My long as an Ironman race report......
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Happy2tri
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Joined: 02 May 2003
Posts: 1003
Location: Boston, MA
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 Posted: 07/28/04 - 19:29 Post subject: My long as an Ironman race report......
Very long report 
Well I traveled on back to Lake Placid to try out this Ironman thing again..........after my first time at the distance and the pouring rain all day last year, I figured this year has to have better weather. Training leading up to it was very different than last year, was very calm throughout the months of training, put in the long bikes and long runs but really never felt like I was killing myself like last year. Definitely the novelty of my first IM was not there, but the training did seem easier and not as overwhelming. Distance wise probably swam and biked more in training and focusing mainly on the long runs for the running.
Drove up to LP with Dancer and our official support and loving crew, and really felt quite calm. Had a great condo right on the shore of Lake Placid which really was nice. Did the check in, bought some IM Swag, turned in the bike, and then got out of dodge and relaxed.
Morning of the race, overslept with the alarm clock not being loud enough, but Dancer came in the room at 5 am to wake me (guess I slept well!!!) Had my banana, yogurt, oatmeal, orange juice shake, and we headed on down. Got body marked, slipped into wetsuits, dropped off special needs, and somehow we were getting very close on time, got into the water around 6:55 with 5 minutes to spare. Swam to far side and put my feet down to hear the canon go off.
Swim: (last year 1:19, this year 1:19) Well this year I expected the swim to be the same as last year and basically it was except for getting caught up in some swim traffic jams and being hit left and right, basically I started too far back and got caught behind some side stroking, bobbing up and down, breast stroking folks. This created some moments of wasting energy and being hit hard a few times which created a panic session for me that I became one of the bobbing folks and thinking I cannot catch my breath and might go under. This feeling was common for me 3 years ago but I have not had it in a while, so I thought.............hmmmmmmmmm call a kayak to save me or drown....luckily my mind was not working that fast and eventually I caught my breath, put my head down and started stroking away. Got into a rhythm and finished the first lap in 40 minutes, second lap pretty uneventful was very relaxed and came around in 39 minutes. With the panic times very happy with the results.
T1-(last year 12:46, this year 9:09) well this year I was committed to moving quickly through the transitions. Wet suit stripper pulled off my wetsuits, and I ran over to the tent, changed up, and hit the bike.
Bike:(last year 6:50, this year 6:39) been focusing on becoming a better biker this year during training with many long rides by myself and never drafting on any training rides. It paid off. Was conservative on first lap but still held my own. I climb well and pass many folks on the uphills and get passed on the downhills. The big downhills were not as scary as last year with the dry weather, still hit the brakes, but felt like I belonged out there even with the big guys flying by me. Ate and drank all along the course, saw Dancer(I could tell she was on her way to a PR that day as well, she looked great) on the out and back, and then hit the big 12 mile climb back into town. Felt great and those rides in the mountains of VT during July paid off with a great cadence up the hills. Through town with a first lap of 3:09. Second lap had some moments of feeling hot and tired, but just kept eating and drinking knowing that would pass and by the last 100 miles felt strong again on the hill climb.
T2(last year 9:46, this year 6:27) ditto on T1 and made sure to slather on some sunblock.
Run (last year 4:23, this year 4:15) well this is my sport so very excited to start running and legs feel great. Last year, went out fast on the run and paid for it with some real low points out there, so my goal was to run smooth and conservative for first 10 miles and then kick it up. Well the 1st lap was incredible, could eat and drink this year (compared to my stomach shutting down last year) and legs felt great while I moved on through the pack. Into town saw our official support group and they knew I was feeling good and was on my way to a PR by the way I looked. 1st lap in 1:57. Had a little mental loss of focus on the beginning of the second lap after I left town. Walked for the first time and then had some hard times staying focused and continually running. Walk/run/walk/run with constant math going through my mind to figure am I going to PR or not??!!! Finally with around 8 miles to go, said to myself you have worked to hard to not do well at this point, so I just started to run and would not stop to walk until a water stop or up a hill. On the run got to see Dancer twice and she was fighting like a warrior out there. Well this simple plan worked wonderfully and I started to feel good again. During these last 8 miles I definitely was feeling some levels of pain that I never have, but I was able to push my body further through it than I had ever before. Felt great coming up into town, knowing I was going to PR, last mile was so strong. Into the Oval and the guy in back of me is saying we can break 12:30, well I hoof it in and raise those arms up to become an Ironman again. Ended up passing a total 340 racers from the start to the finish of the run. Yes being a runner is a good thing in an Ironman.
Overall: Last year 12:56, this year a 12:29!!!!!!!!!!! This year I just felt stronger and better prepared mentally and physically for the race. The calmness I felt and the experience of last year were a huge benefit in my performance.
Now: Yes, I signed up for next year and cannot wait. Said I was not going to, but how could I not with the joy Ironman brings to me. Of course reviewing the race, I feel I could have done better, but that will be for next year. Every bit of sweat, every hour on the bike, every gulp of water swimming, mile after mile of long runs, and all that time spent doing that Ironman training thing is well worth it for the finish and for the adventure of the journey. During the run, I felt pain and fatigue that I have never felt before but somehow and somewhere inside of me I found a strength that I did not know existed. This, My, inner strength pulled me through those last miles and is now a part of me. Last year the event was a great, impossible once in a lifetime challenge, and this year I realize the Ironman and the process of training for it is part of me. A part of me that makes me proud, makes me smiles, makes me work, makes me strong, and makes me the person I want to be and that I am.
Anyone who trains and competes in an Ironman knows that they could never do it alone. The support, encouragement, and love of those around me got me to the starting line, got me out training on those days when I did not want to, kept me healthy, and got me across that finish line with a PR. To them I am truly grateful, honored, and blessed to have them in my life. Well 2005 is a go and I am already counting the days until I get to enjoy the experience of a lifetime again!!!
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Cappy
Excelent
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Joined: 16 May 2002
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Posted: 07/28/04 - 19:44 Post subject:
Great report
Glad you enjoyed the experience
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Kimba90
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Posted: 07/28/04 - 20:04 Post subject:
Wow, a fantastic race report!!! You improved so much at everything! Man, it's sweet when everything falls into place.
You tri-athletes are still crazy, but you ROCK!!! 
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Posted: 07/28/04 - 20:43 Post subject:
awesome job  AGAIN!!
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Noley
AZhat
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Posted: 07/28/04 - 20:53 Post subject:
Awesome report!
What can I say? I'm so inspired to read this and it motivates me more to keep up my training to accomplish great things like you! I'm very happy for you and what you have done!
27 minute PR is freakin' incredible!
I can't wait to hear about next year already.
Please keep us posted more on how your training is going. I miss your reports.
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Floridaboiler
POTFH
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Joined: 18 May 2002
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Posted: 07/28/04 - 21:13 Post subject:
| Kimba90 wrote: | Wow, a fantastic race report!!! You improved so much at everything! Man, it's sweet when everything falls into place.
You tri-athletes are still crazy, but you ROCK!!! |
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kattzoo
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Location: Happily at the back of the pack
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Posted: 07/28/04 - 21:15 Post subject:
You truly rock. Excellent job!!
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elkid
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Posted: 07/28/04 - 21:56 Post subject:
Now THAT'S the report I was looking for. Though that's not really long .... I should know .... 
It's always great to hear about the numbers, where someone stacks up in the pack, and PRs. But it's infinitely better to hear about the process, how one measures up against seemingly insurmountable odds, and how just when it seems everything's done and over, a person finds some hidden reserve to pull from and come out on the other side the better for it. You pulled through despite all that, showing you truly are an Ironman. Not just in name, but in spirit, too. ROCK STAR!
And if I don't see you waiting for me at the Disney finish line, I'll see you next year same Battime, same Batstation.
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mickeyvw98
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Posted: 07/29/04 - 09:19 Post subject:
Wonderful report! Congrats again!
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robp
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Joined: 26 Jul 2002
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Location: Waiting in line at the beer store...
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Posted: 07/29/04 - 09:36 Post subject:
Great report H2T.
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HYPERASHEL
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Joined: 18 Nov 2003
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Location: The South's Sauna, Atlanta
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Posted: 07/29/04 - 10:43 Post subject:
Great report, i felt it. HUGE  on it, the transitions looked like you practiced or knew what to expect and the training showed off in the sports legs.
WTG H2T
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JACKED UP
PRESIDENT
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Joined: 06 Jun 2003
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Location: www.johnnydu.com
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Posted: 07/29/04 - 10:50 Post subject:
Great report. And to you.
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marathonrnr262
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Posted: 07/29/04 - 12:13 Post subject:
Awesome PR. It's nice to have that inner thought to dig dep when the going gets tough.
Congrats on a great race and a really nice IM report.
Sheldon
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Dancer
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Posted: 07/29/04 - 12:24 Post subject:
You did great!!! Knowing I would see you somewhere out there kept me going. You Rock!
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genie
Master of Prissface
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Joined: 14 May 2002
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Location: Finding serenity one day at a time
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Posted: 07/29/04 - 14:16 Post subject:
Dang, what can you say after a report like that but WOW! You did AWESOME, Happy!!!!! Congratulations on a great race.
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