Lake Stevens Ironman 70.3 Race Report
Got to the race site and Jeff was nice enough to drop Teresa and I off as he went in search of parking. We had already checked our bikes in on Saturday, which was when I realized my spot on the transition racks was smack dab in the middle of everything with no way to easily count off the racks, and the numbering system they used didn’t make much sense. I had stopped and picked up a blue helium balloon to mark my spot so I wouldn’t have any trouble finding it amongst the 1500 other athletes. Everyone on my rack thought it was great and all thanked me since it would also help them find their spot in the sea of transition racks.
Got everything set up in my teeny little space, grabbed my wetsuit, cap, goggles and wandered over to the swim start area. I managed to get in a little bit of a warm-up swim…just enough to feel the water and know it was a nice temperature. The pros were off first, followed by a few waves of age group men and the next thing I knew we were at the end of the dock and were next up with a 6:50am start! The swim start was a deep water start so we all jumped in off the dock and treaded water for 3 minutes before we were off! Thankfully the 55-60 women in my wave were fairly spread out so the start wasn’t too bad. A little bit of contact (or as I like to call it “combat swimming”), but not too bad. Then about 10 or so minutes into it I suddenly felt a hard flying elbow straight to my face! WACK! Someone had nailed me hard and besides the pain and shock of it all, my goggles managed to fly off my face! I quickly flipped over on my back, cleared my goggles of water and was able to put them back on and went on swimmin’ away! The swim was a long skinny triangular out and back. I rounded the 2 turns, had passed some men and women from the waves before me and was on my way back to the shore. Still feeling pretty decent, but had to keep reminding myself to focus on my form. I tend to get all flustered when swimming in races and my form goes out the window! With about 1/4 mile to go I felt my timing chip/strap flopping around loosely on my ankle. Oh no! I thought for sure the timing chip had fallen off of the strap when it somehow came loose! I stopped, grabbed for my ankle and couldn’t get it reattached nor could I tell easily if the chip was still on there or not. I decided to just shove it in my top of my wetsuit and keep swimming…figuring I’ll deal with it in the transition.
Swim time: 40:55 (1.2 miles)
Finally hit the shore and off to T1 I go. I scan the racks looking for my blue balloon to show me my spot, and IT’S GONE! I don’t know if someone intentionally cut it loose or what, but it was gone! And I hadn’t made a mental note of exactly where my rack was since I had planned on the balloon being there! It didn’t take too long though before I found my spot. Cap & goggles were already off, wetsuit off, grabbed my arm-warmers that were rolled up into a little donut, gloves, bike shorts for extra padding, helmet, sunglasses, socks, bike shoes on, a quick gulp of water and I was off! I made the call to wear arm warmers, padded gloves, and extra padded bike shorts over my tri-shorts simply because it is a long bike ride and comfort was important for the 3+ hours I would be riding. Yes, the transition took a little longer with all of these things, but I figured it was going to be a long day anyway and wasn’t too concerned with a few extra minutes for comfort. Luckily my timing chip was still on the strap so I put it back on my ankle and took off.
T1: 3:32
Off I go on the bike! I started out a bit easy and sipped a little water for the first 15 min or so to make sure my stomach had settled a bit before trying to get any calories in. I knew this bike course pretty well as I had ridden it about 6-7 times or so in training. Unfortunately, due to safety concerns they made a last minute change to the course which removed a nice flat (slightly downhill) section and replaced it with 10 more miles of rolling hills! As if this course wasn’t already hilly enough! Sheez! This was a very hilly course with lots of rollers and a few steep sections. I was feeling spectacular on the bike and was taking in most of my calories from my 2 bottles of my customized Infinit drink mix. The first loop was great and I really surprised myself finishing it in only 1:32! YIKES! If I could maintain that pace I was on track to have a bike time around 3:05ish! Holy cow I thought, as in practice it was a severe struggle to do it in 3:15-3:20. Wahoo!
With about 10 miles to go, I started to feel a little funny in the head and was starting to get dizzy. It almost felt just like motion sickness!?!?! I wasn’t sure what was up, but I ate a gel and took 3 endurolytes with some water, hoping that would do the trick. I calculated that I had taken in about 800 calories and 3 bottles of water already so didn’t think it was a lack of fuel or dehydration. This dizzy feeling didn’t go away so the last 10 miles of the bike were much slower and I was just hoping to not tip over and crash because I was dizzy and about to pass out. Still managed to finish with a great time of 3:09, and later found out that the new course was a little longer than the standard 56 miles and was closer to 58!
Bike Time: 3:09 (~57.5? miles)
Off the bike and into the transition area. Still feeling dizzy and a bit confused even, I somehow got disoriented and for the life of me couldn’t find my spot on the racks! Oh no! I ran up and down a couple of them with my bike and started to swear under my breath….crap! I was losing precious time and still couldn’t find my spot! I looked for my lime green towel on the ground and FINALLY (after at least 1 min), there it was! Whew!
Racked my bike, changed shoes, switched my helmet for my run hat, grabbed my race belt w/number, and my fuel belt which had 2 8oz bottles of Infinit (mixed a little strong, so about 200 cal), 3 gels, a couple of tums, endurolytes, and a tiny spray bottle of sunscreen. I wanted to be prepared for just about anything so had more than I needed, but better safe than sorry!
T2: 3:01
I realized I really had to pee, but didn’t see the porta-potty in the transition area so figured I’d hit the first one I saw on the run. My legs weren’t feeling too bad at this point, but I was terribly nauseous! The dizziness was subsiding, but now it was full-blown nausea! I kept burping and “stuff” would come up. ugh! Hit mile 1 and was 2nd in line for the porta-potty…more time lost, but I didn’t care. I had to go! Out of the loo and back running….my nausea continued for at least the first half of the run. I tried to sip my drink mix but that just made it worse. I decided to walk the aid stations so I could drink plain water and was glad I did that. After about mile 7 or so the nausea started to feel a little better, but I was getting TIRED! I felt some nasty blisters on my feet and my hip flexors were very tight and sore. I continued my pattern of running from aid station to aid station and walking for 30-60 sec or so to drink at each one. My boyfriend, Jeff, had brought his bike to watch the race and kept appearing at all different spots on the run course. It was kind of fun to see where he’d show up next…kind of like “Where’s Waldo”! He was good support and put up with me complaining about my dizziness and nausea. At one point on the run I jokingly asked if he’d give me a ride on his bike for a few miles! ha ha! He said later that there was another women who was trying her best to trade her race number for his bike so he could finish the race for her! ha ha! Guess I wasn’t the only one hurting at this point! The camaraderie on the run was incredible! Everyone around me on the course seemed to be hurting to various degrees so we were all suffering and supporting each other. We triathletes are all a bit sick in the head since this is our twisted version of FUN!
I looked at my watch after the first half of the run and realized (including the bathroom stop) that I had done it in an hour….if I could just maintain this pace or even a bit slower, I would be able to finish the race under 6 hours! I never thought I’d be able to do it that fast, but since I had a faster than expected bike time I realized it might just be possible! Ugh…the last 2.5 miles were T-O-U-G-H though! Up the hill and back down, only to turn around and do it all over again….ok…I knew it was going to be really close, but the last 1/2 - 3/4 mile or so I pushed it with all I had (which wasn’t much at this point!). The crowd support as I rounded the corner into town was fantastic as I high-fived little kids and pushed through to the finish. I did it! I came in just under 6 hours! Wahoo! The official time had me at 5:59.03, but I had started my watch 30 sec. early and ended it a few seconds after finishing and my watch said 5:58.10. Hmm?!? Oh well. Doesn’t matter to me as long as it was under 6 hours! 
I was a bit disappointed with my run, but considering the circumstances it was ok! I managed to not throw up and still finish under 6 hours!
Run Time: 2:02 (13.1 miles)
Total Time: 5:59:03 (24/54 in my Age Group and 112/300 women)
Jeff met me at the finish with some cold chocolate milk - my recovery drink of choice! I was super happy to have successfully finished my first half ironman race, and with a great time (for me at least)! Super excited!
Now it’s a few weeks of casual exercise and some much needed R&R before starting up again…this time for IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE! That’s right! Bring on the full Ironman in ‘09! I’ve got about 11 months to train and am already scared outta my mind but excited at the same time!
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Lake Stevens 70.3 Run
Not my best run by any means, but considering I was just trying not to throw up for the first hour, I’ll take it!
Logbook Activity
- Type: Run
- Date: 07/06/2008
- Time: 11:00:00
- Total Time: 2:02:00.00
- Distance: 13.1 miles
- Average Pace: 9:19.01/mile
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Lake Stevens 70.3 Bike
Yes, I actually hit 50.3 mph as my max speed on a steep downhill section on the first loop! I was even brave enough to do it on my aerobars! weeee! Pretty crazy though….was glad I knew the course well because the steep downhill went straight into blind corners!
Logbook Activity
- Type: Cycle
- Date: 07/06/2008
- Time: 08:00:00
- Total Time: 3:09:00.00
- Distance: 57 miles
- Average Speed: 18.1 mph
- Max Speed: 50.3 mph
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Lake Stevens 70.3 Swim
Logbook Activity
- Type: Swim
- Date: 07/06/2008
- Time: 07:00:00
- Total Time: 00:40:55.00
- Distance: 2112 yd
- Average Pace: 1:56.22/100yd
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Ironman in 2009!
Registration for Ironman Coeur d’Alene opened today at 12:00. By 12:08 I was officially registered, and by 12:09 officially freaking out! What is wrong with me?!?! I haven’t even completed my first ever HALF Ironman (that’s in 12 days). Guess it’s going to be a busy year with swimming, biking, running, eating, & sleeping…. I will be an IronWoman!
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Lake Stevens Brick
Whew! Well, in prep for my first half ironman I headed up to the course and tried my hand at riding the full bike course (56mi) plus half of the run (6.5mi). That was definitely a challenge! I’m hoping that adrenaline and sheer will power will get me through the remainder of the run, cause quite honestly I didn’t have much left in me! My quads were hurting and my body was very fatigued. And I can’t forget about the 1.2 mile swim before the punishment I will be giving my legs on the hilly bike course and run.
My race day strategy is to take it easy on the swim. I’m not a strong swimmer anyway, so would rather conserve my energy for the bike and run. The bike is tough on me. I am new to biking and guess I haven’t yet developed a good climbing strategy cause the hills on this course absolutely kill me! There really isn’t a single flat section on the whole course. Running is my favorite leg, but after 4 1/2 hours of swimming & biking, I don’t know how much will be left in the tank. I definitely have a new found respect for this distance of race and will just be happy to finish. My competitiveness is getting pushed way to the side (its actually non-existent for this race)…no goal for placing even in the top 50%. Only a goal to finish and most importantly to have fun and enjoy the day!
Logbook Activity
- Type: Cycle
- Date: 06/14/2008
- Time: 15:00:00
- Total Time: 3:30:00.00
- Distance: 56 miles
- Average Speed: 16 mph
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Lake Stevens Brick, run
Logbook Activity
- Type: Run
- Date: 06/14/2008
- Total Time: 00:58:00.00
- Distance: 6.55 miles
- Average Pace: 8:50.97/mile
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Recovery Run
Feeling a little bit sore from Saturday’s race, so went out for a nice easy recovery run around the neighborhood.
Logbook Activity
- Type: Run
- Date: 06/08/2008
- Total Time: 00:44:00.00
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Average Pace: 9:46.32/mile
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Qualifying for Nationals by the skin of my teeth!
Well, on a whim I decided at the last minute (Wednesday night) to go race an Olympic distance tri today in Moses Lake. I actually managed to get the very last registration spot as the race director said it was sold out and then let me know that she had miscounted and had just 1 spot left! This race was the Pacific Northwest Regional Championship which would qualify the top 5 athletes in each age group for the 2008 Age Group National Championships.
My intent for this race was simply to do an Olympic distance race before my upcoming Half Ironman. I’m still very much a newbie to this sport (only 1 other Olympic race last year, and a few sprints), so the more experience the better I figured! I definitely wasn’t expecting to qualify for Nationals, but that’s exactly what I did! Just baaaaarely! I finished 5th in my age group! It was a rather small race but I thought it was pretty competitive since the top times this year completely blew away the times from last year.
Complete race report will come later when the splits are posted, but my time was 2:29:30. I’m totally wiped and am looking forward to some much needed recovery tonight!
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Issaquah Tri Race Report
Had my first triathlon of the season on Saturday and was excited that it marked the start of race season, but I couldn’t help but feel like it was just a “warm-up” race for my Half Ironman that is a month away. No normal nervousness or butterflies the night before and no running through my transitions in my head several times. I was just there to have a fun day….and it was!
The weather turned out to be just perfect! I was worried it was going to be cold and I would need a jacket on the bike as it was predicted to be 49 degrees and cloudy at the start. The sun managed to come out though just for the race and it was a beautiful morning. I bumped into an old friend I hadn’t seen in about 5 years, so it was good to chat a bit beforehand. He was doing his first tri, and did great! Way to go Ernie!
This particular race has a “self-selected” elite wave that starts before the regular age group waves. There is no qualifying or standards to be in the elite wave, but I think (for women) it is something like if you think you’ll finish under 1:25 or something? I’m not sure. I seriously considered going off with the “elites”, but I am not an “elite”! I felt fairly confident my time would be under 1:25, but the whole “elite” term makes me feel funny and is a bit intimidating….my head won’t allow me me to belong to that group, so I decided to wait for my age group wave that went off at 7:21. This was not the best choice, but more on that later…
Swim: 7:49 (includes run to T1). Just a short 400m out and along the shoreline and back….COUNTER-CLOCKWISE though! Most races seem to go clockwise so this was a bit different. I always breath to my right side which makes sighting the buoys when swimming clockwise easier because they are on my right, but it’s a bit more difficult when they are on my left. Combine that with the fact that I swim crooked and always pull to the right, I knew this would make for an interesting challenge!
I decided to start near the front for the first time ever. I have always been a very weak swimmer, but this year I had actually taken a few group lessons and have been swimming much more than previous races, so I was excited to see what I could do on the swim! I’m usually dreading the swim, but this time it was like “Bring it on! Let’s see what I can do!”
Sure enough, as we rounded the first buoy I found myself drifting too far off to the right and when I looked up to sight I was looking straight at the kayaks marking the outside boundary. OOPS! I quickly turned to get back on course and ended up swimming on top of a few people in doing so. I passed a few more and sighted only a few other white swimcaps in front of me. I was right on their heels and was in the front of the pack! wow! That never happens! I was having a lot of trouble sighting as the front of our wave had now caught up to the back of the wave before us which was the 30-34 men’s age group. They just happened to be wearing the exact same shade of day-glow orange swim caps as the buoys! Every time I looked up to sight all I saw was a sea of day-glow orange and I couldn’t tell which was the buoy! So I just followed the crowd, hoping we were on course. I decided I would just fall in right behind the leaders of my pack and try to draft off them a bit. I had trouble staying on their feet because we were weaving through a bunch of people now from the previous wave. Oh well. I didn’t push it too hard and ended up being 3rd out of the water (44 women in my age group wave). I was psyched! I actually felt like I could have passed the other 2, but I think I still really doubt myself as a swimmer so decided to play it safe instead.
T1: 1:30 - I felt a little spacey in T1 since I hadn’t practiced a transition. Wetsuit came off fast and easy though, socks (yes I’m a slow-poke that uses socks!), bike shoes, helmet, sunglasses….grabbed my bike and stopped to think for a second as I was certain I was forgetting something important….hmm…don’t know. Oh well, let’s ride!
Bike: 44:08 (20.5mph ave) - The bike course was 15 miles out and back…relatively flat, but 1 rolling hill each direction. There was quite a long “no-pass” zone in the beginning and the end of the course which was frustrating because I was now in a mess of slower racers from the waves before me. As soon as I reached an area I could legally pass, “ON YOUR LEFT” became the theme for my ride. I felt like I was flying past people! I looked down at my computer to check on my speed, distance, etc. and realized that there was a problem. Hmm….computer wasn’t quite working properly as I knew I was going somewhere around 20+ mph and it said 8 mph! Ha! Oh well, I guess I just don’t have a computer for this race! The bike leg was good, but I definitely felt like I could have pushed it a bit harder. I was having fun though so it was great! I will keep my comments about all of the blatant illegal drafting I saw to myself. I want to keep this a happy race report!
T2: 1:22 - need to work on T2…although part of my problem was that I was at the end of the transition rack and there was another person’s bag hanging on the rack right next to my space, so I really had trouble re-racking my bike! I couldn’t squeeze it in there with all of my neighbor’s “stuff”! It felt like it took at least a minute to rack it, but I’m sure it was more like 15 -20 sec. Finally got it racked, helmet off, shoes off, running shoes on, grabbed my race belt, hat, and a couple of cherry-flavored shot blox and was off! I’d like to get my T2 to under 1 min. which I think is easily doable.
Run: 21:56 (7:18 min/mile pace). The run went ok. It was mostly on rough, uneven terrain which I don’t like at all. With my peroneal tendon injury this is a bad combo! I did manage to turn my ankle (on my bad foot) somewhere around the halfway point. There were also sprinklers on that we had to run through that made for a muddy wet mess in the first mile! My shoes/socks were soaked from that! Not overly thrilled with this run course, and felt like I held back due to trying to step carefully, but again just like the bike, I found myself passing people and not getting passed so it was good!
Total time: 1:16:46 - 6th place in my Age Group (out of 50) - pretty sure I was the top 3 in my wave, but there were a few women in my age group that went off earlier with the “elites” that had faster times than me.
In hindsight, I really wish I had decided to start off in the “elite” wave because the slower bikers on the course were definitely a hazard for me and I also didn’t feel like I had anyone “pushing” me.
All in all though it was a great race and a lot of FUN! I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start off the season! Thank you to everyone who came out to support the racers through volunteering and cheering us on! It really does help and mean a lot!
Filed under: triathlon, race reports
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