ChesapeakeMan was going to be different, I changed my training program and made substantial changes in nutrition and overall race strategy, was I confident it would work?.....No is the simple answer, let's find out on race day! Some of the training changes I'll go into in later blog posts but for now let's talk about race day.
SWIM: 01:08:48
Just before the off at 7:00am |
T1: 02:57 - Took a little extra time putting armwarmers and socks on.
Lets get outta here...onto the bike |
BIKE: 5:14:12
Once onto the bike I could settle down. The swim is never my favorite part of the race so it is when I get onto the bike that I feel happier. I had my power numbers to keep to, my nutrition plan to keep to, and no matter what happened around me I was going to stick to that. I have seen others, as well as myself, go way beyond their ability just to keep up with people around them or those passing. The first 10 miles of the bike is an out and back so I calculated I was sitting around 25th (including the Aquavelo field) and I was gradually moving up the field. The power numbers were a little high so I made a conscious effort to dial it back. I knew my goal watts from the long training rides that would enable to me run well off the bike. Kona Kev blew by me at mile 15 and I just let him go....he ended up with the 2nd fastest bike split of the day!
Beating the wind all day long |
Coming into T2, I was perhaps a little disappointed with the time but I knew that the time was what the power had given me....I was spot on in terms of power (more detailed analysis to come in later blogs).
T2: 1:11 - simple, grab salt sticks, race belt, watch and put shoes on!
RUN: 3:17:48 (Garmin file here)
Trying to reign it in coming out of T2 |
The run is 3 laps at just under 9 miles a lap, coming round at lap 1, I shouted to Sarah that "this run will either be glorious or crash 'n' burn". I was still at sub-7's and the legs were feeling great, it was an awesome feeling and I was on course for a 3:10 - 3:15 marathon. I was keeping up on the saltsticks, water and gatorade at each aid station....no issues with the right glute (thanks to Dr Michie). I had passed into 6th place and was rapidly moving up on Kona Kev in 5th place and passed him just over half way in. At that point it was just a case of seeing how I could actually finish this marathon as it seemed like I had the sub-10 locked in unless something drastic happened.
It was at around mile 16 that the pace finally begun to drop a bit and the day started to take it's toll. Fortunately it wasn't a matter of all the wheels falling off but it was just a temporary dip in energy as the miles were still sub 8. The gurgling downstairs did make a repeat appearance though around mile 20/21 which lead to some discomfort. Funnily enough it probably ended up being very fortunate. The energy levels were definitely getting low and I felt a little "bonk-ish". The stop at the porta-john during mile 21 was a god send, as what did I find, a complete unopened pack of shot blocks.....awesome, just what I needed to give me a sugar rush for the final 5 miles. By that time the gels were not very appealing and I needed some sugar, whoever left them there...THANK YOU!
The final five miles were hard but a good hard, I had finally put together a run that I knew I was capable of (with a stand alone 2hr 40min marathon I should be low 3hrs for IM marathon's) and I had run into 5th and the prize money.
TOTAL FINISH TIME: 9:44:53 - a little sprint down the chute to get in at 9:44 and a 12min PR.
A good way to end the season and get some redemption at the Ironman distance. The best part?....getting amped for 2013 and looking for an Ironman to race :-)
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