I raced the Duke Half Ironman..... YES!
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I had a good race. I could have had a great race. I came out of the water in less than 40 minutes. I had to swim through big waves for 1.2 Miles. I rode the 56 miles at 21.5 mph and never dropped the hammer.... But the run.... I had legs cramps the WHOLE way - 13.1 miles, 1:58 minutes of running on legs that were having cramp spasms. It was mentally draining. I still finished in 5hrs and 21 min. I was 11/43 in my age group and 70th/286 in overall men.
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I feel I have a much better understanding how to race the "long course" and how I need to train to improve in the distance events. I am, relatively, better in the sprints, particularly those with long bikes and short runs and short swims. I can really hammer the ride if I know I only need to hold it together for 5K. But I have to be much more conservative on the Bike when I have to follow it with almost 2 hours of running. I still finished 31/286 on the bike even with a relaxed effort.
But with some training, maybe, just maybe.... the big distances could become my thing. I had I couple twinges of real pain (other than the cramps) but I really did not have a lot of wear and tear. My legs are sore with DOMS (delayed onset musle soreness) but I think I did not hurt myself which was my big worry about the big distances. I am still not sure I can handle the training load without getting hurt, but maybe.
I figure I better add a Diesel Tip - you need to make sure you have electrolytles. I thought they were in my mix (Sustained Energy from Hammer Gel). If you are running the long course make sure you have water, energy and the electrolytes!
I have to admit, the rumors are true, I did shave my legs. I figured if I was going to spend $150 renting race wheels that I might as well shave the legs too and squeeze out another half second. BTW, shaving your legs is a lot of work. I recommend the pink ladys bic.
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I enjoyed the nature of the long race, it seemed like an odyessy. The time and distance were so long that you were able to "lose yourself" in the event. It was not always about the next mile marker. Believe it or not, even with the waves and getting smacked pretty good in the head, the swim was my favorite part. I felt like I could do another loop easy (Iron Distances)
.Well that begs the question doesn't it.... Am I going to do the other half too, the big dance, the true test, the ultimate, the one and only - IRONMAN?
Sorry, but I do not know yet. But If I do I will announce it right here on the Diesel Chronicals....Stay tuned.
If you would like to read a great ironman race report check out this blog by "Lucky" http://www.luckytri.blogspot.com/
If I ever do a triathlon. Two big reasons will be my friends Margo and Lucky.
Margo because she has reminded to me that you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to and Lucky because he showed me that doing an Ironman can actually be FUN as well as rewarding.
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Last thing, I got bounce from first place in the Endurance Triathlon Series final standing. While I was off doing the Duke Half, Ken Younts had a great race and swap positions with me. Ken is a great competitor and he earned the Endurace Title. Congratulations Ken - Diesel
