Tri Dreaming

Sorry that I didn't get on here to log a race report from my half ironman... I'm really bad about this blogging thing...

Not sure where to even start, but I will say that the swim was every inch as bad as mark described it. 4 foot waves - insane frequency. The first one would pick you up and drop you only for the second one to smash you in the face while the next one worked on going over your head. It was like the sinking of the Titanic. Needless to say, not good for the open water swim confidence level. I did manage to perfect my dog paddle, along with a little work on my side stroke and pulled myself to shore a second or two under 17 minutes. Rough.

The bike wasn't too bad. I felt strong considering the strong head and cross wind that was hitting us from every angle except a helpful one. I passed a lot of people and got a lot of practice in on the aero bars. I did however have some severe issues with the lack of restroom facilities that were placed on the course... like none! I had to go to the bathroom by mile 20 and there was nowhere to stop! Not even for a girl to hide behind tress... it finally became so painful that I could not go into my aero position at all so as much as it was hindering my riding, it might have been pushing me to go faster to get to the finish. I had to stop taking in gu also because I was afraid to drink anything else to wash it down. It was ridiculous. I was quite mad by the time I got off the bike.

So back into transition I go... hurrying as fast as I could, not to have a good transition, but to get to a bathroom but guess what... THERE WEREN'T ANY!! Yeah, I finally lost my patience and sharply asked somone where there was a bathroom to which she answered... up there on the hill pointing in the opposite direction of the run course. Lovely... I ran up the hill, went in the bathroom, exited, ran back to transition and onto the course... good thing I added another half mile to my run! I was mad, but relieved so I put aside the thoughts for the time being. The run actually didn't go too bad. I had gone out there with no expectations as I was doubting I'd be able to run that far after a 56 mile bike but I actually felt pretty good. I walked the aid stations trying to get liquids into me and just kept going. I was noticing a pattern that there was no food at any of the rest stations which started to worry me. Around mile 4 I got a killer cramp in my abdomin/stomach which I tried walking off a bit but didn't go away. I held that through mile 10 when I finally saw Mark near the transition and he snuck me some food. I had brought one gu with me, but after one of the aid stations ran out and shut down making it a 3.5 mile stretch without any liquids, I came across this guy that was dying and I was seriously doubting he had much left. Knowing the pain I was in I split the gu with him and continued on. I knew I'd survive. Anyway, after getting the bananas in me, the pain went away and off I went to face the last 3 miles... probably the longest 3 miles ever... and definitely the most boring. My hipflexor area also started to cause me some serious issues but I was close so I kept going. Finished in 5:55 something so I was happy... I really wasn't tired afterward either. Was walking funny cause I couldn't get my leg to loosen up, but overall felt good. A big milestone for me. Mark did awesome... actually everyone that went did great. A good day after the swim.

I'll have to tell you about the 5th and final weekend of the "massive training month" we went after, but I'd rather leave work now so that will be for next time. Hope everyone is doing well. Happy training!