IM Choo Race Report
IM Chattanooga was a great event. The layout and crowd support really enhanced the event. This was my second IM, complete Louisville in 2013. I was able to shave one hour and thirty-eight minutes off of last years time.
First, I did not the swim as a non-wet suit swim. (I am not a fast swimmer, but I think it should be either legal or not.) My swim was 1:12, a good speed for most IM's, but at Chattanooga, that put me in the back of the pack. I don't worry to much about that, there is plenty of time left in the day, to catch up to your friends later in the day.
Next, the bike was very nice. Having failed to adequately train on hills for Louisville, we spent every weekend this summer riding hills. When we got to Chattanooga, they hills were simple, easily pass people on the hills without every getting out of the seat or having my heart rate spike. Complete the ride at 18.5 mph, doing my "should" ride. Once again EN did a great job getting me ready for this event. The only issue I had was over hydration. With the cool temps, I did not do a lot of sweating and I had to stop three times o the bike to hit the portable potties. Event with the stops, I was very happy with my time. I was ready for the run when I came off the bike. I was 177 on the swim in my age group and 116 on the bike.
On the run, I meet up with my training partner Kristan Croom, another EN team member, and we complete the run together. Again, the run went well and we followed the EN coaching. Ran to the aid station and then did some walking through the aid station. Running with one of your best friends was a blast and we laughed all day. Kristan spent the day encouraging everyone we past. Again, shaved some time off of last years run. Heading down the shoot, we felt like we could have kept going. I felt fantastic when I finished. We were all smiles. My run was 113 in the age group. I think this is a good indication that I did the bike the way I was coached. I am much stronger on the bike than the run, but my run was my best leg of the IM. I believe that show that the plan work!!
I crossed the line at 13:11:12, That was an one hour and 38 minutes faster than last year. Can't ask for more than that, for a guy who started running in 2012.
See you at IM Florida in 2015.
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