General Discussion Race Reports! » Ironman Arizona Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 

Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman


View Member's Race Log View other race reports
Tempe, Arizona
United States
Ironman North America
Sunny
Total Time = 15h 05m 30s
Overall Rank = 1551/2500
Age Group = M35-39
Age Group Rank = 340/426
Pre-race routine:

For the days leading up to the race I slept like a baby. I shared a bed with Seanyboy and even he slept just fine. On Saturday night, I went to bed around 9:30 pm. I woke up at about 12:30. I was hungry so I made my pre race meal of a cheese sandwich, then went back to sleep. At 2:30 I woke up again and drank some Gatorade then went back to sleep again. At 4:29 (one minute before the alarm went off) I woke up again. This time for good. I prepared my bike bottles (4 bottles containing 1 scoop of GU2O, 2 scoops of Cytomax and 3 scoops of CarboPro). I knew it is hotter than it feels out here and wanted all of my nutrition in liquid form. I (tried) to wake up the redheads. After a few minutes, they finally got up and we left. Sheila drove me to the race site and dropped me off.
Here's the problem. The last time I ate was 12:30. 6 1/2 hours before race start :(
Event warmup:

Nothing really. I got my stuff together, then hung out with Chris (CBOST2678). I wasn't nervous about this race at all, so this was the first time I got to hang out and enjoy the pre race atmosphere. We saw StandswithFists at the edge of the water and she wished us luck. Chris had to pee so he jumped in first. I gave him a minute or two and then didn't swim too close to him :) After that we started towards the swim start line. I adjusted my goggles and then tried to swim a little bit. Every two strokes my goggles filled up with water. I took them off and tried again. Same thing. Crap. So I dog paddled over to the edge of the water and sat on the wall. I took my swim cap off and put my goggles on under the cap and that worked. I guess the cap was letting water in. Whew, problem solved. When we got to the start line, I tried to find a nice clear spot in the water. I remembered the last time I did this race, I had plenty of clear water along the left side of the lake, so I stayed there. A few minutes later, Mike Riley said something, so I got my watch ready. Just as I was going to put my arm back in the water...Boooom! the canon went off. Perfect, I started my watch then :)
Swim
  • 1h 21m 17s
  • 4224 yards
  • 01m 55s / 100 yards
Comments:

Well, memories of how easy this swim was in 2005, was a bit exaggerated. Last year at CDA, the whole swim was terrible. I fought the whole time. I wasn't expecting that here, but I was wrong. At first things were good, then crowded, then good, then crowded. Finally after what seemed like forever, I made it to the middle of the lake. Most people were either swimming near the buoys or near the wall and I was not near any of them! Yeah! I got into a nice easy pace and I looked around and there was nobody in sight, so I didn't bother sighting, just checked to see how close I was to the wall on my right. Then, wham! A guy swam across my legs. WTF? I am out here all by myself and you swim over me? I was soooo pissed at that time, but kept swimming, then the occasional overachieving swimmer (someone so off course that they swim way more than anyone else) would swim across me. One guy kept zig zagging by me and I would have to pull up and let him by every time. After that a guy kept swimming up my legs. I can understand staying on my toes to draft (I do it), but he kept hitting me on the calves. Finally I kicked as hard as I could and he left me alone. I made it to the turn around buoy and everybody was so orderly that I couldn't believe it. I was heading back and again had clear water. When I got to the first bridge, I started sneezing. I would turn to get in air, then put my face in the water and Blub, blub, blub, blub. Breathe, then blub, blub, blub, blub. I sneezed 4 times and started laughing my butt off. I stopped swimming and looked around to see if anybody else saw this (or cared). About halfway back, I felt a rubbing on my neck, so I tried to readjust my wetsuit, but the Velcro was straight, so I kept going. A minute later, the same thing. When I finally got out of the water I had a burn on the side of my neck and under my right arm. I got to the top of the stairs and there were the wetsuit strippers. I went to a guy and he pulled the suit off of my right leg, then it got stuck on the timing chip on my left leg. I straightened out my foot and my left calf cramped BIG TIME. The volunteer's eyes were huge. He looked like he wanted to help, but didn't know what to do. As soon as he got the suit off, the cramp went away. I limped to the changing tent to start the bike.
What would you do differently?:

Probably not be such a water snob. I spent more time worrying about people being in my space, than actually swimming. I usually draft, especially in this distance, but didn't want to be near anybody. This was 6 minutes slower than any other race. Oh well, I still had plenty of space most of the time.
Transition 1
  • 10m 44s
Comments:

Gawd, I tried to keep my transition times under 20 minutes. Didn't happen, I guess :) I really like it in there.
What would you do differently?:

I dunno, maybe I need to practice more changing tent transitions
Bike
  • 6h 52m 13s
  • 112 miles
  • 16.30 mile/hr
Comments:

My coach wanted me to use my HRM and take the first loop easy. I put my HRM strap on in the tent, but because my watch was already going,I couldn't get a readout without restarting my watch, so I went on feel. I got on the bike and took off. I saw the Redheads pretty early and that made me feel good. After we got out of town, I was flying. Geez, I am in good shape. I am going 20+ and not even trying! Damn straight I am in good shape :) we turned up Beeline and the winds were coming across us from the east. No big deal. Again, I am in great shape, still flying up this hill. I really should have looked at the guys coming down the hill, because when I hit the turn around. I got hit right in the face with the wind. CRAP! OK, so now I am going 13-14 mph. OK, just hang on, make it to the first right turn and that wind from the east will be a tailwind...WRONG. the wind was now coming from the east. This lasted all the way back into town. When I got to Hill street bridge, I turned right and right into the wind, sigh. Then I hear the redheads yelling, cool. Then a minute later,I heard "GO Madcow". It was Chippy, Aaron and Shane. That was so motivating. I made the turn around and again there was wind, WTF? Which direction is it coming from? So far it is from the east, south and north. Now I am heading east...Tailwind !!!! I thought I saw MikeB, but kept going. About 4 miles later, i hear "I thought I would see you out here" It was MikeB! He passed me but that was all the motivation I needed. I stayed focused and just kept the legs turning over. he stayed about 20 yards ahead of me for about 6 miles. We were heading up Beeline and I heard a disc wheel coming, then the first place man flew by me. Then I heard another disc and the second place man went by. A minute later I heard another disc. When this pro pulled up, she slowed down looked right at me and said "Whoop Whoop!", then took off. That wasn't a pro, that was Tri take me away (Jessica). That made me smile. I decide to catch up to MikeB and chat. When I caught him, we rode side by side for a while, then he said we should ride together at the double. Cool. Then a motorcycle rode up to us and the guy on the back said "You guys need to break it up. I know you are not drafting, but there are some pros coming" so I pulled ahead. I stayed there until the turn around, but Mike wasn't right behind me. Hummm. I pushed on back downhill and back into town. I did find it a lot easier to ride into a headwind opposed to crosswinds, weird. When I turned around back at town, Mike wasn't there. He ended up about 10 miles behind (I guess another flat because he had 2) This time I felt really good going out and up the hill. I felt like I was getting stronger as the day went on, cool. Going back down wasn't so easy. I found that if I sat all the way at the tip of my saddle I had a lot more power and would pass a few people and felt good. The problem was my shoulders couldn't hold my weight for that long. Another thing I figured out was since we going downhill, momentum would bring me downhill. So I would pedal for about 20 seconds and the coast with my feet and legs tucked in close and I was holding my speed and gaining on people. I got quite a few looks when I was passing people while coasting and they were pedaling. Again, the problem was starting and stopping pedaling was killing my legs. It felt better to keep them turning. Oh well, it was fun experimenting. I finally made it back into town and told the volunteer who helped me with my bike "To keep it" he said' I have been given so many bikes today" :)
Nutrition: 4 bottles of my cocktail, about 20-30 Thermolytes and 2 banana pieces. My back was tight a few times so I took 2 Advil and 2 Tylenol on the ride.
What would you do differently?:

I dunno
Transition 2
  • 10m 20s
Comments:

sigh. Very comfy in there.
Run
  • 6h 30m 58s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 14m 55s  min/mile
Comments:

I started the run and there was a medical tent there. My back was tight when I sat down to change my clothes. So I went to the tent and asked if I could get some Advil.
The lady there said "have you had any today?"
"Yeah"
"How many?"
" 2 Advil, 2 Tylenol"
"How many Mg's?"
"I dunno"
"Well, I am only going to give you one. You can't take any more or you will die!"
"What?"
"your kidneys can't take any more than this"
"Ahhh, you can keep it, thanks."
I am glad I talked to her because I actually had 4 more Advil in my run shorts. I would have taken them without knowing how dangerous it was. Whew!
OK, the run. Right off the bat, there were hundreds of people all right there, so I took off feeling good. There was an aid station but I ran through it and only took water. The plan was for me to run the first 9 miles and not walk any stations. I was going to take water at every station, GU at every other and salt every 3rd. So far, so good. Then, I got to the next station and only took water and Gatorade, but hey I am still running, that has to be good, right? We turned to cross over the lake and this guy said "What mile are we on?" I thought about it (2 stations = 2 miles) and said "mile 2". He said cool and I went on. A minute later I came up on a sign that read "Mile 1" Psssssssssssssssst. Yep that was the sound of my bubble bursting. I felt like I had been running forever. Only mile 1? OK, I still kept running and got to mile 2 and the aid station. I again only took water and kept going. I remember the course from 2 years ago, but this time we took a left turn. Cool, no big hill like last time...wrong again. This hill was bigger than last time. It kept going and going. So I walked. After I started running again, I cramped in my right calf and my right groin. I hobbled down the hill to the next aid station and I took a gel but because my hands were wet I couldn't open it. Now this is where I started to figure things out. I hadn't taken any real nutrition yet. This is going to bite me in the butt and sure enough, I became one big cramp in my right leg. I kept hobbling until I got near the transition area. There were so many people yelling out names and cheering, I just had to run. The crowds went on forever. Normally I would love this, but this time I just wanted them to stop cheering so I could go back to walking. After that i wandered over to the next aid station at Priest and Rio Salado. There the redheads were in full force. That made me happy and found a little getty up in my step but I was hurting. After that I headed back east and there were a series of signs on the course, so I read them as I ran. Then JCSB (Matt) caught me and we ran together for a while. He asked how I was doing and I said I want to walk, only because I want to. He said that he would allow himself to walk only if he made it to each mile marker at a 12 min pace. For some reason I knew I wasn't doing a 12 min pace...so I walked. I dunno. For the next few miles I really suffered out there. When I got back to the end of the first loop, someone yelled "go Madcow" I looked and I think it was Zilla. I thought "hey she isn't wearing a tiara" Then laughed.
At the next aid station I decided that the cramps were caused by dehydration (I'm not a Dr., I only play one on TV) so I took some water, then filled up a cup with water and ran with a full cup. I kept sipping as I ran, because the gulping of liquid was sitting like a rock in my stomach. That worked great. I was thinking I should be a model, mainly because walking with a book on your head is nothing compared to running with a full cup of water. :) That did the trick and I started to feel good, really good. My only limiter was my head. I would walk for no good reason. the cramps weren't bothering me and my HR was pretty low (I could tell even without a HRM). Just before mile 20 I started walking and I heard a voice that said "Just keep running until the aid station, then walk up the big hill". "OK" so I started running again with the woman who said it (Melissa from Minnesota). We both got passed by a speed walker, which sucked. Then she walked up the hill but I felt good,so I ran the whole thing. I looked at my watch and I had 6 miles to go and 1 hour to go sub 14:30. I then took off. My fastest mile was from 20-21. I got to the aid station and started walking again, then Melissa caught me and we spent the next 4.5 miles together run/walking. She said this was her first IM and asked if it was mine. I said it was my third and she said "Oh, so this is no big deal to you". I explained that so many things can go wrong during the day and in training that every finish IS a big deal, to me anyway. We got to the station at mile 24 and there were the Redheads again, this time Lauren was working, handing out soda and water. She was stoked. Then Sheila and the kids were to head over to the finish line to run me in.
Soon, Melissa said she wanted to try and run the whole thing. I thought I would catch her, but didn't. I ran most of the way (except the hill to Mill street) then I could feel the excitement as I ran across the bridge. There were still some people cheering so I asked if I was winning. Their laughter made me run a little faster, but now I was worried that I would beat Sheila and the kids to the finish line (yeah right) So as I got really close, I walked again then started a little jog. I didn't realize the 3rd street turn was so close and the next thing I knew, I was there. I looked over and there was Sheila and the kids. Great!!! Later she told me that they stayed and worked a little while longer, walked to the hotel, drove over to the race, found a parking spot, walked over to the finish line and still had a plenty of time to wait for me. Thanks for rubbing it in :)
Lauren ran beside me and I carried Sean. He is getting too heavy for me to do that again. I knew BT was watching online, so I wanted to look cool and comfortable, but he was so heavy, I was just trying to not drop him on his head :)
After the finish, I saw JeepFleeb. He has to be one of the coolest guys ever. We spent the next few minutes talking. I am really honored to have met him and for that matter, every other BTer that we met this weekend. Especially CBOST who was so patient with Sean, his new best friend. Q and Shane who are the funniest couple. Chile who would go flying by and every time he saw me, would yell out "Madcow" or "Whoop whoop". Jessica who is so generous and kind. She really made my whole family feel welcome with her group of friends. TheGomer, who ran with me and didn't make me feel bad about the fact that he was on lap 3 and I was on 1 :) Chippy who is such a great supporter
Oh yeah, and MikeB (remember I had a 1 hour lead on him coming off the bike) well, he caught me at mile 6 on the run and finished an hour before me. I really do suck at running. I am going to have to get a 4 hour lead on him off the bike in the double...
I know I am missing a few BTers but I was so happy to have met each and every one of you. You guys are great!
What would you do differently?:

I don't know. Maybe make sure my HRM is working. There are too many mental issues I have with pain and suffering, so if I had something telling me I'm not hurting like I think I am, then I probably would have run just because my watch said I needed to.
When I got home I looked up muscle cramps online and found that they could be cause by dehydration and or lack of flexibility. I think I will really try to focus on stretching over the next few months. Also, I was probably a bit dehydrated even though almost all of my nutrition was liquid. I only peed 3 times during the race. Once during the swim (I feel sorry for the guy drafting me) :) Once in transition and once at mile 15 or so. I didn't feel bad, but I should have peed more, I think.
Post race
Warm down:

Got some pizza and soda, then got my bike and left. I wanted to go home, change and shower, then watch the last few people finish, but I just couldn't leave once I got to my room :(

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Cramps, wind and a lack of fear of not finishing. I think if I ever thought I wouldn't finish, I would have tried a lot harder




Last updated: 2007-04-05 12:00 AM
Swimming
01:21:17 | 4224 yards | 01m 55s / 100yards
Age Group: 305/426
Overall: 0/2500
Performance: Below average
Suit: Sleeveless
Course: 1 loop
Start type: Wade Plus: Shot
Water temp: 0F / 0C Current:
200M Perf. Below average Remainder: Below average
Breathing: Good Drafting: Below average
Waves: Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 10:44
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Yes
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: No
Jump on bike:
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
06:52:13 | 112 miles | 16.30 mile/hr
Age Group: 306/426
Overall: 0/2500
Performance: Good
Wind: Strong with gusts
Course: 3 loops
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Not enough
T2
Time: 10:20
Overall: Average
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
06:30:58 | 26.2 miles | 14m 55s  min/mile
Age Group: 369/426
Overall: 0/2500
Performance:
Course:
Keeping cool Good Drinking Not enough
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
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] 4

{postbutton}
2007-04-18 11:20 PM

User image

Elite
3235
2000100010010025
San Diego
Subject: Ironman Arizona


2007-04-18 11:40 PM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Mesa
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
MADCOW... whoop whoop....

Great job... I saw you on the course more than anybody else. Gave me a little push everytime I got to yell "MADCOW." Especially under the bridge during the run since the acoustics were so good!

I even remember your daughter taking my gatorade cup while I was delirious on the third lap of the run.

Great racing with you and I'll look forward to rooting you on at the Virginia Double Iron. I hope they post splits on you and mike!
2007-04-18 11:41 PM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Pro
4206
20002000100100
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Congrats Tom!!! Great report and way to tough it out on the bike and run. Too bad we didn't meet...I was looking for ya
2007-04-19 1:06 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Expert
782
500100100252525
Wandering through AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great report as always Tom. Cora and I saw your finish. Where to after the double?
2007-04-19 1:34 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Champion
6931
5000100050010010010010025
Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Goggles, rubber burns, swiimmers feeling up your legs.   AND than the stripper staring at your bulging cramping calves .......aaAaaaaahgggghh.

Good swim RR....it's going to take some time...I''m on my second bottle of Chatheau Soverain Merlot 2004.

2007-04-19 1:44 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Champion
6931
5000100050010010010010025
Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Ok I skimmed through the rest of the race.  I remember seeing you on the run course at IMCDA (later found out that you had the blown tire from hell event).....where to hang in there and persavere (sic)

Great race report....Each event will be different,.....Keep shooting for that perfect race...it will happen.



2007-04-19 1:52 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Veteran
213
100100
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Hey Tom,

Great race report. I would have liked to have kept pace with you on the bike but I just didn't have it in me. Happens.

Way to finish off the race.

Mike
2007-04-19 6:21 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Expert
658
5001002525
San Diego
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Way to persevere and thanks for helping me get through a few rought spots. Good to meet you and I owe you a few beers.
2007-04-19 8:29 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Elite
3223
20001000100100
Hendersonville
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Tom, I am so glad we got to hang out! You have a great family. Congrats on IM #3, and I hope to see you again soon!
2007-04-19 8:46 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Official BT Coach
2210
2000100100
Englewood, CO
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Way to go Tom!  Nice to meet you and your son!  I know about the cramps man, they suck!  Congrats on a great day!
2007-04-19 9:19 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Veteran
288
100100252525
Haddonfield, NJ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Awesome job and way to go. I was following you on line during the day.

Great report.


2007-04-19 9:46 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Elite
2552
20005002525
Evans, GA
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
I enjoyed meeting you and your family at the race!  I'll look forawrd to seeing you at other races.
2007-04-19 9:48 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Buttercup
14334
500050002000200010010010025
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Yay Tom! I was tracking you and called Sheila to get an update - it was very exciting just to follow your progress. CONGRATULATIONS!

Photos ups yet? Huh? Huh?

2007-04-19 10:14 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Master
1728
100050010010025
Pulaski TN
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Tom it was so great to meet you and your family. You all are awesome and I hope to get to see you all again soon. You looked great out there and did a great job!! Congrats!!!
2007-04-19 10:23 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Master
1920
1000500100100100100
Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
AWESOME job out there!! I really enjoy your race reports, they are so funny! I'm glad you had a positive experience overall, and I can't wait to get some more training rides in with you while you prepare for the double!!
2007-04-19 10:27 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Master
1831
100050010010010025
Keller Tx
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
great RR, and congrats on your 3rd IM!


2007-04-19 10:37 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Champion
10471
500050001001001001002525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great race report! Thanks for taking the time to type all that out.

I love reading race reports from "normal humans". I marvel at 12 hour IM finishes, but that's not me. Never will be.

I like reading a race report from someone who does it in 15-17 hours... that to me is a real human racing. It's nice to see that someone who doesn't run a 8 minute mile or keep a 20 mph average on the bike can finish an IM.

That swim sounds nuts. Yea, in a race, if ANYONE even touches my feet or legs, I put on the big kick. I haven't had anyone run me over yet.

Congratulations on the IM Madcow! Now on to bigger and tougher... right?

2007-04-19 11:31 AM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Veteran
272
1001002525
Albuquerque, NM
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great Job!!! It was nice meeting you at registration.
2007-04-19 12:17 PM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Alaska
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Congratulations on a great race! Thanks for sharing with us who aspire to possibly also become an ironman someday!

Hope you are enjoying some good recovery time.

2007-04-19 12:27 PM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Veteran
123
100
San Diego, CA
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
I'll stop feeding Sean so he'll be lighter for VA.


2007-04-19 1:57 PM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Master
1978
1000500100100100100252525
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
It was so good to see you out there on the course.  You looked happy and controlled!  It was great to meet you and the family, you all are great!  Congrats on number three, and I can't wait to hear about this double iron!!  Damn, that's gonna be awesome!!!


2007-04-19 2:26 PM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
It was great to see you and the redheads!
2007-04-19 2:34 PM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Master
1534
100050025
San Diego, CA
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Good job Tom ! 

Every time I turned around, I kept seeing you out there....remind me to send you the pix I took.  I'm wondering if the one I got while you were being manhandled by the wetsuit strippers will catch show the cramp in action ?? 

2007-04-19 2:51 PM
in reply to: #767756

User image

Got Wahoo?
5423
5000100100100100
San Antonio
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Dude - I had 12 Ibuprofins....

Great Job!!!!!

2007-04-19 2:56 PM
in reply to: #767756

Pro
3715
20001000500100100
AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
You did awesome! I was so happy to meet you even if it was just for a few seconds!!!
General Discussion-> Race Reports!
{postbutton}
General Discussion Race Reports! » Ironman Arizona Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2