Rory Gumina - 2017 IMMT Race Report
This was my first IM, and I was able to achieve each of my goals: FINISH (primary!) … under 12:30 … and learn things.
Team EN people and philosophies were fundamental to my race …
including registering for a 2017 IMMT in the first place (original plan was
2018 IM as my first ever).
One of the best things I did, right after registering, was to take the advice from @Francis Picard to connect with @Shaughn Simmons to stay in the chalet he had rented … together with @Trent Prough, @Edwin Croucher, @Doug Johnson , and @Mariah Bridges. This awesome group freely shared their IM and EN experience with this newbie … and my IMMT race (and all races to come) was made better … for that I am sincerely grateful, and forever indebted.
Swim: 1:05 (2nd in AG) … walk in the park
- Goal was under 1:10
- Smooth rhythm (counted ~68 strokes to each buoy), no HR spikes
T1: 07:28 … not smooth at all
- Goggles & cap in sleeve, removed top myself, strippers took care of bottoms … keeping wetsuit rolled in a ball during run to transition tent needs work
- T1 bag was knotted (not by me) so had tear it open after struggling to unknot … then fought to stuff wetsuit into torn bag … frustratingly time-consuming
- Getting nutrition and base salt into jersey and shorts pockets needed practice
Bike: 6:01 (19th in AG)… good 1st loop … “rookie mistake” 2nd loop
- Goal was under 6:30
- 1st 45 min at 55% … 60% for balance of first loop … Be careful on Duplessis! … 68% for 2nd loop
- 1st loop: per EN script and power goals (felt confident despite continually being passed) … stood (but minimized watts) in 4 sections on Duplessis
- 2nd loop: passing people, and seeing increased mph, made me stupid … I was aware of over-cooking watts, but legs felt great … danger, marathon ahead!
- Overall: IF 0.797 (FTP 208, but not tested in months)
- Never used BTA bottle (regular, not aero type) just the one behind saddle
- Peed 3 times on 1st loop, once on 2nd loop
- Nutrition ok (1/2 Clif bar every 30 min, base salt every 5 miles) … was surprised there were no caf Gels in aide stations?
- Dropped chain leaving transition trying to get out of 11 cog … no problem to fix, but could have avoided by racking properly … otherwise no other mechanicals
T2: 02:16 … ok, not bad
- Socks on (lube in toe area), shoes on, Go bag, out the door
Run: 4:55 (39th in AG) … poor choices in aide stations, and eventually paid for 2nd bike loop
- Goal: under 4:30 (PR)
- Hydration Plan: Walk all aide stations while drinking GE & water … ice for Run Saver bag
- Maintained pretty well until mile 15/16 station where I took Pepsi … stomach didn’t feel right after that, though nutrition below probably played a role as well
- Peed once (mile 10/11)
- Nutrition Plan: Caf gel every 4 miles, starting mile 1 … and Base salt 2 miles after gel
- Realized after first few aid stations they weren’t offering caf Gels, and I only had two remaining
- Not sure why, but race brain made this a big issue, so I started experimenting with pretty much all available foods (bananas, oranges, pretzels, shot bloks)
- Leg cramps began with 6K to go … strong enough
that I got concerned about finishing
- Given my over-arching goal to COMPLETE, I began mostly walking/jogging till last 400 meters … determined to run across Finish Line
Overall: 12:11 (20th in AG) … ran across Finish Line!
- It was very motivating to get and share encouragement with EN Teammates throughout the race! … and especially during my walking phase
- Physically sore post-race but no injuries!
- Next up: 2018 IM Florida 70.3, 2018 IMLP
I’m so grateful to have raced & completed 2017 IMMT, and for being part of Team Endurance Nation … and especially for my “Chalet-mates” on this special weekend!
Saving the best for last, extra-special thanks to my beautiful wife Janet ... my super sherpa sweetie!
Comments
you are total correct about gaining knowledge and meeting our awesome teammates. I have learned a ton!
Rest up, out season will be here before you know it.
@Doug Johnson - agreed, well under 12hrs is next goal! Thx again for all your support & advice during race weekend! ... and for the IM water bottle!!!!!
@Josh Church - yeah, the mojo is both effective and immersive ... am trying to cool my jets this week, but definitely have out-season on my mind! ... good luck at IMCHOO!
Re stomach issues on the run . . . very, very common. It's almost never due to something you ate or drank on the run. Could be dehydration (nope) or eating too much on the bike (doesn't sound like it) or eating too many solids, protein or fiber on the bike (Clif Bars after Mile 56 is usually a mistake). But the most common "nutritional" mistake made on the bike is over-pacing. If you really rode at .80, it's safe to say we've identified the culprit.
Enjoy this accomplishment. And welcome to the club.
MR
@Mike Roberts - thanks Mike! No doubt I still have some "dialing in" to do with B & R nutrition, but it seems less intensity on the bike will be primary ... I guess I have my focus areas for IMLP 2018! Good luck at Kona!
As for your stomach I would go with what MR mentions, I usually have stomach issues on the run and based on his critics of my race plan, he recommanded to not eat any cliffs bars and I got no stomach issues on the run.. but I got other issues hah but Its not related to that.
Rest & recover well and make the necessary adjustments for Florida and you should have another great race!
Many congrats on an amazing finish and completing your first IM. We only met briefly however I am sure we will cross paths again. You should be very pleased at the result and I can see another IM in your future where you will again nail it!
@Ian Kurth - Agree 1,000% was so fortunate to spend time with, and learn from, that group!
@Al Truscott - Thanks for your insight! I fully embrace the path you described! ... except that, with #ageupyear next year I'll need to accelerate ... ;-)