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EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Cambridge, Maryland
United States
Columbia Triathlon Association
80F / 27C
Sunny
Total Time = 5h 01m 37s
Overall Rank = 322/1412
Age Group = 40-44
Age Group Rank = 64/229
Pre-race routine:

Woke up at 4am, had a bowl of oatmeal and banana. Packed the car and headed to transition around 5 am. When I arrived at the race site I unloaded my transition bag and got my shoes ......... oh sh*t .... I only had 1 shoe!! I tore the car apart and could not find the other shoe. I had no time to go back to the hotel and besides I had no idea where it could be anyway. I gave up and had decided to just ride in my running shoes. Hell, at least I'll have a faster T2. The previous night on the way to dinner my wrist band just fell off. I got into transition by showing the broken band and they told me I could get another one "over there". I got everything set up in transition and had to pee so I went over to get a wrist band on the way to the porta potties. The woman was really giving me a hard time about not having my photo ID. I explained that my wave goes off in 20 minutes and that I was who I said I was and I really need to go to the bathroom! She finally gave me another wristband. The lines were rediculous and I finally just took a little jog and let it go while I was running. (the new Aquaphor material is pretty water repellent, the water just beads right off!) I grabbed a water and "flushed" before entering transition again to get my wetsuit on. As I walked into transition I went by the announcer and saw MY SHOE SITTING ON THE TABLE!!!! YES!!! It turned out that Kevin, my awesome coach found it in the hotel parking lot. Whew! Got my wetsuit on, reset my transition to include my biking shoes and headed down to the water.
Event warmup:

Not much of a warm-up. I figured with all the running around and stress in the last 30 minutes I just needed to relax before the start.
Swim
  • 26m 18s
  • 2112 yards
  • 01m 15s / 100 yards
Comments:

Started off up front and actually got swum over a few times in the first 200-300 yds. I haven't been swimming enough to have my initial speed, I just set the cruise and go. It didn't take long to start passing everyone back again. I got a jellyfish across the face before the first buoy, that felt weird. Kinda like going through a pricker bush with tine prickers. I immediately thought of 2 things, 1 - The theme from SpongeBob and 2 - I should swim with my mouth closed. After rounding the first buoy and getting by a bunch of swimmers I found a group that I thought I could draft. The draft lasted about 50 yds and I took to the outside and went by them. I just set the cruise control and swam. I was having a hard time swimming with my mouth closed and canned that idea. My sighting was perfect and after the second buoy I only saw caps from the wave in front of me. At the third buoy there was a big group of the previous wave and I was weaving in and out of the swimmers when I felt this nice little prick on my tongue. "YUK!! I hope that doesn't swell!" As I approched the shore I felt my arms go through what felt like squishy seaweed then felt the prickers again. I'm sick of jellies!!
What would you do differently?:

Nothing, very pleased with how the swim went for being on a once a week swim plan. :-)
Transition 1
  • 02m 26s
Comments:

Apparently I was so glad to get my shoes before the race that I didn't set the velcro up very well. When I went to get into my shoes I pulled the strap out of the loop and had to thread it back. What a PITA!
What would you do differently?:

Check the velcro on the shoes.
Bike
  • 2h 47m 49s
  • 56 miles
  • 20.02 mile/hr
Comments:

Once I got into my shoes I was having a blast! Had a slight tailwind and flat roads. My HR to start was in the 150's but my effort was pretty low. I was holding an avg speed of 23-25 mph at a pretty easy effort and was thinking that this could be a pretty good race. The plan was to eat a fig newton and dring a gatorade every 30 minutes while sipping water fron the NeverReach. I got to the first aid station at about 10 miles and my gatorade was 3/4 gone so I dumped it and grabbed another. Volunteers were superb at handing the Gatorade on the run. I don't think I was a 1/2 mile from the aid station when I heard "Psst.....psst.....psst.....psst" and thought "Damn!". First thing I did is jog back a little ways to a mailbox to rest the bike against. (I remember laying the bike down at B2B last year and losing all my water.) Found a piece of glass in the tire and picked that out, changed the tube and got on my way. All in all it took a bit longer than I wanted but it got done. Now that I was rested I got back on it and was averaging around 25 for a good stretch, passing a lot of people I had passed before the aid station and saying "hello again" to them. Somewhere around mile 19 or so I saw this woman crash on the lip of the shoulder and she went down hard. There were 3 or 4 bikes that rode right by her, I couldn't believe they didn't stop. I stopped and helped her. She had taken a nice little gouge out of her forearm and had road rash on her elbow, back and shoulder. I had a paper towel in my tool kit and had her apply pressure to stop the bleeding. When she looked at the wound she wasn't feeling too well and I thought she was going to pass out. She laid down for a bit and I was waiting for an official to ride by and call for help. It was kind of scary to think that someone could really be hurt bad out there and there is no way to get an ambulance out there. No houses, noone with a cell phone and no officials anywhere when you need them. Anyways, Stephany from Maryland wanted me to leave because she was worried about my race. Let's see, she's feeling dizzy and bleeding and I'm going to leave her to race........I don't think so. What seemed like an eternity only turned out to be about 10 minutes according to my Garmin. She started feeling better and was joking around a bit, her color was normal and she wasn't feeling dizzy anymore. We decided that she could ride to the next aid station and get help there. I followed her for a bit until she was sure she was okay then I left her, she assured me she was going to drop out at the aid station. She'll be back next year! Back to work again with my speed in the mid 20's until one corner around mile 30 when I turned into a headwind. Oh boy, this is going to be a loooong 25 miles in a headwind. I was still trying to get a bottle of Gatorade every 10 miles and I started to down a couple Enduralyte tabs every 30-45 minutes as well. The rest of the ride I spent in aero because if I sat up my speed dropped 2 mph! I passed a lot of people for a third time and they were starting to recognize me. (That can't be a good thing in a race) It was a great feeling to see some of the pros on the run course. My speed started to pick up some and I was passing people like they were standing still the last few miles. I took my feet out of my shoes with a couple blocks to go and cruised into transition.
What would you do differently?:

Probably push a little harder in the beginning. I never really felt like I was racing on this ride.
Transition 2
  • 02m 52s
Comments:

I was slow getting my fuel belt on and making sure I had everything I needed. I ended up not taking my water bottle which I probably could have used.
What would you do differently?:

Plan better and practice more transitions.
Run
  • 1h 42m 15s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 07m 49s  min/mile
Comments:

This was a great run for me. One of the main differences I see from riding the Plasma is not in speed but it is that I do not feel my back at all when I get off the bike. That was worth every penny! (Thanks Bryan!) I planned on doing this run at the pace I want to do IMLP at using a :30 walk break at each aid station while taking in nutrition and hydration. It worked perfectly. I had a fuel belt with 2 flasks, 3 gels in each flask diluted to 10 oz with water. Odd aid stations I was taking a full glass of Gatorade and a glass of water and pouring cold water down my back. On the even stations I was skipping the Gatorade and taking a big hit of gel before I had a glass of water. I was following one girl who seemed to be holding the same pace for the first 4 or 5 miles and using the same walk break at the aid stations. She started to fade off the pace and I wished her a good race and continued on. When I reached the turn around I felt great and really didn't feel as though I was working very hard. I picked up the pace a little bit figuring I would negative split the run. I was slapping the hands of a lot of BTers and ADKers on my way back home, that definitely helped the motivation and put some energy in the legs. With about 3 miles to go Kevin (t3coach1), my coach, passed me and was looking strong as hell. I tried to hold a pace with him but he was a machine. I maintained the walk breaks until the last aid station where I just took a few seconds to wash down a gel and kept running. (That's where the 7:07 came from) I was probably running about a 7:10-7:15 pace when I was running but that little walk break was refreshing.
What would you do differently?:

Absolutely nothing! Awesome run and the heat didn't bother me a bit!
Post race
Warm down:

Walked around, stretched, hung out with friends, ate black beans and rice (you would not believe how good that tasted after a race!) Chatted with Fred (PennState) and Paul Fritzsche (one of the nicest pros on the planet) for a long time. I am really looking forward to seeing both of them again at IMLP.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Overweight and undertrained.

Event comments:

This was a top notch race. Very well organized, the volunteers were all over the place and very friendly and the course is very fast (a little boring but very fast).


Profile Album


Last updated: 2008-10-08 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:26:18 | 2112 yards | 01m 15s / 100yards
Age Group: 4/229
Overall: 29/1412
Performance: Average
AHR 164 - MHR 170
Suit: Orca P-Flex Sleevless
Course: Rectangular, jelly-fish lined course. Not too choppy
Start type: Wade Plus: Waves
Water temp: 74F / 23C Current: Low
200M Perf. Below average Remainder: Average
Breathing: Average Drafting: Below average
Waves: Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 02:26
Performance: Bad
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed: Bad
Biking
02:47:49 | 56 miles | 20.02 mile/hr
Age Group: 123/229
Overall: 636/1412
Performance: Average
AHR 140 - MHR 162
Wind: Some
Course: Flat, exposed windy
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence: 85
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills:
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 02:52
Overall: Below average
Riding w/ feet on shoes Good
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
01:42:15 | 13.1 miles | 07m 49s  min/mile
Age Group: 48/229
Overall: 2052/1412
Performance: Good
AHR 153 - MHR 165 1 mi splits: 7:27 - 7:53 - 7:58 - 7:56 - 8:01 - 8:07 - 7:57 - 7:53 - 7:57 - 7:43 - 7:44 - 7:39 - 7:07 - :50
Course: Flat out and back with no cover from the sun.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2009-06-15 8:06 PM

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Bob
2194
2000100252525
Binghamton, NY
Subject: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon


2009-06-15 8:24 PM
in reply to: #2219863

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Extreme Veteran
357
1001001002525
Ft. Myers, Florida
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
The story about the shoe is hillarious (only because it ended up OK, even though it put you under a bit of extra stress).

You earned the title of Gentleman with a capital G by putting your goals aside to make sure a fellow athlete was truelly OK.  May someone, someday, return the kindness to you.

Great job.
2009-06-15 9:37 PM
in reply to: #2219863

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Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
I'm glad Stephanie had you to look out for her.

Entertaining race report...jellies don't sound so fun to swim with...keeping your mouth closed did seem like a good idea. I'm guessing being stung on the tongue didn't cause to many issues.

Great race, nice pacing and it is wonderful to see you being a good person at a race.

Hope to meet up with you one of these days at one of these races!
2009-06-15 9:54 PM
in reply to: #2219863

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Expert
957
5001001001001002525
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
So you're the one that left his shoe at a hotel in Cambridge (I remember hearing that annoucement before the race)-glad to hear that you got it back in time.  That woman was very lucky to have had you there to help her- you did good!  Between her, the wristband, the sea nettles (your first sting was about where I got stung once as well- probably the same evil one), and the shoe- you'll be telling people stories about this race for a long time.  Congratulations on a good race!

Sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you this weekend- maybe at IMLP (I'm volunteering).
2009-06-15 10:03 PM
in reply to: #2219863

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Extreme Veteran
981
500100100100100252525
Maryland
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

I remember hearing that show announcement too, but didn't really think it could be someone using it to race! :-)  Good job, way to handle things the right way.

2009-06-15 10:13 PM
in reply to: #2219863

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Veteran
263
1001002525
What used to be the country, PA
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Nice job sacrificing your race time to help someone who really needed it. I always tell my kids that you get what you give, so the payback for your good deed is sure to be a good one. By the way, great time even given a flat and "good Samaritan" time.

I'm also laughing at your story about passing the same people 3 times - I didn't race this weekend, but I had a similar experience this weekend on a charity ride where I (and many others) had multiple flats and it seemed like I was passing the same people over and over.

Congrats again on a great Eagleman!


2009-06-16 6:23 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2009-06-16 7:27 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Pro
4675
20002000500100252525
Wisconsin near the Twin Cities metro
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Great report Bob!  What a guy stopping for the crash victim.  Good luck on the buildup to Placid

2009-06-16 8:13 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
All sorts of awesome, Bob, and I am glad the Plasma fits you so well! Could I get a poster sized copy of the print of you, Rick, and Fred for my wall?

Edited by bryancd 2009-06-16 8:15 AM
2009-06-16 9:09 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Coach
10487
50005000100100100100252525
Boston, MA
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
you earned the BT sportmanship award Bob, good job!
2009-06-16 9:57 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Total ambassador for the sport!  You are a great example of why so many people come into the sport and stay with it.  Where else would someone stop and sit with you if you crashed and blow their whole race?

Great race, great attitude and a fantastic time even with the stops on the bike.  It was really nice to meet you and I hope we can race together again!


2009-06-16 10:16 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Pro
5123
5000100
Canandaigua NY
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

I guess I can cross this race off of my list of must do races!  Swimming with the jelly fish does not sound like fun to me!

Incredible display of sportsmanship to stay with Stephanie until you were sure she was alright!!!  You deserve some strong positive karma for LP after that! 

Lost shoe, flat tire, providing first aid on the course and still you almost broke 5 hours!!!  Great job Bob!!!

2009-06-16 12:21 PM
in reply to: #2219863

Master
1324
1000100100100
Rochester, NY
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Outstanding.  On many, many levels. 

2009-06-16 12:40 PM
in reply to: #2219863

Elite
3518
20001000500
Madison, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

You rock Bob!! I am sure she appreciated all your help.  Glad you found your other bike shoe....that would have sucked.  Oh and according to the pics..it looks like you bought yourself some new shorts..eh?

Awesome race!

2009-06-16 12:56 PM
in reply to: #2219863

Expert
892
500100100100252525
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Great race, but more importantly you are a good man, Bob. Stopping for an injured athlete shows what you're truly made of. Great stuff!
2009-06-16 2:02 PM
in reply to: #2219863

Champion
34263
500050005000500050005000200020001001002525
Chicago
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Great race Bob!!! Wow you're a fast swimmer. Like a guppy! Or shark. Or whatever. Nice job!!!


Edit: Surprising nobody stopped for her. That's messed up ...

Edited by mr2tony 2009-06-16 2:05 PM


2009-06-16 3:04 PM
in reply to: #2219863

Master
1478
1000100100100100252525
Horseheads, NY
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

You are a gentleman and an athlete!  Awesome race...all that speed and now downhills :-)

Congratulations on a great race.

2009-06-16 3:09 PM
in reply to: #2219863

Extreme Veteran
877
500100100100252525
Pa
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Nice race Bob.  I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't find a shoe. I would have been super upset.  It's a good thing Kevin found it in the parking lot. 

I can't believe no one stopped for that girl that crashed. 

Sorry I missed you after the race.
2009-06-16 7:33 PM
in reply to: #2219863

Member
54
2525
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
I heard them call your name in the finishing chute when I was in T2.
Nice race. Also you get the gold star for helping out the crash victim. Just awesome.
2009-06-16 10:08 PM
in reply to: #2219863

Expert
1023
1000
Malvern, England
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
love your attitude Bob! 
Your report had me laughing (and worried) from the start.
So, transition practice is coming along nicely over the years - must book that offered lesson in sometime
2009-06-17 12:10 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Pro
3730
2000100050010010025
NorCal
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Bob, if I swam everyday from now until IMAZ I would still never be half as fast as you...I think you are part fish.  Way to help out a fellow racer, you are the man!  Glad you did not need any TUMS   Fantastic race and great read, CONGRATS!!! 


2009-06-17 7:43 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Extreme Veteran
643
50010025
Connecticut
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Damn I remember being in trasnition and hearing the announcer call out and think that dude will be peed when they open their T bag.

Nice job stopping for the injured cyclist not many people would do that inlcuding myself.

Nice race.

2009-06-17 9:27 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Expert
1296
1000100100252525
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Good stuff.   Nice work....

2009-06-17 9:29 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2009-06-17 9:35 AM
in reply to: #2219863

Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Wow.  Just wow.  RACE REPORT OF THE YEAR!

Shoe drama, jellies (on a side note...look into Sea Safe or Safe Sea or something like that...supposed to neutralize the sting if you put it on before the swim), a flat, and good samaritan duties...and you still go 5 hours!

You da MAN.

Karma comes around...
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