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South Carolina Half - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Greenwood, South Carolina
United States
set-up.inc
86F / 30C
Sunny
Total Time = 8h 22m 52s
Overall Rank = 262/273
Age Group = 50-54
Age Group Rank = 10/12
Pre-race routine:

Went up to Greenwood State Park Sat. Decided to camp out for this event..yes with a tent and sleeping bag. Picked my packet up Sat evening and bought a new bike seat from Gotrisports while I was there. What's that they say about nothing new on race day. Well this would bite me on the butt...literally. Went back to camp and put the new seat on by lantern light. Was in the tent and asleep by 2130. Slept well.
Event warmup:

Got up at 0430. Made coffee. Toasted a bagel and had one half with pb and the other with jam. Transition was close by the campsite so I packed everything in the tri bag and walked the bike over in the dark. Got my timing chip, got body marked and headd over to the swim start. They didn't want anyone in the water so there was no warm up for the swim.Just put on my wet suit and stood by.
Swim
  • 1h 00m 29s
  • 2112 yards
  • 02m 52s / 100 yards
Comments:

My normal slow a$$ swim. But not bad considering I had no warmup. Kept my breathing under control. Counted strokes between sightings to occupy myself. Seen all the buoys and only made one navigation error when I mistook a yellow kayak for a turn buoy.
What would you do differently?:

Swim faster.
Transition 1
  • 03m 43s
Bike
  • 3h 31m 5s
  • 56 miles
  • 15.92 mile/hr
Comments:

Jumped on my bike and was impaled by the new seat. Gooch trauma due to extreme high nose angle on seat. Immediately dismounted. Got out the multi-tool and removed seat and began to adjust seat. Got the nose angle about right but the seat was too high and too far forward. Starting catching up to folks by mile 10. By mile 20 had passed a bunch and by mile 30 was looking good. At mile 40 the wheels came off...not the bike, but mine. Pushing too hard on the hills and not hydrating properly had taken a toll on me. I couldn't stand it any longer and decided to make another seat adjustment. When I got off the bike I couldn't believe how warm it had gotten. I was sweating profusely the whole time I was working on the bike. I made the fix at a water stop and drank a bottle of water while I was there. After I resumed my ride I could never regain the momentum. I lost a lot of ground those last 15 miles.
What would you do differently?:

Not be a dummy and have the bike right before race time.
Transition 2
  • 04m 41s
Comments:

Felt bad coming off the bike. Quads were killing me.
Run
  • 3h 42m 56s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 17m 01s  min/mile
Comments:

Ran the first 3 1/2 miles before the cramps got bad. By mile 7 I was done. All this turkey needed was a fork and some cranberry sauce. Cramps got pretty bad and I was relegated to this sort of Frankenstein walk. Had to stop a lot and "unlock my legs. Drank a lot of water and took a lot of enduralytes but couldn't recover. Had to walk the remainder.
What would you do differently?:

Carefully hydrate while on the bike. Also was overdressed. Had an underarmor shirt on under my jersey. Ditched the underarmor at mile 7 along with extra gels, sweat towel, and spare dry socks. Inspiration made me finish. All the good juju from this site plus all the cheers from the atheletes who had finished and were leaving. It kept you going.
Post race
Warm down:

Crossed finish line and was led into the med tent. 3 liters of IV fluids and a quart of gatorade and finally I had to pee. So I got my finish medal and a needle in each arm. Doc's and nurses were great. Walked back to transition. Got my gear and headed back to camp.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Dehydration.

Event comments:

Great race. My buddy crashed a mile into the bike portion and wound up in the hospital. A local lady won her age group. Two other friends had top 30 finishes.
Props to the old dude ranger who came by and checked on me that night after the race. He had seen me in the med tent and came to check to see if I was OK. He also came by this morning as I was striking camp to make sure I didn't croak during the night.
Thanks to all my peeps who sent the good juju that carried me to the finish. My time and lpacement sucked but the experience is priceless.




Last updated: 2006-07-13 12:00 AM
Swimming
01:00:29 | 2112 yards | 02m 52s / 100yards
Age Group: 11/12
Overall: 270/273
Performance: Average
Suit: sleeveless
Course: Triangular
Start type: Deep Water Plus: Waves
Water temp: 76F / 24C Current: Low
200M Perf. Average Remainder: Average
Breathing: Good Drafting: Below average
Waves: Average Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 03:43
Performance:
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: No
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed: Below average
Biking
03:31:05 | 56 miles | 15.92 mile/hr
Age Group: 8/12
Overall: 249/273
Performance: Bad
Wind: Some
Course: Circuitous route through hilly countryside. Hardly any vehicle traffic.
Road:   Cadence:
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Average Hills: Below average
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Not enough
T2
Time: 04:41
Overall: Below average
Riding w/ feet on shoes Bad
Jumping off bike Bad
Running with bike Bad
Racking bike Below average
Shoe and helmet removal Average
Running
03:42:56 | 13.1 miles | 17m 01s  min/mile
Age Group: 11/12
Overall: 258/273
Performance: Bad
Course: Two laps of an out and back course. Hilly run through the woods and countryside.
Keeping cool Bad Drinking Not enough
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
Physical exertion [1-5] 2
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Too hard
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2006-10-02 5:24 PM

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Elite
2777
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In my bunk with new shoes and purple sweats.
Subject: South Carolina Half


2006-10-02 5:51 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
There is just too much detail here, I don't know where to start commenting.
2006-10-02 6:18 PM
in reply to: #558255

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Elite
2661
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DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

Chippy - 2006-10-02 6:51 PM There is just too much detail here, I don't know where to start commenting.

Yeah, I'd been thinking this might be my late season HIM I was looking for, but this just scares me now.  

2006-10-02 6:30 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Elite
2777
2000500100100252525
In my bunk with new shoes and purple sweats.
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
Well...I wrote a heck of a report but I guess it's lost in cyberspace. I'll write another.
2006-10-02 7:45 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Elite
2661
20005001002525
DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

Way to gut it out.  Can't tell you how happy we were to get the call that you survived! 

I am impressed and not a bit surprised all at the same time.

Bravo Zulu. 

2006-10-02 8:07 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Champion
5183
5000100252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
Wow, Russ, it sounds miserable!  I am so glad you are OK, you crazy fool, CAMPING the night before? A new seat?  Now that we know you're OK we can scream at you for being crazy... And congratulate you too, YOU ARE one half an IRONMAN!


2006-10-02 9:32 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Extreme Veteran
316
100100100
Nashville TN
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

Russ russ russ russ russ....you changed your bike seat the night before crazy man??? I can't even believe you knew how to fix it around!!!

Oh sweetie my heart went out to you....kudos for finishing the darn thing!! you are incredible!! can't wait to see you in December!!

2006-10-02 9:57 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Veteran
124
100
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
Wow. Based on your report, I'd say you'd make an awesome adventure racer. The camping alone would've worn me out.

Cheers and congrats.


H.


...after all that you camped some more? Awesome.
2006-10-03 1:00 AM
in reply to: #558243

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Champion
11641
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Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
You are one tough old coot. Way to stick it out.
2006-10-03 6:17 AM
in reply to: #558243

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Elite
2777
2000500100100252525
In my bunk with new shoes and purple sweats.
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

About the camping. I think camping is the way to go. This was the first time I did it and it just adds something to the race. It's like an added effort or obstacle but a pleasant one that just sets the tone for what you're about to do to yourself. I would recommend it to everyone. btw I'm talking tent and sleeping bag here. No 40 foot motor homes.
I had a very small tent, air mattress and sleeping bag. I also had, for deluxe comfort, a one burner mountain stove and a small lantern. The park had restrooms with showers so what more could you need. These facilities were just a bonus.
I did set up a shade canopy and some folding chairs for visitors. Coffee, conversation, and a little college football on the portable radio.
Camping and triathlons are a good match. Try it, you just may enjoy it.

 

2006-10-03 7:34 AM
in reply to: #558243

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Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

Wow, ok now that there is actual detail I can stop being a smartass and actually post somehting.

 

WOW! Way to tough it out. I am very very very impressed.

Side note: aren't IV fluid packs the best? There is not a single hungover morning  dehydrated moment I don't yearn for one.



2006-10-03 7:45 AM
in reply to: #558243

Veteran
194
100252525
Charleston, SC
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
good race under hot hot hot conditions! I heard about the crash that happened at the end of the park entrance road, I suppose this was your friend, I hope s/he is doing alright
2006-10-03 7:54 AM
in reply to: #558572

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Giver
18426
5000500050002000100010010010010025
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

Cracker cracker cracker cracker...how many times do we have to tell you? Never, ever, ever, separate your PB and J like that.

Amatures. Sheesh. I swear.

But seriously. Nice job overcoming the, uh, bonehead mistake. What an epic day.

2006-10-03 9:00 AM
in reply to: #558243

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Regular
85
252525
Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
Way to go, big boy! There's a lot to be said of one's character when you exhibit that kind of stick-to-it-ivness! Be proud, dang proud!
2006-10-03 9:21 AM
in reply to: #558243

Extreme Veteran
597
500252525
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
Congratulations! You definitely had one heck of a race. I think I would have lost it even having to adjust the seat one time, but you managed to keep composure and keep pedaling. I think I saw your friend being collared and put on the backboard... I got nervous and nearly hit a police officer just seeing the down cyclist. I sure hope he's ok now.
2006-10-03 10:03 AM
in reply to: #558243

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The Original
7834
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Raleigh/Durham
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
Wow Russ- your RR is really good for teaching others "what not to do in a race" I can't believe you made changes to your bike the night before- yikes!  Way to stick it out!  Congrats on finshing your first 1/2 IM even if it was really tough for ya!


2006-10-03 10:07 AM
in reply to: #558243

Master
1362
10001001001002525
Charlotte, NC
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

Congrats!  I love the camping idea and agree that's just an extra bonus on the adventurous weekend.  From everyone's reports it sounds like a great setting for a race.  If I ever muster up the courage to do a HIM, this is a close one to home.

Sorry to hear about the troubles, but you deserve a medal for completing it after all that.  Hope your friend is ok, too.

Congrats again!

Rob

2006-10-03 10:11 AM
in reply to: #558243

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Veteran
199
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Smyrna
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

Congratulations on finishing your first Half-IM!  You overcame so much and your perserverance should make you and friends really proud!  I can't even imagaine trying to fix my bike right before I'm suppose to ride.  You have terrific skills!

Also, i hope that your friend who crashed is okay.  I saw the accident as I was leaving the park and it really worried me and made me realize that I need to think about safety above everything else.

Great job again!  Hope you are taking some time to recouperate!

2006-10-03 11:16 AM
in reply to: #558243

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Buttercup
14334
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Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

WOW.

That was one helluva HIM, Russ. Man oh man.

WOW.

Props for using circuitous in your RR. It's a great word that doesn't get enough play.

2006-10-03 11:24 AM
in reply to: #558243

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Elite
2777
2000500100100252525
In my bunk with new shoes and purple sweats.
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
Bike crash update. Checked on my buddy this morning and he is OK so we had a good laugh about it. His was the crash at the park entrance. The next time the volunteers/Highway Patrol signal him to slow down I bet he obeys. It wasn't that he was going too fast to make the turn, he was going so fast that he ran upon a slow rider and made the wrong move. The bike was fine.
2006-10-03 12:52 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Master
1932
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Savannah,
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

Great RR!  A few things:

First and foremost....you kick booty.

Secondly, what time is 2130?

Thirdly....my GOSH I hate camping (unless it's like cruise ship camping or condo camping)

Heh, and lastly, whose the Ironman...you or your gooch (or is it gooches?)?.  And now that they're probably numb for life, how about that spot for the tatoo? 

Great job!



2006-10-03 12:54 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Master
1920
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Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
Nice job getting through a tough day! Congrats on getting through your first HIM in one piece!
2006-10-03 1:14 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Regular
71
2525
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half
wow, I saw your buddy right after the spill and felt so bad for him. It looked like he crashed while making that turn and he had a big rasberry right on his forehead which made me wonder how well his helmet fit him.

the camping thing is so cool and great. I'm going to do some adventure racing next year, and am looking forward to that element very much. Although, I gotta admit that this sort of distance would make me shy away from doing that. How rough was it tearing down your campsite after the race? Yikes.

and man, putting on a new seat the night before is just nuts! You have quite the intestinal fortitude, which I'm sure serves you well in this sport. Way to finish!
2006-10-03 1:15 PM
in reply to: #558243

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Champion
11641
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Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: South Carolina Half

I love the idea of camping around a race. I'm waiting for someone to start a Wildflower-like weekend for the east coast.

 

2006-10-03 4:02 PM
in reply to: #558243

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