EnduraSport Half - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Time includes 1 min+ run up the beach so a great swim for me and by far the highlight of my day. Supposedly, the course was a bit short. Regardless, everything went well for me here. Got in a nice rhythm from the start, plenty of open space and I sighted well. I've finally become very comfortable in the water. Time to work on the speed.

As good as it gets. Water temp was a non-issue.

Surprisingly, it started pouring while we were in the water so everything was drenched. I had planned on wearing arm warmers but since they were soaked I went w/ the brand new rain gear. That turned out to be a godsend.

My left hammy tightened in the water but it had thankfully passed. It spasmed on me here as I was getting the wetsuit off and sneakers on . I had to spend considerable time strecthing it out. Thankfully that worked and I headed out on the bike, never to feel it again. Whew!

Not have wicked hammy spasms!

ugggh. It was pouring and freezing on the first lap. Instead of being able to enjoy and hammer the downhill it was all I could do to concentrate and fight the cold. Very unpleasant, my legs were bright red and my feet went numb. It was FREEZING!

Apparantly a fair amount of people called it quits after the first loop, some w/ hypothermia. I wasn't really dressed right either but at least I had that new rain gear. It kept the cold water off of my torso and may have actually stopped me from a DNF. The first lap proved to be the worst as far as being cold. It was miserable the rest of the way but I acclimated. One interesting thing is my hands never felt cold. Hmmm? I'm sure though the weather took it out of me as far as speed and power. I just couldn't muster either all day.

I actually was very happy to start the long climb as I knew I would warm up. Finished the first lap in a pathetically slow 1 hour. I realized right here that it was going to be long day on the bike. I decided to forget about time and make the best of it.

As my temperature rose, so did my spirits. I started having fun w/ all of the volunteers and spectators. I feel so bad for both when they get stuck in the lousy weather. I asked to borrow umbrellas, for boats, dry clothes etc and of course thanked them profusely.

Lap two was uneventful until I started the climb. I met a really nice girl who was training for Timberman while her boyfriend was racing. Imagine, training in these conditions! I sure wouldn't have been out there if I wasn't racing. We spent almost the whole 3rd loop together and that really took my mind off the lousy conditions. I actually threw caution to the wind and bombed the descent on this 3rd loop. I lost my new friend so I was left to suffer on the fourth lap solo. And suffer I did. The last climb killed me and I couldn't wait to get off the bike. It had rained the entire ride. I took solace in the fact that my computer showed just under 4 hours as I reached the peak for the last time. I reached down deep to keep my split under 4 hours. It would be a day of small victories. After the swim, this was number two.

This was, by far, the most difficult bike ride of my life and unfortunately it was during a race.

Besides surviving, the other good thing that came out of this ride is I mastered peeing on the bike. That's right I said it, and I'm proud! Aside from that 3rd loop, I spent a lot of time alone so it was a great chance to practice. Besides it was the 3 warmest moments I had on the bike. Ahhhh, twice the relief :)

uh, have the sun shine and ride faster

I was in no rush at this point.

My legs were shot from the bike so this was gonna just be a survival run but at least it had finally stopped raining. My feet were completely numb and the start was quite painful. It was weird too, I could swear I had rocks in my shoe or my sock was bunched up. I actually stopped and took it off. Nothing. Evidently, my feet were just freaking out from the numbness. By mile 2 it passed. This was a common theme amongst all the competitors. Somewhere around here JK passed me. I realized he was going to be done around 5:15. I had no idea he did as well as he did bc at this point the mini and HIM people were mixed togehter. I went through starts and fits on this run. Sometimes feeling good, sometimes terrible. The 2 miles on the trails were tough. It was very uneven and footing was difficult. But I did run most of it w/ another guy so that was a nice distration. Finally, I was back out on the road but it seemed like forever to get to the turnaround. On the way Matt and I crossed paths and actually stopped to talk for a minute. Niether of us were in a hurry. It was nice mental break as I was really starting to struggle. The last 4 miles were real difficult. There was a 1/2 mile climb at mile 10 that really sucked the life out me. Although my pace was ridiculously slow I never walked, except at the aid stations. I guess that was the highlight of this run and the 3rd small victory of the day. By mile 11 I really just wanted to be done. Surprisngly, I had a little left for the finish and hit a decent stride for the last 1/2 mile or so. Funny what seeing the finish line can do for you. This run really hurt though. My slowest half marathon ever but not surprising given how the day unfolded.

suffer less

Grabbed some pizza, then had a beer w/ Matt and John. Wuda like to hang longer but I was chilled to the bone.


The weather.


Genesis Adnentures puts on a very good race. Harriman is a an awesome, challenging venue on a good day. This early in the season and these conditions made it quite the undertaking. Despite it all I enjoyed the event. Once again I met some great new people and got to hang w/ some BTer's.

This will go a long way towards improving my time at Timberman, my ultimate goal for this season. I'm sure I'll be better for having had done it. But man, during it, I was really tested. Mentally and physically this was the hardest thing I've ever done. Initally I was not happy with my performance but in retrospect I had those small victories during it and in a field where roughly 25% of the entrants DNF'd I'm very happy that I perservered. My love/hate realtionship with Harriman continues. I'll be back next year (most likely for the mini) ;)