Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I knew I was in trouble immediately. I had been working myself up even before entering the water. A bit after rounding the buoy I couldn't breathe. I couldn't tolerate putting my face in the water as it seemed to only increase the sensation of not being able to breathe. I swallowed water and began coughing. Then I really began to have a panic attack. Was trying to swim closer to shore so I could stand up but this was proving to be difficult as everyone else wanted to go straight. Began to really go into freak out mode. A REALLY NICE woman noticed my obvious distress and STOPPED to help calm me down. Once I was standing and began to regulate my breathing she went on. I walked a bit then continued with the swim. All form out the window as I swam more than half without putting my face in the water.
And to the women who helped me Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I continue to be amazed at the wonderful people I have met within the triathlon community.

Everything.
First off, need more OWS practice. I've had some but obviously not enough.
Get some neoprene booties and a hat.
Not work myself up before the race even starts.

So, the swimming is over and now its time to run onto the beach. Run? I can't fell my feet. How am I supposed to run if I can't feel my feet. Managed to get to my bike, but by then I am shaking uncontrollably. I had trouble getting out of my wet suit. Here's where another nice person comes into the picture. I had to sit down because I was shaking so much. A guy comes over and says"stickup your feet" and proceeds to pull the wetsuit off my legs. But I was on my own as far as the helmet, socks, shoes, etc. Very difficult with hands that would not respond to my commands. To add to fun, I decided to put on arm warmers. Lost a lot of time trying put those suckers on wet trembling arms.

Hard to say. I'd like to say not get so cold, but don't have that much control over that. Having the neoprene booties and cap would have helped.

It took me a good 45 minutes on the bike before I warmed up and could feel my feet again. Even though I lost time in transition with the arm warmers was probably a good decision to help me warm up. OF course I took them off later.Once I stopped shivering I began to feel better and go faster. At around 18 miles I saw my husband and son waving from across the road. What a great pick-me-up. I needed that. The rest of the ride was actually quite nice. I maintained a comfortable pace. Nutrition on hydration plan worked well. I got off the bike feeling good.

Not much. Probably could have pushed myself a bit harder, but overall I'm pleased.

Went better than the first transition that's for sure.
Took some extra time to put on sunscreen.
Meet up with a women I met prior to the swim and decided to run together.

Nothing

The sun had come out while on the bike and now it was HOT! NO worries about being cold anymore. But I do OK in the heat. I brought along sport beans and GU and made sure to drink a little at each aid station. The woman I was running with began to slow down at the start of the second loop, but I stayed with her. It was nice to have someone to chat with and pass the time. I also felt like I was sort of repaying the kindness shown to me earlier. At mile 10 she had to stop and walk. Told me to go on. I picked up the pace and finished strong.

Nothing.

Found my husband and son and drank water. Was not interested in eating. Actually went down to THE LAKE, my arch enemy, and went into the water to cool off and get all the grime off. Later tried to eat a PB@J to get some protein, but could only finish half. Have to remember to have my husband bring my protein shake, about the only thing I can tolerate after racing.


Begin SO VERY COLD coming out of the water. I have never had that type of reaction before. I was really having trouble functioning.


Can't fault the race for the weather. even though it was a pain to delay the start, I glad they did.
Overall, I'm please with my performance and my time for my first HIM. I persevered through a rough swim and didn't give up (although it did cross my mind at one point in the freak out) But I didn't and finished feeling great!