Challenge: Ironman 70.3 California - Oceanside. Race Report.

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!!