IMSG Post Race Notes
Wow, it’s over and done with! This was such a great ride despite the upset at the end of the run. I was able to execute everything as planned until mile 13 on the run when nausea set in and prevented needed caloric intake. The last 13 miles were rough running or walking, nauseated and on low but I wasn’t the only one out there feeling the nausea plague: Olivia and Wei were in the same boat and we all persevered through it. It’s really amazing how you can dig within your soul to push onward when the body is saying, “What are you thinking? Just give me it rest and stop! You idiot!”
IMSG. Yeah! The water was cold but I think it’s doable if you wear booties and a neoprene cap. I was cold in the water but I’ve swam worst temps and I’m a whimp for cold water. I knew the water would be cold and that on race morning air temp would be around 44 degrees with a slight breeze so I prepared for the bike wearing toe covers, a bike jersey, arm warmers, a wind breaker and thin liner type gloves. It meant a slow transition but I knew it would be time well spent as I could peel off pieces at any moment and stick them in the pockets of the bike jersey. I kept all of the warmer bike gear on for the first hour of the bike. I have no idea why people road out of transition in singlets like it was 60 plus degrees outside.
The bike is hilly but I was prepared and by using typical EN strategy with going slower the first 90 minutes, it set me up for an easy ride for the rest of the day. I got passed by hundreds the first hour but I caught most of them after the first climb of the Veyo wall and on the second loop.
The downhill from Veyo was fast as we had an unusual tailwind from the North. Like Steve Chavez said it was literally tuck and fly, no peddling on the decent back to St. George for most of the way. It gave you plenty of time to recovery for the 2nd loop of the bike and again during the the second descent in preparation for T2--the run.
On the run I also used the :30 plus Zone 1 (Easy pace) for the first 6 miles to set me up for a good run. It worked and I had to purposely hold myself back. Coach Rich was there at Pioneer Park cheering us on and throwing out well needed advice such as, “Remember the race doesn’t start until mile 18.”
I saw several other EN members including Tom, Carrie, Mark, Wei and David. Carrie was cruising and at one point we were 30 seconds apart on the run but then I faltered and she kept running steady and strong. Nice race girl! I’m way impressed. Congratulations to Steve Chavez as I heard he earned a Kona spot!
I think all of us mentally muscled through a challenging day but that is what Ironman is all about. We each run into different physical and mental challenges during the race that could easily derail the entire day but No! EN team members persevere and the true essence of Ironman was displayed in their finishes.
Tom, Olivia, Rich and Wei—I’ll miss you guys immensely and have so much enjoyed this journey with you. You all inspire me to be a better person. Good luck in all of your future endeavors.
To the rest of the EN family who provided guidance, support and had my back—Muchas Gracias!!
Comments
Stephen... Nice to actually meet you in St. George and congratulations on a good race! I'm just back from a few days in Zion National Park (Awesome) and will put together some notes over the weekend hopefully. It was great seeing the En’ers out on the course Saturday, although I don’t think I saw you. We must have passed when I was at a low point with my head down!
Anyway, my poorest time ever, but it looks like my best performance relative to others in my age group. On a whole I was satisfied with the day.