1/2 Ironman (mostly)

As you may already know, I have signed up to do Ironman France in June. I am really excited about doing my first Ironman, and believe it or not, I am excited about the training too. My friend Rebecca has signed up with me, and Garren will also race. I hadn't really started training for that event yet, as I had been focusing on the marathon for the last 5-6 months. We saw a local 1/2 Ironman on the calendar, and thought, heck, why not? So Rebecca and I signed up, paid our 400 dirhams, and mentally prepared ourselves for a morning of "training." We've spent practically no time on our bikes since the beginning of December, and are still technically recovering from the marathon on the 16th. We have, however, been spending some quality time in the pool.


Anyways... it's funny how things are all just a matter of perspective. Tell me one year ago to jump in a race of this distance with no training and I'd laugh in your face. This year - bring it on!


Rebecca and I drove separately to the race from Garren - he had his game face on, we were just there for the fun of it (those pre-race preparations don't mix well). Both Rebecca and I were apprehensive about the swim; there's something about swimming in a race that makes me sick to my stomach. Not really much to get excited about. It was going to be cold. It was going to be a long swim. However, luck was on our side. The fog was thick along the coast as we headed to the race site, at times we couldn't see 15ft in front of the car. Upon our arrival, we saw that the swim course was equally socked in with fog. You couldn't even see the buoys at the start, let alone along the course. They had to postpone the race, with the hopes that the fog would eventually lift. One hour later they decided to cancel the swim, and replace it with a 5k run. The rest of the race would continue on as planned. I was looking forward to the swim, only because I want to test out my wetsuit, and I need more open water experience. But I have to say, I was thrilled they cancelled the swim. I get so nervous before swimming in a race, regardless of the distance or my state of mind. It's something I need to deal with...someday. Rebecca and I were so happy - at that point ther race became not a question of "Can we do it?" but "How much, how far - let's go!"

The 5k was a leisurely stroll for us. We ran together and laughed most of the way. It was a good warm-up for the bike. Garren on the other hand, was greatly disappointed that the swim was cut - he's a great swimmer, so removing the swim takes away his advantage. So what does he do? Sprints the first 5k of course!

I surprised myself on the bike. I had a lot of energy when I first got on the bike and headed out the first 3-5k at 35 kph, well ahead of my typical pace. I eventually eased into a 30 kph pace, which I managed to keep for the rest of the bike leg. The bike consisted of 7 lapts for a total of about 90km. I don't think I've ever raced at 30kph, even in my shorter races, so I was really happy with my bike split.

The run was good as well. I didn't feel the need to push - I wasn't racing afterall, just out having fun. So I cruised the 1/2 marathon, chatted with people, cheered others on, had a good time. Our friend Kevin was discussing the mindset regarding a marathon at the end of an Ironman and how different it is than an open marathon. I completely understand now. Once you get to the run leg in a triathlon, that's all you have left. So you just think, only a marathon to go, that's not so bad (after swimming almost 4k and biking 180k). I felt the same with this 1/2 marathon - no big deal, I'm almost done...

My run split was just over 2 hours. It felt leisurely, but it did start to hurt a bit at the end. Once I crossed the finish line I was a bit delirious. I wanted to vomit (just like after the marathon) and needed to lie down. I can now say that this reaction was a direct result of dehydration, but I didn't know it at the time.

Garren found me lying on a concrete wall next to the water. I think it took me about 10 minutes to get there I was walking so slowly and was pretty out of it. I missed Rebecca finish because of my state of delirium. Won't do that again, no matter what.

Anyways, Garren, after his speedy 5k, took third overall, second in his age group. He did a great job, as always, and I am proud of him. I am getting excited to watch him race in South Africa in April. I ended up getting third overall too (he and I have seemed to match in our results this year - is that cute or freaky??) and Rebecca was right behind me in fourth. Sweet!

Unfortunately, my ITB swelled up later that night on the outside of my left knee, and I haven't been able to run since. Trying to nurse it back to health and I am dying to get out and get running. Cycling and swimming have been good for it, but I am getting concerned about the ITB - it's now been a month since the race and it has only slightly improved... I hope it gets better soon. Until next time!