General Discussion Race Reports! » IMFL RR - Enjoy kids! Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 

Ironman Florida - TriathlonFull Ironman


View Member's Race Log View other race reports
Panama City Beach, Florida
United States
Ironman North America
44F / 7C
Sunny
Total Time = 11h 58m 18s
Overall Rank = 786/2192
Age Group = W25-29
Age Group Rank = 16/52
Pre-race routine:

Got up around 4:00 AM, went downstairs and found Jess and Aaron already eating and on BT (shocker)! Ate a small bowl of Life cereal, and two slices of cinnamon rasin toast w/ natural peanut butter and drank a glass of Diet Coke (gotta get the system running). Got dressed, gathered up my wetsuit and special needs bags, and Jess dropped us off at the race site. I had a small panic attack because I couldn't find Sherri for body marking (I have this weird-ass thing about having my race numbers VERY neat--messy numbers annoy me, even though I know they'll just smear off in a matter of hours). In any event, I found her and got some KICKASS body marking--THANKS SHERRI, you're the best!

After checking the bike and dropping the bags, I headed up to Jim's room (another small panic attack as I first looked for his room in the wrong building and freaked out when the room number didn't exist) which overlooked the swim start. We stayed warm, applied BT tats and laughed and Nola and her antics. May, Janelle, Aaron, Jim and myself were all there, ready to rock and roll.

Event warmup:

Uhhh, right. Negatory!
Swim
  • 1h 08m 12s
  • 4224 yards
  • 01m 26s / 100 yards
Comments:

I started towards the front-ish of the pack since I am a fairly strong swimmer. The mass start was rough, but no rougher than a water polo game--yes, I got punched in the mouth, swum over, and kicked, but I guess I just figured it par for the course... You kind of end up swiming catch-up (for those of you familiar with the drill) because you instinctively want to have at least one arm in front of you at all times to help protect your face. I knew I was moving at a decent pace for the first lap... made my turns close to the buoys and was shocked when I was done with the first lap... around 32 minutes. The whole time I kept reminding myself to stretch out and relax and keep the effort low. When I re-entered the water, there were definitely less people, and I did some backstroke to keep with the keep-it-easy strategy. I think I pissed the guy swimming freestyle next to me b/c I was going faster than him. Hehe. I then got stung by a little jellyfish on the neck, I think. Then I decided to pee on myself for the first of many times. Haha. I still got kicked a lot on the second lap--I seemed to find myself in the middle of the age-group guys who were very agro... I was like, come on guys, is it THAT hard to just move your stroke 3 inches to the right or left so that you don't hit me square on?! Bastards. A couple of times I had to hold myself in check when I wanted to smack some dudes upside. On the last leg into shore, I couldn't believe that I was almost done with the swim portion of the IM.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing, except maybe be an even stronger swimmer--I went light on the swim workouts since I knew that I needed more training in the bike and run, but I could have been even faster I suppose.
Transition 1
  • 06m 51s
Comments:

Fairly uneventful. I didn't get a helper from the start which was okay. I did a full change, and didn't forget anything. Unfortunately my race number ripped off my race belt pretty soon into the bike, so I think I was pretty rough on it during transition. Oh well. This went faster than I anticipated (I'm usually a pretty slow transitioner) especially since I did the full clothing change.
What would you do differently?:

I'd probably swim with my tri short and maybe even the tri top. I mean, it's not like the shorts don't eventually get wet (remember, I pee on myself)... so it wouldn't be a big deal for them to start wet from the ocean. I also probably would have just had my number pinned on my jersey (which I wore over my tri top b/c it was a tad chilly out), and just used the race belt for the run.
Bike
  • 5h 51m 11s
  • 112 miles
  • 19.14 mile/hr
Comments:

The bike went pretty well--the winds on the way out were nasty, and they didn't stop "five miles out" like "people" were telling us in transition and before the race. LIARS. Haha. But no biggie--the only thing I was worried about was that I kept thinking, well, maybe the winds are even WORSE on the way back!!! At mile 30 I got stuck in an Iron peleton for like 3-4 miles. It was absolutely crazy... there was NO way to get out of it or around it.... it was like seriously 50 people bunched up... I guess becuase of the headwinds... I felt like I was on a freaking weekend ride... I was looking around, and asking people what we were supposed to do... I'd never heard of this sort of thing happening in an IM--you couldn't even really slow down safely to get OUT because there were so many people behind you...F-ing crazy. Fortunately I dropped that shit when I stopped to pick up some more water at a stop... I kinda was trying to bridge back up to the group, more as a pace goal than anything, and then the good old ref motorcycles zoomed by. Haha--suckers! It still took a while to get the peleton thinned out, but eventually it did thin. Sheesh. In that situation, most people just got stuck in the group and weren't trying to cheat, but I did see a TON of people BLATANTLY cheating... losers. Haha. Whatev. So right after I picked up my special needs bag, we took a a right turn, and THANK GOD FOR A TAILWIND! It was sooo fun! Honestly, the bike went by so fast too... a lot of people complained about the scenery, but I didn't think it was that horrible... I was looking around, just taking it all in and trying to savor the moment. For the last 40 or so miles, I literally started chanting "calm and easy" to myself... I was doing really well, and feeling really good, but I knew I had a marathon to finish as well, so I wanted to conciously calm myself down and stay in control. It seemed to work. At one point, a friend I trained for blew past me like I was standing still... I was going like 23 or 24 mph... yeah, she finished 2nd in her AG, is going to Kona, and had a sub-4-hr marathon. I decided I would pee on myself... and I'm glad I did... I would have had to get off the bike a lot if I stopped, and that would have made me shy away from drinking as much, etc. and I think I hydrated perfectly, so the conclusion: PEEING ON YOURSELF IS GOOD! Uh, sick. As we came back along the beach, I started getting ready for transition... thinking about what was in my bag, took my gloves off (lost one--oops), and while I did spin the legs, I tried not to let up too much on speed becuase I knew that once the running started, I'd be losing ground, so I wanted to finish the bike strong.
What would you do differently?:

Not much--I was very pleased with this virgin IM-bike effort. I brought myself up to 7th place in my AG with the bike, so I can say that it was a strong effort--and I felt good at the end... with plenty in the tank for the run. I guess if I do it AGAIN, I would just try to be an even stronger cyclist. Duh.
Transition 2
  • 03m 38s
Comments:

Once again, I surprised myself with the speed of my transition. I think I was WAY slower when I did my first HIM! I took off my bike jersey, switched socks, and pulled on the shoes. Grabed my mini bottle of sun screen as I left and slathered on some goop. Then I had to fiddle with my ripped race number as I was running, but I fixed it w/in the first half mile.
What would you do differently?:

Not much... maybe had a bike jersey that zipped all the way down so that I could take it off like a jacket not over my head.
Run
  • 4h 48m 28s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 11m 01s  min/mile
Comments:

I'm a sucky runner. It's definitely my weakest dicipline. That being said, I'm very pleased with my marathon performance--I honestly didn't think I'd come in under five hours! I did use the port-o-John two times (once I had to wait for a while in line which was WAY annoying but since I wasn't willing to shit in my pants--a necessity). I stuck to my plan of walking through each aid station to take in some nutrition, and then ran the rest. The second leg out to the park was a little long--mentally you were just like, ugh, but I never hit the wall or bonked. Thank God! When I hit mile 20 on the run, I looked at my watch, and was like, holly crap--if I run 10 minute miles, I might actually finish under 12 hours!! So I very very gradually started to pick up the effort. I knew that 6.2 miles was still a long way to run at the end of an IM, and that I could still blow my load too early and pay for it at the end. So I kept walking through aid stations, but I put a little more effort into the running... with about a 5k left to go, I started to really mentally turn it up and didn't walk through anymore aid stations. Then, with about a mile plus to go, Paul and Bridget found me and started to run with me. I kept building the pace, and I was running quite strong for the last mile of the race...once I passed the turn around point (for the 1st loop), I started sprinting. I will say that the little hill you have to go up before the finish is a bitch--I saw it and was like, "no way" but I kicked it up another notch, and just kept "sprinting."
What would you do differently?:

Have done more run training. Period. I just could have been faster overall. Goals for the future baby!
Post race
Warm down:

Uh, massage, cheering for other finishers, and then a mile and a half walk back to the house (parking was so crazy). The walk back was probably a great thing, however, since it helped me get the crap out of my muscles... and while my feet were tired (literally just from the impact of the day--sore), my muscles were surprisingly fine.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

More training. From an actual race point-of-view, this was an awesome race. I blew away my own finish-time expectations (was hoping to come in between 13 and 15 hours). There wasn't much more I could have done on race day to perform faster. My fitness level was the only thing that prevented me from being even faster. From a cardio-point-of-view, I was fine... I could have gone LONGER... but from a muscle and joint point of view, I don't know how longer I would have lasted if I had pushed my intensity up a notch.

Event comments:

This was a great race. It is well organized, well supported, and while it's expensive (when you consider all the costs you end up having), I wouldn't trade it for the world. The volunteers are, as always, the key, and were absolutely fantastic. I got a little sick of the commercialization of the sponsors during the athlete-banquet, but that was the only, very small, negative thing I took away from the event. I would highly recommend this race to anyone interested in an IM race!




Last updated: 2005-12-05 12:00 AM
Swimming
01:08:12 | 4224 yards | 01m 26s / 100yards
Age Group: 11/52
Overall: 467/2192
Performance: Good
Suit: Sleeveless Pro-Motion tri-wetsuit
Course: Two counter-clockwise loops in the Gulf.
Start type: Run Plus: Shot
Water temp: 71F / 22C Current: Medium
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Average
Waves: Average Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 06:51
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
05:51:11 | 112 miles | 19.14 mile/hr
Age Group: 7/52
Overall: 689/2192
Performance: Good
Wind: Strong with gusts
Course: One-loop course with some very small rolling hills and a bridge you cross leaving and returning (which is the largest climb in the whole course).
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 03:38
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
04:48:28 | 26.2 miles | 11m 01s  min/mile
Age Group: 28/52
Overall: 1102/2192
Performance: Good
Course: Two-loop course that goes from the race start, through neighborhoods and turns around in the State Park.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 5
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] 4

{postbutton}
2006-11-09 9:38 AM

Extreme Veteran
340
10010010025
Cary, NC
Subject: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Alright BTiches, here you go! :)

Edited by DB8 2006-11-09 9:41 AM


2006-11-09 10:03 AM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Queen BTich
12411
500050002000100100100100
,
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

Debbie, you did amazing for your first race. You were getting burned out from training, and you still did sub-12! No regrets.

CONGRATS!

2006-11-09 10:05 AM
in reply to: #594154

Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
What an awesome time!

I think if I saw you backstroking away faster than I was crawling, I'd just try to catch your draft and hang on for the ride.
2006-11-09 10:12 AM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

YAY! You!

Awesome race, and awesome training season. GREAT job!

2006-11-09 10:15 AM
in reply to: #594154

Online or Offline
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

I know I've said it a million times to you during the race, and after while we were in FL, but HOLY **** AWESOME RACE!!!!!

I kept smiling every time we passed on the run, I was SO STOKED for you - you were kicking !!

You know what though? You forgot to add in your RR your "BT Quote of the Day":

"OMG I FEEL LIKE HAVING DIARRHEA"
-
Deb, at IMFL, on the beach moments before the swim start

I love that uneasy queasy feeling before the race! We were jumping up and down screaming like high school girls getting psyched up for the start gun and annoying the crap out of everyone around us....did you realize that?

2006-11-09 10:25 AM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Elite
2796
2000500100100252525
Texas
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Great race Deb! Funny... I do "catch-up" drills when it's crowded on the swim too. Way to go IRONMAN!


2006-11-09 11:44 AM
in reply to: #594255

User image

Giver
18426
5000500050002000100010010010010025
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Awesome Deb! You kicked so much @ss, and you kicked it all day long.
2006-11-09 11:47 AM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Expert
709
500100100
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

Great job Deb! It's saying something when it's harder to write the RR then actually do the race! Sounds like a great day all around! Congratulations!

2006-11-09 12:13 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Expert
683
500100252525
Denver
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
S-M-Okin time! Congratulations on a strong race. I like the fact that you swear in your race report. It adds color.
2006-11-09 12:32 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Pro
3705
20001000500100100
Vestavia Hills
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

Hmmm ... (note pad out, scribbling) .... pee'ing on the bike makes you faster - check.

Seriously, congratulations on the awesome finishing time. Way to go!

2006-11-09 12:34 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
WOW awesome job and super FAST !!!  I see Kona in your furture


2006-11-09 12:50 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Extreme Veteran
444
10010010010025
Olathe, KS
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Congrats on the amazing time! It's really inspiring. Glad you had such an awesome race!
I agree that we'll have to look for you at Kona soon!
2006-11-09 12:51 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Master
1791
1000500100100252525
Raleigh, North Carolina
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Incredible race Deb!  You did such a fantastic job out there.  Congratulations!
2006-11-09 1:10 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Extreme Veteran
414
100100100100
Green Bay, WI
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Congrats on becoming an Ironman! You had an awesome time as well!
2006-11-09 1:11 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Extreme Veteran
382
100100100252525
Illinois
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
OMG, Please, how can I swim like you?! Amazing!  Great race!
2006-11-09 1:24 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Master
1728
100050010010025
Pulaski TN
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Deb awesome job. It was great meeting you oh and yeah my laundry is still waiting!!!


2006-11-09 1:31 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Champion
6627
5000100050010025
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Gold member
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Phenomenal virgin effort!!!   Heh.  And you race like you train...strong, and without taking any crap!!! Congratulations.
2006-11-09 1:47 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Veteran
168
1002525
Acworth, Georgia
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

There is just one word for your effort - INCREDIBLE!

A sub-12 hour IM in your first one!  Holy smokes, jet-girl.  Great race, great RR, great IRONWOMAN!

2006-11-09 1:55 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Master
1686
1000500100252525
Royersford, PA
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Awesome race!!!! Way to tough out the swim. It was a little less physical on the far outside but I was also about 12 minutes behind you at that point. Great job all the way around. Sub 12 in your first IM is so awesome!!!!. Congrats Ironman!
2006-11-09 1:56 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Regular
73
2525
Raleigh, NC
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

I wanna be like Debbie when I grow up...wait, I'm older than you are.
DAMNIT!!!

Good race Girlie!!!! You rocked it....

2006-11-09 2:24 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Master
1397
1000100100100252525
Granvile, Ohio
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

You are such a ROCKIN' STUD!  Really nice performance!

So happy to hear that you made the final bathroom stops.  You were starting to sound a little too excited about the peeing situation....



2006-11-09 2:27 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Veteran
213
100100
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
Great race Debbie! Sub 12 hours is a great time. When is your next IM? : ) You seem to happy and excited about your first one to stop at one...

Great job!
2006-11-09 2:34 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Master
2314
2000100100100
Gulf Shores, AL
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
You are such a fun person to be around. I wish I could have been around you more, especially on the swim, bike, and run part of the events. I look forward to watching you turn pro and kicking Michelli and Natasha's butts in Hawaii.

Thanks for eating the blizzard for me, I haven't had one but I did eat a bunch of butter finger ice cream last night.
2006-11-09 4:03 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Extreme Veteran
617
500100
Covington (New Orleans), La
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!

Oh my GOD you are a friggin machine.... a virtual Ironman Femmebot.   What a killer time in all 3 and breaking 12 hours - I'm speechless.  You must be on cloud 9.

Great to meet you and hope to see you and the rest of the BT gang again soon!  Maybe at Gulf Coast???

2006-11-09 5:07 PM
in reply to: #594154

User image

Elite
2661
20005001002525
DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: IMFL RR - Enjoy kids!
OMG, way to go!!  Outsanding job - you definitely should be proud of yourself!!!!!!
General Discussion-> Race Reports!
{postbutton}
General Discussion Race Reports! » IMFL RR - Enjoy kids! Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2