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Patriot Half Triathlon - Triathlon


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East Freetown, Massachusetts
United States
Sun Multisport Events
77F / 25C
Sunny
Total Time = 6h 42m 17s
Overall Rank = 412/559
Age Group = 45-49
Age Group Rank = 282/338
Pre-race routine:

This was my second time at this race, the first being last year when I was a DNF due to a nasty bike crash. Since then I'd been bothered about not finishing, and made it my goal this year to cross the line no matter what. I'll admit right up front my training for this race wasn't where it should have bee, at least for the run, due to a nagging/lingering hamstring strain which has been around since January. Not fun. But despite this, I was all in on the race, knowing the swim & bike would likely be OK and I'd take whatever happened on the run.

Was up about 4 AM after a surprising ngihts sleep, then packed up and headed to the race site. Had a great parking spot right next to transition which was nice. Set up, chatted with a few folks, and generally enjoyed the whole scene. Somthing fun about race morining, and thinking about how awesome it is that I/we are able to be there and do this on such a beautiful sunny day.
Event warmup:

Did a bit of swimming. The pre-race water temp was announced at 60, but the water was warmer than that (thank goodness!). They later said it was more like 66.
Swim
  • 39m 19s
  • 2112 yards
  • 01m 52s / 100 yards
Comments:

Swim went well. Best part was sighting & navigation was much better this year. Felt smooth & quick in the water. Got into a rhythm and just kept at it. When I rounded the second turn bouy for the long leg back in, I really felt like I started moving well, and felt strong. Made my way in to the beach and touched bottom. Tried to stand, but both calves cramped (a theme of the day, I was to find out) and I quickly sat back in the water for a second. Got back up and was out without any issue.
What would you do differently?:

Not much. Was surprised to see 39 minutes on my watch as I felt like I was really going well out there and was shooting for something in the 36 minute range. Maybe put some more effort into it for next time? was only 1 minute better than last year, but felt like it should have been more.
Transition 1
  • 03m 49s
Comments:

Took my time. Had a bit of dizziness coming out of the water - likely the whole reorienting to vertical from horizontal. Overall could have been a bit quicker, but I wasn't out to set the world on fire with my transition times.
What would you do differently?:

nothing
Bike
  • 3h 05m 15s
  • 56 miles
  • 18.15 mile/hr
Comments:

I liked this ride. Mounted and got going well. Between the great weather, and the fun of getting to ride, I probably pushed it too much on the first loop. I think I split the fiirst 28 miles at 1:24 or so, which was too fast. I should have done something about this earlier in the loop as I could see my 5 mile split times getting lower and lower. Knowing I still had to run, and the anticipated struggle that would be, I was burning a few too many matches. Second loop I backed it off and tried to stay in the box around 17 mph. Still, it was tough to keep it throttled when I was feeling so good.

Nutrition seemed good. Drank well, and had soemthing to eat right on schedule. Actually drank more than I expected likely due to the increasing temp.

Overall, I was happy with the bike leg. I was shooting for a sub 3, but gave up on it knowing it was a dumb thing to try to do -- the whole ego vs the right thing to do was a constant thought. Dismounted fine, and off to T2
What would you do differently?:

Maybe back off a bit on the first loop. I was riding at a constant 20 mph or so for a big chunk of it which was the totally wrong thing for me to be doing in this race.
Transition 2
  • 05m 41s
Comments:

I don't recall stopping to have a sandwhich & drink during T2, but based on my time, it must have been what happened. Good lord. I know I took my time, but this is a bit to casual a T2 than necessary
What would you do differently?:

Move a bit quicker. use different socks!!!!
Run
  • 2h 48m 5s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 12m 53s  min/mile
Comments:

So, this is where the wheels all fell of the wagon. I knew the run would be a tough one, but not like this.

I ran out of T2, and the first 3 miles or so were OK. Hit the aid stations for some water as I was feeling a bit dry. My hamstring started to bark in the first mile so it was less than confidence inspring. Had planned on a run/walk strategy, and stuck to it for a while, but the 'walk' part started getting longer and longer with each mile. By the time I reached mile 6, it was getting slow. Started to run when I could and walk when necessary. By mile 8, I was in near-full walk mode. Just couldn't move with any sort of running conviction. Hit every aid station to get liquids and some food, whatever they had.

Could feel the blisters starting about mile 9 and it just became a march to the finish with nothing else in mind. By mile 10 my feet were in flames, but kept moving forward. Walked with a lady for a bit and as we passed the Mile 10 marker, we were psyched to think "Only a 5k left!" :). A but further I attempted to hurry across an interesection, but both calves cramped up completely as soon as I stared to run. That was my last attempt at running until the finish chute. As I neared the final 1/4 mile a couple blisters on my left foot popped, and it was rather painful. So, with gritted teeth, I made my way to the finish chute, and jogged my way down the final 200 yards to the finish. Heard them announce my name as I came in, crossed the line, and was quite happy to be done. I'd done it! It was ugly, I hurt, was exhausted, but I was done. Yeah!!!!
What would you do differently?:

Given the hammy injury, my run training was really limited, and that just killed me on this portion. My goal was to finish, and I did. Happy my run time didn't exceed my bike time :)
Post race
Warm down:

Got a cold water bottle & towel. Sat down in the shade with the towel on my head for a bit. Once I gathered my wits about me, I felt pretty good about getting this done. I'd come here to redeem myself for last years DNF, and I did. And set a PR in the process (was my first HIM finish!!).

Got some food, had a nice cold beer, packed up and drove home.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Near total lack of run training.




Last updated: 2012-12-03 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:39:19 | 2112 yards | 01m 52s / 100yards
Age Group: 26/338
Overall: 174/559
Performance: Good
Suit: full sleeve
Course: long rectange out & back
Start type: Wade Plus: Waves
Water temp: 66F / 19C Current: Medium
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Good
Waves: Good Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 03:49
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: No
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed: Average
Biking
03:05:15 | 56 miles | 18.15 mile/hr
Age Group: 42/338
Overall: 327/559
Performance: Good
Wind: Some
Course: 28 milie loop done twice. Not many big hills. Some great scenic spots, which made it interesting. Seemed to be windy most of the time on the bike.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 05:41
Overall: Below average
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Average
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
02:48:05 | 13.1 miles | 12m 53s  min/mile
Age Group: 53/338
Overall: 506/559
Performance: Bad
Course: single loop through some residential streets and rural roads.
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
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] 4

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2013-06-17 6:42 AM

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Master
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Just South of Boston
Subject: Patriot Half Triathlon


2013-06-17 7:46 AM
in reply to: #4778214

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Veteran
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Houston, Texas
Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Way to push through it, Mike!  Now that you've avenged your DNF, will you race it again when you're fully healed? 
2013-06-17 7:56 AM
in reply to: ligersandtions

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Master
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Just South of Boston
Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Originally posted by ligersandtions

Way to push through it, Mike!  Now that you've avenged your DNF, will you race it again when you're fully healed? 


hell, yeah
2013-06-17 9:26 AM
in reply to: ligersandtions

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Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Originally posted by ligersandtions

Way to push through it, Mike!  Now that you've avenged your DNF, will you race it again when you're fully healed? 



X2 on this!! I read your race report from last year. Congrats on your finish for 2013!!
2013-06-17 9:38 AM
in reply to: #4778214

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Congrats on pushing through and getting it done! I also fell apart on the run and that was a hot walk to the finish. 
2013-06-17 9:42 AM
in reply to: kcarroll

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Master
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Crab Cake City
Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Great job mike and congrats on finishing!


2013-06-17 9:54 AM
in reply to: dmbfan4life20

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Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Great job fighting through to the finish.
2013-06-17 10:37 AM
in reply to: everlong

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Master
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TORONTO
Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Good report!  Thanks for sharing and congrats on the finish!
2013-06-17 2:21 PM
in reply to: #4778214

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Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Way to push it to the finish and redeem yourself after last year's misfortune.  Sounds like you have learned a few things but most importantly enjoyed the experience.
2013-06-17 5:32 PM
in reply to: #4778214

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Member
42
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Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Congrats! Sounds like we were in the same wave. I would take those swim and bike splits any day!! My first Half as well and very happy to finish..
2013-06-17 6:56 PM
in reply to: Isondd

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Veteran
439
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Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Congrats Mike! As you know, I've been very busy with RL stuff but wanted to let you know how happy I am for you. When we first met in the winter...you mentioned wanting to finish after last year...mission accomplished!! :D


2013-06-17 7:52 PM
in reply to: medeiros13

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Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon

Way to push through and finish Mike. 

You've earned some well deserved rest. 

2013-06-18 10:15 AM
in reply to: #4778214

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Pro
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Norwalk, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Very happy to see you killed the monkey.

It was very hard for me not to be there this year. It was the first time in 5 years i did not attend the race in some aspect.

I will be back in 2014, pretty sure you owe me a beer ;o)

Congrats Mike, i am soooo happy you got to finish this one!! great job!!!!
2013-06-18 11:01 AM
in reply to: #4778214


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Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
Well done!
2013-06-18 3:22 PM
in reply to: #4778214

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Regular
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Patriot Half Triathlon
You did it! Congrats! Now, rest/heal up so you can tackle the distance again later this summer.
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