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Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course
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Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course - Triathlon
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 Swim
Comments: The whole swim was just a frickin disaster. I got a little concerned 350 yards in that I just wasn't going to be able to do it safely because I was having to rotate so much to breathe. Sighting was a mess as I couldn't really lift my head from a good body position in the water. Trying to track with only pulling with one arm--horrible. I started forcefully humming with every exhale--sort of part sigh, part let-me-just-get-the-fach-through-this. The worst part was that the water was really clear to about 6 feet deep and the last 400yds I could see the bottom of the lake, and could really see how slowly I was swimming. Brutal. Get to the bike, get to the bike, get to the bike... What would you do differently?: Well, the "good" news is that I really think I can do this swim sub 1:40/100 when I don't have the neck thing. So that's my goal for next year, and that would save me save 6 minutes right there.  Transition 1
Comments: I'm happy with how this went. What would you do differently?: Learn to do a flying mount and maybe get some tri cycling shoes at some point, but I really like my shoes, so maybe not;)  Bike
Comments: The bike was AWESOME! The first 15 miles it was pouring and my back neck thing was a drag. It hurt and I was more tense because it was really pouring. I kept thinking of Chris saying keep the bike between you and the road--great mantra. It was so much fun to just ride and not worry about getting hit by a car--a luxury I rarely (never?) have. I had so much fun on the bike, shot the chit with lots of people, cheered on fans. One corner had a couple hundred people standing on it and they were very quiet, which I always think is a little weird, so I said "What's up? Are you guys tired? I have an extra gel--anybody want it?" That at least made them laugh. I have to admit, it was very fun passing guys on the bike--especially 10K bikes;) Some of them were really supportive. At one point I said, "On your left" to some guy--and he looked at me kinda horrified. I said something like, "Strong work man" and he said "Damn! I hate hearing a woman say on your left" but he was kinda laughing so I said, "Uh, sorry" made my voice as low as possible and said "On your left" and he broke up. I love doing stuff like that during a race. For me, that's what it 's all about. LOTS of women were really supportive. That felt great! So many strong women out there, which always makes me feel the sisterhood:) I was kinda holding myself back a bit because I didn't know the course, and I have only ridden the distance once before, so I didn't want to do anything too silly, but the last five miles I gave 'er the beans. What would you do differently?: I would not put a new Profile Design bottle on my aero bars that wasn't well secured and then dug into my left wrist for 2/3rds of the ride :) Haha...nothing new on race day? Yeah, I had like 12 new things on race day, most of which were on the bike. Some good some bad. I'll keep the good for next year. I might go a little harder earlier (my first 5 miles I avg 19.7, second to last 5 I averaged 23.6) in the bike now that I know the course, but, overall, I'm happy with how it went. Transition 2
Comments: Missed the rack with my bike and my legs were still trying to figure out what was going on. Was thirsty coming in because of my bottle malfunction on the bike, so took a little time to drink in transition which was dumb, as there was water withing 400yds of the start of the run. Doh! What would you do differently?: Remember my vanilla flavored Gus. I had to choke down blueberry and a faching strawberry banana one (GAG) during the run. I really can only do vanilla--remember the damn gu;)  Run
Comments: My HR was high right away and it took me some time to settle into anything that resembled good running form and a reasonable, sustainable HR. This was most likely because I pushed "too hard" on the bike, but I'm not sure I would do that differently, as I think it's a wash in time, probably. I need to practice longer bikes and longer runs. I really haven't done that at all, and it showed. My stand alone pace for a HM would be ~7:30s right now, so I was thinking I would be able to run a 8:10 or so. Nope. Not a faching chance. Just wasn't there. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/347033560for detailed run info. The last 500yds or so is a steep downhill and I smoked that thing, which probably means I mismanaged my effort on the run and could have pushed harder earlier, but it was nice to finish strong. What would you do differently?: Lots and lots. Practice more long runs after long bikes. Really. I just hadn't done that at all. In theory I'm a runner, but I sure didn't perform like one. Need to figure out the balance between bike and run. Post race
Warm down: Sitting in a tub of ice and drinking a beer--AWESOME! What limited your ability to perform faster: My neck "crick". Event comments: I really have nothing to compare it to, but this seemed like a great event and I would recommend it. I have my work cut out for me for the next year, and I am excited to do this race again. Love, love, love the HIM distance. Profile Album Last updated: 2013-05-12 12:00 AM
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 2013-07-23 9:45 AM |
Regular  5477    LHOTP |  Subject: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course |
| 2013-07-23 10:22 AM in reply to: 0 |
Master 6834  Englewood, Florida | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course I've said it before and I say it again with the utmost respect, you are a stud!!!! Awesome swim time, enjoyable bike and a bit left on the run. Your outlook throughout the race was spot on, from your reaction to your own challenges to your observation of other peoples challenges. You obviously learned a crapton of stuff to take with you into the next event. I don't know about you, but I can't wait until your next one. BTW, NOTHING beats a post race beer. NOTHING! Congratulations. Edited by cdban66 2013-07-23 10:23 AM |
| 2013-07-23 11:32 AM in reply to: cdban66 |
Royal(PITA) 14270 West Chester, Ohio | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Holy cow!! THis is with an injury? Freaking and FACHING FAST!! Super job! |
| 2013-07-23 11:59 AM in reply to: QueenZipp |
| Seattle | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Ooooh I spy a fat tire! Did you know that it is described as having a biscuit-like malt flavor? I got really hung up on that one night ... after perhaps having a few uhhh biscuits.
ANYWAY, great race! Obviously you've got the physical and mental ability to do well and now it's just the refinement stuff - oh, and not being injured! I HATE verbalizing (or uhhh texting?) time goals, but I think sub 5 will be a non-issue for you. When I grow up can I be just like you?
PS here is your podium shot |
| 2013-07-23 12:16 PM in reply to: #4811658 |
| Master 10208 Northern IL | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Nice going switch! You did really well on this one. |
| 2013-07-23 12:37 PM in reply to: #4811658 |
Veteran 1677 Houston, Texas | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Really nice race! I have a feeling that the lowered expectations and the "what the hell, let's just see how this goes" attitude probably actually helped you! Sucks racing through pain, but removing a bit of pressure and allowing yourself to just enjoy the hell out of the race, imo, often makes it better. But next time, go for being healthy |
| 2013-07-23 2:05 PM in reply to: ligersandtions |
Master 9705 Raleigh, NC area | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Nice work, Speedy! |
| 2013-07-23 2:49 PM in reply to: #4811658 |
| Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Fat Tire, ribs, baked spud and lovely mixed veggies, LOVE your post-race indulgence!! Oh, oops, talk about the race, Melanie. The race: personally I think you did a super job!! 3rd AG first time doing the distance, hellz yeah!! Love how you rocked the bike and were passing men, much to their dismay and unhappiness  . Keep up the good work! |
| 2013-07-23 3:40 PM in reply to: melbo55 |
Expert 4627 Middle River, Maryland Silver member | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Hmmm...let's see...you swam 1:48/100 HIM with only one arm???? And 20+ mph bike in the pouring rain???? Damn. IM is callin'. Just sayin'. |
| 2013-07-23 3:45 PM in reply to: 0 |
Regular 5477 LHOTP | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Originally posted by jmhpsu93 Hmmm...let's see...you swam 1:48/100 HIM with only one arm???? And 20+ mph bike in the pouring rain???? Damn. IM is callin'. Just sayin'. No! I swam a 1:58/100. That's wrong. Auto calc? Uhhh, let me check. And it only rained for the first 15 miles :) I am so far from ready for an IM :) ETA: OH. MY. GOD. I am a faching dumb azz. I don't know how you guys put up with me. Yup. 1:58/100m = 1:48/100yds. All of the sudden I feel much, much better about my swim. LOL. jeez oh pete. It would be good if I learned a little bit more about this freakin sport I'm trying to do. Oy! Edited by switch 2013-07-23 3:50 PM |
| 2013-07-23 3:54 PM in reply to: switch |
Master 7712 Orlando | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Without an injury that would be a great time, with it it is super great well done!!! |
| 2013-07-23 3:55 PM in reply to: Asalzwed |
Regular 5477 LHOTP | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Originally posted by Asalzwed Ooooh I spy a fat tire! Did you know that it is described as having a biscuit-like malt flavor? I got really hung up on that one night ... after perhaps having a few uhhh biscuits.
ANYWAY, great race! Obviously you've got the physical and mental ability to do well and now it's just the refinement stuff - oh, and not being injured! I HATE verbalizing (or uhhh texting?) time goals, but I think sub 5 will be a non-issue for you. When I grow up can I be just like you?
PS here is your podium shot That is eerily close to the look I had post-race;) I'm bringing biscuits for after AGN. I'm pretty sure the beer in that pic was my sixth post-race beer. Real nice. |
| 2013-07-23 5:08 PM in reply to: switch |
Master 3870 | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Pure awesomeness!!! You kicked this first HIM in the S.I.N.G. And drinking a Fat Tire... or 2... or 6 is a lovely way to "recover". |
| 2013-07-23 6:36 PM in reply to: #4811658 |
Extreme Veteran 1136 | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Nice job; crazy fast! Are those cherries baked on your ribs? Actually sounds pretty good.... |
| 2013-07-23 9:15 PM in reply to: #4811658 |
Champion 10550 Austin, Texas | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course FACHMIE - you're faching FAST!! As in holy chit fast. And DAYUM you're fast. And Jebuz Christ in a race car fast. Stud = you. Totally. |
| 2013-07-23 9:58 PM in reply to: blueyedbikergirl |
Regular 5477 LHOTP | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Wow... y'all sure do know how to make a girl feel good. Thank you for the nice words and encouragement. Really. It feels really good and I most definitely appreciate it. Good people here. Xo. Yes--cherries on the ribs. Door County is known for its fruit, especially cherries, so I had to have something cherry and it ended up being sour cherry bourbon ribs. The ribs + beer + view + post-race feel good was quite the combo. Very grateful for that evening. |
| 2013-07-23 11:29 PM in reply to: switch |
Master 2770 Central Kansas | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Fantastic job! I hope your crick is feeling better. You pushed through it and burned up the course. Awesome. |
| 2013-07-24 2:12 PM in reply to: switch |
Master 6595 Rio Rancho, NM | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Dayum. I'd take your slow day any time!!!!!!! I'm in awe of you midwesterners that race in that humidity! ick! |
| 2013-07-25 8:07 AM in reply to: #4811658 |
Elite 3518 Madison, Wisconsin | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Wow...incredible. Nice job Switch. I was in wave 9 looking for you in front of me when they called wave 8 but could not find you. Was hoping to meet finally. I thought maybe we could compare abs...lol. Anyway...great race!! |
| 2013-07-25 8:22 AM in reply to: amyjotris |
Regular 5477 LHOTP | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Originally posted by amyjotris Wow...incredible. Nice job Switch. I was in wave 9 looking for you in front of me when they called wave 8 but could not find you. Was hoping to meet finally. I thought maybe we could compare abs...lol. Anyway...great race!! Thanks:) Girl, I totally looked for you! Damn. Next year? How was your race? Where's your RR? |
| 2013-07-25 9:19 AM in reply to: amyjotris |
Regular 287 Levittown, PA | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course Congrats. Great finishing time. |
| 2013-07-25 10:40 AM in reply to: spiderjunior |
Melon Presser 52116 | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course You smashed it!!! CONSPANKULATIONS! Excellent detail and reflection ... and as I said you're looking for what to do next. Incredible PR and first HIM. |
| 2013-07-29 1:02 PM in reply to: #4811658 |
Science Nerd 28760 Redwood City, California | Subject: RE: Door County Triathlon - Half Iron Course You are seriously amazing!!! Love your teasing the dude on the bike. I love doing stuff like that, too! Definitely makes it more fun and memorable. |
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United States
Door Country Triathlon
68F / 20C
Overcast
Overall Rank = 158/834
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 3/56
The night before I was going through my gear and getting everything dialed in. I was really worried about my neck and it was really distracting. Two things happened within 10 minutes of each other that made me think that I needed to pull my head outta my azz and focus on the task at hand. 1) I spent a good 10 seconds trying to push a USB plug into a 3 pronged electric outlet. woah. 2) I put on my aero helmet to get the straps and tension set (it was new, and I had only tried it on in the store), and I thought, "Woah, this feels bad. I wonder if I got the wrong size," and then I realized I had put it on backwards. LOL. WTF? At that point I was broke down laughing at myself. Yikes. Yeah, it's really hard to tell which direction your AERO helmet is supposed to go. Jeez. Warning.
On the way to the race I turned on my Pandora rap station which is heavy on Eminem, Dre and Snoop. What two songs played on that station on the way to my race that have NEVER played on there before and have no business being on that station? Baby Got Back and Hip Hop Hooray. This also made me crack up, as these are two songs that I've been joking about with my fellow "Hard Corers" on BT. It made me think of them and all their awesomeness.
Set up transition. Shoot the chit with other racers. Check out the water.
I swam 200 yards, decided the swim was going to just be something I had to get through to get to the rest of my race, as I couldn't turn my head or extend or pull with my left arm. Lowered my expectations for the day. In a weird way, I probably enjoyed the race more because of it--once I got out of the water and wasn't so worried about breathing :)
Was feeling a little sorry for myself and then I saw a one-legged woman hop toward the water for her start. Yeah, I needed that. That was a little shot of perspective that snapped me right out of my pity party and filled me instead with awe and gratitude, which was pretty much where I was able to stay for the rest of the day.