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Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Galveston, Texas
United States
EndorFUN SPORTS
Overcast
Total Time = 4h 51m 28s
Overall Rank = /
Age Group = Coed Relay
Age Group Rank = 3/9
Pre-race routine:

Woke up at the BT Beach House. Had a light breakfast with coffee, a Superfood drink, bagel, banana. We made it to the site about 30 minutes before transition closed, so I had enough time to link up with our runner and get body marked, drop off my bag at transition, and get into my wetsuit. I went down to the swim start and found an oyster shell within about 5 minutes... so in keeping with tradition of my salt water swim races I cut my foot open before the start. Nice. Chatted with BTers Big Red, Whizzz, Tri-it. We were the second wave after the elites and the males 30-34, so we didn't have to stand around long.
Event warmup:

Swam out to the the buoy for the deep water start. This was news to me. I didn't get a chance to warmup otherwise, so it was no big deal. I treaded water for about two minutes after swimming maybe 100 yards.
Swim
  • 36m 30s
  • 2112 yards
  • 01m 44s / 100 yards
Comments:

(AG rank is among male swimmers, Overall is among relay swimmers... there were some speedy girls in there).
Less than a year ago I had terrible swims on sprint and OLY courses, averaging over 2:50 per 100 yards at both races. I was very uncomfortable in open water and all of the things I could do in the pool (like breathe and actually swim) seemed to disappear in open water. Last June I had a good 1/2 IM swim at Buffalo Springs. But I hadn't raced since then, so I was nervous that maybe my one good swim was an accident and the other poor performances were more my style in open water! So the point of doing this relay as the swimmer so early in the season was to sort of validate my swimming so I could move on mentally and no longer be anxious about open water.

I wasn't nervous at all by Sunday morning. I'd had some good practice on the course. By the time I was out at the start point I felt really good. I positioned myself on the right side of the pack, toward the front. I breathe to my left, so I planned to sight off the pack each time I breathe, and sight the buoy about every 10th stroke or so just to be sure. At the gun I started with no trouble. I found a good rhythm and I was surprised to pass a few breast strokers that were up front. I found some feet after about two minutes and drafted a little, but the pace was too slow so I passed him and spotted a pack about 10 yards ahead and caught them. I was comfortable the whole way, drafting or passing at will with no trouble. There was very little contact. I got kicked once or twice by breaststrokers, but nothing bad. After having several races where I had been caught and passed by several waves behind me, it was nice to not have to deal with that Sunday. And maybe 10-15 minutes in I started picking off green caps from the M30-34 wave. I counted 8 or 9, but looking at the results I passed 26 swimmers from the previous wave. :) The current and swells required a little bit of attention. I had to time my stroke right to be able to breathe, but I never missed more than one breath due to the water flowing over my head. Everything was going great when I was maybe 400 yards from the finish and I felt the back of my wetsuit open up a bit. Water was rushing in and filling the sleeves. I managed to take a big breath and reach back behind my head and mess with it a little. I re-attached the velcro flap and that seemed to hold it in place. My arms were a little heavy, but I can't say it slowed me down much. I passed three more guys on the last stretch after the final turn and no one passed me.

When I got to the exit ramp and stood up both of my hamstrings cramped up for a few seconds so I had a little trouble walking at first. Nothing too bad though and once I walked it out I was able to start running. There was a long run to transition where The Bear was waiting for me to handoff the chip. There was a line of guys jogging up the trail, so I sprinted around them and ran up the rest of the trail bypassing the wetsuit strippers. The handoff went smoothly and Bear was off on the bike. After the handoff I was leaning over the rail trying not to puke (the chop had me a little nauseated and the sprint to transition didn't help). I guess I was looking a little rough, because a second later there was a doctor all over me asking it I was having chest pain. :-o I told her she might watch her shoes, so I didn't throw up on them and that I was okay other than some leg cramps. So she rubbed out my legs for a minute and I wobbled over to the Gatoraid table and caught my breath.
What would you do differently?:

As far as preparation goes, nothing. I finally feel like I've done my homework, worked out the bugs, and I'm swimming pretty close to my potential. In terms of speed, I think I can get faster but that hasn't been my focus. Open water technique has been the name of the game for abut two years now, and I think I'm good there. So now my focus will shift to speed, but in terms of preparing for this race I wouldn't change a thing. I was MOP for the relay, but I'm happy with that given the fact that relay teams genrally have people doing their strong event, and this is my weakest event. I was toward the back of FOP had I been in my AG, so I'm happy.
Transition 1
  • 00m
Bike
  • 00m
  • 56 miles
  • 0.00 mile/hr
Comments:

See The Bear's report. :) He averaged over 21 mph!
Transition 2
  • 00m
Run
  • 00m
  • 13.1 miles
  •  min/mile
Comments:

Our relay running had never raced over 5k, and she ran 7:05 per mile for the 1/2 mary. Really what she di was run a sub 18:00 5k, and then 10 more miles. :) She was awesome!
Post race
Warm down:

After I got settled down, hydrated, and changed my clothes, I went into jockstrap mode and sought out as many BTers as possible. I managed to find quite a few. Everyone looked like they were having a good time and racing strong.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Not much. Like I said there was a little current to swim against for the long stretch of the swim, but that wasn't too much of a factor and it affected everyone the same way.

Event comments:

We placed 3rd out of 9 in the co-ed relay division (11 with two DNF) and we hung out for the awards. They called us up to the podium and then organizers informed the announcer thay only had awards for the winning team in the relay division. So we got the podium time without the hardware. Not a big deal. I figured since we were calling ourselves Team BT and we had the BT booth set up in the expo, it would be bad form to no-show the awards thing.




Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:36:30 | 2112 yards | 01m 44s / 100yards
Age Group: 2/9
Overall: 5/
Performance: Good
Suit: QR Hydrofull
Course: Counter-clockwise loop with a deep water start. The long stretch was against a slight current.
Start type: Deep Water Plus: Waves
Water temp: 75F / 24C Current: Medium
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Good
Waves: Good Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 00:00
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike:
Jump on bike:
Getting up to speed:
Biking
00:00:00 | 56 miles | 0.00 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/9
Overall: 0/
Performance:
Wind:
Course:
Road:   Cadence:
Turns: Cornering:
Gear changes: Hills:
Race pace: Drinks:
T2
Time: 00:00
Overall:
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
00:00:00 | 13.1 miles |  min/mile
Age Group: 0/9
Overall: 0/
Performance:
Course:
Keeping cool Drinking
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: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2007-04-02 11:18 AM

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Elite
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Texas
Subject: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT


2007-04-02 11:31 AM
in reply to: #745511

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Expert
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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
That is a killer swim time! Team BT really showed up at this relay. Bear passed me on the bike o his second lap and he was moving!
2007-04-02 11:33 AM
in reply to: #745511

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
I'm with you , that was a great swim and a fun time. Thanks for letting me play along!
2007-04-02 12:31 PM
in reply to: #745511

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Expert
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Waller County, TX
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Great swim.

One day I may become a good swimmer.

Great to meet you and talk for a few minutes.

See you at CapTex and Buffalo Springs.
2007-04-02 12:37 PM
in reply to: #745682

Champion
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South Jersey
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT

FANTASTIC!!! You did an awesome job, and I am glad you left the race knowing that you've been doing the the right thing with your training and that you're on the path to great OWSs from here on out!! Keep up the good work.

Oh, and your team did awesome overall too. You guys must be so excited!!!

2007-04-02 12:41 PM
in reply to: #745511

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molto veloce mama
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Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
wow. awesome!


2007-04-02 1:19 PM
in reply to: #745511

Master
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Houston
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
I hope your feet are healing up from the oyster beds!  Great job, Bill.
2007-04-02 1:27 PM
in reply to: #745511

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Master
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Katy, TX (West of Houston)
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT

Fantastic swim Bro!!!

It was great to hang out with you and the family this weekend and after the race!!!

Here is the quote from Hannah:

Me:

When I grow up, I want to be fast like your Daddy.

Hannah:

You are a grown up, but if you really want to be fast like him, you just need to train harder.

2007-04-02 1:32 PM
in reply to: #745789

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Elite
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Texas
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Freeswimmingfish - 2007-04-02 1:27 PM

Fantastic swim Bro!!!It was great to hang out with you and the family this weekend and after the race!!!Here is the quote from Hannah:

Me:

When I grow up, I want to be fast like your Daddy.

Hannah:

You are a grown up, but if you really want to be fast like him, you just need to train harder.

Heh... yeah that was funny. She's good for about one of those per day. Great seeing you  guys again Joe!

2007-04-02 1:48 PM
in reply to: #745511

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Champion
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Rochester Hills, Michigan
Gold member
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Man, that's an outstanding improvement year-over-year....color me impressed.  Great swim, good times, that's a solid effort on an awesome weekend.
2007-04-02 2:01 PM
in reply to: #745789

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Freeswimmingfish - 2007-04-02 1:27 PM

Fantastic swim Bro!!!

It was great to hang out with you and the family this weekend and after the race!!!

Here is the quote from Hannah:

Me:

When I grow up, I want to be fast like your Daddy.

Hannah:

You are a grown up, but if you really want to be fast like him, you just need to train harder.

Out of the mouths of babes!



2007-04-02 3:10 PM
in reply to: #745511

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT

Great swim pace.  Now you're confident with your swimming!!  Look how much difference you went from last year to this!  Nice to do all the OWS practice (that you felt "guilty" about - when we were having our sub-freezing temp!).

How's your foot, by the way?

2007-04-02 3:48 PM
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Pro
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Evanston,
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT

Great job, Bill!  I was so proud when i logged on yesterday and saw that Team BT had come in third for the coed relays.  The times were interesting too:  first three teams bunched together fairly closely, then the other six trailing way behind.  You done us proud. 

 It's also great to see your hard and smart training pay off.  Hannah's right about that!

2007-04-02 3:49 PM
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Expert
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McKinney, TX
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Daaaaang!  Great job on the swim, Bill!  It was great seeing ya'll and finally meeting the Famous Fast Hannah!  (I loved her buggy-eyes when I called her that!
2007-04-02 4:00 PM
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Pro
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Sous Mon Diadème
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Amazing!!  Great swim, Bill.  Congrats on that and the strong team effort and finish!
2007-04-02 4:15 PM
in reply to: #745511

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A very cool place in Colorado :)
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Wow - your entry really puts into perspective all the hard work you've done and solidifies your progress! Ha, and you weren't even working on speeeeeeeeed.... you're going to be insanely fast since you've got more in ya! GREAT RELAY!!


2007-04-02 4:23 PM
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Master
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Newbury Park, CA
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Cool event.  Good job on showing what BT is made of.
2007-04-02 5:08 PM
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Master
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Red Sox Nation
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT

Bear passed ME on the bike, and I was on a motorcycle.

You all had a great race!  Yes, you're swimming compared to last year is SO improved!  GREAT JOB!

Nice to finally meet  you all!  And thanks for the pancakes! I never claimed to be a morning person.

2007-04-02 8:30 PM
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Master
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Frisco, Texas
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT

Great swim.  You do that at BSLT and you'll be set for a great race there.  You guys rocked...podium and but no hardware...bummer

TJ



Edited by zia_cyclist 2007-04-02 8:32 PM
2007-04-02 8:42 PM
in reply to: #745511

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Champion
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Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
That's a great swim.  Great work!
2007-04-02 8:48 PM
in reply to: #745511

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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
man, that was a GREAT swim!  you took it to them didn't you?  very very impressive!  and what a year to year improvement!  nicely done.


2007-04-02 11:21 PM
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Champion
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Whizzzzzlandia
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Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT

Yaaaahoooooooo! You had one heck of a swim Bill! Nice work!

It was so great to meet you and Hannah and Holly... although I felt like I've known you for a long time already... weird, isn't it?

You guys rocked that relay. So very very proud of you!

How's the foot feeling???

 

Just got back into town... work tomorrow. Tongue out 

 

 

2007-04-03 5:47 AM
in reply to: #745511

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Nice job Bill!! I need to bring my swim up to your level.

Good to meet you and hope to see you at other events in the future.
2007-04-03 8:04 AM
in reply to: #746640

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT
Whizzzzz - 2007-04-02 11:21 PM

Yaaaahoooooooo! You had one heck of a swim Bill! Nice work! It was so great to meet you and Hannah and Holly... although I felt like I've known you for a long time already... weird, isn't it? You guys rocked that relay. So very very proud of you!How's the foot feeling??? Just got back into town... work tomorrow. Tongue out 

I know! It was more like a reunion than anything.

Foot is okay. Could've taken a stitch or too, but it's healing fine and I'm keeping it very clean.

You guys left your Power Blueberry cereal. I don't know if I can eat it as it has sentimental value      Even looking at my leftover pancake mix... <sigh..>

See you guys at the next one, hopefully something before Lonestar '08!

 

2007-04-03 9:12 AM
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Master
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Keller Tx
Subject: RE: Lone Star 1/2 IM Relay: Team BT

Great swim Bill.  I think that you put in your info about your improvement over the last year is awesome!

Even with the problems coming back in you gave it everything!

Good to see you again.

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