Crawford's IMLP race report
My first Ironman start was IMLP in 2012. I was untrained and did not have any idea how to race an Ironman. The result was a DNF after numerous stupid decisions and three trips to medical aid. Following IMLP, I found and joined EN. In the years that followed, I have learned so much from the coaches and all of you. I finished five Ironman races in the next three years, but the DNF at IMLP still bothered me.
My wife and I signed up for IMLP (we always enter the same races, but never race together), and I was determined to finish the race. I know it is not the most ambitious goal, but it was very important to me. Due to additional responsibility at work and feeling our four daughters needed a bit more from me, I elected not to take on a typical Ironman training schedule. As a result, I knew I was under-trained for the race, but I also knew that I have learned how to race an IM thanks to EN.
The short story is I did finish the race and executed to my current level of fitness. As an added bonus, my wife and I kept passing each other in the first 8 miles of the run and decided we would run/walk the rest of the marathon and finish together. I could not be happier with the race and being able to finish with her.
The details.
We arrived Thursday afternoon by car, checked in to the hotel and registered. We went to the team dinner Thursday and saw some old EN friends and made some new ones. Great experience.
Friday morning, we slept through the swim practice, but went to the 4 keys talk. It is the second time we been able to attend one with both RnP. The rest of the day Friday was low key.
Saturday was also uneventful. We dropped off our bikes and had an early dinner with friends. We were in bed early.
Sunday, we were up at 4:00 for breakfast. For me, it was an egg and coffee. I switched to UCAN this year and found it is best not to each too much before drinking it. I had my UCANN 45 minutes before the start of the race and my Skratch super hydration 30 minutes before the race. I am a very heavy sweater and need the super hydration to race in the heat.
Swim - predicted 1:50 - actual 1:42:48
I am a very slow swimmer. I also only had a few open water swims this year and fully expected a slower time. As far as IM swims, LP is fantastic. I did not have a lot of contact back with the slow people and it was actually pleasant. The river where we train is murky and you cannot see more than a few feet. I really enjoyed the swim and that is coming from a non-swimmer.
Bike - predicted 7:00 - actual 7:47:53
I knew I would have a slow bike based on my limited training, increase weight (I am 5'9" and raced at 158. My preferred race weight is 148). I knew the IMLP bike course was tough based on 2012, but it was harder than I remembered. I am happy that I kept to my goal watts and basically ignored my speed and the time. I knew if I raced for a certain time or speed, I would be in big trouble on the run. I was passed on the hills by a lot of people. I did pass most of them on the downhill/flats and passed a good number of them after mile 80 when they were barely able to stay upright on their bike. Again, it is always interesting to watch as RnP's words are played out on the course. In the end, I finished the bike in a good frame of mind and ready for the run.
Run - predicted 5:00 - actual 5:35:38
I was hot coming off the bike and knew I needed to start slow to get my heart rate in line. I averaged 13:43 over the first 3.9 miles, but included in the time was a very lengthy bathroom break. I was using ice and Coach P's bag to try and manage my body temperature. I had to run/walk to keep my heart rate in line. As a bonus, I kept passing or being passed by my wife. After a while, we both decided we were not setting any records and to run/walk the rest of the marathon and finish together. IMLP is the seventh IM we raced together and we never finished together in the past. We were joined by another participant who was struggling to finish. It was his first IM and he needed to hear it was normal for everything to hurt and that he would finish. Together the three of us ran/walked the remainder of the race.
I loved running past the EN cheering crew. All of you are awesome! I am so proud to be a part of this team as everyone is so supportive and encouraging even if you are not at the pointy end of the stick. It is great running in an EN kit. I suspect if you have run in an EN kit you know how much you are cheered. If you have not raced in an EN kit, I strongly encourage you to try it.
Near the half way point of the run, Coach P advised me to start drinking Coke (apparently I did not look so good). Coach P, it did help and I felt as good as I could feel for the last 8 miles. It was great to see Coach R near the finish cheering for us.
Finally, I know it has been said before, but Mariah and Brenda are amazing. Thanks for all you do for EN and for cheering us on at LP.
Final time 15:27:26. It was my slowest finish time, but this one was never about the time. I finished LP and was able to cross the finish line with my wife. I cannot think of a better way to end a day.
Next up is IMMT.
Comments
PS...the spa in Mont Tremblant is worth the $. Perhaps you two can enjoy that post race!
Looking fwd to meet you at IMMT !
Feels good, setting the DNF demons to rest, no?
Brenda - It is always great to see you and Steve. We are bringing our three younger daughters to IMMT. It is the fist time they will be with us for a full IM.
Trish, Kristen, and Scott - Thank you.
Scott Alexander - Thanks. I have enjoyed watching your travels. It seems like it is time for us to have another beer.
Francis - Thanks. I look forward to sharing the course with you at IMMT. I have been following your workouts on Strava. Nice work!
Al - Yes, it is fantastic to put the DNF demons to rest. Last year you mentioned one of your friends that raced himself into shape. I liked the idea so much I am giving it a try this year. By IMMD I should be ready.