Eagleman 70.3 race report
Writing this as it remains fresh in my brain. This was my 2nd HIM with my frist being Poconos last September. I started triathlon last February with only a background in running for fitness. I knew this was going to be an emotional and trying day for me as it would be my first race since my husband Mike passed away on Feb. 9th. I had made a photo button with his picture inside to wear on my jersey for the bike/run.
I was doing this race with my tri club Jersey Girls StayStrong Multusport and we had a presence of I think 20 ladies. Morning was pretty uneventful, ate a breakfast of applesauce, peanut butter bagel and a homemade protein bar. Got to the swim for my 7:20 start and hopped in. Stayed close to the back as I am a very slow swimmer. Started off fine and just tried to stay consistent, got bumped a bit but nothing out of the ordinary. Got out of the water to look at my watch, 52 mintues...WHAT?!?!? That is 10 minutes slower than I normally would swim and I was very surprised.
It had rained quite a bit the day before and transition was very wet. Got my bike gear on and started to head out and was running through huge mud puddles, no way around it. Got the socks and shoes wet but I couldnt worry about that. Eagleman is notoriously flat and supposedly windy but I only found it to be flat. About halfway I looked down at my photo button and realzied it broke open and the top piece and the photo was gone. That was upsetting, but I couldnt control it. Stay inside your box Maureen. So I just stayed consistent riding between 19-20 mph. My garmin flunked out on me (user error) and I only had the bike computer and RPE to go on. I felt good on the bike and ended with a 2:52 which I was happy with.
Got back into T2 and much more mud/water and my feet were soaked and my bike shoes were completely caked in mud. How do people clean the bike shoes? No socks to change into because I left them back in the car so I just left them on and put my running shoes on and took off. I always start out slow and build. Well I started out slow and I could not build. Before the race I wrote on the top of my hand "NEVER GIVE UP". I looked at those words a lot during the run because I needed that reassurance. I am not a quitter and although my feet were blistering and I had no pep I would not give up, I would not walk. So I plodded along the best I could and picked it up minimally on the way back. Time was a horrible (for me) 2:23. I typically run a 2:00 - 2:10.
My nephew and his new wife came out from DC to support me and I was so happy to see them! I really thought I would be an emotional mess crossing the finish line knowing Mike wasnt there or I'd be super jubilant like I was at the finish of Poconos, but there was nothing. Absolutely no emotion whatsoever. Is this normal after getting that super high after your first one? I just wanted to go home. My finish time was a total 6:16 (Poconos was a 6:24) so I did PR but I was majorly disappointed with my overall effort. And yes I am typically very critical of myself, lifelong habit. 
Timberman is up next 8/18 (our wedding anniversary) and I plan on working more on my bike to run fitness incorporating more brick workouts. I will say I do prefer a hilly course over a flat one. Eagleman was a very constant pedal while Poconos I could cruise a bit and rest my legs on the downhills. Oh and I did see fellow ENer Kourtney out on the run course, she was amazing! Congrats Kourtney on a great time!!
Race stats:
|
Swim Total |
1.2 mi |
52:34 |
52:34 |
2:43/100m |
Bike Details
| 30 mi | 30 mi | 1:31:59 | 2:28 | Pace 19.57 mi/h |
|||
| 56 mi | 26 mi | 1:21:00 | 3:49:29 | Pace 19.26 mi/h | |||
| Total | 56 mi | 2:52:59 | 3:49:29 | Pace 19.42 mi/h | |||
| 6.6 mi | 6.6 mi | 1:12:52 | 5:05:47 | 11:07/mi | |||
| 13.1 mi | 6.6 mi | 1:10:56 | 6:16:43 | 10:49/mi | |||
| Total | 13.1 mi | 2:23:48 | 6:16:43 | 10:58/mi |
|||
| T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE | 3:56 |
| T2: BIKE-TO-RUN | 3:26 |
Comments
Maureen, I'm SO proud of you for getting out there and conquering that Eagleman course! After all you've been through, that is an amazing accomplishment - and a PR included! I'm sure Mike was with you all the way and so very proud of your effort! I think emotions take a huge toll on you physically, and it is not surprising that you had nothing left for the run or finish line. You also had a blazing bike split which may have taken some steam out of you too. You will continue to have great races and keep on gettin' better! xo
I don't even know where to begin - every race experience is so different, and in your case, it's going to be hard to really assess this race without giving it some time. It's possible that you will find things to learn from this race.
"NEVER GIVE UP" - this aspect of your race, given what little I know about what you've been through, is inspiring.
A PR is a PR - and it's great that you've left some room for your next PR. It's ok to be disappointed with your results... to a point... but from your write-up, your effort is something to be proud of.
Learn what you can from the effort, take a moment to reflect on the determination and values you bring to the table, and set your sights on Timberman.
I look forward to hearing how that goes.
Great work.
Russ
John
Tough day for sure, between the emotional aspects and the sloppy T zone, there was a lot against you. Despite that, you still managed a PR and ran a negative split on your run. Hard to find any downside to that.
Feeling flat after a race happens sometimes. It has to me and I don't know why. In your case with your husband passing recently, I imagine there is a great void that consumes the joy of things, for now. But having the strength to compete, the determination to never give in, and the will to go on, speaks volumes about how strong and resilient you are.
Here's a thouoght:
Good races provide a sense of euphoria,
Hard races teach us pain,
Bad races remind us of what it takes to endure.
Personally I think you did an awesome job managing the difficulties of the day very well. Your PR is part of the proof.
Great job and congrats on the PR!
I love this part!
Before the race I wrote on the top of my hand "NEVER GIVE UP". I looked at those words a lot during the run because I needed that reassurance. I am not a quitter and although my feet were blistering and I had no pep I would not give up, I would not walk.
Even though you lost Mike's photo , I'm sure he was still with you, and just as proud of you as we are , the EN team. Way to go.
Try putting small pictures of loved one's in a ziplock baggie and put in your tri-shorts pockets , that way they are with you the whole day.... Make a few extra of the same photo so you can swap them out when they get a little worn.
Tim,