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Ironman World Championships 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Clearwater Beach, Florida
United States
World Triathlon Corporation
75F / 24C
Sunny
Total Time = 5h 00m 32s
Overall Rank = 910/1450
Age Group = 25-29
Age Group Rank = 29/56
Pre-race routine:

The day before the race we had to hand in all our gear bags and check our bike, so it made race morning super easy. I ate my breakfast and walked over to the transition area. Since I had put my bike together by myself for the first time, the only thing I did in the morning was have a bike tech check it over to make sure nothing would fall off during the race. After that, I paced nervously absolutely dreading the swim start.
Event warmup:

Put my wetsuit on. I wasn't really looking forward to doing this race until I got there that morning. I felt ready for a break, but since I had already committed to the race, I still trained as much as I could, but I still felt underprepared. Once I was with all the other athletes and feeling the excitment of a 'championship' race, I finally got excited to be there.
Swim
  • 35m 29s
  • 2112 yards
  • 01m 41s / 100 yards
Comments:

The past 3 months, I have spent hardly any time in the pool. They didn't turn the heat up at the pool until last week, and I can't stand being cold, so I would just never go. Silly excuse, but since I hate swimming, any excuse is good enough. The farthest I went in this training cycle was 2400 yards, and I only did that once. I fully expected to have a 40 minute swim. Once I got out of the washing machine, though, my stroke fell into place, and my body just took over. My navigation was perfect, I continously pushed my pace and caught up to other girls, and I never felt sore or tired for the whole swim. Once I got out of the water and saw my time, I was thrilled! I swam only 1 minute slower than at Steelhead, and I had put in a lot of swim effort for that race. Sweet!
What would you do differently?:

I guess if I had trained more, I could've gone even faster, but I lost almost no time on the swim, despite putting in the least amount of effort possible.
Transition 1
  • 05m 13s
Comments:

My wetsuit was soooo stuck. I could not get the velcro unhooked in the back. Such a slow T1!! Ick.
What would you do differently?:

EVERYTHING!
Bike
  • 2h 39m 11s
  • 56 miles
  • 21.11 mile/hr
Comments:

This is my fastest bike average ever! I tried really hard not to get super competitive out there because people were absolutely flying! I know I'm not a strong biker and I didn't want to push too hard and have a crappy run, so I stayed at a comfortable pace. I ate two packets of shot blocks and drank 1.5 water bottles of my gatorade/hammer nutrition, and it felt just right.

The course was super flat. We had a nice tailwind for a really long time, then a bite of a crosswind, then a harsh headwind for the last 13 miles. There were a ton of ridiculously fast people out there, and although the course is notorious for drafting, I really didn't see a whole lot of it. There were two packs of about 7 riders that rode up on me, and both times there were draft marshals there yelling at them. I saw a few guys get penalties right after they passed me, and they deserved them. I didn't draft at all, and spent a lot of the course on my own. I thought I passed more girls than I got passed by, but I couldn't find too many girls in my AG to catch. The one thing I realized on this course is that a flat course doesn't play to my advantages. I need a super hilly course if I'm going to place in my AG ever again, because any time there was a slight hill, I could catch the people that were kicking my butt on the flats.

Overall, I had an awesome time out there and was extremely happy to be at the race. The volunteers and cops did an absolutely phenomenal job controlling traffic and supporting the race, despite it being a very car heavy course. When I got back to transition, I felt ready to run fast. My legs felt great, my stomach was cooperating and the race was almost done!
What would you do differently?:

Get some super sweet race wheels! I felt like I was the only one out there with regular wheels and on this course I think it could've boosted my average a lot! Christmas present, perhaps?!
Transition 2
  • 03m 18s
Comments:

I swear I spent 2 minutes peeing. At least I was well hydrated!
What would you do differently?:

Be able to pee on my bike.
Run
  • 1h 37m 21s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 07m 26s  min/mile
Comments:

My legs felt great coming off the bike, and I knew that I had an outside chance of getting my goal of 5 hours, if I had a perfect run. My fastest half-mary is a 1:33, and I knew I'd have to get as close to that as possible. My first mile was ridiculously fast, but felt effortless because everyone else around me was flying. I slowed down after that, but held a steady pace for almost the whole run. Around mile 10, I felt like I was fading, and started doing 8m/m. As soon as I hit mile 12, I saw that I had to run the last 1.1 mile in 7 minutes in order to hit 5. My body really, really wanted to walk, but I decided to go for it and took off sprinting. It was so difficult to get through that last mile without stopping, but once I hit the finish line and saw I had made it, all the pain was worth it.

My nutrition was right on and I drank water at every aid station. It got a bit hot out there, but they had freezing cold sponges at all the aid stations and those were a godsend. The bridge was pretty brutal, but without it, the course would've just been too easy!

Overall, I am thrilled with this run. I pushed just hard enough on the bike and was able to run a pace that was even faster than what my training has been, so that feels awesome!!
What would you do differently?:

Nothing!
Post race
Warm down:

I found my mom and we went and got some food. They had a ton of good stuff there- the ironman people sure know how to take care of their athletes!!

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Well, I guess I could train more, but right now I'm doing about as much as my schedule can allow. I know I can get even faster in the future, but I am very happy with what I've achieved in the 15 months since I've started this sport!

Event comments:

The race was put on perfectly. There were so many people there from all over the world, and so many world class athletes- it was unreal. The volunteers knew everything you asked them, and if they didn't have an answer, they wouldn't stop hunting someone down until your question was answered. They personally escorted you and your bike to the rack, and after giving them your bags, they made sure you knew exactly how the race was going to look. It was incredible! The course is super fast, and so I guess drafting is inevietable, but from my perspective, it seemed like if you didn't want to draft, you could find a way out of it, most of the time. The course marshals were doing all they could, and I saw people in the penalty tent and people getting penalties. I hope they keep the excitement of a championship race for the 70.3 distance alive and this event continues to live up to expectations. What a great weekend!




Last updated: 2007-09-17 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:35:29 | 2112 yards | 01m 41s / 100yards
Age Group: 0/56
Overall: 0/1450
Performance:
Suit: Xterra Vortex
Course: Long rectangular out and back.
Start type: Run Plus:
Water temp: 68F / 20C Current: Low
200M Perf. Below average Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Below average
Waves: Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 05:13
Performance: Bad
Cap removal: Bad Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike:
Getting up to speed:
Biking
02:39:11 | 56 miles | 21.11 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/56
Overall: 0/1450
Performance: Good
Wind: Some
Course: All through downtown Clearwater. Very flat, but the wind picked up the last 13 or so miles.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Cornering:
Gear changes: Good Hills:
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 03:18
Overall: Average
Riding w/ feet on shoes Good
Jumping off bike Average
Running with bike Average
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
01:37:21 | 13.1 miles | 07m 26s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/56
Overall: 0/1450
Performance: Good
Course: Ran over a really big bridge 4 times. Although the rest of the course was flat, the 8 hills on the bridge made it a challenging course.
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 Too easy
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2007-11-12 9:12 AM

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Master
1920
1000500100100100100
Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: Ironman World Championships 70.3


2007-11-12 9:52 AM
in reply to: #1048981

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

YOU ARE ONE FAST LITTLE LADY!!  You should consider doing the Spirit of Racine 1/2 Tri.  The swim is in Lake Michigan which has some waves and a current, a fast bike course, and a slightly challenging run.  The only problem that you may encounter would be parking if you didn't have a hotel room booked near the area.

Great job, Jazz, and a nice report! 

2007-11-12 10:03 AM
in reply to: #1049057

Champion
6539
5000100050025
South Jersey
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
GREAT job speedy! Way to hang on for the last 1.1 of the run to finish in 5. Nice work !
2007-11-12 10:08 AM
in reply to: #1049057

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Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

Nice work Alaina!!  So close to that magic 5 hour breaking point .... damn wetsuits!!!

Oh, and suck it up!!  You moved to Mich., get used to the cold again!  That ain't no San Diego there missy!

Awesome performance and it's time for a well earned break and some nice quality time with your honey (and focusing on that brain surgery type stuff - or whatever it is you're studying now).

2007-11-12 10:09 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Elite
3371
200010001001001002525
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
What a machine. Great race. Thanks for the RR too!
2007-11-12 10:20 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Extreme Veteran
454
1001001001002525
Denver CO
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

You'z got some mad tri skillz.

I can't wait to see what you're capable of when you're "actually training." The potential you have is awwwesome. Congrats on a smart, FAST race and really kicking it in the last bit of the run. It hurts like a mother at the end but it feels so good to make your goal, doesn't it?? Nothing like letting it come down to the wire and NAILING it! Way to kill it, jazzy.



2007-11-12 10:26 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Elite
2796
2000500100100252525
Texas
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

SMOKIN'!!

 

Great job Alaina!



Edited by Bill 2007-11-12 10:26 AM
2007-11-12 10:34 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Expert
1535
100050025
Coeur D'alene, ID
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Wow!  Killer race and very entertaining RR!  Great job on pushing through and setting a PR!
2007-11-12 1:07 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Regular
67
2525
Pinecrest
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

WOW.....

I am truly impressed with your times..  I too did not see anyone drafting except for a large pack on the 22 mile split 2.  They were going in my opposite direction and flying..

Nice run!!  A 7:26 pace is uber sweet.  I'm sorry we didn't get to meet but congrats on a grat race.

Keep in touch..

2007-11-12 1:21 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Member
20

Austin, Tx.
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

A,

     Excellent race!  I think that you've achieved a 'higher' base level because of your school/light training schedule, but what do i know, i'm still trying to get to your swim speed consistently.

 

    dml
 

2007-11-12 1:48 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Master
1732
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Delafield, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Amazing performance! Training, you don't need no stinkin training! Enjoy some well deserved time off.


2007-11-12 2:19 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Expert
622
500100
Conifer, Colorado
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Very, very nice! I am impressed!
2007-11-12 4:19 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Coach
10487
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Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

ROCK STAR! it was nice meeting you and I am very happy you not only PRa nd hit your goal but also that you found the love for the sport and training again

REST and enjoy the time off so you can recover 100% mentally. have fun with the bf, the puppy and in a few weeks you can begin thinking of new goals for 08. We have to race at Clearwater again next year

2007-11-12 7:23 PM
in reply to: #1049735

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Master
2006
2000
Portland, ME
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

Very nice performance!! It was a great atmosphere and it was great to be part of that event. Hopefully next time I'll have the chance to meet you.

 

2007-11-12 10:19 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Champion
7821
50002000500100100100
Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Great job, Jazz! A smart race, and just enough left for a big finish. Fantastic. Take a well-earned break, and then you can go right back after it 100%, getting ready for '08 and learning to pee on your bike.
(Pee on your bike? You love your bike! I mean, honestly--it would be like peeing on Cody, wouldn't it?)
2007-11-13 7:21 AM
in reply to: #1049057

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Pro
4675
20002000500100252525
Wisconsin near the Twin Cities metro
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
1stTimeTri - 2007-11-12 9:52 AM

You should consider doing the Spirit of Racine 1/2 Tri.  

Phil, did you not read the SOR vs Steelhead thread??....she's one of "them"

But seriously, great job Alaina. Rest up for next season!  Congrats.

 



2007-11-13 10:04 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Champion
6962
500010005001001001001002525
Atlanta, Ga
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3

Awesome job getting your goal.  Those last miles hurt a lot and you pushed through it.

It was great to meet you and keep up the fast times.

2007-11-13 10:05 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Veteran
272
1001002525
Albuquerque, NM
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Great job Alaina! Smokin' times all the way around.
2007-11-13 10:43 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Elite
2999
2000500100100100100252525
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Awesome job, congrats.  That is a smoking fast run after holding a good pace on the bike.  And to meet your goal of 5hrs is fantastic.
2007-11-13 11:30 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Expert
1168
10001002525
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Awesome job jazzWithNumbers!!!  Freakin' incredible! No doubt youre gonna hit sub 4:45 soon enough!  Enjoy the off season and have a good recovery!
2007-11-13 8:49 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Expert
968
5001001001001002525
Wellington, North Island
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Wow Jazz!! Awesome job at this race. How incredible to have done it at all and to do your best time with that smokin' fast run at the end . . . even cooler!


2007-11-14 1:59 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Master
1873
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Colorado
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Awesome race!!  Smart bike really paid off on the run   Way to hit the 5 hour mark!!!
2007-11-14 3:23 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Elite
3491
20001000100100100100252525
In The Peleton
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Great job JazzWithNumbers!  You are smokin' fast!
2007-11-14 3:34 PM
in reply to: #1048981

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Mesa
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Awesome race Alaina! You cooked it to your fastest bike split. You will soon break that 5 hour mark!

Did you know that a aero helmet will benefit you as much as race wheels with way less cost.
2007-11-15 9:08 AM
in reply to: #1048981

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Expert
1296
1000100100252525
Subject: RE: Ironman World Championships 70.3
Nice race....

Cheers,
Mike
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