Insight: Mike Rowles decided about a year ago to complete a half ironman triathlon and his first attempt came two weeks ago. Mike’s blog will be focused on training and ATTAINING A GOAL. Today’s entry starts out with his first half ironman race. He will recount what it took to get to this point in his life. We can all reach our GOALS we just have to set them and then go for it.
The Race May 15, 2010 - The Half Ironman
My plan over the winter included the Taylorsville Half Ironman. However, due to my struggle with the swim I had all but scratched this race off of my calendar and nearly given up swimming completely until I did so well two weeks ago in the sprint triathlon. At that time I decided to go ahead and tackle this race. I went in with a goal of 5:15 to 6 hours.
The swim was tough, not only because of the distance 1.2 miles, approximately 5 times the distance I have swam competitively (400 yards was the most previously). Plus, this was an open water swim where you are in essence swimming blind. I can’t tell you how many times I would be swimming only to look up and be way off course. I want to send out a big thanks to all of you who supported me and kept me in the pool.
The bike was a very tough course with lots of climbing and rolling hills. I held back somewhat on the bike knowing that I had to run 13.1 miles afterward. My support crew made this part of the race very enjoyable. Mike Mattingly and I had ridden the course a week before so he knew the course. He drove a crew around the course that cheered me, John Richmond, and Brad Wolff on. It was a blast! Thanks to Mike for the mobile cheer squad.
The run was much worse than I anticipated. I am used to only taking in 400 calories on my long rides because I go eat afterwards. This time I took in 800 in anticipation of running. It didn’t bother me on the bike (besides a few burps) but as soon as I started running nausea set in. Each time I tried to drink anything I would nearly vomit. Finally after 4 miles the nausea went away but then I suffered from a different problem – cramping. Because of the nausea I couldn’t drink like I needed to early in the run and my legs let me know it. My calves cramped so bad on the last downhill that they plantar flexed my foot and curled my toes. My run time ended up being 2:05 (compared to my mini time of 1:38).
My final time was 5:56, so I accomplished my goal of going under 6 hours and I placed third in my age group. The best part is I don’t feel like I did the perfect race and I know that I can improve a lot. First, I need more time in the water (both open and pool). Second, I need to train my stomach to be able to handle the extra calories while I am racing. Third, I need to do more bricks (run after biking) so that I am used to running with fatigued legs.
Thank you all for the support and encouragement!
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