Pigman Triathlon - Long Course - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

With the exception of my complete inability to swim in anything even resembling a straight line I did well. I wandered off course horribly 3 different times, despite my feeble attempts at sighting. I definitely need to work on my bilateral breathing as that helps me a great deal but I can never seem to do it in a crowd. Oh well, I was almost exactly on the pace I set for myself going in.

Work on my sighting. Probably added 200 yards to the swim by going off course.

Took my time as I had no pretenses that I was "racing" this event. My goal was simply to finish and I wasn't going to expend any unnecessary energy. The plastic bag I had placed over my shoes had blown off of hem during the rains that fell when we were in the water so my shoes were soggy. Oh well, I tried

Nothing

Course was pretty straightforward and marked VERY WELL. Volunteers at almost every intersection and police blocking all of the bigger ones. Roads were in pretty good condition except for the occasional RR track or set of rumble strips. Some hills, but none too major. I kept a good pace for the first half when the wind was at our backs but started to slow a bit during the second half when we rode into the wind. Hydration was pretty solid as was my nutrition. I think I should have eaten a bit more but overall felt in decent shape. The volunteers were awesome and having the bottle exchanges was pretty sweet. The bottles they gave in exchange were pretty crappy but that really is nitpicking

More mileage in training so I didn't fade towards the end.

Took my time for the same reasons I mentioned earlier. Running shoes were wet, which sucked, but what are you going to do you know?

Cover my shoes better and bring a pair of dry socks to put on for the run.

This is where things fell apart for me. I have never done any type of continuous exertion for this long before and was starting to feel it. My plan was to go at an average pace of 8:30-8:45 and try to finish this thing in under 6 hours. I should also state that I didn't run at all for the last two weeks, but had been averaging 18-20 miles a week for the 3 week span leading up to that time. I backed off due to recurring knee pain I have to deal with and didn't want to get injured before this event.

Back to the HIM. I started off at 8:45 for the first two miles and a bit slower for the third. Not too bad on pace but my body was starting to overheat. At mile 4 I walked the last 100 yards up to the water station and could barely start back up after I had taken on more water and ice. Ran another 1/4 mile before I started walking again. Walked about 1/4 mile and started jogging. Made it to the 5 mile mark and my knees were SCREAMING at me. I tried to run again but couldn't go more than 1/4 mile at a shot. It wasn't a matter of energy or desire, just a matter of pain...lots of it. I barely made it up the hill to the turn around point and was in agony trying to even walk down that same hill. I "ran" about another 2 1/2 miles of the last 6 1/2 and walked the rest. I was in tears as I came across the line. I had no idea I could hurt this bad. And yet I felt so awesome that I hadn't given up and that I had accomplished what I had put so much time and energy into. It was surreal.

Work my taper a bit better and maybe do longer bricks (4+ hours) to get used to going full steam for longer periods. See an orthopod/physical therapist for help with the knees.

Walked around for 20 minutes before the skies opened up and soaked everything and everybody. Stretched and ate some spaghetti. Stretched some more, packed up, and got on the road home.


Knee pain and a lack of experience at this distance. I did my first tri only 2 months ago although I have been training for this event for 20+ weeks. I just didn't know what my body could take and now I have a better appreciation.


I plan on being back in '08, more prepared and more motivated than ever.