Brian Harding's IMWI Race Report-
First off I want to thank my family for supporting me though training for this race. A lot of "family time" was sacrificed and I'm very grateful they fully supported my training.
Race Morning - woke up at 3:30, ate 4 cups of applesauce, Stinger waffle, Picky Bar and half a bottle of Green Machine Naked Juice followed by a cup of coffee. Showered, lubed up and headed out.
SWIM - (1:23:33) shooting for 1:10
I lined up on the left side of the ramp a few rows back. I'm a 1:40 guy so I started asking people what they were aiming for. I found someone who was 1:30 so I stayed close to him. When the cannon went off, I immediately started getting into feet. I should have sucked it up and got closer to the front. It seemed every time I started a good cadence, it was bubbles, bubbles, feet. I tried to move side to side but there really isn't anywhere to go. It was kind of like being in a corral. I settled into a pace where I could manage good form. After the last turn, things opened up and I tried to make up some time.
T1 - 8:30 - I had no idea what to expect timewise since I never raced WI, but I lightly jogged up the helix and followed the crowd.
BIKE - (6:09:52) shooting for 5:50
I ate a Picky Bar while running down to my rack. Jumped on and went. The whole time I'm thinking of Coach Rich "fairies and rainbows" the first 17 miles were fun, just peddling along at an easy pace waiting for that 20 mile mark. Then around mile 17 we had our first climb. I down shifted into my 39 and threw my chain. I thought "no biggie, jump off and get it on". I was back to riding within a few minutes, but now my rear derailleur was wanting to shift about every 8 seconds. I ran through all my gears hoping it would settle down but it didn't. After about 5 miles of this, I jumped off and tried to troubleshoot what was going on. I flipped my bike over, derailleur was fine. Spinning the chain I noticed 2 or 3 links were cocked at an angle (must of bent them when I threw the chain). I got back on the bike and kept going. At that point I told myself it's ridable and just get it to T2. It sounded horrible, and everyone I passed said "that doesn't sound good". But turing a negative into a positive it kept my watts down and gave me something to think about to pass the time.
T2 - 5:35 - GLADLY handed off my bike grabbed my shoes and zip lock bag a started walking towards the run start.
RUN - (4:23:25) shooting for 4:00
I started off slow while others were flying by me. I kept the 4Keys in my head. I was feeling great, jogging along. I ran the first 8 around a 10:00 pace, then picked it up a bit. I started seeing a lot of walkers and my biggest concern was not to be one of them. I settled into a 9:00-9:30 pace that I knew I could carry without worry. I walked the aid stations and filled my race saver bag with ice each time. I would hold it in my hands for a few then shove it down my jersey. I felt comfortable at my pace and didn't want to burn all my matches only to walk the last few miles so I stuck with it. The crowds were great.
TOTAL TIME 12:10:55
I cannot thank my EN family enough. There is no possible way to execute an IM so efficiently without great coaches and I believe we have the 2 best in the nation. Much love to my EN family and we'll see you next year!!
I had to share this photo my wife took.. notice the photobomber over my shoulder.
Comments
Excellent job Brian. I really enjoyed meeting and racing with you. It was great to see you on the course. I drew a lot of strength from all the EN members I saw.
Brian it was an honor and a pleasure to meet you and share this course with you.
You were solid across the board and should be very proud of getting it done on a tough course bro. Especially running well through then end.
Congratulations!
SS
Awesome familly pic ! you should show it to your kids when they'll be old enuff to understand hah.
Rest well dude !
I've been in that photobomber's position before... I much prefer the state of mind you enjoyed in the picture! Congrats!
Congrats and thanks for the props!