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IM Lou Race Report - I am no Matt Samojeden (yet)

Dan KerrDan Kerr
in Races & Places 🏁⛺

My full race report is over here http://dan-kerr.blogspot.com/2010/0...eport.html.

The summary is that I finished in 13:00:20. My goal was 11:44:xx with a stretch of 11:14:xx.

 

I had physical issues to contend with.


  • I battled atrial fibrillation on the bike but still managed to ride 6:03 at IF .59 / TSS 208. I also took a six minute stand down in special needs to get my heart back to a normal rhythm. Very frustrating as the AF basically went into remission until I started to taper.


  • After getting my heart rhythm back to normal I overheated on the run, which induced asthma. Got plenty dehydrated, too. Total disaster. Walked five miles before getting things under control and picking it up for the final three miles.


There wasn't a whole lot I could do about my issues on the bike. If anything, going light on watts should have set me up for a great run. But I was very un-Matt-Samojeden-like about my hot weather run preparation. I’m grateful he posted such a detailed report, because it identifies with clarity what I knew but chose to neglect in my preparation. He learned his lessons prior to the race and executed accordingly. I'm beating myself over the head because I learned these lessons the hard way (quoting Mr. S, with my responses):

 
  • If you stay hydrated you can continue to move forward, if you stay cool, you can continue at PACE! Thank you Al Truscott for driving that point home in some of our forum threads. I HEARD THE MESSAGE BUT RELIED TOO MUCH ON MY ABILITY TO ADAPT ON THE FLY.
  • Training in heat for acclimation was critical. Those 100-110 heat index days in St Louis had a use! OUR HOT DAYS DISAPPEARED IN LATE JULY AND INSTEAD OF TRAINING MID-DAY OR WEARING A LOT OF CLOTHES, I JUST SORT OF HOPED FOR THE BEST.
  • Knowing how you body handles hot days, sweat test for swim bike and run helped dial in my hydration and salt plan. Bad plan or no plan = a blow up on a day like this. PUT ME IN THE BAD PLAN OR NO PLAN CATEGORY.... KABOOM!
  • The one time cold pack is a useful tool to have in the kit. THAT ACTUALLY CROSSED MY MIND AND I NEVER DID ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
 

All that said, this race provided many lessons I’ll be able to carry forward. It was a real struggle and I am very satisfied that I pushed to the finish line. My physical problems on the bike got deep into my head on the run. I could've easily walked those last three miles.

 

Now I need to decide whether to go through with a potentially healing ablation procedure on my heart. I really don't want to give up ultra distance racing.

Comments

  • Scott ListonScott Liston
    Dan
    It was great to meet you at Louisville. I'm sorry that the day did not turn out how you hoped. Congratulations on pushing to the finish line and finishing strong. All the best as you face your decision on the procedure. Scott
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    Dan - I read the full report on your blog. The commenters say it all - you can savor your role as an inspiration to others. I wish you wisdom as you decide on the surgery.

  • KitbooKitboo
    Wow, Dan...I would say going in and out of Afib and then piling asthma on top of that is a very significant to work through indeed. I think you did amazing.
    Hope you find the best solution to the arrhymia for you!
  • CyclingmaniacCyclingmaniac

    Congratulations Dan!  I took some time to read through your race report which was a great and thorough description of your day!   I am impressed with your effort.  What strikes me about your race report was that you didn't panic.  You used your knowledge and experience from your training and your races to evaluate your situation, take corrective action and get it done!   CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

  • Leigh BoyleLeigh Boyle
    damn, Dan. that's a rough day no matter how you look at it. major congrats for getting to the line and thanks for the blog post! image
  • Brad LoescherBrad Loescher
    Wow Dan. Sorry to hear about the tough you had out there. Congratulations for getting it done.
  • Matt SamojedenMatt Samojeden
    Dan, Wow - reading your excellent blog post expanded my view of how challenging that HOT day was for you. You were dialed into how your body was responding and constantly making smart modifications to you race day plan. EN Ninja execution in my book. Your negative split on the bike given the Afib attacks is amazing, no that word falls way short of what I felt as I read your post.

    On the run you smartly used your metal six pack to keep you moving toward your goal. You persevered to the finish!!

    After reading your post for the second time I asked myself, if I were in your shoes that day would I have finished? I am not sure I would have. Thank you for sharing your day – inspirational!!

    Matt
  • Michael JohnsonMichael Johnson

    As for the afib....just never taper!

  • Cary BlancoCary Blanco
    I read your full blog post. Admirable the way you kept going, you had it seriously rough out there. I'd put this one in the W column and go in to the next one with all that you've learned in this one. Keep us informed as to what you're gonna do about that ticker.
  • chris malonechris malone
    All that and the heat and you got it done in 13.
    That is toughness. Nice job, Dan.
  • Bill McKinneyBill McKinney
    Nice report. I'm with Matt...you executed really well, and we can all learn from your adjustments on the fly. Congratulations on a great finish on a really incredibly tough day!
  • Dan KerrDan Kerr

    Thanks all for the supportive comments. Very much appreciated.

    Will let you know what I decide but leaning toward having the ablation procedure. My EP really wants me to do it, thinking a proactive approach like that might prevent more serious problems as I age... regardless of triathlon.

    @Michael, Funny comment. Believe me, I've considered giving up tapers since they seem to do my heart more harm than good!

  • Barbara SpitlerBarbara Spitler
    Dan, what an inspirational athlete you are! Your race report is truly touching. I am in awe of your ability to regulate what was happening to you, and safely finish the race in that harsh KY heat/humidity! I for one, am truly humbled. My goggle/nutrition bottle problems are NOTHING compared to the day you lived. You sir, have my utmost respect! So happy for you, that you finished the race!! Bless you as you move forward with your procedure. It was so nice to meet you in Louisville!
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