Vermont Half Journey 2008. There couldn’t have been a better day for a triathlon than this day. The weather was nice even prior to race time. I set up my stuff at transition in a relaxed fashion since I was there early. (A benefit of camping at the state park where the triathlon was located.) I looked around once in a while for TOMahawk since he said he was going to make a showing but no sight of him nearing the start of the swim. I took a short warm up swim before the race mostly to get used to the water. It wasn’t bad but a bit shallow. While I was getting out of the water they started making announcements so I hurried to the area. While there I got a greeting from TOMahawk. We talked a bit during the announcements and then headed to the swim start area. I got to the start area pretty relaxed and ready for a long day of exercising.
When my wave got started I entered and started swimming and it felt a bit crowded even though it wasn’t. I remember feeling a bit anxious after going a hundred or two hundred yards. I started thinking I better relax and slow down a bit so I’d be calmer. I slowed down a bit and relaxed and after that I was pretty relaxed and was able to keep a pretty good pace. The only problem after that was about a quarter of the way through the first loop of the swim I felt water coming into the right eye of my goggle like at the Stoked Xterrea race. There wasn’t a lot of water in the goggle but enough that I thought I probably lost a contact again and was wondering if I should try and bike the course with one contact or take the one out and bike with glasses. The one contact was winning the debate while swimming. A 39:29 swim which wasn’t terrible if you compare it to times I had for other swims this year but not bad, but not great, compared to the other competitors.
So, in transition and while coming out of the water I’m looking in my goggle to see if it still might be around. No luck at all, except I roll around my eye all over the place and to my luck it is still in. I strip out of the wet suit, put on socks and bike shoes, getting food for the bike while trying to eat a banana. Not really pushing it with this being my first ½. A bit of a long transition but I’m off. The bike was pretty nice overall.
The course is on Route 7 for 90% of the race and the road has break down lanes so you don’t have to worry about traffic. It also has some nice views of farms and mountains and such. I do remember there being a pretty good head wind going south on 7. This was a benefit on the way north though but was still trying when facing it. My bike wasn’t bad although I stopped twice to use the woods and once to refill on water at the aid stations. I’m guessing this slowed me down a bit and will need some work next year. Final time on bike 3:13:27.
This event was my worst event which is typically the case when I do triathlons. In transition two I had a Cliffbar and water along with 2 Endurolytes. (I’m not sure if this is a great combination but that is what I had.) Got my running shoes on and as I was thinking on part of the bike. It is going to be just a run. I’ll take it easy and do it. I’ve done plenty of long runs before. So, I started running and at a steady pace with some guy ahead of me doing a better pace which was disheartening. I kept running my pace and caught up to some people. Again the course had some great views. This time of the lake and area around it. After a while I started getting tired a bit but kept thinking to myself that I wanted to run the whole course and to just keep that slow steady pace for the whole run. Nearing the end I picked up the pace a bit just so I could stay ahead of anyone behind me. In the process I almost caught up with the guy in front of me. I actually slowed back to my normal pace near the finish since he was going to go through with his (or someone’s) kids. Run time was 2:07:52 which placed me 66th of the 149 finishers in the run. 95th place overall.
Lessons learned:
1st, and probably most important. You can never put on to much sunscreen before a race. Not wearing tank tops during the summer except at races I got a pretty good sunburn because I didn’t apply enough. With a father who has battled skin cancer I don’t want to go through the same process.
2nd, I need to train more and look at ways to reduce my bike times.
3rd It is great to be on a team like IRONTOM where you have teammates for support (along with family and friends of course.)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
TIMBERMAN 70.3 REPORT WITH A LATIN FLAVOR
Vēnī, vīdī, frigus
(I came, I saw, I froze!)
There is someone behind me
Bike: Here’s the brass tax… I’d ridden the course several times this summer. I know 106 like the back of my hand (and if I am going to attain my double secret goal of under 5:30, it’s going to happen here on the bike). I got off on the bike well after nearly a decade in the transition, something I can improve on greatly. It was a beautiful day and I remember to thank the heavens for a safe swim. I was feeling fast and strong and was at the turn before I knew it. Off the bike in 2:45, fastest I had done all summer.
Run: Here’s where the title of this little section is a bit misleading. When I say that I was fast, I mean to say that I was fast for me and only on the bike. I ran (for all you purist… walked quickly, shuffled, begged, pleaded, moaned, groaned, and completed almost broke down) the run in a slow… slow… manner. 2:28! Wow, that hurts even to write!!!
There was, however, and unforgettable moment during the long stroll that I took. At around mile 4 I heard a shout from someone coming in the other direction, “GO TEAM HOYT.” I picked my head up long enough to see them go right past me. I was literally moved to tears at the sight of such dedication and love. I get goose bumps now as I think about seeing, what in my mind, is one of the greatest hero’s of our generation. I won’t belabor the point, but I will say that even though the run was tragically slow, it was one of my most cherished triathlon moments, albeit fleeting, to be running on the same course as team Hoyt.
Vēnī, vīdī, incite
(I came, I saw, I am inspired…)
The post race mood was light and although the body was mucho sore, we imbibed by the fire into the wee hours. Having circled up the campers and eaten far too many hot wings it was clear to me that I must focus more on my running – but more clear to me that there is no other sport that allows me to embrace my natural self more so than triathlon… I look forward to many more races, miles, and smiles in the future (and of course, to going under 1:45 on the run next year at Timberman!). 
Incite, indeed
(I came, I saw, I froze!)
Training...
In 2006, some may remember, blustery cold, wet conditions. I registered as a Clydesdale (which of course is demoralizing unto itself in a way...) and was promptly at the transition area at 4:30am. My wave began, after delays, at close to 9:15am. I sat shivering most of the morning using up most of the energy I would desperately need later in the day to stay warm. After 3:40 on the bike, I was asked on the turn to the run by a medic how I was feeling (I could only imagine how bad I looked), and I answered: “cold.” He said, “wrong answer chap” and pulled me from the race into the medic tent.
In 2006, some may remember, blustery cold, wet conditions. I registered as a Clydesdale (which of course is demoralizing unto itself in a way...) and was promptly at the transition area at 4:30am. My wave began, after delays, at close to 9:15am. I sat shivering most of the morning using up most of the energy I would desperately need later in the day to stay warm. After 3:40 on the bike, I was asked on the turn to the run by a medic how I was feeling (I could only imagine how bad I looked), and I answered: “cold.” He said, “wrong answer chap” and pulled me from the race into the medic tent.
Lessons learned…
1. Clydesdales swim in the back – lose some weight!
2. Get off the bike in less than 3:40!
Vēnī, vīdī, ieiunium
(I came, I saw, I was fast!... well, sort of, read on…)
1. Clydesdales swim in the back – lose some weight!
2. Get off the bike in less than 3:40!
Vēnī, vīdī, ieiunium
(I came, I saw, I was fast!... well, sort of, read on…)
Fast forward to 2008. Having recently moved back from Colorado, where despite popular belief, it is usually sunny and warmish year round, I wasn’t sure that my training was where it needed to be. I relied on spinning and the elliptical (and Tom & Cheryl for motivation) for most of my winter training. Come spring I was able to get outside much more – which I think helped my bike speed.
Swim: As noted in previous race report, there were two parachuters that landed on the beach at the start of the race. I hardly noticed as I was focused on the fact the buoyies were clearly mis-measured and that we would be doing a 10k swim that day. I tried to focus on breathing knowing that they must have gotten it right, all the while knowing that they didn’t and I was about the swim the English channel. Like others, this is the part where I start making deals with the almighty… “just let me get through the swim & out of the water in one piece and I promise to never miss a masters swim or not show up for one of those open water Mascoma swims for the rest of my life.” Before I knew it we were off and the swim went as good as one who doesn’t swim nearly as much as he should could expect. I was out of the water in about 45 minutes.
There is someone behind meBike: Here’s the brass tax… I’d ridden the course several times this summer. I know 106 like the back of my hand (and if I am going to attain my double secret goal of under 5:30, it’s going to happen here on the bike). I got off on the bike well after nearly a decade in the transition, something I can improve on greatly. It was a beautiful day and I remember to thank the heavens for a safe swim. I was feeling fast and strong and was at the turn before I knew it. Off the bike in 2:45, fastest I had done all summer.
Riding strong
Run: Here’s where the title of this little section is a bit misleading. When I say that I was fast, I mean to say that I was fast for me and only on the bike. I ran (for all you purist… walked quickly, shuffled, begged, pleaded, moaned, groaned, and completed almost broke down) the run in a slow… slow… manner. 2:28! Wow, that hurts even to write!!!
That is the running part
There was, however, and unforgettable moment during the long stroll that I took. At around mile 4 I heard a shout from someone coming in the other direction, “GO TEAM HOYT.” I picked my head up long enough to see them go right past me. I was literally moved to tears at the sight of such dedication and love. I get goose bumps now as I think about seeing, what in my mind, is one of the greatest hero’s of our generation. I won’t belabor the point, but I will say that even though the run was tragically slow, it was one of my most cherished triathlon moments, albeit fleeting, to be running on the same course as team Hoyt.
Vēnī, vīdī, incite
(I came, I saw, I am inspired…)
The post race mood was light and although the body was mucho sore, we imbibed by the fire into the wee hours. Having circled up the campers and eaten far too many hot wings it was clear to me that I must focus more on my running – but more clear to me that there is no other sport that allows me to embrace my natural self more so than triathlon… I look forward to many more races, miles, and smiles in the future (and of course, to going under 1:45 on the run next year at Timberman!).
Incite, indeed
Monday, August 25, 2008
TOMBERMAN 70.3 AND SO MANY NEW LESSONS LEARNED
First I would like to Thank Leslie for joining and supporting me once again at Timberman .
Swim - We had to leave transition at 6:30am for a “special surprise” before the race start. Aaron and I watched as a skydiver floated down towards the beach. For a second we thought it was Tomasz coming in to spectate but it turned out to be a local skydiver.
I was not very happy with the Swim. At the gun I started to stroke and my arms felt like lead. I was also having trouble breathing. I should have done a warmup like usual but was stuck in the port a john line for a ½ hr before my wave started.
After the 1st turn I started to feel normal but still was way off from the buoys. I know I swam extra yardage in this race.
I got out in 41:55
Bike- The bike was the best part of my day. I managed to stay in the aero position for 90% of the race. I saw Aaron had a flat and I asked if he was allset and he said he was. What is up with Team Irontom and flats? Probably just jinked myself. I finished the bike split in 2:58 avg 18.8 mph so I was happy with that result.
Run - the run is the run. I liked the guys throwing snow balls to the racers and the cheering crowds. There was a lot of race support this year. I enjoyed the salt and vinegar Pringles, coke and wet sponges the most. My run split was 2:04.
I finished the race in 5:50 which was 7 minutes faster than my 2006 Timberman. I was happy with the result.
What a professionally looking athlete
The debate rages on in my head which course is harder - Moosman or Timberman. I am leaning toward Mooseman.
Congratulations to Carla for completing her first 70.3!!!
We need to get Joe a GPS.
Ahhhhh - of course, it does
Still looking at an Ironman attempt in 2009, not sure which one.
Swim - We had to leave transition at 6:30am for a “special surprise” before the race start. Aaron and I watched as a skydiver floated down towards the beach. For a second we thought it was Tomasz coming in to spectate but it turned out to be a local skydiver.
I was not very happy with the Swim. At the gun I started to stroke and my arms felt like lead. I was also having trouble breathing. I should have done a warmup like usual but was stuck in the port a john line for a ½ hr before my wave started.
After the 1st turn I started to feel normal but still was way off from the buoys. I know I swam extra yardage in this race.
I got out in 41:55
Bike- The bike was the best part of my day. I managed to stay in the aero position for 90% of the race. I saw Aaron had a flat and I asked if he was allset and he said he was. What is up with Team Irontom and flats? Probably just jinked myself. I finished the bike split in 2:58 avg 18.8 mph so I was happy with that result.
Run - the run is the run. I liked the guys throwing snow balls to the racers and the cheering crowds. There was a lot of race support this year. I enjoyed the salt and vinegar Pringles, coke and wet sponges the most. My run split was 2:04.
I finished the race in 5:50 which was 7 minutes faster than my 2006 Timberman. I was happy with the result.
Happy, and could go for another 13 miles
Notes and observations this year:
My 2007 knee injury has healed in 2008 with no lose of training time. Thank you Dr. Karlson.
Not enough port a johns.
Although the food was excellent post race I waited way too long in line.
Aaron is fast.
What a professionally looking athleteThe debate rages on in my head which course is harder - Moosman or Timberman. I am leaning toward Mooseman.
Congratulations to Carla for completing her first 70.3!!!
We need to get Joe a GPS.
Deep concentration
I need to do more Brick workouts to help me on the Run.
I will probably do some road races this fall.
It was great seeing the Team at Timberman this year. It makes it a lot more fun racing with teammates.
Ahhhhh - of course, it doesStill looking at an Ironman attempt in 2009, not sure which one.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
SORT 2008 XTERRA - OR SHOULD I SAY, COLD, MUD, AND SUN?
Stoaked Off Road Triathlon (SORT) 2008 - I got to the venue real early and had plenty of time to set my stuff up but man was it cold for this time of year.
My idea of just wearing a sweatshirt over my tri suit was probably not the best. It was foggy and continued to be foggy up until start time. I’m glad I brought my wetsuit because I needed it. For some reason the swim seemed crowded this year even though there weren’t that many more people compared to past years. I had a pretty good swim, at least how I placed compared to last year. While on the swim I managed to lose a contact. I was hoping it may have rolled back above the eye lid and work its way back down but no such luck. I came out of the water in just over 21 minutes which placed me around 57th of 110 to start. (Other than overall placing I’m not positive if I counted down the list correctly which is how I figured my places.)
Transition went fairly smoothly and the bike was a blast considering I had one contact, the course was muddy as can be with plenty of walking/running especially on the single track. The open areas where very rideible but also very muddy. It was a double loop bike course and just to through in some fun my bike’s chain decided to cease up while cracking hard on uphills which I’m pretty good at. So I ended up having to walk my bike for a decent amount more than I needed slowing me down a bit. I ended up 85th of the 102 to finish. By the run the sun was finally fully out and it was really nice. I like the course. It has some pretty steep hills going on some trails, one of which going through a big field. Two loops which helped me make up some of my slow showing on the bike. On the run I placed 63rd giving me a 77th place finish. I keep improving each year in how I place compared to the competition. Overall I was happy with my results considering the conditions.
My idea of just wearing a sweatshirt over my tri suit was probably not the best. It was foggy and continued to be foggy up until start time. I’m glad I brought my wetsuit because I needed it. For some reason the swim seemed crowded this year even though there weren’t that many more people compared to past years. I had a pretty good swim, at least how I placed compared to last year. While on the swim I managed to lose a contact. I was hoping it may have rolled back above the eye lid and work its way back down but no such luck. I came out of the water in just over 21 minutes which placed me around 57th of 110 to start. (Other than overall placing I’m not positive if I counted down the list correctly which is how I figured my places.)
Transition went fairly smoothly and the bike was a blast considering I had one contact, the course was muddy as can be with plenty of walking/running especially on the single track. The open areas where very rideible but also very muddy. It was a double loop bike course and just to through in some fun my bike’s chain decided to cease up while cracking hard on uphills which I’m pretty good at. So I ended up having to walk my bike for a decent amount more than I needed slowing me down a bit. I ended up 85th of the 102 to finish. By the run the sun was finally fully out and it was really nice. I like the course. It has some pretty steep hills going on some trails, one of which going through a big field. Two loops which helped me make up some of my slow showing on the bike. On the run I placed 63rd giving me a 77th place finish. I keep improving each year in how I place compared to the competition. Overall I was happy with my results considering the conditions.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
WILL TAKE ANYTHING WITH 11 HOURS IN IT
First of all I have to thank my wife Alex for all of the support she gave me during my 7 long months of training, and being there during the all day rain with my two 17 year-old daughters Lauren & Morgan, and our 6 year old son James.
Race Morning:
3:20 am
1 large cup of very strong French roast coffee (I drank decaf all week, what a waste)
1 800+ cal. Carbs/Protein shake:
16 oz Orange/Pineapple/Banana juice
1 cup French Vanilla yogurt
1 cup sliced strawberries
2 scoops of Whey protein powder
I woke up ten minutes before my alarm was set to go off, I felt really good so off to the coffee maker I went. Then I made my shake which I thought I would never get down, but after about 25 minutes it was all gone. I finished packing my special needs bags, and some other things I needed to add to my swim to bike and run to bike bags. At 4:30 am I woke up Alex so she could drop me off near the oval, the she went back to wake up the rest of the Kelly family by 6:00 am.
I walked right up to a volunteer for my body marking, waited outside the oval for about 10 minutes until they let us into the transition area. I walked right up to the port-o-john for my morning constitution, dropped off a few things in my bike/run bags, pumped up my wheels to 120 psi, and then walked to the other side of the lake to drop off my special needs bags.
Unlike my two previous Ironman races, this was my first were I thought I was going to puke from about the time I woke up due to wanting to finish this race with a time that had anything with 11 hours in it. My training had gone very well, but I wasn't happy with the program that I had been following. But I figured it was too late to switch to another program, so I had to stick it out.
My previous best time was at the Great Floridian in 2003 with a time of 12:06:55, Wisconsin in 2005 with a time of 12:28:50, but those courses were not even close to what I had in front of me in Lake Placid. But I finally able to sit down at the lake and just relax and do a little yoga to get some blood moving with about 40 minutes until the canon sounded.
My other concern was the weather/rain, the clouds were hanging low. I knew it was going to rain, I just didn't know when. As I was putting on my wetsuit it started to do the sprinkle thing. I love riding in the rain, just not the down hills.
It was about 6:50 am and I still didn't see anyone from the Kelly Klan. I just kept looking and what did I see.James on top of my wife's shoulders with his fresh new Mohawk and sign that he had made for me that said "gogogogogogogogogogogogo dad". So I ran over to give everyone a BIG hug and kiss. Of course as it always happens I start to get that frog thing in my throat. Then I look up and see my two daughters all red faced and crying. Now I'm really trying not to cry. So I give out all my hugs and back to the water I go. The water felt great and helped calm me down. I looked for a nice place to put myself and play the waiting game. I found a nice little place that seemed to be less crowded then other places, as the countdown continued the less crowded place was no more. I set my watch with only a minute to go.
Swim:
Started off with a great swim
7:00 am and BOOOOOMMM the canon sounds and off we go, surprisingly it only took about 5 minutes to find a line that I could follow without getting kicked or hit in one way or another. At one point it got too crowded and I stopped to look around and what do I see out my left eye? A hand with a nice big ring on it clocking me right on the forehead. I didn't really notice it until after Alex brought it to my attention at the finish that I had a nice big egg on my head. Anyway, I finished the first lap right on time, 31 minutes. I started the second lap with a nice clean line and that's when the clouds opened up with a nice (not so light) rain. At the end of the 2nd loop with a time of 1:04 (not bad for my longest swim workout being 3200 yards) and some change, then I was off to the strippers. I found a nice place to drop down on my back and before I knew it the wet suit was gone. I gave the volunteers a great big thank you and off I went into the line of athletes headed for the changing tent.
Goal time: 1:10 Official swim time: 1:04:52
Hi. It's Alex, Terry's wife. At this point the kids and I are standing in the POURING down rain waiting for our Ironman. Lauren had to run to our belongings to get them out of the rain and under a truck at the oval. Despite her record-breaking sprint, it was too late and our things (books, magazines, towels, food.) were soaked.
Now we see the athletes coming and who do we finally spot but Terry's girlfriend, professional triathlete, Desiree Ficker. I aim the camera and get a nice out of memory message when I hit the button. Great.
Finally we see Terry and the first thing I notice is a huge, red goose egg on his head. Not a good sign. The four of us are yelling, whooping and hollering and what does Terry do? He runs right by us without a glance.
The four of us set second land record as we sprint back to the oval to watch him transition. The four of us are waiting (Again. It happens a lot) and we see him running to his bike. We once again start yelling like fools and what does he do? Run past us without a glance (again). We yelled his number so loudly that the volunteer heard us and ran to get Terry's bike.
Terry leaves on the bike and we leave to the hotel. We changed and hung out until he completed the first loop. I love the Internet. But first we had to stop at the laundry mat and dry out our cloths and then off to the store to buy umbrellas and ponchos.
T1 - 8:04
Bike:
It rained all day
After leaving the tent into a nice down pour, I grabbed my bike from one of the many great volunteers. As you now know because my family has a large mouth that everyone can hear but me. After saying thank you I was off to the bike mounting area. After about a minute I knew something was wrong, a front flat....GREAT.... It was also at this time that I started to get cold with the sporadic shivering. It was all I could do to replace the tube. After a few minutes and a little help from a spectator w/ a pump (shhh, don't tell anyone) I was off and riding.
With the exception of being in my teens and early twenties (after the first time I put down my bike down in the rain) I have never been a huge fan of riding downhill in the rain. I think I would have welcomed a nice little rain; instead I was in a complete downpour. While others were flying down even the smallest hill I was playing it very safe by using my bakes way more that I am accustomed to in normal conditions. I welcome the chance to get up to 40 or 50 MPH. But not that day. I was the one on the right side going maybe 22-24 MPH. I figured better safe than sorry. As more carefree riders going 40+ mph went by I thought for sure one of them was going to bite it. But no one ever did (that I saw). It was then that things really started to get bad with it being so cold, I could hardly squeeze the brakes without the bike shaking back and forth. I was really worried a few times that even with me being so careful on the 7 mile decent into Keene that I was going to be that guy that laid it down or have to call it a day because of hypothermia. But after awhile, I would go from cold to comfortable. After going back and forth my body finally started to warm up, and more often than not I felt comfortable.
During my two other Ironman races I had always tried to pee while on the bike, with no avail. I think it was more of a problem for me that I was pissing on myself and what would it smell like 10 miles up the road with the temperature being 85+. But this time with the heavy rains I couldn't use that excuse anymore. So, I lifted my butt up off the seat and started working those muscles to let it all go.. Finally after about a minute I let it go.. I have to say it felt a bit nasty when it was running down my legs and finally settling in my shoes. But after a few seconds the rain just washed it all away. Because over the course of the 6+ hours on the bike I went number 1 at least 15 times, so I saved myself an additional 20 minutes getting off and on my bike.
The first lap went very well, 3:13 and I felt too good. All I could think about was being that guy that went out too hard on the first lap, and totally blew it on the 2nd. But as it turned out I started to get more comfortable on the down hills (not too much, but a bit) I felt strong, so I figured when I feel good go with it, when I feel bad hold back a bit. That seemed to work well, with about 4 miles or so to go my legs really started to feel tight/heavy. So when I got to Big/Little Cherries I was worried, but I was still passing other riders with little problem. Nice and steady. Mamma Bear, nice and steady. Baby Bear, nice and steady. Shit. Papa Bear, still passing but the legs were heavy. I thought for sure my run was not going to be the 4 hours I was hoping for. Once I got on Lake Placid Club Drive I started to stand and stretch it out. Then, I did the unexpected. 2nd lap, 3:10. I know it was only 3 minutes faster, but still.. I dismounted my bike and handed it to a very motivated volunteer and made my way through the mud and puddles to T2.
Goal time: 5:50 Official time: 6:23:52
Alex's turn: The kids and I return to the final hill next to the Olympic skating rink heading into the oval to wait for Terry. The Kelly kids are standing under their umbrellas as I hoof it into town to find an Internet café to check Terry's progress. Good, we hadn't missed him. I leave the café only to realize its lunch time. I went across the street and ordered a lot of pizza slices and bottled water. I ordered what was ready so I didn't have to wait.
I leave the pizza shop and only walked a few feet when I see our friend, Traci pushing her bike and wrapped in a thermal blanket. Not a good thing. I go to her and find out that she dropped out due to hypothermia. We talked a bit and I headed back to the kids. Now I'm worried because I know Terry has had issues with it in the past.
The kids and I are hanging out under the Olympic building overhang eating pizza and enjoying not being wet. But it's time to head out into the rain (even with umbrellas we were wet) to wait at the barriers. We end up beside an obnoxious guy that yelled go, go, go, hurry up to EVERY athlete. But it was worth it because we had a great spot to see and cheer for Terry. As Terry rounds the corner we start yelling and he zooms by us without yet another glance. We were so close we could have knocked him off the *&% bike!
We leave the race (again) to return to the hotel for another change of clothes, hot chocolate, and to watch TV. While watching TV the kids fall asleep. I want a nap so badly since I've been up since 4:30 but I'm afraid I won't wake up in time to head back to the oval. So I watched a Mindfreak marathon and kept checking Terry's status. Once he had about another hour left in the run I woke the gang up and back to the oval we headed. Again.
Run:
Team racing suits - perfect for running in the rain
Once I got into the changing tent and sat down I knew in my head that I was screwed!!! My legs felt so fried that I didn't even change into my new pair of sweet running Sugio Turbo Fit shorts. But it was finally nice to feel warm again. A volunteer was helping me get my stuff out of my gear bag. I think he was a bit excited because his hands were shaking more that my legs. I took off my bike shoes and put on my racing flats, my hat and Fuel Belt. I thanked the volunteer and I was on my way.
T2 time: 3:56 (Nice)
After leaving the tent I went out at an easy pace, because I was prepared to be reduced to walking in the not so distant future. The rain actually felt really good during the whole run, it was really refreshing. I wasn't hot or cold; I was pretty close to perfect. At the 1 mile make I realized I was feeling good, almost too good, I was still worried about the legs not holding out. I had a goal of running a 4 hour marathon; of course my personal in just a marathon was 3:59 in 2001. So, I kept a positive attitude. After the bike my stomach was so blotted from the Cliff bars I used on the bike that all I could really get down was water. So at every aid station I took a cup of water, walked until I finished it and off I went. At mile 5 I was feeling great, legs were great. Mile 10 things were still great, legs, feet and stride. My stomach finally started to feel good, so I started mixing the IM cocktail I had on my Fuel Belt with water. I would alternate water at one aid station an IM cocktail at the next. This worked great, at the special needs bags I only went with the gummy bears that I had packed. They tasted so good because of all the rain and lack of sun they were perfect, a real pick me up. (1st lap time 1:58) The whole time the spectators were great, really pushing me along, but it was nice to get out onto River Road with just the other athletes and just focus on my run. At the turn around heading back into town things were still going very well. Unlike the bike where I could let all go without stopping (peeing), I had lost count at 15 pee breaks, but they were a nice break. I made it back into town and had to speed walk that final hill on Main Street, and I was still going faster than guys who were running. Looking at my watch I knew I was going to be able to make it in before 12 hours. So, after that last hill I picked up my stride going onto Lake Placid Club Drive. I felt great the cheering of the spectators was really motivating; I kept looking down at every guys calves hoping to see the # 40 to 44. Every time I passed one I was on the hunt for the next, I passed my last 42 year old entering the oval and I was off to the races. I crossed the line (2nd lap time 2:12) with my name being announced and no one else in the picture with me. I am now a 3x Ironman..
Goal time: 4:00 Official run time: 4:11:02
Alex's point of view:
It has 11 hours in it
This is a great event, due mainly to the course. So, I will be back to do Lake Placid in 2010, goal time anything under 11:30:00. Next race will be the OBX Marathon on November 9, 2008. My wife Alex and I will be running it together, Alex's goal, under 5:00 hours. Hope to see you there.
Race Morning:
3:20 am
1 large cup of very strong French roast coffee (I drank decaf all week, what a waste)
1 800+ cal. Carbs/Protein shake:
16 oz Orange/Pineapple/Banana juice
1 cup French Vanilla yogurt
1 cup sliced strawberries
2 scoops of Whey protein powder
I woke up ten minutes before my alarm was set to go off, I felt really good so off to the coffee maker I went. Then I made my shake which I thought I would never get down, but after about 25 minutes it was all gone. I finished packing my special needs bags, and some other things I needed to add to my swim to bike and run to bike bags. At 4:30 am I woke up Alex so she could drop me off near the oval, the she went back to wake up the rest of the Kelly family by 6:00 am.
I walked right up to a volunteer for my body marking, waited outside the oval for about 10 minutes until they let us into the transition area. I walked right up to the port-o-john for my morning constitution, dropped off a few things in my bike/run bags, pumped up my wheels to 120 psi, and then walked to the other side of the lake to drop off my special needs bags.
Unlike my two previous Ironman races, this was my first were I thought I was going to puke from about the time I woke up due to wanting to finish this race with a time that had anything with 11 hours in it. My training had gone very well, but I wasn't happy with the program that I had been following. But I figured it was too late to switch to another program, so I had to stick it out.
My previous best time was at the Great Floridian in 2003 with a time of 12:06:55, Wisconsin in 2005 with a time of 12:28:50, but those courses were not even close to what I had in front of me in Lake Placid. But I finally able to sit down at the lake and just relax and do a little yoga to get some blood moving with about 40 minutes until the canon sounded.
My other concern was the weather/rain, the clouds were hanging low. I knew it was going to rain, I just didn't know when. As I was putting on my wetsuit it started to do the sprinkle thing. I love riding in the rain, just not the down hills.
It was about 6:50 am and I still didn't see anyone from the Kelly Klan. I just kept looking and what did I see.James on top of my wife's shoulders with his fresh new Mohawk and sign that he had made for me that said "gogogogogogogogogogogogo dad". So I ran over to give everyone a BIG hug and kiss. Of course as it always happens I start to get that frog thing in my throat. Then I look up and see my two daughters all red faced and crying. Now I'm really trying not to cry. So I give out all my hugs and back to the water I go. The water felt great and helped calm me down. I looked for a nice place to put myself and play the waiting game. I found a nice little place that seemed to be less crowded then other places, as the countdown continued the less crowded place was no more. I set my watch with only a minute to go.
Swim:
Started off with a great swim7:00 am and BOOOOOMMM the canon sounds and off we go, surprisingly it only took about 5 minutes to find a line that I could follow without getting kicked or hit in one way or another. At one point it got too crowded and I stopped to look around and what do I see out my left eye? A hand with a nice big ring on it clocking me right on the forehead. I didn't really notice it until after Alex brought it to my attention at the finish that I had a nice big egg on my head. Anyway, I finished the first lap right on time, 31 minutes. I started the second lap with a nice clean line and that's when the clouds opened up with a nice (not so light) rain. At the end of the 2nd loop with a time of 1:04 (not bad for my longest swim workout being 3200 yards) and some change, then I was off to the strippers. I found a nice place to drop down on my back and before I knew it the wet suit was gone. I gave the volunteers a great big thank you and off I went into the line of athletes headed for the changing tent.
Goal time: 1:10 Official swim time: 1:04:52
Hi. It's Alex, Terry's wife. At this point the kids and I are standing in the POURING down rain waiting for our Ironman. Lauren had to run to our belongings to get them out of the rain and under a truck at the oval. Despite her record-breaking sprint, it was too late and our things (books, magazines, towels, food.) were soaked.
Now we see the athletes coming and who do we finally spot but Terry's girlfriend, professional triathlete, Desiree Ficker. I aim the camera and get a nice out of memory message when I hit the button. Great.
Finally we see Terry and the first thing I notice is a huge, red goose egg on his head. Not a good sign. The four of us are yelling, whooping and hollering and what does Terry do? He runs right by us without a glance.
The four of us set second land record as we sprint back to the oval to watch him transition. The four of us are waiting (Again. It happens a lot) and we see him running to his bike. We once again start yelling like fools and what does he do? Run past us without a glance (again). We yelled his number so loudly that the volunteer heard us and ran to get Terry's bike.
Terry leaves on the bike and we leave to the hotel. We changed and hung out until he completed the first loop. I love the Internet. But first we had to stop at the laundry mat and dry out our cloths and then off to the store to buy umbrellas and ponchos.
T1 - 8:04
Bike:
It rained all dayAfter leaving the tent into a nice down pour, I grabbed my bike from one of the many great volunteers. As you now know because my family has a large mouth that everyone can hear but me. After saying thank you I was off to the bike mounting area. After about a minute I knew something was wrong, a front flat....GREAT.... It was also at this time that I started to get cold with the sporadic shivering. It was all I could do to replace the tube. After a few minutes and a little help from a spectator w/ a pump (shhh, don't tell anyone) I was off and riding.
With the exception of being in my teens and early twenties (after the first time I put down my bike down in the rain) I have never been a huge fan of riding downhill in the rain. I think I would have welcomed a nice little rain; instead I was in a complete downpour. While others were flying down even the smallest hill I was playing it very safe by using my bakes way more that I am accustomed to in normal conditions. I welcome the chance to get up to 40 or 50 MPH. But not that day. I was the one on the right side going maybe 22-24 MPH. I figured better safe than sorry. As more carefree riders going 40+ mph went by I thought for sure one of them was going to bite it. But no one ever did (that I saw). It was then that things really started to get bad with it being so cold, I could hardly squeeze the brakes without the bike shaking back and forth. I was really worried a few times that even with me being so careful on the 7 mile decent into Keene that I was going to be that guy that laid it down or have to call it a day because of hypothermia. But after awhile, I would go from cold to comfortable. After going back and forth my body finally started to warm up, and more often than not I felt comfortable.
During my two other Ironman races I had always tried to pee while on the bike, with no avail. I think it was more of a problem for me that I was pissing on myself and what would it smell like 10 miles up the road with the temperature being 85+. But this time with the heavy rains I couldn't use that excuse anymore. So, I lifted my butt up off the seat and started working those muscles to let it all go.. Finally after about a minute I let it go.. I have to say it felt a bit nasty when it was running down my legs and finally settling in my shoes. But after a few seconds the rain just washed it all away. Because over the course of the 6+ hours on the bike I went number 1 at least 15 times, so I saved myself an additional 20 minutes getting off and on my bike.
The first lap went very well, 3:13 and I felt too good. All I could think about was being that guy that went out too hard on the first lap, and totally blew it on the 2nd. But as it turned out I started to get more comfortable on the down hills (not too much, but a bit) I felt strong, so I figured when I feel good go with it, when I feel bad hold back a bit. That seemed to work well, with about 4 miles or so to go my legs really started to feel tight/heavy. So when I got to Big/Little Cherries I was worried, but I was still passing other riders with little problem. Nice and steady. Mamma Bear, nice and steady. Baby Bear, nice and steady. Shit. Papa Bear, still passing but the legs were heavy. I thought for sure my run was not going to be the 4 hours I was hoping for. Once I got on Lake Placid Club Drive I started to stand and stretch it out. Then, I did the unexpected. 2nd lap, 3:10. I know it was only 3 minutes faster, but still.. I dismounted my bike and handed it to a very motivated volunteer and made my way through the mud and puddles to T2.
Goal time: 5:50 Official time: 6:23:52
Alex's turn: The kids and I return to the final hill next to the Olympic skating rink heading into the oval to wait for Terry. The Kelly kids are standing under their umbrellas as I hoof it into town to find an Internet café to check Terry's progress. Good, we hadn't missed him. I leave the café only to realize its lunch time. I went across the street and ordered a lot of pizza slices and bottled water. I ordered what was ready so I didn't have to wait.
I leave the pizza shop and only walked a few feet when I see our friend, Traci pushing her bike and wrapped in a thermal blanket. Not a good thing. I go to her and find out that she dropped out due to hypothermia. We talked a bit and I headed back to the kids. Now I'm worried because I know Terry has had issues with it in the past.
The kids and I are hanging out under the Olympic building overhang eating pizza and enjoying not being wet. But it's time to head out into the rain (even with umbrellas we were wet) to wait at the barriers. We end up beside an obnoxious guy that yelled go, go, go, hurry up to EVERY athlete. But it was worth it because we had a great spot to see and cheer for Terry. As Terry rounds the corner we start yelling and he zooms by us without yet another glance. We were so close we could have knocked him off the *&% bike!
We leave the race (again) to return to the hotel for another change of clothes, hot chocolate, and to watch TV. While watching TV the kids fall asleep. I want a nap so badly since I've been up since 4:30 but I'm afraid I won't wake up in time to head back to the oval. So I watched a Mindfreak marathon and kept checking Terry's status. Once he had about another hour left in the run I woke the gang up and back to the oval we headed. Again.
Run:
Team racing suits - perfect for running in the rainOnce I got into the changing tent and sat down I knew in my head that I was screwed!!! My legs felt so fried that I didn't even change into my new pair of sweet running Sugio Turbo Fit shorts. But it was finally nice to feel warm again. A volunteer was helping me get my stuff out of my gear bag. I think he was a bit excited because his hands were shaking more that my legs. I took off my bike shoes and put on my racing flats, my hat and Fuel Belt. I thanked the volunteer and I was on my way.
T2 time: 3:56 (Nice)
After leaving the tent I went out at an easy pace, because I was prepared to be reduced to walking in the not so distant future. The rain actually felt really good during the whole run, it was really refreshing. I wasn't hot or cold; I was pretty close to perfect. At the 1 mile make I realized I was feeling good, almost too good, I was still worried about the legs not holding out. I had a goal of running a 4 hour marathon; of course my personal in just a marathon was 3:59 in 2001. So, I kept a positive attitude. After the bike my stomach was so blotted from the Cliff bars I used on the bike that all I could really get down was water. So at every aid station I took a cup of water, walked until I finished it and off I went. At mile 5 I was feeling great, legs were great. Mile 10 things were still great, legs, feet and stride. My stomach finally started to feel good, so I started mixing the IM cocktail I had on my Fuel Belt with water. I would alternate water at one aid station an IM cocktail at the next. This worked great, at the special needs bags I only went with the gummy bears that I had packed. They tasted so good because of all the rain and lack of sun they were perfect, a real pick me up. (1st lap time 1:58) The whole time the spectators were great, really pushing me along, but it was nice to get out onto River Road with just the other athletes and just focus on my run. At the turn around heading back into town things were still going very well. Unlike the bike where I could let all go without stopping (peeing), I had lost count at 15 pee breaks, but they were a nice break. I made it back into town and had to speed walk that final hill on Main Street, and I was still going faster than guys who were running. Looking at my watch I knew I was going to be able to make it in before 12 hours. So, after that last hill I picked up my stride going onto Lake Placid Club Drive. I felt great the cheering of the spectators was really motivating; I kept looking down at every guys calves hoping to see the # 40 to 44. Every time I passed one I was on the hunt for the next, I passed my last 42 year old entering the oval and I was off to the races. I crossed the line (2nd lap time 2:12) with my name being announced and no one else in the picture with me. I am now a 3x Ironman..
Goal time: 4:00 Official run time: 4:11:02
Alex's point of view:
We arrive back at the oval and it is still raining. We finally get the middle of the oval and find a nice spot at the top of the bleachers. We have a perfect view of the athlete's final stretch and we're beside the finish line. The rain made the bleachers slippery and people kept falling down them, including our James. Luckily, I have the reflexes of a cat and caught him before he hit bottom. What does every kid have to do when the time/location isn't right? Go to the bathroom. Morgan took James to the bathroom and Lauren and I waited for Terry. We're hanging out and checking out the runners and basically just enjoying ourselves. Is that him? No, too short. Is that Terry? When what do we hear..the announcer saying Red Lion. What!? Lauren and I whip around just in time to see Terry crossing the finish line. I guess one of the guys we thought wasn't Terry actually was him. If you could only have seen the looks on our faces! I told Lauren to stay and wait for Morgan and James while I went to find Terry and give him the bag of warm clothes I brought from our last trip to the hotel.
I found Terry relatively quickly which was amazing considering how many people were there.
The Kelly's were reunited and drove back to the hotel for the last time!
Goal time overall: anything with 11 hours in it. Official time: 11:51:46
I found Terry relatively quickly which was amazing considering how many people were there.
The Kelly's were reunited and drove back to the hotel for the last time!
Goal time overall: anything with 11 hours in it. Official time: 11:51:46
It has 11 hours in itThis is a great event, due mainly to the course. So, I will be back to do Lake Placid in 2010, goal time anything under 11:30:00. Next race will be the OBX Marathon on November 9, 2008. My wife Alex and I will be running it together, Alex's goal, under 5:00 hours. Hope to see you there.
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