Elizabeth Martinez's IMMT Report
Overall,I am happy with my results. Somewhat surprised at the strong mental war, I had on the run.
Breakfast
From training I know I need a strong breakfast, 4:15 am 2 eggs ham orange juice, coffee, Stretch - Sleep a little more, staying right next to transition, 5:30 am head to transition for marking, easy, very organized, 6:00 am - Drink Ensure, 6:30 am - warm up swim, just to get used to the temperature, 6:45 - one gu
Swim - Good, Choppy waves
The start was busy as expected, not bad, I started easy pace trying to find my rhythm, stretch the arms, breath, sight.
At some point going out, I felt I was putting more effort than anticipated, then I realized how big were the waves. It reminded me of swimming in open ocean. On the return the current was pushing us toward the rocks, so the effort was focused to staying on course
Goal 1:30, Actual 1:36
Transition
I did IMMT last year, and remembered the red carpet. I did not expect the run to the tent so rough, so ran carefully to not cut my feet. The rest went smoothly.
Bike-Good
Focused on stabilizing the heart rate, like Patrick said, group ride speed an effort for the first hour and half, working the down hills to my advantage.
Before reaching mile 6, my vision started getting clouded, my first sign of oncoming migraine. I had this in one previous half. It is usually caused by low blood sugar and stress combination. I was prepared, I slowed down,I drank the Ensure I had planned for mile 10 and the Tylenol, ate one waffle. I wanted to take two Tylenol that were in my jersey pocket but could not find it. Learned I should put the tablets in an easier dispenser next time. Ate another waffle taken at the aid station. Once the vision was back to normal, continued riding at a sustained zone 3 effort.
Tried to pee on the bike but by mile 20 was not successful. I Saw there was no line at the porta potty and stopped for the bathroom.
On mile 40 something, I drank my second bottle of Ensure. I wanted to drink it with enough time before working the hills to Lac Superior. It felt good.
Lac Superior went well, focusing on cadence. I remembered doing better than last year because last year the pro women passed me on the way up Lac Superior.
Bike Second Lap
Before reaching special needs on a very low hill,my chain fell. Fixed pretty quickly.
At the special needs refilled my camelbak, water was good, took more Ensure, but did not want to eat any more.
The second lap, on last hill of Mt Ryan again my chain fell. It took me longer this time.
The wind was stronger, much stronger, started feeling it in my legs. Decided to increase cadence and save legs for run, and work the down hills.
It surprised me how many people I passed going downhill, following Coach Patricks advice of work the downhills.
Drank most of my Accelerade on the second loop (2 bottles)
T-2
After getting off the bike, could not run. Had to walk to the tent
RUN - my greatest battle
My goal was to run 12:30 a mile. I felt it was a good pace because my usual training pace for long runs in the summer was 12:00 and MT was much cooler than Puerto Rico.
Started well. Kept thinking of advice Robin gave me at the dinner. Walk only the water stations.
Then after mile 10 before reaching mile 13 I had all out war in my head. I was upset, I wanted to give up, I kept thinking of good excuses to quit. I wanted to keep running at 12:30, I was angry at myself because I was not doing it. I had done the trainings, why I was so tired??!!! Why was I so weak??. I just kept going, I did not give up because I did not want to explain to my daughters and husband that I was just tired. Then, the click "if I start running, I will finish this ‘shxxx.’ faster", I started running again and finished.
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Comments
Thanks. Robert, you are right, we all face the demons. Yes, this was a Personal best.
Thanks again
Elizabeth
...I was upset, I wanted to give up, I kept thinking of good excuses to quit. I wanted to keep running at 12:30, I was angry at myself because I was not doing it. I had done the trainings, why I was so tired??!!! Why was I so weak??…"
This is normal - I think EVERYONE, 8 hour finishers and 16 hour finishers, feels this way at some point during the run. What's not so routine is simply deciding to not let the increasing fatigue and effort win the day. You found "One Thing" and used it to keep you going - that's what allowed YOU to win the day.