.

Roads were open to traffic but even with the holiday weekend, they weren't very well traveled.

- Drink water more frequently.
- Push the bigger gear a little bit harder. It won't kill me. Just suck it up and do it!

I took my time here and talked to Colleen while getting ready to run.

Nothing actually.

The run started off pretty good and then started to fade in the middle miles. By mile 9 my hips were done with it and it took everything for me to just not walk it all the way in. My right foot ended up getting beyond soaked and I've got a few blisters as a result. Oh...and my tri top gave me some nasty, painful chaffing in the underarm region. Lovely!

Took water at every aid station (typically dumping one on my head) and a gu every 4 miles.

Splits:
1- 11:39
2- 11:58
3- 11:58
4- 12:12
5- 12:09
6- 12:30
7- 12:23
8- 12:52
9- 13:35
10- 13:22
11- 13:14
12- 13:43
13.1- 13:17

Not sure. Maybe carry some infinit for the run for additional liquid calories?

Crossed the finish line and quickly learned to my amusement that I took first in my division. When I asked if I was the only one racing, I was surprised to learn that someone was still behind me. So I got a trophy celebrating the fact that I was slow, but faster than the other slow gal. :snort:

Ate some pizza, picked up my trophy, packed up and drove the 3 hours home.


My HIM goal for the season was to go sub-7:30 and I'm pleased that I was able to accomplish it. Looking at my times, I realize I could've gone sub-7:20. of not sub-7:15 if I actually pushed myself harder.


I actually really enjoyed this race. I think I may do better mentally with smaller races rather than the big fanfare with a cast of thousands. I'll definitely be back to Mattoon to race again.