IMMT Race Report -Amy Sorensen

[Deleted User]

IMMT  Race Report 8/16/15

 

WOW! This was my first ironman completed as a EN team member and it was really great! The support from the coaches as well as that from the team members, friends and family on the course was outstanding. I enjoyed getting to know the team a bit more through this event.

Race Day:

I woke about 4:20 for coffee and breakfast. Arrived to transition at 5:20 –plenty of time to get nutrition set up, inflate tires, etc. Headed out to swim start a few minutes before 6. My wave started at 7am. I was in the last wave, which I found comfort in (less chance of being swum over J).

Swim:

The swim went well. I had in mind that I would complete the swim in about 1:50-2:00. I felt relaxed in the water, and throughout the entire swim I counted strokes. I also kept reminding myself to ENJOY this nice cool water temperature, as the rest of the day was sure to be a scorcher. I was VERY pleased and quite surprised to glance at my watch when I came out of the water at 1:34. A great swim for me!

T1: 9:47 –Changed clothes/lubed up and headed out for the ride.

Bike:

One of the things I kept in mind ALL day was to be smart with the heat. We had a heat index of upwards towards 100 degrees, so it was imperative that I take things a bit easier and keep on top of my nutrition. I kept reminding myself to stay in my box! (Great advice, coaches!) The course was challenging, but I liked that there were distinct “sections” to it because I could mentally break it into parts, which made it easier to manage. The road conditions were excellent and the support was amazing –Truly! There were volunteers sitting out in the blazing sun ALL DAY, ringing bells, yelling “Bravo!” I felt so thankful for the support. For the most part, I stayed on top of eating and drinking pretty well. My garmin beeps at every mile, so I used it as a little “sip alarm” to keep the fluids moving. For nutrition I drink Nuun. For solids I took in peanut butter & banana bagel (right at the start after swim), honey stinger waffles, cliff bar and more banana/ PB at special needs. I did make a pee stop at mile 70 (just couldn’t make it happen on the bike ~uncooperative bladder!

My power meter was very spotty. It kept going in and out, so I just settled in using my heart rate, which was not a problem. I tried to keep it at 140 bpm or less. My biggest complaint about my bike is the INTENSE burning sensation in my toes that occasionally happens on long rides. Honestly, it was the worst its ever been! (I’ve looked in to the cause of this and understand that it has to do with the nerves in the foot. If anyone has experience with this problem, or a helpful solution, please let me know.) The hills were intense, but I was not too bothered by them. It gave me a chance to just sit up and spin. J By the end I was quite ready to get off the bike. This was mostly due to the burning feet problem. My energy levels and mental game were still in it. Bike split: 7:12:35 -slow and steady.

T2 6:23 –Changed shorts. Left on the ROCKING  Endurance Nation tri top!

Run: The fact that this race took place in Canada and everything is measured in kilometers was a gift. (It freed me of thinking about times and pace. I cannot do that mad math converting after 114 miles!) This course was set up as a double out and back. The heat was a game changer, so I kept things very simple; no watch, no extra gear, just settle into a manageable pace and stick with it. I ran the entire course but slowed my pace down through the aid stations. I used the Gatorade/water/ice (and occasional Coke) provided. My biggest savior was a little ziplock bag that I carried and filled with ice chips at every station. (This was an idea I heard from somewhere in the EN community…I think it was a race report podcast??) The ice bag worked well for munching on the chips, dripping the cold water over my head or even stuffing the cubes down my top. I literally kissed and thanked the little baggie at the end of the run before depositing it into the recycle bin, because the ice got me through a very tough run. The other thing that got me through this run was the support from teammates on the course. Every time I would see a fellow member come up, whether it was a high five, thumbs up or just a nod, it was all good and it was a great reminder that we are all in this crazy game together! J Run time:  4:25:52

 

The venue at Mont-Tremblant is top notch! It’s a little bit like Disney World for Triathletes and families. Running into the finish felt amazing. The volunteer staff went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. The hat, shirt and race bag are awesome. Overall I give IMMT two thumbs up!

Overall Time: 13:29:12

scott dinhofer

Great race & great report - Curious to see how you move up the curve with more work on the bike, or perhaps stronger attempt on the execution. Clearly you run very well off the bike, your splits prove what the coaches say that if you think you went easy on the bike (not saying you did) that you have 26 miles to prove that point. You clearly set yourself up for a great run on a tough day.
Congrats on a great finish!

Neill Morgan

Thanks for a great report; sounds like you paced yourself very well and ran strong. I had the burning sensation in my feet, too. I use speedplay pedals, like them very much for ease of clipping in and out, but thought about switching when my feet hurt after 3 hours on the bike. Instead, I moved the cleats back as far as they would go on my shoes and that solved the problem. Even if you don't use Speedplay pedals, experimenting with a different platform placement may help. Hope so. Congratulations on a very well-executed race.

Bruce Thompson

@ Amy...congrats on a really smart race.  You managed the heat and pace like a real pro.  Not many people running 4:25 marathon late in the day in that heat and sun  Well done.  Sorry we didn't get to meet officially, but we probably high 5ed each other somewhere out on the run course.

As far as the foot pain on the bike, I suggest you write a separate post in the EN medical forum.  You'll probably get some MDs who know cycling to respond.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Scott! I REALLY want to improve my cycling, so that is my goal for next time. I have been running for years, but still consider myself a novice cyclist. I have a lot to learn.  But I feel lucky to be part of EN, as the info and tips from the coaches and members is extremely helpful. I'll get there eventually. Thanks again!

[Deleted User]

Bruce, 

Thank you, and CONGRATULATIONS to you on your great finish! Kill it in KONA!!!!! ) 

[Deleted User]

Neill, Thanks! I read about moving the cleats as well. I am glad it worked for you. I will give it a shot. 

Anna Stanbaugh

Great race Amy! Was nice meeting you and seeing you on the run course. Awesome run!

Ian Kurth

Amy,

Strong work out there. You ran like the swamp heat was no big deal. Great execution!

I totally agree with your comments about km markers. It's like funny money. Great mind trick!

Congrats!

Ian

[Deleted User]

Thanks All! It was great to meet all the EN folks along the way.

William Crawford

Amy, Congratulations! We did not officially meet, but I am sure we saw each other on the course. You executed very well on such a hot day.

Keith Wick

Congratulations Amy! You looked wonderful each time out there on the course and that's a great run time given the heat conditions. It was nice to meet you and to always see you smiling/positive whenever we ran into one another, even with all the passport stuff your family had going on. You obviously don't get flustered easily, which I'm sure helped you making the call to keep it simple on the run--great idea. Congrats again!

[Deleted User]

Thanks Keith! It was great to meet you all up there! Congratulations to you as well on a great race!