Sheila McCann race report
Thinking new age group of 50-54 is legitimately old. So, if I have a decent race, I should podium and perhaps win my age group-right? Think again, missed the podium by 25 seconds. But I don't really care because the woman that took seventh, I beat by 15 seconds and that was first time I ever beat her. She's a tricoach-passed me at St. George in 2011 on the run, Wildflower this year on the run and she had won her age group at Canada a couple of years ago. I'm not competitive or anything
Swim: Was the same as usual in my world-wet, dark and long. PR by 3 minutes because I learned to site more often. I automatically look for clear water and find it because I'm off course. I learned to just get comfortable with people touching me and stay on track.
Bike: PR by 8 minutes and I'll take it as I age up and it was a tough course. Pure fun with amazing beauty and varied terrain. First time I have seen some what technical down hills on an Ironman course. At 122 pounds, I thought I'd have problems keeping up on the down parts, yet I was cutting right around the masses. Had to really be careful of other riders as many would go into a turn on the inside and go out, which is the reverse of how I do it. Large draft packs on the flat parts that were difficult to avoid being enveloped in. I hate breaking in a race but found I had little choice when 15 people get right in front of you. I got a drafting call last year in CDA on the downhill when I tucked in behind a big guy. Standing there in the sin bin was beyond embarrassing. I felt like was wearing a scarlet letter. Thus, I was not getting another drafting penalty this year.
Run: 4:18, which is a minute slower than CDA. But I had a faster bike under me and I only ran 15 miles in training. I followed the EN race suggestions last year and it worked. So, I again held back first six and then tried to race, but just ended up running pretty close to the same speed. The difference this year is I was able to work more on my bike as my legs weren't so tired from running. I really had to let go of my fears of only doing 15 miles. I run on trails so 2 1/2 hours equals 15 miles. The Thursday long run allowed me to carry a better pace on the long run in training. The Saturday run before bike, physically seemed to work and it helped mentally as I could run with my dogs before leaving them all day.
A PR and in the end, I felt better. It was the first Ironman that I actually had two beers and dinner afterwards. Thanks EN for the great plan and podcasts.
Comments
Congrats! What race was this for and what was your PR over IMCDA?
Thanks Kathleen, I'll be cheering for you at Tahoe. I love swimming in Lake Tahoe, you're in for a treat. I considered that race but I turn 50 the day before. I'll look forward to the race reports as might do it next year-assuming I get in. Good luck!
Thanks Robin. Yes, but then I'd have to race in a hot and humid environment. If I'm going to do that, it would be Cozumel with much better diving than Hawaii.