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Ford Ironman 70.3 California
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Ford Ironman 70.3 California - Triathlon1/2 Ironman
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 Swim
Comments: Water wasn't too cold but I had trouble bi-lateral breathing. Could only do two strokes and would need a breath. My sighting was poor. There was the sun and my goggles were fogged up. I would have to take them off just to see where I was going. Lifeguard came over once and said I was too far over to one side. I was actually laughing inside that I was doing a half-ironman. I usually play golf on Saturday, not trek around for 70.3 miles. Wave starts were only 3 minutes apart, so every 3 minutes the fast swimmers behind me would just bowl right over me. Didn't bother me too much. Wasn't too violent of a swim. What would you do differently?: Know the course. No idea where I was headed the entire time. Would just follow some people. Had to take off my goggles to see where I was.  Transition 1
Comments: Over 7 minutes? Did I take a nap in transition?! Well, I wanted to prep for the bike. Had some food and drank. I was also at the far end of the transition area. Put on arm warmers and mentally prepared for a long bike ride. What would you do differently?: Not be as deliberate.  Bike
Comments: Ah, the end of my world as I know it. I was doing great for the first 28 miles. Was on a 3:20 pace or so. I was smiling and laughing. I was even wondering why everyone was in such a damn hurry. I wanted to enjoy the day. It isn't very often that you get to bike along the ocean on a perfect morning with the streets closed. Then there was 'the hill'. I could see it as I was approaching. Do we really have to go up that thing? Isn't there another way around it?! Struggled big time on that first hill. Had to walk for a couple of minutes which didn't seem to hurt me too badly since the speeds were so slow. But I was spent after that. I got passed by EVERYBODY on the bike leg. The entire field it seemed. I just stayed in the right lane and went at my own pace. What would you do differently?: My bike skills are pathetic. I should have done many more long rides. I have never even gone 56 miles before the race. Sad. It not only killed me on the bike portion but it would hurt me on the run since I was so spent. And I started wondering why I subjected myself to this. My coach told me I would go through this state. I didn't believe him, but sure enough, the thought was there. Transition 2
Comments: I was dejected. I came into the transition area and it was filled to the brim with bikes. Plus, I was beat up physically and I still had a half-marathon to get through. What would you do differently?: Not be concerned with how other people are doing in the race.  Run
Comments: I was physically and emotionally beat up. The 2nd half of the bike leg depressed me. I didn't put the time in on the bike and it affected everything. And the worst part is I forgot to bring the gels I love out on the run. I spent an eternity in the transition. Totally forgot and it was too late once I realized it. The first loop I finished in just over an hour. But then I did something I have never done before in a race. I walked. I don't know why I started walking. I saw a lot of people walking and I took the easy way out. I definitely could have jogged but I didn't. I was kind of detached from this mental battle going on in my head. One part wanted to run and the other part wanted to walk. I guess the sides negotiated half-way because I would mix up the run and walk. I finished nearly 48 minutes behind my stand-alone half marathon. What would you do differently?: Bring my gels! More bricks. Post race
Warm down: Happy to be done! Got some food in the tent. What limited your ability to perform faster: Only three things. The bike, the bike, and the bike. Event comments: Well, literally 9 months ago I had no idea what triathAlons were (that is how I thought it was spelled.) A half-ironman seemed out of this world. In some ways, I feel like I was at the top of the world and rock bottom. I have thought about this race for literally 6 months. Every single workout was focused on Oceanside. I was almost thinking of not writing a race report because I didn't want to share my results, or lack thereof. More mental gymnastics that I love to play. There will never be another first half-ironman and what an incredible experience. I feel privileged to have been able to part of such an outstanding event. The glory, the pain, the agony, and the joy all wrapped up into one little ball. Love it! Profile Album Last updated: 2006-11-14 12:00 AM
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 2007-04-01 8:50 PM |
Expert  1169    Sherman Oaks, CA |  Subject: Ford Ironman 70.3 California |
| 2007-04-01 9:09 PM in reply to: #744876 |
| Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Even though you have a lot of "below average"s in your report, I think you did GREAT for your first half! You learned a lot and made it through like a champ. Now I'll be looking for you out in the PV peninsula or the Pasadena hills, prepping for your next one... |
| 2007-04-01 9:12 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Veteran 213 Los Angeles, CA | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Hey Mark, Nice job finishing the race. Your report reads a lot like my memory of IMAZ last year especially the part about being passed by everyone and walking on the skip. These things happen but it doesn't mean they need or should happen again. You improved a lot, your skip split has as much to do with your dance split as anything else...as you correctly pointed out more dancing is what you need. The great thing is that your running speed is quick enough that it is clear you have the leg muscles necessary to dance faster than you currently are cycling you just need to put in some time in the saddle. The first time is about finishing, the subsequent ones are about improving. Now I guess you should get started on improving. : ) Great job finishing the race. Hang in there, Mike |
| 2007-04-01 9:13 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Elite 3489 Lakewood, CO | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Way to share your feelings and see the big picture. 9 month to HIM, not many can say that. |
| 2007-04-01 9:14 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Extreme Veteran 348 Cary, NC | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California I feel your pain. I had struggles this weekend as well. The only thing I had going for me was that I was doing a sprint. Nice job anyways. Keep it up! |
| 2007-04-01 9:14 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Elite 3491 In The Peleton | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California You just did a half Ironman!!! Congrats! Now seriously, I can't imagine substituting that with a day of golf. Now go sign up for another one and do some long rides! |
| 2007-04-01 9:26 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Pro 4206 Los Angeles, CA | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Congrats on finishing the CA 1/2!!! I did it last year. Brings back memories. Edited by auto208562 2007-04-01 9:27 PM |
| 2007-04-01 9:48 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Master 1534 San Diego, CA | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Hey Mark, 2 things: - on my good days my 1/2 marathon time is not much faster than the time you recorded at the end of the Half Ironman. It's a decent time considering just having swam in 59 degree water and dancing up Mt. Everest (aka the "Blast") - I was out there yesterday working the Hot Corner (Harbor/Pacific). I've volunteered out there the last 4 years, and you are FAR from the first guy to have a tough day out there. Way to tough it out! Congratulations on finishing a 1/2 Ironman in your 1st year. Excellent! You should be proud of doing something most people will never attempt. BTW - if you want to get re-pumped up, go out to Ironman AZ in 2 weeks as a spectator and watch the finish line scene for a few hours (especially near the midnight cutoff). You will be jazzed all over again.
Edited by dhyte 2007-04-01 10:02 PM |
| 2007-04-01 9:55 PM in reply to: #744876 |
| Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Mark - Great report. Honest and candid. It's not easy out there, even though some race reports make it seem that way. No shame in walking, I did it too. For the first time in a race. Sometimes it's just the smart thing to do. Before yesterday, I'd never gotten to a point where, well, just walking was even considered as an option. My HR chart from yesterday showed that it was a popular option for me on the secon dlap. You saw me out on the skip, I saw you out on the skip. I know exactly how you were feeling. Starting in wave 2, I also got passed by everybody. I think I passed one person on the dance, and he was from my wave, so he had already passed me anyway. Literally. One person. The skip, well I am not sure I passed anyone. No one can take the first HIM away. All you need to do is take the experience and use it for your next one. And 9 months to your first HIM? Try 2 years for me! Chris |
| 2007-04-01 10:04 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Elite 3020 Bay Area, CA | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California You know what your limiter was and you know how to correct. I too have had races where I thought about not putting up the RR - but you did it and it's worth recording. Give it a week and see how you feel then. Bet you will feel better about the whole thing. I think you did great! |
| 2007-04-01 10:08 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Master 1686 Royersford, PA | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Good Job Mark. After your first HIM you got to think about the positive, like Holy Sh*t Batman I just covered 70.3 miles!!! Not too many folks can say that. My first HIM I was very similar experience, longest ride ever and ended up walk/jogging by mile 1 and struggled to the end. But you set a PR and hopefully you learned a few things you can apply next time. You are the man!! |
| 2007-04-01 10:40 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Member 41 Oakville, ON | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Keep your head up man - just attempting the Half IM, much less finishing it puts you ahead of most people in the world today. You have finished something that many poeple will never even have the guts to try. Take it from a guy who just did his first sprint on Saturday... you kicked a**!  Edited by jkvandy 2007-04-01 10:40 PM |
| 2007-04-01 10:50 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Veteran 277 Los Angeles | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California great job getting out there and tackling your dreams!! I am in a similar boat as you as whether to do a him in my first season or not. I know it probably will not be prettybut would be glorious like yours! Keep it up |
| 2007-04-01 11:20 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Master 1920 Ann Arbor, MI | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California I am so proud of you for not only starting down this journey, but seeing it through to completion. You didn't give up, not for a minute, and now you've finished a half iron-man. That is waaay better than a day of golf! Now sit back and enjoy your accomplishment |
| 2007-04-02 1:08 AM in reply to: #744876 |
Master 2055 Santa Clarita | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Congrats FINISHER ..... It was Tough Race for You , but also an incredible event to be a part of . My first 1/2 Mary was absolutely brutal and I took on way more than I was ready for. I had to walk some of it . But I finished and the tough experience made me stronger and more focused in my training program. Now get some R&R . |
| 2007-04-02 9:18 AM in reply to: #744876 |
Master 1661 Newbury Park, CA | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California You did it - not many people can say that. I certainly know what it's like to feel disappointed with your results but soon you'll focus more on the fact that you actually finished and you had a good day. Keep at it. You'll have a great day soon. It is so easy to quit and you kept going. Congrats! |
| 2007-04-02 10:16 AM in reply to: #744876 |
| Crystal Lake, IL | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California I admire you for several reasons. Completing the race and sharing your honest feelings about it. I think that's a huge part of getting better in this sport is learning just how hard it is. We read about all these people who do all these amazing things but we don't get from a written page the effort that goes into it. I know if I had tried what you just did after my first 9 months of training you would have crushed my time. I think you did a great job! Heck, I'm doing my first HIM in a few months and I'll have been training for almost 2 years. Congrats on surviving it. Now you can start thinking about racing one.
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| 2007-04-02 12:44 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Champion 5345 Carlsbad, California | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Great job out there on Saturday Mark It was great having dinner with you and your DW on Friday and it very cool to see you out running as you were finishing up. I headed over to the Food Tent to see if I could find you after dropping my gear off but I guess you had already left by that point. You know, I read your report and all I hear is that you were willing to do just about anything to finish this darn thing. Quitting definitely did not sound like an option. The times definitely get tough and sometimes the simplest things snap us out of it. (Like drinking warm flat cola) Rest and recover well and mabe see you in Oceanside next year Edited by WaterDog66 2007-04-02 12:45 PM |
| 2007-04-02 1:01 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Expert 660 Central New York | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Left some comments for you in your log. Nine months from couch to HIM finish. That's stellar. Thanks for a great race report. I hope any disppointement you're feeling will be tempered in the days ahead by the magnitude of your accomplishment. As you said, you crossed the finish, and nobody can ever take it away. Congratulations. |
| 2007-04-02 3:03 PM in reply to: #744876 |
Expert 963 | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Hey Mark - Thanks for posting your report. I've got my first HIM coming up in May and to be honest, I'm extremely nervous. You put everything into perspective though and gave some very important things to think about for the next few weeks I have for training. Congratulations on finishing your first HIM and thanks again for such an honest report!!! |
| 2007-04-03 10:39 AM in reply to: #744876 |
Champion 7553 Albuquerque, New Mexico | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Mark, Congrats on finishing your first HIM! I stuggled with mental demons at Steelhead last summer (and they won) during the run. Your run split was still 6 minutes faster than mine. |
| 2007-04-05 9:29 AM in reply to: #744876 |
Member 31 | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Way to go, sorry I didn't get to meet you I bet we pass each other but how knows, great Job You did great, hope to see you next year. |
| 2007-04-09 9:34 AM in reply to: #744876 |
| Extreme Veteran 398 Charlotte,NC | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California I read your report with great interest and I admire you to share your honest feelings. I will do the same: Looking at your stand alone half marathon times your half ironman time should be around 5:30. I don't care if it is your first or last finishing a half ironman at the time you finished should not be an achievement for you. You said you did not have a ride for 56 mile before the race.Why???? What were you thinking? You said you have a coach. What was he thinking? I think if you train properly next time you will have a better time and a result and have more fun doing it. Good Luck |
| 2007-04-09 12:24 PM in reply to: #753578 |
Expert 1169 Sherman Oaks, CA | Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California doubleplay - 2007-04-09 7:34 AM I read your report with great interest and I admire you to share your honest feelings. I will do the same: Looking at your stand alone half marathon times your half ironman time should be around 5:30. I don't care if it is your first or last finishing a half ironman at the time you finished should not be an achievement for you. You said you did not have a ride for 56 mile before the race.Why???? What were you thinking? You said you have a coach. What was he thinking? I think if you train properly next time you will have a better time and a result and have more fun doing it. Good Luck I can take it. Why didn't I ride for 56 miles? Well, I had some long rides planned, but it got broken up everytime I did it. So, I just had a bunch of 50 milers and figured I could easily cruise for another 6 miles. Looking back, I should have done 75 and 80 milers so 56 wouldn't seem so long. My coach told me a thousand times that the bike was my limiter. Well, finishing was still an achievement for me. It would just have been enhanced with a better finishing time. And I still had a superb time! If you check out my pictures, I was laughing much of the way! Cheers, Mark |
| 2007-04-09 12:43 PM in reply to: #744876 |
| Subject: RE: Ford Ironman 70.3 California Hell, 9 months to never tri'ing to a HIM finish? That's an achievement in my book. No excuses necessary Mark. What you "should have" done is irrelevant to what you did. |
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Sunny
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Got up 15 minutes before the alarm. Had some wheat bread and peanut butter and biked over to the start. Set up in the transition area and everyone in my stall looked like pros. I am always comparing myself. Need to get over it.
Not much. Went to the porta potties and headed over to my wave start.