Jim Hogan's IMCHOO 2014 Race Report
Chattanoota, TN , September 28, 2014 - It was overcast and almost perfect conditions for an IRONMAN event, I was stoked. Finishing was not an issue, but how well would I execute my plan was the real questions. I arrived in Chattanooga a little under trained as I had too many obligations over the final 8 weeks of training and I know it cost me time on the racecourse although I came to race.
This was my 2nd IRONMAN event and I remained calm, unlike IMFL 2012. There were a lot of distractions and I personally knew more than 60 people racing so everywhere I turned, there was a friendly face but I minimized my time in the “Village” so as not to get distracted. Thanks EN for great advice on race week prep.
My hotel was a good distance from transition, the Chattanooga Choo Choo, so I had to plan some additional logistics for race day arrival and bike retrieval, but it was no big deal. Warning: Avoid the Choo Choo at all cost. It’s a tired, historical hotel that thinks its is the place to be in Chattanooga. No Microwave, old beds, old mini coffee machine and no refrigerator in the room. In spite of the hotel, I actually slept about 5 hours, which is 3 more than most pre-race evenings.
Arriving at race central for the final preps and bag drop off went smooth and my mind moved into “race” mode. All business. Timing was perfect and I arrived at the swim start before the bathrooms were backed up. I had time to listen to my race morning play list and focus on the task at hand.
A good time was had by all. Before I knew it, the line started to move quickly and all my stuff was in the bag and I was in the water. No wet suit for me. It was a little crowded during the first 600 meters and I moved to the right side. I was a little confused when they announced just as we were on the dock to keep the buoys to the left. That is exactly opposite of what I thought it would be.
Approaching the island, I found myself far to the right of everyone else but after looking at my Garmin tracking, I was spot on straight and at 2.4 miles. My plan was to conserve energy and still keep my swim under an hour. I know I could have gone faster but as a percentage of total time, it would have been very small change.
Swim: 55: 07 (acceptable)
T1: 7:52. Could have been faster but had to take care of some preventive foot issues so I would not have to stop later.
Rolling, Rolling, Rolling, Got to keep on Rolling, Raw Hide…Like so many other’s, the voice of Coach Rich barking orders as I began my bicycle journey through North Georgia made me pick my head up and smile. Living so close to Chattanooga, I was able to ride the course numerous time and I know it helped on race day. Following Coach Rich’s race plan made the time and miles fly by and the course actually felt almost flat. I stayed on my HR target although I did have to expend some extra energy to pass the large drafting groups. I don’t know why but I had to pee 3 times and take a dump once. I just can’t bring myself to pee “on’ the bike so that cost a lot of time. I think my fluids and nutrition was off and I will have to address that issue going forward.
On the way back to town I was feeling good and two guys latched onto my wheel at 23 MPH. I tried slowing a little and they would not pass. I sat up and asked them if there were going to draft the rest of the way into town? One say’s, “What’s your problem? Gee, it’s not like we’re going to win this thing,” and the other say’s sarcastically, “have a nice day.” They dropped back at that point. A half mile later, I came up with the best line for the “next time” that happens. It will be to say, “Is that what you teach your kids that it’s OK to break the rules as long as you don’t get caught?” Next time.
Bike: 6:03:59 (acceptable) Fluid (in and out) and nutrition issues
T2: 3:42. Smooth is fast and I was in and out in no time. Left my Endurolyte Tablets in T2 bag and that might of affected my run. How did that happen?
On the Road Again, just can't wait to get on the road again...Felt good running (slow) out of T2 and stayed on HR and pace with out a problem for the 1st 10 miles and kept fueling. Still had to pee 3 times during the run. I will have to work on that issue. At the turn-around I picked up my stash of Endurolyte Tables but my legs began feeling like lead. No spring, No energy. I could not stomach putting any more gels/chomps in my stomach but I kept tying to drink fluids. I had to add some walking but kept it at 30-60 seconds each. Still, I did not feel good. I remember it raining for a while but I was wet anyway.
I kept going to my “Thing 1, Thing 2, and Thing 3” and they kept me going. My HR was low and I was slower than I wanted but didn’t have any energy. I am sure it was a fueling issue. Something was wrong. Regardless, as I crested the top of Burton on the final push to the finish line, I actually felt good or maybe I didn’t feel anything. I made the final turn off the bridge and I remember the sounds, the lights, the High-5’s running down to the finish line. Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line.
All of the pain is gone and a smile is on my face. Friends galore, my training partner, Jeff Drobney (10:51) is in the chute and congratulated me. Mariah yelled and snapped the best race photo of the day and Coach Rich too. Right net to Rich is my wife Cathy. Seeing the smile and pride on her face is always the Number 1 “one thing.” And for the 2nd time, I am an IRONMAN.
Although it was not a PR (short by 2 min 7 sec)
, I am proud of my 144.6 miles on that day in 12:05:02.
Thanks Endurance Nation, I could not have done it without you.
Next up…The Peoples Race…Marine Corp Marathon on October 26th in Washington, DC.
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