RR#2 - Prep for IM TX
![[Deleted User]](https://us.v-cdn.net/6029573/uploads/defaultavatar/nNPD77K9K824F.jpg)
I had to do my RR#2 a week early as I will be away for a friend's wedding next weekend. This RR was unlike other RR I've done in the past as I did this on my old tri bike (Kestrel Airfoil), a bike that sits exclusively on my Computrainer and one I haven't ridden outside in about 5 years. My race bike (Look 596) was still languishing in the bike shop (about 3 weeks now), waiting for a part for the seat post. The part will supposedly arrive Monday but too late for my RR but (fingers crossed) in time to be shipped off with TBT for IM TX. I guess that's what I get for getting such a unique bike.
I kept hoping that my race bike would be ready but by Wednesday it didn't look likely. I raced to get my old tri bike together. I didn't want to do my last RR on the CT which I did 2 weeks ago. My old tri bike uses 650 wheels and I still had the tubes so I had to switch out my bike bag for those. Luckily I found a hydration system that worked on the Kestrel, or at least I thought it did.
I did my ride on the same route I have been using since I've lived in NYC. It's got a lot of lights but for the most part the shoulders are wide and there are lots of gas stations to refuel and to use the potty. The course is mostly flat with some rollers and potentially windy so I thought it would be great for IMTX simulation.
I started my ride at 0630 and it was cold! About 42 when I started. I dressed warmer than usual as I wanted to feel heated to try and simulate IMTX conditions. I also wore long sleeve black UnderArmour as I wanted the sun to really beat down as much as possible when the day went on.
Two things that I thought might be trouble for me were the fit on the Kestrel and the hydration system. When I used to ride the Kestrel for races I used the Podium Quest because of the way my aerobars were set up. I don't have a Podium Quest anymore and I used my old insulated Bontrager as the Profile aerobottle would not work. I realized that I really had to scrunch down to get to the straw. Not a good thing when you're trying to ride and keep your eye on the ride. So I had to resort to drinking at the lights and only when the roads were completely free of cars. The second thing which I thought might be an issue was the fit. After the first two hours, I was just hoping that I didn't make a mistake by riding outside. My lower back and shoulders were cramping by the end of the ride. I tried to go in aero but I couldn't sustain it for more than 5 minutes at a time.
I got through the ride as best as I could on feel. Did I mention that I had no computer for speed or for power? The total ride time ended up being about 6:30 riding time. I had to stop 4 times to fuel (water) and to pee. My nutrition was a bottle of Infinit (600 calories), 1 Powerbar, 1 pack Honey Stinger Chews, I banana, and 1 5-hour energy shot. I aim for about 200 calories an hour. I know I can push it a little more on the calories but I tend to do better with less when racing and after one horrific issue with over fueling am overly cautious. I also aim for one bottle of water an hour which I managed to do.
I did about 95 miles in windy conditions which was good prep for IMTX. It did start getting hot so I was able to sort of get the feel for what it would be like but I know it will be nowhere near IMTX. Temperature that day got up to the low 60s.
I was so happy to get off the bike and was concerned about the tightness in my lower back. I felt awful and my legs were so heavy when I started my run. Nevertheless I was determined to do the run. With all my issues with the Achilles and bruised heel for the last 3 weeks, I wanted to do the run as my lack of training in this area was starting to concern me. The first mile felt like most first miles of an Ironman. And it didn't help that I did my run in a very hilly area. But the good news was my Achilles didn't burn! I started feeling good by mile 2 and by the end of mile 5, I felt great. I am not a fast runner so doing 5 miles in an hour was good for me.
My run nutrition was 3 honey stinger chews and 1 FRS energy shot. After my last Ironman experience, I stay away from all gels during the run and try not to ingest any more than 50 calories at a time. My stomach is super sensitive when I run.
Lessons learned - adaptability is key! I am glad that I did my RR#2 on my old bike but if I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten a quickie bike fit before.
Comments
Hey Joanna....great report...and not a bad outcome considering all you had to "adapt"
I have been doing the same thing re: "overdressing" in hopes that the "micro climate" will simulate TX heat...in fact yesterday was "perfect" I way overdressed for my 4hr. Sat. ride...and left about 8...so know a little how you felt...
Hope everything works out with the bike....and looking foward to seeing you in TX!
Looking forward to seeing you in Woodlands.
@ Roy: Thanks for the kind words; See you in Texas!
Joanna