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Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon
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Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman
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 Swim
Comments: This was an interesting swim. Because they had pulled the buoys in, a lot of the swim course was walkable ... and it surprised me how many people WERE walking the swim. I probably stood up about 3 times to try and figure out where the next buoy was (the fog had lifted, but not enough so that you could always see the next buoy), but otherwise just swam. Not a bad swim for me. I hear that the current was helping swim times -- which would make sense, since even with the shortened course, my pace was over 10 seconds per 100m faster than last year. A LOT of people were cheating and were on the shore-side of the buoys ... the fog and current pushed a lot of people off-line ... and I was surprised that a lot didn't even make an effort to go around the buoys. About 75% of the way through, I found myself about 20m or so on the shore-side of a buoy and decided that while many people were doing it, I wasn't going to -- so I swam back and around the buoy so I knew I followed the race course. Not that it matters a whole lot, honestly. Got out of the water around 34:10 -- about 11 minutes faster than last year -- which made me happy. :) The long slog up the beach added another 1.5 minutes or so to my time... What would you do differently?: Not a whole lot. Like last year, little did I know that this would be the best I'd be feeling all day. Swam strong and without panic. Could have drafted better, but that's a skill I'm still working on.  Transition 1
Comments: While swimming in the cold didn't affect me, T1 was definitely problematic because of it. My left hand (because of the broken arm + 4 surgeries) has some permanent nerve damage that makes it somewhat cold intolerant. By the end of the swim, my left hand wasn't just numb - it was pretty painful. And useless. That made getting out of the wetsuit much more difficult. What would you do differently?: Nothing, really. Circumstances dictated how this transition went.  Bike
Comments: I have no idea what happened on this bike ride. On the surface, I did everything right: kept my HR where it was supposed to be, took in 900-1000 calories on nutrition. But was feeling sluggish and not all that happy to be biking from the outset, and it just got worse. After about an hour on the course, I just didn't want to be there anymore ... for no real reason. Wasn't feeling great, but wasn't really hurting either. Keeping my HR below z4 kept my effort comfortable. After that, it became a mental struggle that I lost somewhere down the line. When I asked myself why I was doing this, I just didn't have a good answer. I think long course racing gives me too much time to think. Around mile 40 I caught up with Ellen. I slowed to chat with her for a bit, and suddenly a dog darted across the street. And then another - but that one was moving much slower and both Ellen and I had to take evasive action to avoid. Ellen looked back -- the dog only had 3 legs! I guess he played in traffic and lost at some point in his life....! At around mile 45, my Garmin gave out. Well, actually, it told me the lap database was full and then incessantly beeped at me so I turned it off in frustration. After that, probably raced a little harder than I should have, but not overwhelmingly so. Played leapfrog with another lady for awhile, which made the time pass more quickly. What would you do differently?: I have no idea. That's the frustrating part. I still don't really know why this was such a bad bike ride for me. The time wasn't too bad -- I knew it would be slower than last year because I was holding back for the run -- and my overall performance was at least average, but I had almost no fun out there. Transition 2
Comments: By this point, I didn't care. One of my shoes had popped off my bike when I dismounted (that's the second time that's happened now... should look at that if I want to continue with all this), and I carried it back to my transition area, where every bike was already back. In frustration for not having a good/fun/positive race up to this point, threw the shoe into my stuff and gave long thought to quitting. In the end, I didn't know how I would face everyone without having a good reason other than "I didn't want to" for not completing the race. What would you do differently?: I wasn't running or hurrying. Didn't care all that much, either.  Run
Comments: I said this last year.... it was a death march. Except that this year, it didn't turn into a death march, it started out as one and continued to be one until I finally crossed the finish line. From the first step to the last, this run hurt. Mentally and physically. I had essentially already given up the race while on the bike, and I couldn't give myself a good reason as to why I was out there killing myself. And - the mental struggles begat physical struggles -- my feet, hips and ITB were all yelling at me. I still had my Garmin with me, and I thought to turn it on to just see what my HR was doing... I was supposed to keep it no higher than high z3 until the last 5k... well, I wasn't even putting forth enough effort to get out of high z2/low z3. So, finally I just turned it off and put it in my back pocket (where it then rubbed me raw in two spots on my back). I didn't even bother to keep my split times on my other watch (and those of you who know me, know that this is definitely not my normal style) ... just didn't even care, knew it was going to be slow. Last year it was fun that this was a two-loop out and back course so you could spend time watching for people... this year, I just wanted to not see anyone, not have anyone tell me I was "looking good!" or to "keep at it!". Got to the 10 mile mark and decided to run/shuffle/whatever the last 5k. I just needed to be off the course as soon as possible. Starting to run again was HARD. Just hurt so much. Every small incline or decline was painful. I mostly had my head down, wasn't paying too much attention, but kept looking for the 11 mile marker. And I didn't see it, and didn't see it, and didn't see it....I was ready to just about fall apart. Finally - I saw the 12 mile mark - obviously, I had missed 11 - and that's when the crying started. I was just so relieved that I only had a mile to go. By the time I hit the finish line, I was a sobbing, emotional mess. I had just wanted to be done so badly, and I could finally stop. What would you do differently?: Not do this again? Post race
Warm down: Stood around while volunteers anxiously tried to figure out whether I was overjoyed or injured or just a little bit crazy..... Got some water and then wanted to just disappear for awhile, but I knew that Ellen was just a couple of miles behind me, and I needed to see her finish. So, I stood around in the finish area, trying to make my brain put together coherent thoughts (and no, none were really to be had by that time). Kelly and Laura came to find me and see if I was all right ... which I was ... and wasn't... just depends on your viewpoint. And of course, in that state I manage to run into at least 5 other people I know. Perfect. What limited your ability to perform faster: I dunno. I think that mentally I just might not be a long course kind of gal. Event comments: Course is nice, volunteers are the BEST (all over the place, and incredibly helpful, friendly and supportive!) and there are plenty of aid stations along the course. The downsides -- the website is difficult to navigate and find any kind of information, they didn't even tell us when transition opened, expo was difficult to find, and overall organization seemed to be lacking this year. Overall, it's a good race, though, and if I were to do another HIM, I'd consider it. Last updated: 2008-03-24 12:00 AM
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 2008-07-23 9:19 AM |
Master  1478    Southwest Chicago 'burbs Bronze member |  Subject: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon |
| 2008-07-23 10:05 AM in reply to: #1551679 |
Champion 5495 Whizzzzzlandia Silver member | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon You did it. It's over. Now onto the next one! We all learn ALOT more from our painful races than we do from our easy ones. That's a fact.
Nice Job.
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| 2008-07-23 10:22 AM in reply to: #1551679 |
Master 1563 Chicago | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon I totally agree with Whizzzzz and like I said in the e-mail, I'm inspired by all you 1/2ers who had to swim twice as long as we did. I couldn't even call what I did in there swimming so you should be very proud of yourself...I am!! I know Aaron from MB too...small world! Great job out there Laura!!
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| 2008-07-23 10:35 AM in reply to: #1551679 |
Iron Donkey 38643 , Wisconsin | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon Getting upset about a shoe? HTFU! Sounded like it was a little tough for you, but as Whizzzzz has stated, you do learn more from those races! You continued to strive and did well! Congrats! |
| 2008-07-23 1:27 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
Champion 6056 Menomonee Falls, WI | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon First of all, Laura, great to meet you on Saturday and way to tough out a day filled with all sorts of challenges. But I have to point out one thing in your RR. You mentioned your goal on the bike was to stay in z4... is that right? That seems way too high for a race of this distance. I know my plan was to stay in z2, and while I cheated a bit I never got above threshold. If you were cycling the whole distance above your threshold, it's not surprising you ran into difficulty. I'm no expert, but just something for you to consider.  |
| 2008-07-23 1:35 PM in reply to: #1552829 |
Master 1478 Southwest Chicago 'burbs Bronze member | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon scoobysdad - 2008-07-23 1:27 PM First of all, Laura, great to meet you on Saturday and way to tough out a day filled with all sorts of challenges. But I have to point out one thing in your RR. You mentioned your goal on the bike was to stay in z4... is that right? That seems way too high for a race of this distance. I know my plan was to stay in z2, and while I cheated a bit I never got above threshold. If you were cycling the whole distance above your threshold, it's not surprising you ran into difficulty. I'm no expert, but just something for you to consider. Great meeting you too! And I'm glad you had the aero helmet there so that Whizzzzz could have fun with it. Ooops. Typo. Make that "below" z4 ... I was actually supposed to be mid-z3, no higher than upper z3. My avg HR ended up being actually solidly mid-z3 and the ride was comfortable, effort-wise.
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| 2008-07-23 4:57 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
| over a barrier | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon Put the race behind ya and get ready to rock P.P - I'll be there as a cheering section and I'll holler extra loud for you.... I think the freaky weather impacted everyone's race too...cold/foggy to humid and hot! |
| 2008-07-23 5:21 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
Regular 80 Oak Park, Il | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon Chin up and all that crap. It doesn't really matter what I say here. Its all just words. What matters is that eventually you'll put this behind you, realize what it all means in the grander scheme and then you'll move on and race some more. Just keep on plugging away. Looking forward to seeing you at PP. |
| 2008-07-23 8:28 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
Elite 2468 Racine, WI | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon Y'know what? I've never heard you say you "enjoyed" any race longer than a 1/2 mary or an Oly. So maybe you told us all the deal...maybe you AREN'T "a long course kinda gal". There's nothing at all wrong with that, y'know. You rock at the shorter distance tris and you are one of the best runners I know. But you still have to do Olys so you come up and see me once a year |
| 2008-07-24 12:52 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
Expert 968 Wellington, North Island | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon Not a long course kind of gal, but thinking of riding the entire IMWI course with me next weekend.  We all have tough races and you stuck it out even though this was one of your toughest. You should be proud of what you did, even if it wasn't what you had hoped for. And before you make any rash decision take a couple weeks off and let the emotional stuff pass. And then re-evaluate. And if you're still not a long course kind of gal, that's okay. We'll still like you. |
| 2008-07-24 1:36 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
Expert 1148 NW Suburbs, Illinois | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon Acknowledge...Learn...and Move on.... We already talked afterwards, but I think this is more of an anomoly (sp?), maybe an entire year. It won't define you or you as an athlete. Keep on keepin' on and all that non-sense See you at PP....where it will be a new day! |
| 2008-07-24 4:21 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
Veteran 173 | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon You are tough ... let's face it, you got up at 4 a.m.! I had a crap race last August and I remember struggling with it for about a week, looking for the nuggets to be gleaned (like never, ever have just enough nutrition with you, err toward too much) and then kicking the rest to the curb. You are a strong racer but even the best have bad days. |
| 2008-07-25 3:30 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
Master 1397 Granvile, Ohio | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon I swear, I'm not trying to make excuses for you here, BUT.... let's recap: |
| 2008-07-28 11:02 PM in reply to: #1551679 |
Expert 941 WA | Subject: RE: Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon Laura, finally got around to your RR. Girl, you are amazing for pushing through. Great job. And you know, it's ok to not want to do long distances. who says going long is the only way to go? you kick azz anyway. you showed your stuff on this race, and now you can go on and do whatever you want . |
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United States
HFP Racing
85F / 29C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 1200/1382
Age Group = F35-39
Age Group Rank = 85/103
The big "thing" at this year's race was the cold temps in Lake Michigan -- reported 56 degrees on Friday. So, Saturday we all went down to the Lake to get a little taste of what we had in store for us -- this was the best thing I could have done. Got in -- it was FREEZING -- but found that after 5 minutes in the water, the pain left and everything went comfortably numb. And no hyperventilating, no panic, no issues whatsoever. Just... swimming.
Sunday morning, up at 4am (I think, much to the chagrin of my roommates Ellen, Laura (Whizzzzz) and Jess (jniekrasz)). I always like to get to transition early ... in this case, more than anything, I just wanted to be parked nice and close.
Took my shower (I know, I know... but it wakes me up!), ate my bagel, got ready and was in the lobby to meet Schmize to be his sherpa. Got everything packed in, and then the 5 of us made the short drive from the Radisson to the race site. Didn't get the prime parking spot I wanted, but was only about 4 cars down from that. Sweet! Made it easy to ferry things back and forth to the truck.
The fog was incredible... the buoys had been pulled in maybe 150m already (due to the 40 degree water out at 200m), and you couldn't even see them from shore. Race ended up being delayed for an hour, which meant that because I was intent on getting there early, we ended up standing around for about 3 hours.
Got in the water for about 15 minutes to get used to the water... like Saturday, it was cold, but not so much so that swimming was a problem. Then, tried to warm up while waiting for my wave to go off.
Bonus - my guy Aaron from Mission Bay was there, and I was chatting with him before the race and found out he had a stash of neoprene hats. And he gave me one! Big shout out to him for helping me stay warm. :)