Revolution3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I was actually looking forward to this swim ... i've been in the pool consistently since end of January, and wanted to take a lot of time off my previous swim @ this distance.

Not nervous at all as I started the swim. My strategy was go keep reminding myself "slow is smooth, smooth is fast, slow is fast" which I did well. Freestyle the entire way (woot!). Only real negative was some off-course swimming, nothing major but cost me time on the first leg.

I started out on an inside line, but back a few rows, and started at a good pace with HR and breathing comfortable. I recall passing the first bouy (probably 400 yds) and thinking "wow, that was quick".

Made the first turn onto second of three legs, and kept the smooth stroke going. Was still too wide so had to get a closer line as I closed on the second bouy. I was actually drafting for some time on the third leg which was a first for me.

Could not believe that shoreline was coming into view as I headed on the third leg. Goggles a little foggy but nothin terrible. The only bumping I experienced was on this third leg - definitely some swimmers from the wave behind me.

Kept swimming till my hand touched sand and stood up with a big grin on my face and ran to the Muscle Milk archway.

The run was uphill into parking lot -- i guess that's consistent with the bike and run course.

I shaved about 6 mins off my previous HIM swim split so I was happy.

more drafting but that will come with practice. better sighting (ditto). go faster (double ditto).

took me a few extra seconds to find my bike (should have been easier as most of the spots were cleared out!). I had counted the 'rows" but did not notice the extra 'columns' in the trans area...found the bike, by now had wetsuit around waist. i was on the bike pretty quickly. opted to go sockless which worked out fine.

find my bike quicker :) duh :)

so i knew this was to be a brutally hilly bike ride ... and it was. over 4000 ft of climbing (ouch). wet pavement and some traffic made the descents dicey at times. saw lots of flat tires.

plan was to start at a comfortable pace and try for a negative split. i knew the largest hills was mile 7-12 and 22 - 28. nutrition and hydration plan was all set, too.

the bike started fine, with a mainly downhill for the first several miles. hit a small pothole at mile 5 which ejected one of my 3 bottles, but i figured i could make up the loss at the aid stations.

this course was relentless. even the (noneexistent) flats were hilly. long uphills, the descents ended with 90 degree (or less) turns so you really had to watch it.

the scenery was beautiful - ponds, wooded areas etc. i passed many people walking bikes up hills which i am happy to say i did not need to do.

i remember seeing the mileage markers appear ... 15, 20, 25 ... and feeling pretty good. i wasnt tearing up the course ... but i was making progress feeling strong. 30, 35, 40. no stomach issues, executed the nutrition plan ... i was mentally pleased with that aspect of the bike.

the last 3-4 miles seemed to go in slow-motion - never experienced that before. pulling into the parking lot I swear I was yelling "get me off this fricking bike".

ride more. ride more hills. ride more flats. just *ahem* ride more in preparation.

i had one 45 mile ride prior to this. did not spend enough time on long rides.

although i'll rate this as 'below average' - i am proud of making it thru this tough course.

since my butt was screaming to get away from this bike torture my T2 time was pretty good :)

already had race belt on, so I slipped off bike shoes and put my zoot run shoes on (sockless) visor and I was off....

..to find a portapotty, conveniently located next to transition. Mainly as a precaution, figured i'd make a quick pitstop. entered one port a potty ... no paper. second ... no paper, third, fourth, you get the idea. Luckily there was a permanent restroom nearby....ok so my run time has an extra 3 mins. Time well spent IMO.

I must have looked a little funny coming outta the restroom, "excuse me" to the crowds lining the parking lot exit onto the run course. I ducked under the "fence" and onto the run course, smiling and waving.

head

bike faster. see above comments.

Did not know the run was to be so hilly. about 900 ft of ascents. i knew about the two major uphill sections and decided to walk them prior to race.

Run started well, my strategy was to break the run into several segments: M1-3, 4-6 7-9, 10-12, 13. I wasnt thinking '13 miles' but rather 5K, another 5K, etc.

First few miles were downhill, and along the end of bike course. Was thankful to be running, legs felt fine (relatively speaking.) Started out a little too fast so I slowed to a 10 - 10:30 pace which was my plan.

The miles started going by, and i reached the big hill around 4 or 4.5. Over a mile long uphill over unpaved road. Most people were walking it. It was advertised as the "K Swiss Challenge" and there was supposed to be extra set of timing mats @ top and bottom with prizes for fasted splits ... but I didnt see any mats. No matter, my plan was to walk.

Miles 5-7 had a little out/back, then rolling hills. Nice residential area, people were out cheering and the aid stations well-stocked and staffed.

I enjoyed talking with other runners as we kept pace / passed / caught up w each other. Having our names on race bib was great so we could cheer and be cheered by other runners.

Got to mile 9 and I remember feeling pretty good. I was able to get to 9 - 10 min/mile pace on flats and downhills, and walked the major uphills. Stomach felt fine although a little 'full', i had 3 gels over the 13 miles, with a cup of water and cup of pepsi @ each aid station. Volunteers were great ... shouting 'soda' 'water' 'pretzels' etc. I joked w one asking "do you have any diet pepsi" and got a nice laugh back ..

I could have pushed faster the last few miles but I was really enjoying the moment, crusing along, mentally *pumped*, and apart from a small blister, physically fine. Chose to run sockless in my Zoots which worked out well.

One final "middle finger" from the course @ mile 12 with a long uphill section, then a final half-mile cruise downhill, into park, into chute. I picked up to a 7 mm pace here, surprising myself that I had anything left, and felt my stomach start to tighten up as I crossed the finish line. I remember to smile but I think it was too late :)

Had some difficulty breathing for a few mins as I walked around, felt like wind was knocked outta me but it passed quickly.

run faster in the second half.

I had two muscle milks, was not hungry but i heard the food was plentiful and good. Didnt feel like eating, so I gathered my things and was in the car within 15 mins. for the 2 hr drive home.

Pouring rain started almost as soon as I hit the road - how nice it was that the rain and thunder held off for the day.


need more bike training. that's an easy one to identify


Rev3 has got it nailed ... awesome event. Well planned, staffed, great swag, pros in attendance. Highly recommended!

Tough course, but good preparation for Timberman 70.3 in August.