General Discussion Race Reports! » Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 1
 
 

Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


View Member's Race Log View other race reports
Benton Harbor, Michigan
United States
Capri Tri
80F / 27C
Sunny
Total Time = 5h 31m 58s
Overall Rank = 569/1423
Age Group = M 35-39
Age Group Rank = 114/224
Pre-race routine:

What an awesome race. This is a good one...let's start with the Pizza Hut buffet the night before as carb loading, and a trip to Wal-Mart in flip flops to make sure we got 'trailer foot', water, markers, and junk food. Stopped on the way back from Wal Mart at Sophie's pancake house to crash the McFuzz family dinner, then back to the red roof inn (which was conveniently situated next to a 24-hour McDonalds, heh). Bed around 10:30, slept like a rock after Travis Pastrana did his double backflip on the motorcycle during the x-games.

Woke up around 4:15, went to the McDonalds, the counter was closed. Walked BACK to the hotel, got in my truck, drove the 100ft to the DRIVE THRU, and they announced "We won't be open for another hour". THE HORROR!!!! Ok, so now I'm looking for plan B for race-day meal. Never try anything new on race day, y'know? Hmmm...there's the Burger King....

One ENORMOUS Omlette Sandwich, a Diet Pepsi, and a Red Bull later, I'm ready to roll. Threw my bag in the car, made sure the girls were up, and took off for the race site. Shuttle from parking to the start - where no one grabbed MY ass - and why are we so loud?! Set up transition, another shuttle to swim start...
Event warmup:

Took a quick swim in Lake Michigan, maybe 500 yards, water was perfect - maybe 76 degrees, relatively calm and clear, outstanding. Chatted with a guy from work, Andrea Fischer (women's pro), then mosied up to the pier to wait for my wave start.

This was the first tri I've EVER run where I was not nervous, even a little bit. Racing is so much better when you're not freaked out about it. I was ready to roll.
Swim
  • 35m 47s
  • 2310 yards
  • 01m 33s / 100 yards
Comments:

This was my favorite tri swim ever. I REALLY enjoyed it...

The horn goes, and most of the wave jumps off the pier - about 10ft down. I wait...about 15 seconds. LEAP, I'm in. Instantly the goggles fill with water, so I tread water, fix 'em, and off I go, setting moderate tempo and breathing on the 2.

Swim was relaxing; that's the only way to describe it. The buoys curved slightly to follow the shoreline countour, and sighting was tough; the swim was right into the sun. So I figure I swam maybe 100 extra yards, maybe 200...the crowds weren't too bad, either, didn't have much bumping or steamrolling of others/me.

But I accomplished my goals...low HR getting out of the water, semi-decent time.
What would you do differently?:

Maybe go harder?
Transition 1
  • 04m 28s
Comments:

My best T1 ever. The transition included maybe 400 yards of running...first up the sandy beach, then onto a wooden boardwalk, then onto carpet laid over cobblestones, then all the way across a paved parking lot (which was the transition area). I figure it was 2-3 minutes of running.

Wetsuit came off easily, since I chopped 3 inches off the legs. Had to sit to hose off my feet, which were covered with sand, with fresh water, then dry 'em off. Helmet, race number, glasses, shoes, grab bike and go...and I only had to run about 20 yards - I had the BEST spot in the entire transition area, minimizing the run with the bike.

Stopped to get on the bike - although it was quick - because jumping on the bike with the behind-the-seat bottles is a dangerous activity.
What would you do differently?:

Not much...the pros were still in the 3:30 range for T1, and most of my peer group was 5 min + on transition - so I think it went well.

Maybe figure out how to jump on the bike without hooking my leg on the water bottles?
Bike
  • 2h 30m 28s
  • 56 miles
  • 22.33 mile/hr
Comments:

My best ride ever - Jumped on the bike, and right away, I start passing people...I've got the hammer down. 1st 20 miles I averaged 22.1; I think to myself "this is too fast", but keep rollin...

The next 20 I focused on picking people off, one-by-one. Bike riding is MUCH easier when you've got someone to chase, or someone's just passed you. You can't HELP but to pick up the pace. But I made a concerted effort to stay within my limits, and actually felt like I was holding back. Apparently not, average was still 22.1. WTF?

Managed to dump an entire gatorade over my head at mile 30. Nice work, MENSA.

Tried, again, to dial it back between 40 and 56, in a feeble attempt to preserve some legs for the run. But those people needed passing, and they just weren't going that fast. I picked up 0.2 on my average for the last 16 miles.

/*DRAFTING RANT*/ Three peletons went by me on the ride - 1) the Mutt & Jeff peleton (one HUGE guy pulling, with 12 really teeny guys all lined up behind him), 2) the 'Gang of 20', which is pretty self explanatory, and 3) The Orange shirt boys (5 guys in bright orange singlets). They were drafting like it was ALLOWED in the rules. Most of these folks were in my AG, too...pisses me off completely. I rode the ride by the rules and think I got rooked. /*RANT END*/
What would you do differently?:

Drink the gatorade, dump the water over my head. Not vice-versa. Dorkage.
Transition 2
  • 01m 51s
Comments:

Excellent T2. Dismounted, racked bike, helmet off, socks / shoes and hat on, quick blast of eFuel, and a 30 second run through transition to the run exit. Saw Jean and LisaZapato on the run exit - thanks for the awesome support!!!

Again, the pros were between 50 seconds and 1:30, and my age group peers were between 2 and 5 minutes. About as fast as it could have been. Good stuff, here.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing.
Run
  • 2h 19m 26s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 10m 38s  min/mile
Comments:

BOOM! That was the sound of my hamstrings exploding. Not 1/2 mile out of transition my left hamstring and right calf cramped. Tried to stretch out, but the cramps plagued me throughout the run.

Started running with Paul from Valparaiso, and we did 5 8:30's, with about 45 seconds walking at aid stations. At 5 1/2, I let him go and walked some more...ended up walking maybe 1/3 of the rest of the run, with cramps coming and going.

Saw trix at mile 10.5 - she was at about mile 3 or 4, looking strong. Got to mile 10, and I had 35 minutes left to beat 5:30. That's a 35 minute 5K. Couldn't do it, though...finished the run/walk home with Doug, a local that had just finished CDA...he was hurting, too.
What would you do differently?:

The funny part is...I wasn't at all disappointed in the run. I performed about at the level I was trained for. That's what running 3 times in the previous 4 weeks will get you. I don't think it was nutrition, it was just what I was trained for...pure and simple.

But in the future - more bricks. Run some more. Train adequately.
Post race
Warm down:

Finished, met LisaZapato, went straight to the lake and jumped in. AHHHH...Refreshing!!! Dawdled around the finish - met up with Brian and Bernadette, Jean (nice swim), Trish Liddiard, Trix, Lisa. Scarfed more Pizza Hut buffet.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Run training, bricks, lack of experience at that distance.

Event comments:

Excellent race, excellent company, excellent experience. The course was fantastic, the volunteers outstanding, the weather great, and my performance (in total) better than I ever could have imagined.

A great day with great company. Thanks - especially to Trix, Lisa, and Jean for playing. :)

I'll be back next year. With a chip on my shoulder, and in a new AG. :)




Last updated: 2006-05-10 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:35:47 | 2310 yards | 01m 33s / 100yards
Age Group: 0/224
Overall: 0/1423
Performance: Good
Suit: Wetsuit / sleeveless
Course: Jump off a pier, then a straight 1.2 mi shot down the shoreline. 16 bags all lined up in a row, going east. No current, from what I could tell. Exit onto a sandy beach and boardwalk.
Start type: Dive Plus: Waves
Water temp: 77F / 25C Current: Low
200M Perf. Average Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting:
Waves: Navigation: Below average
Rounding: Average
T1
Time: 04:28
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Yes
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
02:30:28 | 56 miles | 22.33 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/224
Overall: 0/1423
Performance: Good
Wind: Some
Course: Lotsa rolling hills with 99% ribbon smooth roads, maybe 1-2 miles of chipseal. Still better than all the roads I train on. 3 or 4 bottle exchanges (gatorade & water) and excellent volunteer support. All intersections closed to traffic and manned by volunteers or police. Excellent, excellent course.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 01:51
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Average
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
02:19:26 | 13.1 miles | 10m 38s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/224
Overall: 0/1423
Performance: Bad
Course: Out and back; rolling hills, with several bridges mixed in that were significant. Not much shade in miles 1-5 and 8-13. Aid stations every mile with gatorade, water, ice, and outstanding volunteer support.
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
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: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

{postbutton}
2006-08-07 9:00 AM

User image

Champion
6627
5000100050010025
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Gold member
Subject: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon


2006-08-07 9:01 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Master
1978
1000500100100100100252525
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
What an absolutely awesome bike split!  And the swim was fantastic too!  OK, so the run can get better, but hey it's just a goal for your next race!  Keeps you working hard.  FANTASTIC job Rick!
2006-08-07 9:09 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Champion
7542
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
Great race Rick...glad to see I wasn't the only one with an awsome bike followed by a "lets not talk about it" run...
2006-08-07 9:16 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Champion
6931
5000100050010010010010025
Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
Good race.  I saw race officals nailing some guy for drafting at Lake Stevens 70.3.   
2006-08-07 9:31 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Expert
783
500100100252525
South Bend, IN
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Hey.. it was nice meeting you. After driving the course, and then actually riding it, it didn't seem as bad as it was in the car. Hmmm... funny. Anyways, great to put a face with a name. Sounds like you enjoyed it,a nd I will be there next year too!

 

See ya!

 

 

2006-08-07 9:55 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Veteran
251
1001002525
Burbs north of Chicago
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Rick,

Unbelievable bike split, wanna be my coach?  And your swim was great too!!  Man, a little more run training and you will be able to post quite a time.  And your time this was year was pretty amazing given the cramping you had to deal with.

Sorry my lame cell phone cancelled us out both time I talked to you.  Hopefully we can meet up at a future event.



2006-08-07 10:05 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

COURT JESTER
12230
50005000200010010025
ROCKFORD, IL
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

So how sticky was the ride after the gatorage bath??? NICE!!! Should seriously look into MENSA membership.

So what flavor was your gatorage head??

NICE ROCKIN' RIDE....and RACE!!!

2006-08-07 11:13 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Master
2231
200010010025
Des Moines, Iowa
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
Congrats on a great race!  Enjoyed your race report....What's up with McDonalds not being open!!  Had that happen to me before...........
2006-08-07 11:25 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
Awesome job rick..I can't believe NUUN made you throw up but you can eat an enormous breakfast sandwich and then RACE?  whats up with that?  Those things are disgusting.  As a matter of fact I may Wendi just thinking about it!!
2006-08-07 11:42 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
Great race, Rick...I wish I was that fast on little to no training!
2006-08-07 11:43 AM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Expert
833
50010010010025
Adrian, MI
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

You smoked that ride, Rickhoooolio!!   I bow to you!

Yeah, that peir jump is friggin' awesome!!  I just loved it.  Especially with the sun just coming up off the lake.

F the peleton boys!  You did right, Rick!



2006-08-07 12:41 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

molto veloce mama
9311
500020002000100100100
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
awesome job. bummer about the drafting and the cramping, but you still had a fantastic race!
2006-08-07 12:55 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Extreme Veteran
316
100100100
Nashville TN
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

great job!!

man I can't imagine eating that before a race but seems to work for you!! awesome!

2006-08-07 12:57 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Crystal Lake, IL
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Wow, what a race.  Great job and great report to read.  Those people just needed passing.  I love it.

 

2006-08-07 1:41 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Champion
11641
50005000100050010025
Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Well done, what a bike split! Here's an incentive to do some run training:
break 5:30 next year and you qualify for a Wegmans care package. From the Pittsford Wegmans.

BTW, I found the guy that has your old NY state license plate.





(MrMensa.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
MrMensa.JPG (28KB - 60 downloads)
2006-08-07 2:48 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Expert
897
500100100100252525
Seattle WA
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

awesome race rick!! LOL - nice job with the gatorade on the bike... hehehe but, stunning bike time, awesome swim as usual, and amazing T1/T2. with more time for training and some bricks, you're gonna be really scary.

congrats!!! 



2006-08-07 11:30 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Veteran
252
1001002525
Chicago and therabouts
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Nice Race...Your bike split was awesome...and peloton/drafting free...there was a bit of that going on at Spirit of Racine 1/2 as well...Tough to find more time for running..But if you look at the big picture...Kids, Work, Triathlons...you really have nailed all three.

Congrats on an awesome 1/2 IM.  Keep up with the balancing act...your doing awesome and are an inspiration.

 JT

2006-08-08 1:42 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Champion
5850
50005001001001002525
Michigan
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
gotta love those race reports!!LOL!!  why WERE we so loud on that bus?  it seems that we were the only ones having a good time.  but then again, we ALWAYS have a good time
2006-08-08 3:36 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Master
1457
10001001001001002525
MidWest
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
Hey Rick,

How come I didn't get my a$$ grabbed?!?!? That sounded like fun!
2006-08-08 6:17 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Queen BTich
12411
500050002000100100100100
,
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Bravo Mr. Mensa, Bravo!

Great job!

2006-08-08 8:51 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Veteran
199
100252525
Smyrna
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Congratulations!  You did awesome.  Your bike split is absolutely amazing.  It's funny because I didn't see a lot of pelotons out there, but I also only saw the marshall once!  It's hard to catch people for drafting if there aren't officials out there watching.

Too funny about the gatorade over your head.  I hate even getting it all over my hands.  I can't imagine having it all over me! 

Congrats on your finish again!b



2006-08-09 3:37 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

I'll be back next year. With a chip on my shoulder, and in a new AG.

If you can't get older, get faster ...

Good work!

2006-08-09 5:27 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Regular
78
252525
San Diego, CA
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
Awesome job Rick! Your bike split was amazing!!! I'll let you know next time I am in Michigan and maybe we can get together for a workout.

2006-08-10 9:27 PM
in reply to: #503910

Champion
8903
500020001000500100100100100
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Fantastic race Rick.  Hey, you stayed true to yourself and played by the rules, no drafting.  You only have to live with your own conscience and it sounds pretty clear to me.  You could cheat and move up 10 places in your AG, but is it worth it?  Even if you were to podium, you wouldn't feel good about yourself, same as me.  I'd rather play it honest and come in dead last.  And I'd sure respect anyone else who did the same.  Nice job!

 

2006-08-12 3:48 PM
in reply to: #503910

User image

Master
2447
200010010010010025
Marietta, Ga
Subject: RE: Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon

Geez, you absolutely hammered the bike.  Great race, Rick.  It was entertaining reading the race report, too. 

General Discussion-> Race Reports!
{postbutton}
General Discussion Race Reports! » Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon Rss Feed  
 
 
of 1