4 a.m. Alarm went
off. The day
had finally arrived. Ironman 70.3
California was really happening. I was
in a zone getting ready, doing a final check of what I needed for T1, then
making my breakfast sandwich of Van's gluten-free waffles, peanut butter, and a
touch of honey. Time to head to
Oceanside Harbor.
The walk from the hotel was
short. And dark. There we were, all 2500 of us
setting up in T1. I met a few other
athletes around me doing their first 70.3 as well, so it was nice to give each
other words of support. Transition
closed at 6:30 for the start of the pro race.
In other past races, it was more of a "soft" closing, but the
WTC doesn't mess around! Wetsuit quickly
went on, I scarfed down a Honey Stinger Waffle, and I said my goodbyes to Jon, who I wouldn't see again until T2. Athletes were then lined up by wave; the closer
we got to the harbor ramp, the more excited and nervous I became, so I focused
on warming up my shoulders and upper back to be ready to get moving in that
water. It helped so much!
When I entered the water, I made my way to the start buoys and immediately started to relax myself for the journey ahead. 1.2 miles is no easy feat, especially for a girl who has battled some race anxiety with the unknown dark waters below. That all went out the door for the first time EVER. It was unbelievable. As soon as the horn sounded, I set up my stroke and started going. I checked in with my technique throughout, which also prevented me from thinking about what could eat me in the water. Haha. Shoulder rotation was feeling perfect, extension in the front of the stroke, thumbs to thigh finishing toward recovery, and my kick was good. Breathing was under control with deliberate, deep exhalation. I settled in. Next thing I knew, I was out near the boat basin by the turnaround...the same buoys I had been stressing about the day before when I was out at the harbor assessing the swim course. The swim back in proved a bit more challenging; the sun was out and reflecting heavy off the water, making it hard to sight the buoys amidst the splash from athletes. There was also a "drunk" male athlete from the wave behind us who cost me a bit of time while I tried to create a new course around him. Finally, I was close to the exit ramp. I stood up, a volunteer unzipped my wetsuit, and off I was smiling ear to ear to get to my bike! As soon as I took off my suit, the coastal breeze hit my wet skin and kit, turning me into an ice cube. One of the T1 volunteers helped spray my sunscreen as my hands didn't want to cooperate! As I mounted my bike, all I wanted was my body to warm up!
The 56-mile ride began. We entered the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base and all
I wanted was for the sun to make me warm.
I was cold for the first 10 miles.
The first 28 miles were a blast.
I settled in, found a good pace, keeping an eye on it on the Timex
GPS. We had amazing coastal views and it
was relatively flat. Deceiving. I stayed conservative because I knew what
would be in store on the second half of the course. Could I have pushed it more? Definitely.
But with it being my first 70.3, I didn't want to risk it. I felt great on the bike. I maintained my nutrition and hydration plan
as Brooke and I had discussed, making sure I was ready to tackle "The
Hill" that would kick off that second half. Bonk Breakers, Salt Sticks, and water. Well.
There was the hill in the distance.
Athletes looked like ants climbing the hill. I was determined to climb as long as I
could. When I reached the beginning, I
set up my gears and started climbing. Some
athletes didn't even try to start climbing; they got off the bike and were
already walking. I ignored it and hammered
up. I was more than half way when I
decided it was time to walk it a bit. So
what. I still needed my legs for the
remaining hills and run, so I did what I felt was the best in terms of strategy
to finish the day. I had some pals who
did the same and we ended up with each other for most of the remaining 26
miles. It was at mile 35 that my Timex
decided its memory was full and stopped working. It changed itself over to show me only what
time it was. I had no gauge of heart
rate or pace anymore. That was just
fabulous. Ironman had markers every 10
miles, so that was slightly helpful.
After a few more hills (staying in the saddle for all of it) and
headwind the last 10-12 miles, I reached T2 all smiles again, especially with
Jon cheering for me, and ready to finish out the rest of the race!
After a quick pit stop, off on the 13.1 run I went! Fun times when you get a
little cramp above your left knee a half mile in - Salt Stick to the
rescue! Did I mention that I had no idea what my pace and heart rate were anymore? Again...awesome! I really, really enjoyed the run
course. There were spectators
everywhere, even in the neighborhood.
The residents of Oceanside were super supportive, offering water,
various nutrition, music, and spraying us with hoses (that was my favorite
part). The run is where I was most
thankful for all of the speedwork and strength training from Coach Frank. That course was not for the light
hearted. Rollers throughout. I have to admit, the first loop is the
hardest. Why? You have to split off and pass the finishing
chute to start the second loop!
Haha. All along the run, I
grabbed cola and pretzels, and poured water on my head to cool off with the
ocean breeze on me. I was STOKED once I
saw the mile 13 marker, entered that finishing chute, and heard THE Mike Reilly
announcing me as a finisher. What an
accomplishment. I am a 70.3 finisher!
I know you are probably wondering
what my goal time was and what the result was.
I figured I would finish in around 7 hours. Well, here is how it panned out. Swim - 46 minutes. Bike - 3:48.
Run - 2:15. Add in transitions. Total time -
7:03. I will take it! I felt fantastic out there, no major
complications, and no GI issues!
I have many people to thank. First, my Lord and Savior for making all
things possible. My husband Jon for
being the most supportive guy I know, and for allowing me to drag him to these
crazy adventures. That man was EVERYWHERE I needed him to be in Oceanside, particularly at the race. He was on the bridge, on the strand, on a fence waiting for 90 minutes for me to get to T2; and best of all, he went and collected all of my bags and bike from T2 as I started my second run loop, then poised himself to video my finish! He deserves a medal!! My coach Frank Sole
for being absolutely amazing, pushing me to my limits, and allowing me to drive
him batty on a daily basis...racing for donuts and waffles, right?? To Brooke
Schohl, endurance nutritionist extraordinaire, for helping me dial into
metabolic efficiency both on and off the course. Kevin Sherman, my doc at IronCare for keeping
me healthy on the run. To Kristin Mayer,
owner and designer of Betty Designs, for being super awesome since we first met
a couple of years ago, and for choosing me as one of the Betty team gals this
year; so glad to represent! My family
and friends for all of your kind words over the weekend. Finally, the Marine Corps for not just
opening up their base for us to race on, but the many Marine volunteers out
there to be sure we are safe and for cheering us on (and other various peeps
driving by with cowbells out of their windows)!
I am so very thankful for the opportunity to not only be a triathlete, but to accomplish long-course distance.
Now, onto Ironman 70.3 Kansas in June! WOOT!!
