Timberman - Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I'm an okay swimmer, capable of a better time, but I took it really easy as I wanted to alot myself energy throughout the race.

Gone a little harder.

Opted for no arm warmers, I was feeling good. Took my time to make sure I had everything I needed for the long bike. Made my way out to the course and begin my climbing.

Nothing.

The first 8 miles were a little touch and go - my mind was racing and unfocused. I kept looking down at both tires to make sure they were in good shape (I was petrified I heard something and feared a flat). I got off the bike at mile 5 and checked them and told myself to be more confident. Picked up the pace and started my nutrition right away.

On the bike, I lacked flexibility - my butt and hamstrings were quite tight throughout, so I definitely need to incorporate more yoga/stretching more regularly. I didn't ride aero as much as I should have. I did allright with nutrition on the bike, sticking with 2 Endurolytes each hour, 1 gel each hour (with water), and a multihour bottle (4 hours) of Perpetuem. I might try to find ways to eat something solid; I hadn't packaged my Pringles and Shot Blocks well, so I didn't tap into these. This kept away any cramping and my stomach felt good until the end of the ride, when I started to feel hungry and a little dehydrated. I think I need to up my salt content on these longer rides; Endurolytes aren't enough; plus I need more water throughout. No flats, yesterday, either!

I made a few pitstops on the bike, some which I could have cut out: stopped at the 1/2 way mark to pee and stretch (good!), stopped twice to get water (could have gotten away with only one, but it is hard to see how much water I have in my Profile bottle w/out stopping!). Also stopped once on the last big downhill to give someone a tire lever; I figured good karma would protect my tires in the last 8 miles; it worked!

Highlights: 37 mph on the downhills - I love passing people! Seeing Rick and Dick Hoyt and cheering for them.


Reconsider alternating Perpetuem with Heed, or something a little more tolerable. More time on the bike ensuring speed doesn't drop during the last 20 miles, more stretching. Continue workouts focusing on maintaining power when my legs start to get tired.

New seat = critical. My sit bones are just too wide for the stock seat.

My stomach was starting to act funny, and I got nervous about the run. If someone had told me my job was done here, I wouldn't have protested. I put a smile on for the family and headed out, nervous about how far I would get before I allowed myself to quit.

Drunk more water/or something easire on the bike to allow for a settled stomach for the run start.

Ugh! This was painful, and I dug REALLY deep to do this run. My muscles were actually feeling great (legs), but the first loop was all about settling my stomach (had a hard time drinking enough to quelsh the thirst, and whenever I swalled more than sipping I felt like I was going to vomit). I switched over to just Gatorade and water for the 2nd loop and felt MUCH better. Saw Sunny and cheered her on, as well as my own teammates.

2nd loop grivences included incredibly sore knees and the bad ankle kicked in. Walked 25%+ of the time, at least. Certainly on the steeper hills. Really, it was like a power jog/shuffle for this lap. Felt like such an old lady! But I plugged along and did the best I could to make it to the finish, pacing myself with a matra of, "Dig deep...dig deep..." I ignored the pain completely as I headed back into the park for the final strides. Smiling, I did a big arms overhead leap for the camera and smiled, seeing I had beat my personal goal of 7h:30m by nearly 10 minutes!


Heal, train, stretch, put a few more 1/2 mary's under my belt.

Stretch, move around, start taking in juices and more water ASAP. Couldn't handle solids for a bit. Light massage from family, walking.





Recent injury, lack of experience at this distance. Overall, I'm pleased that I finished and have set the bar for future 1/2 Irons for myself.

The evening was spent resting, movie-watching, spaghetti-eating, and icing my foot down.

Only lost .5 lbs. bodyweight overall, so I did okay on nutrition, I think.


Another fine Endorfun Sports production. Top notch - amazing collection of elites, stellar volunteer support, no lack of nutrition/aid stations, course is marked very clearly, felt fully supported throughout.