IM Louisville report
Race: 2014 Ironman Louisville
Weather: extremely hot and humid (95 + degrees)
Training plan was done at a 75 to 80% rate. Frequent travel (up to 75% of the time) made very hard to follow training program during the week, but most weekend sessions were followed very closely. This was my 2nd IM event, so I focused on quality not quantity.
It has been a very mild summer in Michigan, so I did most of my training in mild weather.
Pre-race
I flew out of Detroit to Louisville, which helped me focus on being rested. When I got there I could feel was hotter but did not feel that bad. I checked in on Thursday and drove the bike course on Friday. Did very short swim practice on Saturday and then checked bike in around 1pm, and locked myself in my room. I did hydrate with Gatorade, NUUN, Pedialyte,…etc….basically no water, only electrolytes.
Race day:
I was up at 3am and had breakfast..bagel, banana, Gatorade, Nuttella. Went to T1 at 5am and I was at swim start around 5:40am.
Swim: expected time (1:35) actual time (1:19)
I started very smooth, remembering what Coach P says. I never felt tired and I really enjoyed it. So far 1st time I enjoy the swim so much. I did swim within the box and what a great place to swim in.
T1: time 5min
T1 went very smooth and it was a really good one. So 5 and 7 mins faster than my 2 friends that were racing with me.
Bike expected time (6:30) actual…DNF at mile 85
I started the bike very strong but very conservative. I was watching my power and I kept it under control at my target +/- 160 watts. At mile 18, right before the big downhill, I noticed my rear wheel was completely “untrue” and it was all over. I decide to keep going but I was mentally derailed right there. Around mile 30 I stopped to ask a bike repair guy to help me. He could not do much, but kind of fixed it, but he had to leave me without a rear brake. Not a big deal, but still my bike was not at 100% and I was mentally distracted. I was still riding at my target watts and I was feeling physically strong, but mentally I was out of the box.
My nutrition so far was going according to plan….drinking 1.5 to 2 bottles/hr and eating 350 to 400 calories. My watts were under control too.
At the end of the 1st loop, out of nowhere my left quad and hamstring stated to cramp right at the same time…….!!!!! I was able to relax the muscle but after 10 min, again, and again. I made it to the special needs stop and I took some time to relax and drink. Around mile 70…both legs were out of control and I had to stop to stretch after every single hill…At mile 80 I knew my race was over and that the smartest decision was to DNF. I stopped around mile 85 at an area with Med service and I was taken to T1. All I could think of, were my 2 kids and wife and my long term health.
Back at T1, I requested fluids (IV) and right there I started my recovery.
At no point I felt dizzy nor weak, but certainly went downhill VERY FAST!!!
I am signed up for 2015 I Louisville and I’ll be back to claim revenge,. Certainly cooler temps in October.
I was properly trained (maybe not for a PR), but certainly I believe that the issue was nutrition.
Comments
Sorry about your day.
So you think nutrition issue? Might a Core Diet consult be useful?
Glad you are jumping right back on the horse for next year.
I was concerned b/c this year we hadn't had much hot weather to train in so I made sure I added the salt capsules. I know they helped me - I don't know if you tried those or not (of course not on race day if you've never used them), but sometimes you need that little boost. I am not a 'crutch' person, but I've felt the difference in not using them and using them.
I'm sorry you weren't able to finish this year - you have an advantage over 2015 in that you know the course and it will be cooler for you. Best of luck! Kay
Hi Kay,
not even the salt tablets worked. I did feel very hot the night before, so I assume that my body was already telling me that something was not right.
Robin,
Curious about the core diet. Is this something you do?
Mandy
Alex-
Sorry things did not go according to plan. You will get your revenge in 2015.
Wish we could have linked up prior to the race.
Mandy
Alex-
Sorry things did not go according to plan. You will get your revenge in 2015.
Wish we could have linked up prior to the race.
Mandy
I pretty much try to do a Core Diet thing for race day.
You can find Coach P's comments on his use of them in various locations.
And there is webinar and stuff on Core Diet. in our wiki I believe.
And there is an EN discount for Core Diet direct consults.