Race Report - Mooseman
This was my 2nd HIM, last year did Timberman (6:09) and doing my 1st IM in Louisville this year.
Had 3 goals: going under 6:00, the run under 2:00 and improving my standing in my age group, maybe top 10%. Well, two out of three ain’t bad.
Stayed at a great B&B where the owner got up at 4:30 with three of us who were racing to make breakfast/coffee and ease nerves a bit. Hmmm maybe I won’t mention the name of said B&B; it’s a gem! Oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs, coffee and a banana. Off to the race. So much less stressful than getting through Timberman’s traffic!
Looked like it was going to be a nice day for a while there. But in the transition area had to listen to the warnings of a “very wet bike ride,” over and over…Mental note, get out of the transition area earlier.
Swim 32:09 - Have a background in swimming, so luckily this is not a source of anxiety for me. Was in the last wave as the rain began. I’ve decided I like this b/c then you can catch folks! Went right up to the front and was able to catch up to three heats ahead. Really took some of Coach R’s podcast advice and used the swim as a time to get my head together, counting strokes and staying calm. I was about a minute and half faster at Timberman, but a fast swim was not the focus of my race, so I’m pleased.
Just a little wet!!
T1: 2:57 – nothing of note – I tried to minimize moving parts, the only variable was a can of Vittoria Pitstop I stuck in my back pocket, since I was paranoid about a flat, as I’ve had three this year.
Bike: 3:25–some of you may know of this course and the changes that were made. It was pretty epic, especially in constant rain! Two loops with some major climbs including “Devil’s hill.” I had ridden the course 3 weeks before, so I knew what I was in for; I rode my road bike with aerobars and it was a very good decision for me. The 18% grade at the top just killed folks, a lot of people were walking up. I made it up cleanly both times, and that was really good for my psyche.
I’m a HR biker for now. Recently got power, but not well-versed enough to have used it to good effect. I had some vague ideas about FTP from an indoor bike class from March, so I kept an eye on power, but not to the level most of you do. Stayed in my HR zones, but was operating under the “there is no such thing as a good bike and bad run” something like that, right? My time did not rock my world (3:11 at Timberman) but I was happy to have done it without any major mental cracks. Was smiling in most pictures that I’ve seen, which is not my usual m.o.
T2: 1:54 – can’t complain about that
Run: 1:55 - I have really been working on my running EN-style the most over the past few months and I was looking forward to pacing myself with my good ole Garmin. Too bad I didn’t bring my charger, eh? Yes, the Garmin died at 3 am Sunday morning. So I was running blind. I have a Vdot of 41 – my plan was to run 9:05 ish for the first 3, then go to 8:35. My race result splits were:
8:35
8:25
8:55
9:19
Probably went out a little fast, but honestly, to have very little clue of what my pace was during the race I was pretty happy. Have I mentioned that my time at Timberman was 2:20?!! Taking 25 min off my time was really gratifying and a testimony to mile repeats and knowing my pace! I think this run course is a little rougher than Timberman with some rolling hills just when you don’t want them. Though T-man was hot and extremely humid. Bob Arsenault cruised past me and introduced himself - he looked great!! Also saw one other EN'er on the course.
sorry -have to work on the gang signs
Overall time 5:57:31 ---16/48 in my age group (35-39). Was in the top 40% in Timberman, happy to be in top 30% but I would like to be slightly more competitive, was probably not realistic for me for this race. Must focus on my bike a bit more. Just got a tri-bike – hooray!!
thanks for reading!
-Aimee
Comments
I was the other ENer out there. Race report comming...
Awesome time given the course and conditions.
Well done, Aimee. That bike course was a killer. Way to pace and have a great run.
Dave
Awesome job and congrats on the huge run PR!!
You looked smooth and in control both times up devils hill. way to ride your race and then run 'em all down.
Nice Aimee! under 6, goal accomplished
Great controlled race! Stay with this sport - you'll meet your third goal soon enough.
Aimee what a great race you had, you looked really comfortable and running well when I saw you. That was a tough, tough bike course that was made even more difficult with the conditions. Many people even pros were 20-30 minutes slower this year compared to last.
The fact that you ran so well off the bike is a testament to your conditioning and execution. You should be very proud of yourself.
What a great warm up this was for IM LOU, this race certainly also helped you build that mental six pack. Great Job !!! Thanks for sharing youe race report.