Patriot HIM
I wasn't going to write a RR this year. But after what I have been experiencing, I thought it might help someone (with more brains than me).
SHORT and SWEET version
Just returned from a bust of a vacation (Wed nite, race Saturday morning). 12 days living on a boat, seasick more than 75% of that time. Lived on ginger ale and Ritz crackers the whole time. Real food not tolerated until Thursday night. So nutrition was an issue. This is not the way to drop weight for a race. Felt weak and tired going into the race. So why did I go? Because I have done this race every year since it began and I really like it.
Original plan (pre-vacation) was to go for another PR. My new plan was to use it as a long training day. I seriously considered skipping the run, but a DNF "just because" is not in my nature. I decided to tough it out.
Swim 37:05 This felt really good, but after wearing a 7 mm wetsuit for 2 weeks, my tri wetsuit was bliss.
T1 4:33 Totally walked the whole thing. Put my sunglasses on top of my head, put my helmet on and it didn't feel right. As I was exiting transition I wondered wear my glasses were. Figured it out finally.
Bike 3:05:25 Negative split by 20", not much but I'll take it. IF.77, VI 1.03. Started easy, but very early in ride, I knew my gut was unhappy. Nutrition went down and stayed down as planned, but I could not take in anything solid as I usually can on bike.
T2 4:00 Sat down, changed my socks, and had forgotten to change laces to Yankz, so had to tie the sneakers, then I walked to matt.
Run: 2:35:21 Plan was for 11'/mile. With the heat and my GI issues, I was at 12's. Normally have no problems with Heed, but it was making me nauseous. Switched to Coke and was fine. Lots of ice in bra, down shorts, and under hat.
AG standings: #5 after swim, #6 after bike, #18/37 at the end. OA: 261/398 women 82/157
After the race I got my recovery drink, but my stomach couldn't tolerate it. I went and sat in the lake to cool off my legs. Changed my clothes but couldn't get down anything except a little water.
They do giveaways where they call random race numbers, closest number wins. I have been lucky and every year so far, I have won. This was no exception. So Dan Forbes, if you read this, I won ANOTHER fuel belt (size small this time). I also received a visor and an H2O Audio, for listening to music when I swim. That looks like the pick of my lot this year!
Drove an hour home and with my legs up I finished off the recovery drink. It was still hours before I had to pee. Legs ached a lot. Couldn't eat any solid food. Napped, showered, watched a movie, tried to stretch, and went to bed. Slept 10 hours. My best night of sleep in weeks.
Today my legs are still sore, but I got all of my chores completed. My weight is still down more than 6 lbs from yesterday. Stairs are tough to go down. I am eating regular food.
In the future, this is NOT the way to complete a HIM!
Comments
Whoa! What a day. I think you did AMAZING, given all that. I don't know about how you feel, but the swim and bike look very good to me. That run was STINKIN' hot. Misery personified--how could anyone do much in that? Way to get it done. Congrats!
My mom voice says, and I am not kidding--got my finger pointing and everything--you need to take the next bit to recover and get your strength back. I mean really recover. There's a lot coming up the next 12 weeks, and we need you strong and well so you can build on all the work you've put in so far. You are depleted and drained. Take the time NOW to rebuild, and all the chicas will be better for it.
I still can't believe I missed you. How is that even possible? Makes me sad. See you soon for sure!
Nice job Michele! Nice mental toughness out there.
I am standing behind Linda, with her finger pointing, being a mom, saying " Yeah, what she said"
Rest up & hydrate. Hope you are feeling stronger soon
sorry about the bad dive trip
Michele, the heat is so tough to compete in. Great job in perservering and finishing despite maybe not feeling quite ready. Funny about the sunglasses
I have forgotten my helmet before.....I think we can all tell stories about "misplaced equipment"! 10 hour of sleep sounds heavenly...that's the best recovery there is 
I hope you are recovering from both the vacation and the race---and that your urine is clear. Rest up and take care of yourself.
whoa. pretty sure that's worth a mental 12 pack right there. awesome job and recover well!! rested and hydrated Michelle is going to be one tough cookie at IMWI.
Michele, after reading about your vacay, I was getting sick myself. You must have felt like a prisoner. I can't believe you raced and did pretty damned well considering. Love the glasses on your head under the helmet. That's classic.
Rest up,
Dave
I agree with Leigh about the mental 12-pack. Rest up, chica! You've had a rough few weeks!
Seems like I remember reading you weren't going to do this race!? WOW, I'd say pretty good numbers in the face of sickness. Rest UP, Moo Camp is round the corner!!
Had a good chuckle writing that report.
In retrospect I really had no business trying to even slog jog 13 miles. That was stupid. But I love my prizes.