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EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Cambridge, Maryland
United States
Columbia Triathlon Association
Sunny
Total Time = 5h 30m 32s
Overall Rank = 537/1561
Age Group = 25-29
Age Group Rank = 43/85
Pre-race routine:

Saturday:
A few weeks ago I was in an accident on my bike. I crashed into some kid who darted out in front of me on his bike, went over my handlebars and landed face/left shoulder first about 15 feet from where we collided. Got 10 stitches in my upper lip and bruised my shoulder pretty bad. As soo as the stitches came out I tried swimming mut my shoulder just wasn't having it. I loaded up on Advil, did some strength with a band and after a while I was able to swim, but not with full power until Thursday of last week. My bike on the other hand needed a new wheel, bottom bracket and crank set. The day after the crash I took it to Keswick Cycle (ANYONE in PA I highly recommend this shop!!) with my road bike that needed a tune up. It was going to be a crunch to get fixed in time. Miracusouly on Saturday morning it was finished and ready for me to pick up. Went the the shop, put the bike in the back of the van and off we were to MD. We got to Sailwinds Park and I checked in, got my packet and checked in my bike. I took it for a spin just to make sure everything was working correctly but I couldn't shift into the big ring. I started to panic. I am not a bicycle mechanic. The tri team I joined is sponsored by Elite Bicycles and they had a tent there with a shop set up. I ride a Felt but hoped that by dropping the Team TRIUmph name and a couple names of people from the club that they would help me out. They did. I felt kinda silly though because all it took was a slight turn of a screw. But like I said I ain't no mechanic. By this time the pro forum was going on so we went in and checked out the expo and listened to the pro's for a bit. My parents know very very little about triathlon and I think they were pretty impressed at all the goings on. "Oh my God look at that bike," was something i heard from them a lot. We went over to transition and I racked my bike then we walked around a bit and I scoped out the venue to get my bearings. Headed back to Sialwinds for the pre-race meeting and BT meet-n-greet. John (Kleinrider) and his girlfriend met up with us. Went in for the meeting then met Daremo, Ernie, Wyecrab and oceanannie. Talked a bit and took some pictures and picked the winners of the raffle for Joel. After we headed to the hotel is Salisbury, checked in and then ate at the hotel restaurant that had all you can eat prime rib. Soooo good. Stretched and went to be at about 10pm.

Sunday:
Woke up at 3:30am and roused mom and dad up as well. Took a quick shower, made a cup of coffee in the hotel room and ate a PowerBar. We loaded up the van and headed out to the race. Stopped at the Wawa and bought two bananas and a Snickers Marathon bar that I ate right then. Got to the race, set up transition then sat with my parents and watched Natascha Badmann warm up on the bike. My parents were in awe. Got in line to make a deposit at the port-a-potty and happened to be in back of Ernie, who I met the day before. Found John and talked with him a little. I went over to watch the pro's start and afterward put my wetsuit on. John, Daremo and I hung out while we were waiting to our waves to be queued up. After that I got a little lonely and hungry again. I tried going back into transition to grab another PowerBar but it was closed. Then I heard my mom call over to me so I hung with my parents and thankfully my mom had a banana so I ate that. They called for the "day-glo" gree caps and I said "Ok," and I was off.
Event warmup:

Not too much. I jumped around in my wetsuit a little but that was it.
Swim
  • 30m 55s
  • 1931 meters
  • 01m 36s / 100 meters
Comments:

I had to pee so bad I couldn't wait to get in the water. As soon as we did, away it flowed and I could finally relax. I positioned myself at the very front of the wave. I was hoping for a good swim and I didn't want to have to fight to the front. GO! And I was off. I felt great. I was leading the wave for a good bit. However, I sighted and in front of me was a boat with some dude on it pointing my "over there." I wasn't too off course but still far enough. It was bright from the sun on the way out and I was having troubble seeing the buoys. Still there were not too many green caps ahead of me and I changed course to get back in the mix. I started seeing more people, but they had blue caps on from the wave before. I made my way around the boat and thought to myelf, "Ok sweet, the sun will be behnd me and I will be able to see better. Time to bring it home." Boy was I wrong. The sun was fine but the chop, oh the chop. It threw me off so badly. Sighting was terrible, I was getting thrown around and then I got stung all over my face with nettles. I didn't know what it was and thought I was having some sort of reaction to the water, that's when I thought the swim was neer going to end and thought, "dude, you are NOT going to be happy with this time." Again I found myself being pointed in the right direction, but the next buoy seemed so far away and that I was so far off course. Then I started seeing red caps from two waves before me and very few green caps. That either meant I was getting my ass handed to be by my wave or I was killing it. I finally made it to the boat dock and I heard my dad yell "5 GREEN!" Which meant there were 5 green caps ahead of me. I thought "no way." But as it turns out he was right. I guess I'll acept this swim. I wanted a 27 minute swim but gien the conditions i think it's fairly decent. Hey I beat Natascha Badmann.
What would you do differently?:

Not too much. I think given the conditions I did what I could. I have a bunch of open water swims under my belt, but none as rought as this.
Transition 1
  • 02m 45s
Comments:

This was Ok I think. I didn't have too much trouble getting my suit off.
What would you do differently?:

Not too much, just do it faster.
Bike
  • 2h 51m 51s
  • 56 miles
  • 19.55 mile/hr
Comments:

I just went. I felt good. Never did my hip flexors start to ache like they had the last few time I have been out on my bike. Most of the time Wen I would look down at my computer I was holding 20-21mph, but at time wind changed all that. Some times I would from to 16/17 and others up to 24, depending on the direction of the winds that is. Most of the time they were cross or headwinds and very strong. I took Gatorade Endurance every 15 minutes and a PowerGel every 30. I was suprised I was able to pass the amount of people i did, but I was feeling great. In the moment but not too in the moment that I was puchig too hard. Sometimes I would watch my shadow and see my legs turning over and would say "just keep doing that." I kept my cadence up, kept my power up and my head in the game. There were times where I would get out of aero and stand up or shift in my sat, but I never really couldn't wait to get off my bike. Coming into town I still felt good, but I had that voice in the back of my head saying "I hope you didn't burn out."
What would you do differently?:

I think I may have been able to go harder, but this was my first HIM and I wanted to finish strong. With the winds and this being the longest race I have done, I am happy with 19.5 mph.
Transition 2
  • 02m 5s
Comments:

I can't wait to lace up the lock laces I bought at the expo. I should have grabbed another gel to take with me.
What would you do differently?:

Faster.
Run
  • 2h 05m 59s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 09m 37s  min/mile
Comments:

I am suprised at this run. I never felt like I was struggling until the very end. I had a great attitude going in, at the turn around, and coming home. Usually the thought of a 13 miler can be a killer. But I was at Eagleman. I was on the last leg of my first HIM. I was moving my body forward. On the way out there was a breeze that felt great. Reaching the first aid station, I couldn't believe I was there already. At this time though the thought of Gatordae was not appealing so I took water at each station. I walked briskly throught each to make sure the fluids went in me, not on me. It they went on me it was because I poured it over my head. After drinking it was back to running and I never had a hard time getting moving again. In the beginning of the run I took three endurolytes and had two PowerGels with me. At some pint on the way out I took one gel and then again after the turn around. I also took three more endurolytes after the turn. I was tentative to take a Clif Shot since that was not what I was injesting all day and was worried it would mess with my stomach. At the turn around I had Chris McCormack's voice in saying "It's all in your head." (I watched the intro to the 2004 Hawaii IM religiously). I should have probably drank more gatorade eventhough I didn't want it. I saw John and Ernie on the run. When I was coming in to about the 2.5 mile mark I saw a BT tri suit and yelled "Yea BT!" It was Rick (Daremo) walking. I knew something wasn't right but tried to encourage him to run in with me, but he said he was cramping. I continued on and about 2 miles out I started to hit it a little, the wall that is. My quads were on fire and I felt a bit queezy. But that subsided when I was coming down the home stretch. I started got get caught up in emotion and felt like I could cry at any second, realizing that I was about to finish what I had set out to do 6 months ago. The sacrifices and changes I made in my life just to be able to perform today. Then I crossed the finish line.
What would you do differently?:

Not too much again, but I would probably take in more than just water. More on that later. This was very close to a half mary PR for me. I haven't run a stand alone half mary race, but one of my training runs turned out to be 13.2 miles in 1 hour 59 minutes.
Post race
Warm down:

I crossed the line and a volunteer (they were all so great!) asked how I felt and I said, now please pardon my French, "F**king incredible," and he laughed and asked if i wanted to sit or walk it off. I chose to walk it off. I found my parets and for a few seconds started crying, but I manned up and sucked in in. I sat down but was not comfortable. I stood up and was wobbly and felt like I was going to puke, tried, but couldn't. Then I couldn't feel my hands and I was slurring my speach while rying to talk to my parents. I know they were worried, but that had happened to be before at a swim meet in college, I just needed to replenish my system. I stumbled to a food pavilion nd ate bananas and watermelon, then I saw someone selling fried in peanut oil and my eyes lit up. SALT. I inhaled them and the were the best fries I ever had. After a few minutes I felt better and ran into Ernie and then John. Checked out results and then headed to transition to pack up my stuff.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

The wind and chop. I feel like I was well prepared to give the performance that I did.

Event comments:

To this point this was the greatest day in my athletic career. the most challenging and the most satisfying. From day one of decicing I was going to attempt this race I never once lost sight of June 11, 2006 and the goals I set for myself. Of course I had to re-evaluate them, but the goals I came up with, I accomplished. FINISH: check, UNDER 6 HOURS: check, 5 HOURS 30 MINUTES: check. I don't think I could have asked for a better day. I trained the absolute best I cold every time I went out that door. I did as much as I could squeeze in between work and coaching and made the most out of every moment, even when I had a bad day or felt like crap. I thought about this day every day for the last 6 months, sacrificed social life, make key life changes and now am a completly different person and I couldn't be more pleased. However, while I am happy with how things went, I am in no way satisfied. I believe that there is so much more I can accomplish and go much faster. I am also vey confident that I can cover the Ironman distance. I really like this distance. Bring on Timberman! Oh yea, we stopped at Applebees on the way home and I had a beer (Amstel Light) and it was really really good.




Last updated: 2006-01-15 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:30:55 | 1931 meters | 01m 36s / 100meters
Age Group: 6/85
Overall: 56/1561
Performance: Average
Suit: Ironman Stealth full
Course: "Counter clockwise" triangle. Orange buoys out, around a boat, yellow buoys in.
Start type: Wade Plus:
Water temp: 0F / 0C Current: High
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Average
Breathing: Good Drafting:
Waves: Navigation: Below average
Rounding: Average
T1
Time: 02:45
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed:
Biking
02:51:51 | 56 miles | 19.55 mile/hr
Age Group: 47/85
Overall: 346/1561
Performance:
Wind: Headwind with gusts
Course: Loop course with super winds.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence: 90
Turns: Average Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills:
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 02:05
Overall: Average
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
02:05:59 | 13.1 miles | 09m 37s  min/mile
Age Group: 54/85
Overall: 530/1561
Performance: Good
Course: Out and back, unshaded.
Keeping cool Average Drinking Not enough
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
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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2006-06-13 8:00 PM

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Expert
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San Diego
Subject: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon


2006-06-13 8:50 PM
in reply to: #453400

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Expert
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Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Awesome job!  You looked really strong when I saw you on the run.  And to think with more experience, that swim time should come down even more, like maybe very close to the male pros.  And your bike and run times should continue to improve as well.  Your times could be really low in the years to come if you keep at it.

Great job for your first 70.3 event!  At least at TImberman, there shouldn't be nettles and waves at least to worry about.

2006-06-13 9:56 PM
in reply to: #453400

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Extreme Veteran
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Madison,WI
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
You rawk!  You're one tuff sun' uva BTich!  way to go steve.  way to dedicate, commit, DECIDE.....you earned that day and it's only going to get better!  great step towards the big daddy- IMAZ 07
2006-06-13 10:05 PM
in reply to: #453400

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Master
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Royersford, PA
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Awesome job! That swim was pretty impressive especially considering you thrashed your shoulder and drifted off course and you still beat Natascha. Wonder how you would have stacked up on a good day. Solid bike and run too! When is your IM?
2006-06-13 10:07 PM
in reply to: #453400

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Veteran
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South Jersey
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

steve, what a awesome race report, you had me filling up alittle with tears just reading how this was a great accomplishment for you in your athletic career. i'm so happy for you!!!

CONGRATS!!!!



Edited by dare2trimom 2006-06-13 10:11 PM
2006-06-13 10:12 PM
in reply to: #453400

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Member
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Westampton
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
great report steve. i can relate having done 2 1/2 irons. its an incredible feeling when you hit the finish line. a flood of emotions. that swim still blows my mind. you beat Badmann. wow. do you give lessons as i need some!
congrats again


2006-06-14 6:53 AM
in reply to: #453522

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Cycling Guru
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Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Awesome my friend!

I really wanted to run in with you to the end, and tried for a few hundred yards, but my legs just weren't going to let me do that. They were totally locking up.

Congrats on the great result and finishing the first (of many we hope) HIMs!!
2006-06-14 7:14 AM
in reply to: #453400

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Master
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Cinnaminson, NJ
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Steve GREAT RACE!!!!    God damn that was a good race report!!  

CONGRATS!!!

Now i am going to kill you on the hills on Saturday. 

2006-06-14 8:19 AM
in reply to: #453619

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Expert
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San Diego
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
kleinrider - 2006-06-14 8:14 AM

Steve GREAT RACE!!!!    God damn that was a good race report!!  

CONGRATS!!!

Now i am going to kill you on the hills on Saturday. 

Haha you probably will, my legs are still toast!

2006-06-14 8:40 AM
in reply to: #453400

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Not a Coach
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Media, PA
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Congrats on the HIM! 

That's an excellent swim in those conditions, especially after your recent crash.  And it sounds like you paced yourself well on the bike & run with no real difficulties until the end.  Great job!

2006-06-14 10:52 AM
in reply to: #453705

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Elite
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New City, New York
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Great Race. Inspiring RR. See you at Timberman!


2006-06-14 10:58 AM
in reply to: #453400

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Expert
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Herndon VA
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Man, I'm coming to Philly for some swimming lessons.  That was a great swim for those conditions.  Actually that was a great swim in any conditions.  It was great to me you and your family. 

Ernie 

2006-06-14 12:49 PM
in reply to: #453400

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Expert
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Wye Mills, MD
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
That sound you heard was my jaw hitting the floor when I saw your swim time.  Amazing! Great bike and run after that as well! It's an amazing feeling isn't it? Congrats.
2006-06-14 2:59 PM
in reply to: #453400

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Master
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Central, IL
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Great effort.  Great report.  Plenty of detail. 

Awesome that your parents were there to support you.  I lost my dad (cancer) just before my 1st race and really miss being able to share the experience with him. 

Keep tri'n.  You are da'man!   

 

2006-06-14 8:11 PM
in reply to: #453400

Champion
6539
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South Jersey
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Great race report. And, I'll say it again, AWESOME JOB AT EAGLEMAN!!!!!
2006-06-15 7:56 AM
in reply to: #453400

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Veteran
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Centreville, MD
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

Incredible job at Eagleman, and what a great race report.  Thoroughly enjoyable reading!  You should be very proud!

Friggin' amazing swim split, too!



2006-06-17 5:31 PM
in reply to: #453400

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Veteran
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Joplin, MO
Subject: RE: EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

I've taken my time getting here to read your race report...wanted to make sure I had time to really read it, instead of skim through it.

That was an awesome race report...not to mention how well you performed in the race. EVERYBODY on BT should read this report. Because THAT'S what it's all about.

Now I can't wait to see what you can do from here.

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