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Ford Ironman World Championship - TriathlonFull Ironman


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Kona, Hawaii
United States
World Triathlon Corporation
Total Time = 10h 25m 5s
Overall Rank = 689/1918
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 149/240
Pre-race routine:

This was my 3rd trip to Kona, and if you don't know my history of this race, I should tell you that I haven't had the greatest days here and was just looking for a solid experience a positive finish (long story). I equate my trip here to that of a Serbian swimmer or a Cuban marathon runner in the Olympics. It's awesome to be on the world's greatest stage, but I have absolutely no hope of really competing for a podium, so this is more of a participation day of sorts. This is a race full of studs, so when you swim once a week and bike once or twice a week, it's not realistic to think you're going to show up and kick butt. Anyway, onto race day...
T1
got up at 4:30 am after being awake since 2am. Ate 2 hard boiled eggs and packed up my bags. Walked down to body marking, etc. with 2 of my friends/training partners (Rip Reynolds and Steven Rogers) who came to Hawaii to be my pit crew..
Swim
  • 53m 43s
  • 4224 yards
  • 01m 16s / 100 yards
Comments:

Once the pros took off I got in the water rather quickly. entering the swim I wanted to get a good warm up and a good position. I looked it up and saw that the tide was to be coming out during the start, so I lined up further away from the pier than I have in previous years. As the start came closer and closer the crowds grew and the fighting for position became more intense. My experience has been that Kona is the worst for this kind of stuff. With a few minutes to go I am stiff arming one person with my back pressed firmly up against another and my leg bumping a third to keep from getting squeezed out. This year I even had people yelling at each other (One especially pleasant fellow told me that I was "really fu**king annoying"). Unpleasant is an understatement. Violent would be more appropriate. I know that most of these people aren't going to be my problem when the gun goes off, but it's hard to convince them of that. It can be a high stress situation. The gun goes off and I hit the gas. I took about 6 strokes to get clear of the fighting, and then another 50 yards or so to have some open space. Then I wind it down a notch about every 5 strokes until I'm in my pace. My burst got me the lead. As we swam, on my right, or from me to the pier-side of the course, there were some fast swimmers about a body-length back. on my left side, there were 2 guys that had come around and passed me. I hit the gas again to get on their feet. The pace was really brisk for a while. After a number of minutes I saw the group that had formed from their move and decided to settle into a more comfortable pace on some feet next to me. In a matter of a few more minutes, the pace of the group slowed considerably. I guessed the guys on the front had either gotten away or settled down. From this point, it was a steady comfortable swim with the exception of the waves. Seemed a bit rough. Additionally, there were a bunch of boats out in the area, and when a boat would decide to move to another location, they would hit the gas and create some huge waves for us. Throws you off balance because you get into a rhythm with the ocean and then get clobbered by a bunch of rogue boat waves. I sat towards the back of our group and noticed that we had a nice gap on the next group. Coming into the pier I looked ahead and could see that our group stayed together and didn't spread out. So I would be within 30 seconds or so of the lead of the race (give or take). (In looking in the results later I believe 1 person gapped a few seconds on us and got out solo). Got to the stairs and felt great. 12th out of the water. (the results that show 48th include the pros)
Transition 1
  • 02m 47s
Comments:

through the showers, grabbed my bag and hit the tent. Helmets and shoes could stay with the bike, so T1 was easy. Fill the pockets, put on the number and shades. Then the looong run to the end of the pier and back to your bike. Felt good.
Bike
  • 5h 27m 17s
  • 112 miles
  • 20.53 mile/hr
Comments:

The ride from the pier up to the hot corner is fantastic. Just enormous crowds. Then there's the little 5 mile circuit through Kona that is mostly uphill.first miles on the bike It's sort of unsettling because it makes it hard to settle down and get into a pace. At the turnaround just south of town you can see down to the ocean and the swim course. I could see people rounding the turn out there (man, that swim looks realllllly long from up there). Got out onto the Queen K in 22nd overall and we had a very slight tailwind. It was here that I could settle in on a pace. This is also the part of my day that starts to wear on your mind. As a good swimmer and a mediocre biker (that's what you get when you ride 1 or 2 times a week) in Kona, I get it absolutely handed to me out here. It's a constant stream of bikes blowing by. By local Texas standards I'm pretty good at riding, but there were 200 age groupers under 5 hours on the bike today. So here in Kona, I'm the fat kid riding slow. As the ride progress the packs begin to come by. It's pretty easy to pick out those who are trying to ride clean and those that don't give a damn. The race marshals were doing the best they could nabbing people, but some of the packs are huge. the Queen K has almost no flat spots, but the hills are all of the big ring variety, so there's nothing overly challenging to climb. I took the left off of the Queen to 270, and after a very brisk downhill, you begin the climb to Hawi. I had been feeling ok up until this point but not great. Once the climb started though, I really started feeling my cycling legs. I was still getting passed, but not nearly as much, and actually started passed some of the bigger cyclists who started suffering on the climb. While the entire course would be considered windy, this section is where the legendary winds show up. (A few days earlier I was registering next to an athlete who was racing here for the first time. She told me how she drove out to this section to ride and the wind almost blew her off the road. She got off the bike and told her family she wasn't racing. They convinced her to try it again, and it wasn't until she relaxed a bit in this wind that she thought she could even do the bike.)I felt great during the climb. got to the turn and passed on my special needs. I still had plenty of calories on me so it wasn't worth the stop. This is where the descent begins, and with the crosswinds the way they were, there were some hairy sections. Once I got over 40 mph I really focused of the athletes in front of me. I could see when and athlete got blown sideways and had to stabilize so as not to crash, and that would tell me where the crosswind gusts where hitting. With the exception of a few sketchy moments, the descent was uneventful. Well almost. Towards the bottom of the descent I got passed by a rider like I had a few hundred times before. We were going just over 30 mph into a turn/bank to the left that immediately becomes nasty little climb to get back onto the Queen K. Those who've raced here know exactly where I'm talking about as it's probably the second steepest hill next to Palani. Anyway, this guy passes me and then right as we turn left he sits up and coasts. I was trying to get a drink and didn't pay real close attention, but then realized I am closing in on this guy and am not yet clear of the draft zone so I sit up and coast. Wasn't doing any good though as we slow to about 9mph, and I heard a motorcyle pull up behind me. The only way I could get clear in enough time was to hit brakes and come to a stop, so I just figured the marshall would see the situation and understand the circumstances. I was wrong. So the marshall pulls up next to me and and nabs me for drafting at 9mph. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! At first I was furious, then I calmed down and accepted my fate. I know they are there for good reason, and, by the letter of the law it did take me too long to get clear. Whatever. Not going to let it ruin my day, and I know that I race clean. So I got to the penalty tent a few miles down the road and served my time. I remember seeing Paula Newby-Fraser and other pros serve time in the penalty tent and mentioning that it was a plus because it gave you a little time to focus on hydration and fueling. So the second I got there, I got off the bike, started stretching, eating and drinking. I had really hoped that I would feel like a new man after that, but it ended up not helping at all. Back on the bike, paranoia set in as I thought that it was 2 strikes and you're out. so if I get boxed in again I'm out of the race! (turns out it's 3 strikes and you're out) When a rider would pass I would tap the brakes, because there was no way my day was going to end on some stupid technicality. There was a long stretch with some nice headwinds, where 15 mph was tough to hold and then they moved to a crosswind as we got past the airport and closer to Kona. It was through this section I saw a couple people in white outfits that had...well...some bathroom issues already. Yikes. I think those white outfits are so cool looking, but if you run into some digestive issues, oh man, you're an internet sensation on one of those "fail" websites. Rolled into town feeling pretty good and ready to get off the bike.
Transition 2
  • 05m 58s
Comments:

This was the slowest transition I have ever done. ever. And it was sort of on purpose. In Ironman Texas I was dehydrated and had to stop at mile 1 to rehydrate. So I sat down and took my time preparing. Took down a bunch of fluids. Even stretched my legs. It was almost 3 times slower than normal, but I was fine with it. I was here to have a good day, not to have a best time.
Run
  • 3h 55m 20s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 08m 59s  min/mile
Comments:

Came out of T2 and started running up Palani. After a few hundred yards and you turn right off Palani, I could feel the running legs showing up. I was able to settle into my pace pretty quick with the help of my heart rate monitor. Ran past my hotel and all my friends just before mile 1 and got a huge burst of energy. mile 1 Boy oh boy does support help. As I ran down Alii I could see the women's race unfold. Was surprised that Chrissie was not leading. At the top of the hill around mile 1 I saw Dibens laying on the road looking like death warmed over. Seeing the ambulance screaming her way told me my assessment was right. Clicked the first mile off at 7:34 and felt pretty comfortable, though the heat was wearing on me in a hurry. I began my own little heat management process immediately. Ice in the crotch, ice down the shirt, hold ice in both hands and swallow as much ice as I could muster. Everything stayed steady through Alii and mile 10 when I saw my friends again, and then headed out to the lava fields. heading towards Queen K At Palani hill, I knew I was going to walk, because that thing is flat out steep. It cost me an extra 4 minutes, but I didn't care. That hill is a dream killer.
Out on the Queen K I again felt pretty good. And this actually put a smile on my face because this is where the wheels have come off before. Was I actually going to have a good day here? Nahhh. Something is bound to go wrong. This section is typically where the head can be the worst, but I'm telling you right now that I think God was looking out for me, because some clouds moved in for the next 6 miles to the energy lab. This is also a great section to be a fan, because you can see the pro's race playing out. Chrissie ran by with Rinny not far behind at all. Also got to see some of the pro men who didn't have a banner day like Lieto. Took the left into the energy lab and still felt surprising solid. Was even passing chunks of people. In previous trips the energy lab has been a spot where problems have cropped up, but this time not so much. The only issue I was starting to have was a little light-headedness if my heart rate climbed too high. This meant that I had to walk-run the hill out of the energy lab so as not to lose it. This persisted all the way back to town. Plenty of energy in the legs, well hydrated, yet light-headed on the uphill. Something I need to figure out and work on. Saw my good friend Kim Hager around mile 24 (she was on her way out) and then saw another old high school friend (Tiffany Hirtle Lindsey)shortly after. Mile 24Seeing Tiffany was a big energy boost as I realized that this race was in the books and I was still having a good day. Made the turn down Palani Hill and then the left onto Kuakini.Last Mile 5 years ago it was this spot where I stopped and dropped down to my knees, thinking I wasn't going to be able to make another step. I stared at that spot as I ran by. Boy, what a difference this year was from year's past. Made the turn towards Alii and saw my friends Rip and Steven again. finishFinally, FINALLY I was going to get to see what everyone talks about with this finish. It struck me as odd at first with so many people, then it got a bit emotional. I soaked up the finish like it was my last Kona finish ever. You never know, it might just be...
Post race
Warm down:

Got a volunteer to walk with me to the food and massage.I was very dizzy. Had some chicken broth and some pizza. tired Massage, photos and gear pickup. Went home, cleaned up and went out to eat a big fat burger and a beer at the Kona Canoe Club that sits on the water over looking the bay and the finish line. Then went back to see midnight. It was a great day that I'll not soon forget.


Profile Album


Last updated: 2011-05-23 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:53:43 | 4224 yards | 01m 16s / 100yards
Age Group: 3/240
Overall: 48/1918
Performance:
Suit:
Course:
Start type: Plus:
Water temp: 0F / 0C Current:
200M Perf. Remainder:
Breathing: Drafting:
Waves: Navigation:
Rounding:
T1
Time: 02:47
Performance:
Cap removal: Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike:
Jump on bike:
Getting up to speed:
Biking
05:27:17 | 112 miles | 20.53 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/240
Overall: 0/1918
Performance:
Wind: Strong with gusts
Course:
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Cornering:
Gear changes: Hills:
Race pace: Drinks:
T2
Time: 05:58
Overall:
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
03:55:20 | 26.2 miles | 08m 59s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/240
Overall: 0/1918
Performance:
Course:
Keeping cool Drinking
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5]
Physical exertion [1-5]
Good race?
Evaluation
Course challenge
Organized?
Events on-time?
Lots of volunteers?
Plenty of drinks?
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5]

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2011-10-20 5:06 PM

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Expert
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The Woodlands, TX
Subject: Ford Ironman World Championship


2011-10-20 6:36 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Pro
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Omaha, NE
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship

Great RR TJ, I feel like I was there with you.  

Congratulations!!

2011-10-20 6:54 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Champion
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Great report, TJ, love the pics! So happy you had such a great experience this time. Regarding that overhead swim shot. It may be from a previous year. I noticed that in my pics from 2007, the overhead swim shots in the picture package had a different set up for tranisition. Check and see of that's from this year because if it is that's so cool!
2011-10-20 7:00 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Congrats .....simply Awesome....was this your best time at Kona? Also which race did you do to qualify for kona each time.....Man the pictures were great. Congrats again
2011-10-20 7:15 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Elite
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PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Great RR TJ!  I've got a few pictures of you coming out of the tent in T1 and running around the pier if you are interested.
2011-10-20 7:52 PM
in reply to: #3732487

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Expert
2547
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The Woodlands, TX
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship

axteraa - 2011-10-20 7:15 PM Great RR TJ!  I've got a few pictures of you coming out of the tent in T1 and running around the pier if you are interested.

 

I saw one of them on your post! Would have been great to meet...not while I was running to my bike....but after the race!!



2011-10-20 8:08 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Pro
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Norwalk, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Awesome report TJ, the pics made it feel like i was with you there watching!!  Congrats on the finish!!
2011-10-20 8:49 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Champion
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marietta
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
cold beer!  
2011-10-20 8:55 PM
in reply to: #3732469

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Expert
2547
200050025
The Woodlands, TX
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship

bryancd - 2011-10-20 6:54 PM Great report, TJ, love the pics! So happy you had such a great experience this time. Regarding that overhead swim shot. It may be from a previous year. I noticed that in my pics from 2007, the overhead swim shots in the picture package had a different set up for tranisition. Check and see of that's from this year because if it is that's so cool!

 

You could be right about that. That's the same area I lined up and had the lead in the first stretch, but there was a strong swimmer to my right that wasn't all that far behind. Been trying to find other helicopter shots from this year that I could confirm with. If you see any out there in cyberspace, let me know. Would love to figure it out.

2011-10-20 9:30 PM
in reply to: #3732381


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Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship

Congrats!!!!! ...and great write up too. 

2011-10-21 5:09 AM
in reply to: #3732585

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Elite
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PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
tjfry - 2011-10-20 10:55 PM

bryancd - 2011-10-20 6:54 PM Great report, TJ, love the pics! So happy you had such a great experience this time. Regarding that overhead swim shot. It may be from a previous year. I noticed that in my pics from 2007, the overhead swim shots in the picture package had a different set up for tranisition. Check and see of that's from this year because if it is that's so cool!

 

You could be right about that. That's the same area I lined up and had the lead in the first stretch, but there was a strong swimmer to my right that wasn't all that far behind. Been trying to find other helicopter shots from this year that I could confirm with. If you see any out there in cyberspace, let me know. Would love to figure it out.

This is about 15 seconds into the race - assuming that's you out in front I would say the overhead shot isn't from this year. 



2011-10-21 10:30 AM
in reply to: #3732381

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Master
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Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Great RR TJ, I saw your finish in ironmanlive.com, very cool. Yeah, I'm sure you felt like "just" a participant given all the talent that was there but to most of us BT'ers, you're the stud!  I hope one day to be writing a RR for Kona.  Glad you had a good run, sub 9's after a rock star swim and 20.5 mph bike is stud level in my book.
2011-10-21 11:38 AM
in reply to: #3732381

Iron Donkey
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Great job!  LOF the pics, too!!
2011-10-22 4:37 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Regular
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austin/tx
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Great job out there conquering those past race demons. You had a killer swim, crappy bike penalty, and solid run. I too was battling the light-headed feeling coming out of the energy lab. I figured it was the combo of calories, no breeze in the face, and a rough uphill to get back on the queen k. Great job and great pix!
2011-10-24 10:12 AM
in reply to: #3732381

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship

great race report.  Very glad you had a great finish experience.  That finish video of you says it all.  Way to let the work pay off for you.

Rest up and enjoy some down time! 

2011-10-24 11:04 AM
in reply to: #3732381

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Champion
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Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Congratulations!! Awesome day out there and sounds like you raced super smart.  I'm so happy for you that you enjoyed the day so much


2011-10-24 11:42 AM
in reply to: #3732381

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Veteran
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Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship

Congrats!  Awesome RR and pics. 

I was tracking you for awhile on MyAthleteLive - I wanted to see how well it works.  Got a little worried when you stopped moving on the bike and was wondering if it was a glitch or you had a problem - now, from your RR I know what the deal was - penalty for drafting at 9mph... too funny.

 

2011-10-25 11:36 AM
in reply to: #3732381

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Veteran
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SoCal
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
epic race and pictures...good stuff..congrats you fish
2011-10-25 10:03 PM
in reply to: #3732381

Master
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Northern IL
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
Nice job!
2011-10-26 1:03 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Master
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Westlake Village , Ca.
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship

WTG TJ!


Awesome job and a great report. I'm so glad things went well...you deserve it. I'm sure that won't be your last time back there.

2011-10-26 1:27 PM
in reply to: #3732381

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Master
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Crab Cake City
Subject: RE: Ford Ironman World Championship
sounds like it was an awesome time. Thanks for the pics and a great race report.


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