The pressure started to mount about a week ago. I was having moments where I couldn't wait for the race, and then other times where I wished I hadn't even registered. My training for the last few months hadn't turned out like I planned due to some sickness and a bit over over training. To top things off the weather was not going to be too favorable. The forecasted air temps were in the low 60s, overcast and the water was going to be about 58 degrees. Come on...I picked San Diego because the weather is suppose to be sunny and warm .
Friday came and we loaded up with the Stubbs for the drive down. When we arrived in Oceanside it was definitely cooler than I had planned; I couldn't stop thinking about how cold it was going to be coming out of the water and getting on the bike. It was at this point that I thought....the upside of the cooler weather is that maybe I'll be hypothermic half way through the swim and not have to finish. I'm pretty sure everyone could tell that I was a bit nervous.
Race morning came and I was surprisingly calm. Once I got to the transition area to setup I had forgotten about being nervous and was now super pumped. There was rad music playing and over 2000 competitors hustling to get ready. My swim wave started at 6:50 and to be honest I didn't even think about the 58 degree water. In fact most people said I was crazy for wearing a sleeveless wetsuit but I was plenty warm. The swim went well but I wished I hadn't been so conservative. Finished the swim in just under 40 minutes.
Then onto the bike...I started out feeling pretty sick with a belly full of salt water but my stomach calmed after a few miles. The first half of the 56 mile course was fairly flat and I was averaging around 22 to 24 mph, I started to get kind of excited because I thought I would beat my expected time. Then I hit the 2nd half of the bike course and it was all downhill (my performance, not the course profile). I was behind on my hydration and had to force myself to eat. On top of the course being a bit more hilly the wind had picked up. My average speed dropped and I ended up finishing the bike course in a little over 3 hours. This is not meant to be an excuse for not riding faster but I was blown away by the other competitors bikes, most of the bikes I saw had wheel sets that were more expensive than my whole bike.
The transition from biking to running was interesting due to the fact that my stomach was not happy. Nothing went down easy but I kept drinking and eating so I would have enough gas to finish. I pretty much suffered through the run and only averaged about a 10 minute mile with a run split of 2 hours 13 minutes.
Total time with transitions was 6 hours 11 minutes. I was slightly disappointed because I was hoping to break 6 hours but hey it was my first one and I learned tons. I did have some interesting thoughts while on the course; I had a few moments of intense gratitude that I was capable and had the opportunity to participate in an event like this. And even as much as I suffered at different points during the race I found myself feeling almost sad that it was over towards the end.
Anthony sure has had some good exposure on the Harber's blog lately; I fully expect 10% of his earnings if he's discover by this photo:
This one's even better because it makes him look like a giant:
It may not be for a few more years but I do see a full Ironman in my future. I would like to leave you with my opinion that racing and/or suffering in any epic event such as this will bring much joy into your life. Now get out there and find something to register for! Oh yeah http://www.active.com/ is a great place to find all kinds of events in your area.
8 comments:
Ben... you are amazing! I know it doesn't look like it but you and Laura have inspired Matt and I to do a triathalon this summer. Any training tips would be helpful! I'm sorry we missed you this weekend, but I am glad that you survived!
Matt has always been a triathlete at heart...I just wish I had the photo of him in the speedo when we did the sprint distance tri in Utah.
Congratulations Ben! That is quite an accomplishment, one I never wish to do but one I admire others for doing! I can't imagine having swallowed salt water and having to jump on a bike, and then run...ughh I would have definately been over it. Your one tough guy Ben! Great job, I'm sure you made Laura proud! Sweet pics of Anthony.
Dude, you are amazing. I will never be as super as you and I will never do anything like that. I wouldn't want you to look bad!!!! I would smoke you. Yeah right, I would DIE! But hey I will always have you to brag about and to tell my friends that "Yeah I know this guy who did.....(enter in one of your amazing things you have done). He is awsome." Congrats Utah is proud!
Way to go! I am thoroughly impressed. I would have totally puked after minimal salt water intake!
Kev works with a guy that is training for the Cordilaine (sp) iron man. He is hoping to qualify for Ironman Hawaii! Crazy. This guy also does the triathlon in SF that has a swim from Alcatraz to the Golden Gate Bridge. INSANE!!! Although, that is something I could see you attempting.
Keep it up man, you are starting to inspire me. I just might throw on a pair of running shoes soon!
Strong finish brother ben. I really feel, deep down in my guts, that they (the iron man event organizers) should pull a change up and put the swim at the end of the race, instead of at the beginning. It would be like all of those ridiculous math classes that I had to take at the beginning of my degree to try to weed out the real enginerds from the fake ones.
Way to go Ben! Impressive. I enjoyed your motivational speech at the end of your post, but think sprint triathalons are where it is at for me.
The 1/2 ironman is nothing compared to the event that you just did. Giving birth seems like the most epic thing a human can do. BTW...Congrats!
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