Somewhat Impromptu Vineman RR
Since I trained for IMSG and did 2 RR for that race, I didn't feel a need to do 2 RR for Vineman (although I may regret it.) For IMSG, I was using Infinit. I decided to switch to Skratch lab and food.
Plan was to do RR July 4th. But at 9:30 Friday night (6/29), my DH informed me he is not on call July 4th. Immediately I knew I could earn SAUs by changing my plans. The RR is due 7/7, but I am making a family trek that weekend. So by 9:45 Friday night, I was making bottles and planning my 6/30 RR.
I have been using the same pre-race nutrition for years, so I didn't wake at 2 am to drink. I know it will work and I won't really be sleeping before the race. But I wanted a good night's sleep. So I only took in 16 oz of protein shake and a banana when I woke up.
I have a 910, but use my LYC as it is easier to see. Good thing. 910 wasn't picking up PM at start. Did some trouble shooting, then left without it working. LYC would be fine. Plan was Nuun water for first 30 minutes. Then 24 oz Skratch lab per hour with 1/2 bonk breaker on the hour. All supplemented with water. I had all these frozen bottles in a cooler in my car. What could go wrong?
The first loop is hilly, but all went as planned. I stopped at the 2 hour mark to pee and buy water. Miraculously the 910 began to work fine. Remainder of loop was uneventful. Nutrition went as planned. I knew the VI would be less than ideal. There are some steep hills that I don't pedal down as I am cautious about cars zooming past or coming in from the side. But on the uphills and flats, I felt like I held my numbers. Back at the car after 3:04 and 49.5 miles. Pee again, change bottles, take in a Roctane, and CRAP! There is minimal liquid water for my front aero bottle. All my best planning and I forgot to bring a non frozen water bottle. There was enough to get by for now.
Loop 2 is much flatter and here my VI was where it should be. By the 4 hour mark I had to pee (good hydration) and started looking for a porta john (I scope out construction sites on my training rides). At about 4:20 I saw my green mirage and jumped off the bike. I was immediately dizzy and thought the porta john was tilting and falling. Then I was sure that out in the middle of no where, someone had come along and was stealing my bike. I had just 2 minutes of sheer insanity. At 5 hours, I had drained my water with my last bonk breaker. 5:15 I stopped for water again. I knew it was just under an hour back to the car. Remainder went well. 102.3 miles in 6:18.
Lock up the bike and head out to run. EN pace was 10:30, decided to add another :15 for heat istead of :30. My bad math had me thinking that if I ran 10:45s, I could get the run over with faster. Duh- a 1 hour run is a 1 hour run- fast or slow. I felt pretty good during the run. Since I never had to pee again after the 4:20 stop, I think I did dehydrate a bit. That would explain why I was chilled in the shade on the run.
After the run I went to the lake and laid on the beach. I fell asleep in the sun. Eventually got in the water and rinsed off. Headed home to shower and go to the movies, then to dinner (nice clothes). Back at home that evening, on went the compression tights and I slept in them. I feel fine today. Went out to do my swim RR this morning. I opted to skip the wetsuit as I thought I would be too warm. Less than half way through I was shivering. So I stopped at 3100 yards. Fine with me.
In 2 weeks, I may do a mini RR, but I think this is going to be good enough for Vineman. I am not trying to PR, just enjoy the venue.
Comments
scouting out construction sites for porta johns is a new idea i have not heard of....very funny..