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Memphis in May - TriathlonOlympic


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Memphis, Tennessee
United States
Start2Finish
Sunny
Total Time = 2h 44m 50s
Overall Rank = 450/1300
Age Group =
Age Group Rank = 69/109
Event warmup:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Admittedly, I didn't take this race as seriously as races past. For one thing, it was in Memphis. My favorite all time BBQ joint is in town, The Rendezvous. You cannot get these ribs anywhere else in the world. As any connoisseur of dry rub bbq, and they'll always have something good to say about the place.

Suffice it to say, on Saturday, I trundled into the joint around 2pm for an unorthodox pre-race meal. I also intended to stay alcohol free, since the race was less than 24 hours away, but to no avail. I caved into the overwhelming, enticing, seductive powers that are a full slab of charcoal fired, dry rubbed ribs and La Cervesa Mas Frio (otherwise known as Corona). Oh, my goodness heavens, sakes alive...those ribs were awesome. I drank tons of water to be sure the 2 itsy bitsy beers I had didn't dehydrate me.

I then toured Memphis before walking down to the Spagetti Factor to meet the rest of the BT/D3 crowd for the pre-race pasta dinner. Oh, and by the way, what is pasta without beer? So, after 1 more Corona, some bruchetta, salad, and angel hair pasta, I was fully carbed up and ready to take a nap.

That evening, I drank a ton of water and tried to relax. Got all the gear packed. I worked for nearly 2 hours uncrating my bike and reassembling it. Flying to a triathlon is a major pain in the rear end. It really is a whole different ballgame.

I awoke at 4:30am, got dressed, called the bellman, packed the car, and was on my way to the race site at 5am. Arrived at 5:30am, got set up and now it was time to relax.

One of the participants I met at dinner was racked a few spaces down from me. As she was fiddling around with her stuff, I happened to be looking her way. As I did, I saw this huge cloud of mist explode from her rear tire, accompanied by a huge "boom". I happily offered to change her tube out, which I did in about 5 minutes and she was ready to go. That was all about "pre-race Kharma", Earl.

I did two gels between 5:30 and race start, along with a few cups of water. I was paranoid about the effects of the beers from the previous nite, and I believe this led to what would become gastric issues when I started running. Lesson learned, boss.
Swim
  • 24m 26s
  • 1640 yards
  • 01m 29s / 100 yards
Comments:

Man, this swim felt great. I felt like I was cruising in the water. No one passed me and I passed quite a few folks. I sighted well, didn't get off course, and felt like I pulled a good swim from the bag. It was wetsuit legal and based upon the times, I think the course was just a tad short of 1500 meters.
Transition 1
  • 01m 53s
Comments:

I'm okay with that...
Bike
  • 1h 09m 9s
  • 24.85 miles
  • 21.56 mile/hr
Comments:

Very windy. The course was along a lot of open farmland with nothing to break the wind.

I wasn't as strong as I felt earlier in the week on my training ride. But, I didn't have any indications on the bike that there would be problems ahead on the run.

I think the course was just a tad short of 40k. The #1 Bike split in the race was 51:28 at 28.6mph. That's amazing.
Transition 2
  • 02m 18s
Run
  • 1h 07m 6s
  • 6.21 miles
  • 10m 49s  min/mile
Comments:

Well, I don't know what happened here. What I do know is that my guts were having a full-on revolution while I was trying to run. There were pains, aches and even some nausea. Very strange. Clearly, my choice of pre-race nutrition was coming back to haunt me. I had to pee on the run, which never happens, making me think I drank too much fluid on the bike.

I will say that it got hot, like hotter'n hell on this run. The water they served on the route was not cold so pouring it on your head did little in the way of cooling. My biggest recommendation for next year is to have ice at the aide stations on the run.

Whatever, the reason, this run hurt. I didn't really start to feel good till I hit the 5 mile marker. I did a lot of walking and shuffling, but I ran the last 1.2 miles at a 9 min pace. I finished feeling quite good. Very odd run.
Post race
Warm down:

What else, cracked open a bottle of Moet and Chandon White Star to celebrate, in Dixie Cups no less.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

My frickin lifestyle. This was a great wakeup call. After 7 weeks of training, I'm really okay with this race, not happy, but okay. I will be working for the next weeks on really improving my ability to run off of the bike since this seems to be my weakest area.

Race pics are in the album at: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/photos/photo-thumbnail...





Last updated: 2006-01-19 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:24:26 | 1640 yards | 01m 29s / 100yards
Age Group: 42/109
Overall: 0/1300
Performance:
Suit:
Course:
Start type: Plus:
Water temp: 0F / 0C Current:
200M Perf. Remainder:
Breathing: Drafting:
Waves: Navigation:
Rounding:
T1
Time: 01:53
Performance:
Cap removal: Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike:
Jump on bike:
Getting up to speed:
Biking
01:09:09 | 24.85 miles | 21.56 mile/hr
Age Group: 55/109
Overall: 0/1300
Performance:
Wind:
Course:
Road:   Cadence:
Turns: Cornering:
Gear changes: Hills:
Race pace: Drinks:
T2
Time: 02:18
Overall:
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
01:07:06 | 06.21 miles | 10m 49s  min/mile
Age Group: 87/109
Overall: 0/1300
Performance:
Course:
Keeping cool Drinking
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5]
Physical exertion [1-5]
Good race?
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized?
Events on-time?
Lots of volunteers?
Plenty of drinks?
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5]

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2006-05-23 2:01 PM

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Master
2447
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Marietta, Ga
Subject: Memphis in May


2006-05-23 2:14 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Buttercup
14334
500050002000200010010010025
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

Dixie cups? Since when do you use cups for the bubbly? Was that a St A's lesson learned?

Your swim ROCKED!!!! Excellent. Nice showing, considering you don't actually train (or haven't been).

Good call on the ribs, too. It was the right thing to do.

2006-05-23 2:15 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Elite
2768
20005001001002525
Raleigh
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

It is great to see you again Karl and I look forward to seeing you again in a few weeks in chattanooga.

Great race, looks like we all had some of the stomach issues and the heat.

We will get em next time!

2006-05-23 2:19 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

Great job with the conditions.

I know what you mean about the lifestyle.  Coach Mike is constantly working with me on that one!  I've had to make many changes but the training and racing is more quality...

2006-05-23 2:33 PM
in reply to: #431753

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The Original
7834
5000200050010010010025
Raleigh/Durham
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

Karl- nice race depsite all your stomach problems.  Maybe I will do Chattanooga just to make sure that you don't eat ribs and have some beers the day before the race

2006-05-23 2:37 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Champion
7704
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Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
Great race Karl   Glad you had a good time too  


2006-05-23 2:44 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Extreme Veteran
316
100100100
Nashville TN
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
great job!

glad you helped the girl! Good to know chivalry not dead...especially since I am heading into my first race without knowing how to change a tire yet!

see you in chatanooga!
2006-05-23 4:04 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Pro
3705
20001000500100100
Vestavia Hills
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

Holy Cow! Stunningly fast swim (1:33/100yds = wow!) + a more than decent bike (21 mph+ over 24 miles is a good sustained pace in anyone's book) = enough cushion to complete an Oly in a more than respectable finishing time.

... the run looked like you ran out of gas and/or was dehydrated.  Could it be what you did (not?) eat + drink on the bike mixed with the fact that it heated up during the run with the sun coming out/heat of the day progressing?

Regardless, nice performance in getting it done.

2006-05-23 4:38 PM
in reply to: #431824

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Master
1558
10005002525
Pensacola, Fl
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
runnergirl29 - 2006-05-23 2:33 PM

Karl- nice race depsite all your stomach problems.  Maybe I will do Chattanooga just to make sure that you don't eat ribs and have some beers the day before the race

And I am doing Chattanooga to make sure you DO eat ribs and drink beer the day before...what the heck is Janelle thinking???



Edited by Cavu9 2006-05-23 4:38 PM
2006-05-23 4:40 PM
in reply to: #431989

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Elite
2768
20005001001002525
Raleigh
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
Cavu9 - 2006-05-23 4:38 PM
runnergirl29 - 2006-05-23 2:33 PM

Karl- nice race depsite all your stomach problems.  Maybe I will do Chattanooga just to make sure that you don't eat ribs and have some beers the day before the race

And I am doing Chattanooga to make sure you DO eat ribs and drink beer the day before...what the heck is Janelle thinking???

I second the be there for Ribs and Beer peer pressure on Karl... Can you feel us twisting your arm?????

2006-05-23 4:50 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Master
1728
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Pulaski TN
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
Karl it was great to finally get to meet you and thanks for the Champagne. Great jpb under several unnerving conditions...and dont worry ribs and beer for all in chattanooga!!


2006-05-23 5:25 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Veteran
231
10010025
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
You are awesome...and cool...and fast....and I wanna be like you
2006-05-23 5:43 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Regular
99
252525
Vienna, VA
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

Karl -- great report, and I agree that the bike was short.  My GPS also said that the run was long, but who's counting?

Great job!

Paul

2006-05-23 6:31 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Master
1932
100050010010010010025
Savannah,
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
Super fast swim!  And nothin better than a good Kharma tire change before a race.  Great rr.
2006-05-23 7:19 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Pro
3906
20001000500100100100100
St Charles, IL
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

Ribs and beer.  Mmmmmmm..... 

For someone who claims to not train and be out of shape, you had a great swim and bike there dude.  Stomach problems on the run will slow *anyone* down.  You're stronger than you think.

Good race, you should be more than OK with it.

( but I know how you feel, I'm my own worst critic.  That's what drives us to do what we do. 

-C 

2006-05-24 6:14 AM
in reply to: #431753

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Master
1480
1000100100100100252525
Plant City, FL
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
Great race Karl!!  You freakin' rock!  And stop that nonsense chatter about no ribs and beer before a race! That makes you, Motivated!!


2006-05-24 9:05 AM
in reply to: #431753

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Extreme Veteran
443
10010010010025
Manitoba, Canada
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

I always love reading your RR's Karl - ya done good once again!  Amazing what YOU can casually achieve for race results on "not serious" training.  The travel part added a whole new component into the preparation, glad everything arrived intact.  So nice of you to help out your fellow racer with her tire! 

btw - unless your doing your A race... no need to pass up the ribs, beers and fun - it is part of what makes the whole tri thing so much fun. 

2006-05-24 9:31 AM
in reply to: #431753

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Elite
2999
2000500100100100100252525
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
Nice race.  And that a super fast swim.
2006-05-24 9:37 AM
in reply to: #431753

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Master
1573
10005002525
Red Sox Nation
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
WOW!  Even with limited training and 'issues' you still smoked most of your AG!  You dun good.  Glad to see even experienced racers still learn from each race.  The important thing is you got to hang out at one of your favorite places, had a great race and hung with some fun, cool folks.  Stick with the ribs 'n beer.  Overall, I don't see how it could get much better.
2006-05-24 1:18 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Master
2314
2000100100100
Gulf Shores, AL
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
Good job, your race reports are always very entertaining!
2006-05-24 1:50 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Extreme Veteran
401
100100100100
Plant City, Florida
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

I have been to that rib place and there are no better ribs in the world....so as long as you had fun then do the beer and ribs....mmmmmm

 any way Great race sorry about the stomach issues but you found a way to get past them and you will be stronger next time...Super Fast as always buddy.....



2006-05-24 3:25 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Member
34
25
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
Great race, especially considering the ribs...and the Corona...and the other Corona...oh, and the other Corona.

You're recondrite force is starting to show, especially with the ribs...and the Corona....
2006-05-24 7:26 PM
in reply to: #431753

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Champion
6627
5000100050010025
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Gold member
Subject: RE: Memphis in May
I agree.  Fantastic result for the admittedly unorthodox training and pre-race routine. You've got so much upside - my crystal ball sees nothing but the floor falling out from under your times.  I'm really looking forward to seeing the rest of your season, victory after victory.  It's going to be stupendous. 
2006-05-24 11:39 PM
in reply to: #431753

Champion
8903
500020001000500100100100100
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

Yeah, after a swim and bike I can barely break 11:00 miles on a GOOD day, never mind dealing with borderline nutrition issues.  I don't think ya did all that bad considering.  Just use my philosophy...if you can't race like Tim DeBoom, then dress like Nicole DeBoom!

 

2006-05-25 7:55 AM
in reply to: #431753

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Veteran
172
1002525
Pittsburgh, PA
Subject: RE: Memphis in May

Please, don't insult the bubbly! If I ever meet you, we're cavorting to the nearest williams-sonoma. They make bubbly glasses for the patio that are not too offensive. Agh, shucks, I would use a dixie cup, WTH am I thinking??!!

It's sorta impressive that you can jump back into the game and still have game, y'know? Traveling probably humped ya a bit, but you managed. Good job!

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