It Had To Be The Shoe Laces

One thing that you notice spending a lot of your time in the south is that the race season starts pretty early. This year I decided to jump on this wagon by racing the Cary Long Course Duathlon in Cary, NC. A low-key event with some significant distance (5 mile run, 31 mile bike, 5 mile run), I figured this would be a good early-season test of where I was at coming into the spring and summer.

This was only my second duathlon and I have to say I have come to appreciate not having to face an early morning swim or messing around with a wetsuit. I also appreciated the rather civil 9 a.m. start time. The course was centered around a very large outdoor sports complex which boasted being the home of spring training for the olympic baseball team with the run winding through the paved trails of the complex and into a housing development and the bike course looping along the back roads in the area.

I felt pretty good about the distances coming into this race and, based on the finish times from the previous year, felt I had a good shot at the podium. The plan (such as it was) was to try and not kill myself on the first run so that I would have something left at the end. Shortly after 9 we were off and I fell in with the first 10 runners or so. Being that the course was on fairly narrow paved trails for the first 3/4 mile I wanted to start in the front so I wouldn't get caught up in any bottlenecks. The course consisted of two, 2.5 mile out-and-back loops and I have to say I really liked this course. The combination of turns, slight uphills and downhills, and frequent turn-arounds made it more interesting. After a first lap time of 14:30 I was sitting in 7th place. I was very happy with the time, but knew I needed to ease up a bit given that we were just 2.5 miles into a 41 mile day. I vaguely kept my eye on the racer in front of me, trying to maintain a steady distance, but coming into the last leg he picked up the pace a bit and I didn't bother responding. I came into T1 in 29:30 with significant gaps between the runner in front of me and the runners behind me.

This year I finally invested (if you can call $10 "investing") in some speed laces and they were just great. I was super speedy through transition, though had a bit of a hard time getting onto my bike as you were faced with an immediate sharp right turn and climb coming out of T1. Now, I mention all this to set up the scene for what would become the disastrous portion of this race. I began the bike course having lost sight of the runner in front of me and with no sign of cyclists behind me. Coming into the first intersection I followed what I thought were the police officer's instructions and went straight through. Very quickly however, I began to doubt this decision. For one, the course began to climb steadily uphill and, while I didn't have a good sense of the course map, I didn't recall this elevation gain from the course profile. Second, as I progressed down the course, I not only never gained sight of any riders in front of me, but also never saw riders coming up behind me. Now not seeing people in front was not too troubling--I'm used to the stronger riders pulling away on the bike--but I did expect some of the stronger riders to be coming up behind me.

After two miles of this I decided that I had, in fact, made a wrong turn and headed back. Sure enough, at that very first intersection, I should have gone right. I got back on course, but I had added four miles (and about 13 minutes) to my bike portion. Visions of the podium quickly faded. The rest of the bike course was pretty good. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more under different circumstances, but the road surface seemed a little rough and there was a stretch along a two-lane highway that was a little dicey. After 35.5 miles of riding I finally pulled into T2, now well-behind the race leaders. I made another quick transition (again, loving those speed laces) and headed back out on the run.

I ran strong, but had already decided that I wasn't going to push too hard. I did make the mistake, however, of taking in some Hammer Heed at the aid station. I don't know why, but Heed just does not work for me. I also don't know why I can't seem to ever remember this. Coming into the first lap I was struggling a bit with a side stitch and too-labored breathing. I eased up some more until I could get my legs under me, using some of the other runners to find a rhythm. One such unfortunate soul was a 41-year old guy who I caught with about a mile left in the race. I mention his age only because, as he saw me come up next to him he must have assumed that I was in his age group and he put on a little speed. This actually helped me find my focus to finish the last stretch strong. I came into the finish line a little over 2:46.

The wrong turn had definitely cost me a 2nd place age-group finish (and I may have even been able to eek out 1st). So, lesson learned. It at least taught me to spend a little more time going over the course maps, especially on these smaller races where you can't rely on other races and an army of volunteers to keep you on course. It also suggested that there are good reasons to keep a racer in front of you coming into transition and not let them get out of site.

Despite the setbacks, I really enjoyed this race. The run course was a lot of fun, and I was really happy with my run times over the course of the day. I would definitely keep this on my calendar for an early-season race (and invite anyone down to NC next year who wants in on it).

MajorTOM

HANGING OUT AT MARTHA'S

The racing season started early this year for some of us ....... A 20-mile (or, as some of us like to call it, a 32 km) run on Martha's Vineyard in February. Finished in 2h 58m.

NICE!!!!!!!

I think, after the race

I think, before the race

Picture perfect

FROM A SECRET LOCATION

A fine-looking "Great Floridian" Team at a retreat in an undisclosed location.

IT'S ALL ABOUT GETTING AERO

IRONMAN FLORIDA 2009

A few triathletes entering the Gulf of Mexico for the swim of Ironman Florida 2009. Now, where am I?

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

SILVERMAN 2009

And that is how it looked

Tomasz

HARD WORK PAID OFF AT SILVERMAN

The 2009 Silverman full-distance triathlon was unlike last year’s. The weather was much improved, and while the winds were still in our faces, regardless of the direction we went, there were no 50 miles/hr. cross winds.

The swim of the full-distance race started at 7AM in calm and chilly (68.4F) Lake Mead, following a 10 minute warm up. After the initial 500m the field of swimmers dispersed, so everyone had ample space to swim without having to encounter excessive body-contact. It also took me about 500m to settle into a comfortable pace. Navigating the course was easy for the first 1.9km as we swam west. This became very different on our way back to the shore with the sun shining straight into our eyes. Exiting the water proved to be the most challenging aspect of the swim for me. With the blood gone from the legs and a rocky bottom I slipped, fell and felt a slight pop in my toes. The concern lasted for a few seconds, that is, until I noticed my swim time – 1hr 12min.

Transition 1 was swift, and within a few minutes I was climbing my Kuota bike up a 1.3 mile, 6% access road onto the main highway. It all felt great and continued that way for the next 112 miles. However, as I was riding, I felt a discomfort in my foot when pushing down on the left pedal. It felt like a large blister on the sole of my foot.

The bike course was very challenging with 12,000 feet of combined elevation. Descents were quick and short, while assents were long and steep, though, they must have suited me well for riding that day, as I averaged 17.3 miles/hr in a 6hrs 26min bike portion of the race. I was particularly pleased with this time, which gave me the third fastest in my age group.

Transition 2 went even faster, and in about 2.5 minutes I began my marathon run. It took about 30 minutes to get into a rhythm. The marathon took all the athletes on a two 13-mile loops and offered 2,000 feet of climbing. I felt good for the first 15 miles hoping that my foot will not give me more trouble, but at that time my stomach began to be upset. With about 11 miles to the finish line my tempo slowed down considerably, which allowed two of my age-groupers to pass me toward the end of the run. I hoped to have a faster marathon time considering the 1hr 50min first loop. Perhaps, I went out too fast? My final marathon suffered as a result of it and I finished the run in 4 hrs. 45 min.

Elated, nevertheless, I finished this grueling race, considered by many as the toughest full-distance race in North America, in 12hrs 33min, good enough for a sixth place in the M45-49 age group, and 44th overall. After the race, I had a relaxing soft-tissue massage, post-race dinner, and eventually returned to my hotel about 10PM. Here, I realized what was bothering my left foot. In fact, it was not a blister but a purple and swollen third toe, which I must have injured when exiting the swim. I hope it’s not broken, but, if it is, it will be added to the “collection” of minor injuries we all suffer.

Silverman closed my racing season in 2009, and I am already looking forward to plan for 2010, which will be my last year of racing in the 45-49 age-group. Congratulations to all my teammates on a great racing season, as we now can focus on some deserved rest.

ONE MORE DAY TO GO

Another beautiful day began with a 5:30AM wake up call, and a 30-minute training run. It was perfect, although, one can feel the the effects of higher elevation here. Henderson is at about 1,700 feet, while the Upper Valley, NH, at 560 feet above the sea level. Yes, the air is thinner, for sure.

Today's agendum has been relaxing. A morning breakfast in the Silverman Village, and a chat with Dave "The Man" Scott took care of the morning routines. For those who do not know Dave, he is one of the Ironman triathlon racing icons, with six wins, three second places, and a fifth, when he was in his forties. This year, Dave had a serious biking accident, after which he ended up with several metal pins in his wrists.

In a little while I will be taking my bike and transition bags to the swim start. All has to be in by 6PM. I feel relaxed with my feet on a chair, as I write this update from the Panera headquarters. So, this may be it until Monday. But then, who knows.

ILL BUT DETERMINED-MY MANCHESTER 1/2 MARATHON REPORT

Just a few words about the Manchester 1/2 Marathon I ran last weekend. First off I went there with quite low expectations since I haven't been able to train as much as I had last year. I also had a cold which I got over about a half week before the race so I was thinking that I would be happy with a time between 2 hours and 2 hours and 20 minutes. I got to the race fairly early, wondered around a bit, warmed up and then stretched while in line for the Jiffy John. After the JJ I headed over to the starting area. The weather was decent considering it was nine in the morning and the time of year. (No rain which was a plus.) The race seemed to start before I knew it. For some reason I figured they would have the mayor, who was there, or someone making an announcement but instead everyone just started. I started out with a comfortable pace. The first couple of miles are fairly flat so I was able to ease into the race. When I got to mile two they had a time clock and I was at about 19:30 or 19:40 and I was thinking that it wasn't bad considering it took a while to get over the timing mat. I kept up the pace through most of the race. At each time clock I kept checking my progress and notice I was doing about 9 minute miles which for me is a pretty good pace. One point in the race where I gained some ground was through Livingston Park which has a gravel path we went through. People must not be used to running on it or are afraid of rolling an ankle because I was passing people left and right. I guess all my trail running this season paid off in that section. Anyways I was able to keep up the 9 minutes mile through the rest of the race and even picked it up some at the last mile or two. I know I picked it up the last mile since it is downhill or flat the whole way. I finished with a gun time of around 1:56:25. My net time was 1:55:46. It still wasn't enough to place me in the top half of my age or gender but I was still very happy with my time since it was a person best for me for half marathons. I also was happy because I wasn't expecting much with how I've been training. I final note. The race was great again this year as far as community coming to cheer us on and the police and volunteer clue was plentiful. (At least on the 1/2 marathon section.)

Jim

SILVERMAN COUNTDOWN CONTINUES

What a beautiful day it had been, today. Not a single cloud in the sky and about 75-80F, all day. What is even more exciting? Sunday's weather forecast: another beautiful day.

Friday was a very productive day. Most of it was spent working from my hotel room. Then, a 40-minute training run, registering for the race, visiting the Hoover Dam, and lastly, attending the athletes' dinner at the Henderson Convention Center. Dave "The Man" Scott (the six-time Hawaii Ironman world champion, and a three-time runner-up) was the keynote speaker, as he was there last year. And of course, just as last year, he had very interesting things to say. Among them, he discussed the fear of failure, acceptance, and disappointment.

But, back for a moment to the Hoover Dam. What a marvelous structure that is. The state border line between Nevada and Arizona runs straight through it, and with it, the time zone change. So, you can be an hour behind or an hour ahead depending upon where you are standing at that moment. The dam was built in 4 years, between 1931 and 1935. There are some incredible pictures showing many of the construction sites. There is another architectural marvel being constructed over the dam. A new "suspension bridge" overpass highway is being built there, which should be finished in 2010. It looks as if it had been built in the air, suspended by a gigantic arc connecting both states. A view almost impossible to imagine without seeing it.

It turned out to be another long day/night. Just finished tuning up the "Norminator" and setting up the transition bags. Saturday will be another busy day for me. More updates tomorrow.

ON THE GROUND IN LAS VEGAS

Greetings from the Silverman. Day one is coming to an end. The trip was uneventful. All luggage and the bike case (with the bike inside) arrived on the same plane, which is always good.

I just found out, at the THRIFTY car rental counter, that when you rent a car from them and do not purchase their insurance policy, and should the car you have rented get involved in an accident (fault or no-fault), THRIFTY will charge you between $2,000-$4,000 for what they call having to take the car temporarily out of "business." I am just amazed at the tricks they continue inventing. And all, I think, to make the travel experience even worse than it already is. Guess what I didn't do?

Now, that I have vented, the Kuota is out of the case and already assembled. All lubed and waiting patiently. Tomorrow morning I will register and, in the afternoon, attend the athletes' dinner.

Well, it is almost 3AM over where you are on the east coast and, I suppose, I should not be surprised that I am a little tired. Until tomorrow, then.

RUNNING IN THE FOLIAGE

A brief chat

Coming back from the Serendipity Farm

Climbing up the Lockheaven Road

And more of the Lockheaven climbing

In the rhythm

The 2009 racing season is comming to the end. In a few weeks I will be traveling to my final race of this season - IDT (Iron-Distance Triathlon) Silverman in Henderson, Nevada (November 8th). I have trained hard and hope to improve on my last year result. It will be another long day "at the office" - 3.8km swim/180km bike/42.195km run.

While on a training run a couple of weeks ago, I met Jerry, Peggy and Audrey from California who were visiting the Upper Valley to photograph the foilage. And what a spectacular day for picture-taking we had that day. They were nice enough to include me in some of their photos.

SEPTEMBER WEEKEND AT THE US OPEN

One of a kind tennis ball

Among the Champions

With friends on the escalator en route to the Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch Serena Williams

A perfect day to watch the US Open or the camera man

IN THE STEPS OF OUR PILGRIM TRIATHLETE ANCESTORS

Saturday, September 5th I made my way down to Plymouth, MA for the 2009 Mayflower International Distance triathlon. l had signed up for this mostly on a whim, looking for a prep race to squeeze in before I did my next 70.3 at the end of the month. Two things made this course look appealing. First, the leisurely start time of 10 a.m. Since I was making the two hour drive down from New Hampshire, this meant that I could get up at a reasonable hour. Second, the swim, which started at Plymouth Rock, and ended at the Mayflower II (apparently retracing the path of the Pilgrims who, once they realized they had landed in Massachusetts, fled back to their ship).

I got to the race with plenty of time. The field was pretty small, so packet pick-up, body marking and racking were all a breeze, leaving me plenty of time to organize my gear, do a quick test-spin on the bike and get to learn the quarter mile run from the end of the swim to T1. The swim start was about half a mile from the transition area and, while the organizers provided shuttle buses, I opted to walk, taking a nice leisurely stroll down the sidewalk with my wetsuit, googles and cap in hand. And, which I realized as I neared the swim start, my sunglasses on my face. So, my leisurely stroll now became a speed-walk as I had to do another round trip to transition and back, and get suited up before I left in the first wave.

The swim was a one-mile frown-shaped affair running clockwise from Plymouth Rock to the Mayflower. The buoys basically followed the curving seawall for about half a mile, and then navigated their way through the multitude of anchored boats and floating buoys. Had the field been larger, things could have gotten tight, but my wave was pretty reasonable. This was my first deep-water swim start, and also one of the better swims that I've had. At the sound of the whistle I was able to get in a few, quick strong strokes to get out in front and find some open water (again, not too hard because of the small field) and settle into a rhythm pretty easily. Also. because of the large seawall, and calm conditions, the water was incredibly calm. That, combined with all of the landmarks in the water, made sighting a breeze. After about 2/3 of the mile I found myself a ways behind the small group of fast swimmers that were way out in front, and a larger group behind me, so I pretty much had things to myself. This was a real benefit because the swim exit was up onto a small dock, with about three ladders, so things would have been much more difficult with a crowd. But, after 24 minutes of swimming, I got myself up onto land, ran up the gangplank (first time I've used that word in a tri report), and got my wetsuit quickly down to my waist.

The long run to T1 wasn't as bad as I had imagined it would be. I really thought running that long in the wetsuit would really get to me, but I didn't really notice it. Unfortunately, I did end up with a pretty crappy spot on the bike rack--way off in a back corner, which is not just a pain for having to step past other people, but just adds that much more to your transition times. Oh well. I got out of the wetsuit, threw on the helmet, belt and glasses, and was off onto the out-and-back 25 mile bike.

Now, right away, things did not go well for me on the bike. My shoulders and neck were really stiff, making it hard to stay down in the aero position. I was also having a hard time getting my legs under me, so it really felt like a struggle. Add to that the fact that the course was not the best. For one, the road surface was in rough shape--frost heaves, long cracks, and deep potholes (some of which required some real maneuvering) were persistent. But, I remembered the similar experience that I had had at Mooseman a couple of years ago and this time just tried to hang in there. After about twenty minutes I felt like things were going a bit better and, once we hit some fresh pavement, I was able to really start moving. The downside, however, was that now that I had picked up all this speed, it made the crappy road conditions all the more problematic. At one point, I failed to avoid a significant bump and managed to come down on my seat hard, pushing the nose of the seat down to about a 45 degree angle. This was not preferable, but manageable. The nice thing though was that no one was passing me and, because it was out and back, I knew that there were only a handful of riders out in front of me. I also had a "buddy" on the ride, another guy in my age group that I kept going back an forth with. Despite the ups and downs of the ride (ha ha ha) I managed to eek out 21 mph for the ride.

I had a good arrival into T2 and, being a bit slow to get my running shoes on, my "buddy," who came in just after me, left just before me. So, off on the 10k run.

My legs felt good right from the start and I managed to leave my buddy behind within the first few hundred yards. The course was flat, so I was able to keep a good running rhythm going. Over the next mile I managed to pass two more runners. The course turned onto a gravel rail trail, and I came up to a guy hanging out on the side. "How many have come through here?" I managed to ask him. "You're fifth" he said. So now I could start doing the math--if I could just keep any one from catching me, I was looking at a podium finish. I kept checking over my shoulder, but just didn't see anyone coming up behind me. I knew I was way behind the front group of four, so my goal was just to maintain my place. After about mile three, and still no one behind me, I started to feel a bit more comfortable and eased up a bit. As a race first for me, I grabbed a water at an aid station and managed to ge the crumpled up cup into the garbage can. The kids who were volunteering there went nuts. The rest of the run was pretty straight forward and, around mile 4 when I hit the turn-around I started to see the people behind me--I had quite a lead going. With only about 2 miles to go I held on to a brisk, but manageable pace, averaging 6:17 for the run and crossed the finish at just under 2:19, managing 6th overall and 1st in my age group.

So, overall, a great race. I got a nice little statue (or maybe it's a statuette?), but more importantly felt good during the race, and after, giving me a nice confidence boost going into a half in two weeks. And, while I didn't end up with any pictures for the race, the organizers did use this neat little service. Go to http://www.zumtri.com/race_files/Mayflower2009/ZumTri.html# , put my last name in the search field, and hit next twice.

High Elbows

Moving forward. One high-elbow at the time.

Reaching a Milestone in Bolton, England

Behind us, the Rivington Reservoir.

We all showed up with good appetites

Some are more focused than others.

In front of the Reebok Footbal Stadium

I have my own name for this hill.

It is probably mile 14.

About 800 meters to go.

After a full day of work, and then some.

A special gift for TOMahawk

Now, we can relax together.

The men's pro winner, Phil Graves.

Kasia and Erica dancing their night away while waiting for the last athlete to cross the finish line.

And he did!

And that's all folks!

Now, the reading part..................................

On August 2nd after having finished Ironman United Kingdom in 12h12min and placing 29th/194 in the M45-49 age group, I celebrated my 10th Ironman race.

First of all, a huge thank you goes to Erica and Phil (BritTOM) for their generosity in hosting Kasia and I during our trip to England. We had a wonderful time staying with them at their house in a very charming town of Kendal. My initial intension was to provide a day-by-day account of our trip, but the race preparations and a busy daily schedule had limited my attempts. I hope you enjoyed reading about the first three days.

Ironman UK, will for a long time, register with me as a very memorable race. The organizers tried their best, but perhaps, underestimated the likelihood of capricious summer weather conditions (read: rain). And indeed, a lot of rain we had that week. The daily rainfalls have significantly compromised the logistics of and the access to the Ironman Village/Expo. In other words, the rain had turned the village and the transition area into a mudslide field.
Saturday, August 1 – Picking up Kasia at the Manchester Airport, racking our bikes in the transition area, attending the athlete’s briefing and the past party. Indeed, for the first time in my racing experience the carbo-load was scheduled (at the Reebok Football Stadium) a few hours before the race. Next, a speedy return to our hotel for a few hours of sleep.

Sunday, August 2 – It was great to arrive at the transition area at about 4:30AM and have enough time to double-check the bike, see no "portaloo" lines, and have ample time to relax before the race. In fact, there were so many "loos" there that it seemed as though everyone had his/her own. It was in a sharp contrast to all the other Ironman race venues I am familiar with. For some reason, there never seem to be enough of them, when needed.
The 2.4 mile swim was held in the chilly and clean waters of the Revington Reservoir. A deep-water, two-loop swim started at 6:10AM. I felt very comfortable during the entire swim and had no trouble sighting. Needless to say, upon exiting the water, I was concerned (read: disappointed) with my swim time (1h24m.) However, as it turned out, the course turned out to be longer by about 400m.

The transition was the real “bear.” As the saying goes, there is always the first time for everything, this time, it took me about 14 minutes to get through T1. In part, it was caused by a few-hundred meter uphill run from the water’s edge and the atrocious conditions on the ground. The other reason was that on that day I was just slower, period. Nevertheless, after having carried my bike from the transition area, I was on the first of three loops through little towns and the sprawling countryside. The bike course comprised of steep climbs, false flats, and quick downhills, which in most cases terminated at sharp curves. The technical nature of the bike course and the difficulty in utilizing the downhill speed assured that, except for one athlete (the winner, Phil Graves), no other professional was able to break the five-hour mark. Neither could I ;o). My bike time was 6h24m. I suppose, it didn’t help me to lose the entire supply (1,800 calories) of Perpetuem somewhere within the first 3-4 miles on the bike course. When I reached for it behind the saddle it was no longer there. Since it was a three-loop course I was hoping to find it somewhere on the second loop, to no avail. Therefore, I was relegated to survive on about 2,000 calories from Powerbars obtained at the feed stations, and needless to say, I still can’t look at a Powerbar.

T2 went much better and faster. After a quick stop at the “loo” I was on my way to tackle the marathon. My legs felt great – snappy and fresh. I know, I had a big smile on my face. I soon realized that there were no mile/km markers on the run, just as there were none on the bike. This made keeping a consistent pace very challenging. The run course was composed of many uphills and downhills, which were especially noticeable towards the end of the marathon.
The first reliable distance coordinates came at about mile 19 from a race volunteer. At this point I was running approximately 3h40m marathon pace. Unfortunately, this also coincided with Powerbar-induced stomach cramps and a couple of unscheduled stops. In the end, my marathon time was 4h3m. At the finish line I met a few new friends, among them Bella Bayliss. She did a great job there wining her third Ironman race this year. On Saturday, together with Stephen, they will compete in Embrunman Iron-distance race in France, which is considered one of the toughest trifecta races in the world, together with Norseman and Silverman.

I liked the progress I made since last year. I am not quite where I want to be again, but I think, I am on my way. Racing Ironman UK will be remembered for a long time. Certainly for the organizational shortcomings, but more importantly, for the fabulous atmosphere of the event. Particularly, for the cheering crowds of spectators on the bike and the run, and our families who were there (and who are always there) to cheer us on, and who endured the ultimate test of Ironman – being our support for as long as they have to – THANK YOU, AGAIN. Thank you to Phil and Erica for being such great friends and to Phil’s parents who came out to watch us give it all. Also, a big thank you to those who kept us in their thoughts and who followed us during the race.

Our last days in England were spent in London. What a great city! But that is a story for another occasion.

A Great and Challenging Day at Ironman UK

Last surveying of the swim course. Trust me, its there.

Bringing our appetites and smiles to the pasta dinner on Saturday (yes, Saturday).

Swim start at about 4:30AM.

We had a great system. This is how I spoted our support team in the crowd, including the swim.

Who knows what mile it was. Both, the bike and run courses did not have mile/km markers posted.

I really don't know. What I know is, that it was my first trip to the park that day.

This must me mile 26.2. Its was good to be "home."

There were many hugs and kisses. This one is from my dad.

This one from Erica.

And my mom.

With Erica, again.

A post-race debriefing.

Waiting for the last finisher.

Phil here (BritTOM)! Well, it's nearly a week since IMUK and my legs are getting their standing/walking functions back again! First of all I have to say that this was one of the most challenging IM events I have taken part in - not because of the race (they're always challenging enough) but because of the conditions surrounding it! Lots of rain, lots of mud, and possibly a poor event site selection by the organisers meant that registering, checking in the bike, getting to and from the swim from transition, and generally getting around the site became a pretty energy sapping process in themselves. It was as if someone had decided to add a fourth discipline.

What about the race day? The biggest difference I noticed to other IM events was the support. There were so many people on the bike and run course who were cheering on every single athlete that passed them. Just great! The swim was good for me this time, possibly a bit overlong or maybe I was going slower that I thought, but plenty of clear water and for the first time ever in a race I spotted my supporters on the shore while I was racing. I had a great bike, I'm probably at my fittest in any IM event I've taken part in, with plenty of miles in my legs this summer. But then a run that will go down in my IM history under survival rather than speed. The story starts three weeks ago when my right calf tweaked on a training run. Lots of care and attention got it back to reasonable working order but basically I started the run with a leg hat needed 4-5 weeks rest, not 4-5 hours of running. Needless to say it hurt, my run was slow (so slow that I didn't know I could run for that many hours!) and my focus was completely on completing the race and not at all on the time. Actually, it was quite refreshing to have the same single focus that I had in my first IM - just finishing was the aim!

Tomasz was at the finish line next to the medal, t-shirt and photographer, which was great. And we soon found Erica and Kasia and my family. In fact it has been a real treat to have Tomasz and Kasia with us for this past week - what a wonderful time we've had with them. We've all had a pretty busy time around the race so I think we'll be sending them home to you pretty tired! I can highly recommend racing in the UK from our home as a base, so if any IronTOMs fancy IMUK while it's based near to us for the next couple of years you're more than welcome to come and stay! So, a hard race, great support, very challenging course (aren't they all) and very difficult conditions, but great company.

Now, finally, let me leave you with a a few British words used on IM events that we noticed that need translating:

Rain=showers, drizzle, downpour, pouring, cats and dogs
Mud=mud, sludge, gloop, dirt, mire, gunk, goo
Galoshes=wellingtons
Sunshine=there are no British words for this (it has never been seen
on an IM race day)
Post-race recovery drink=a nice cup of tea
Portapotty=portaloo
Awsome=brilliant
Thanks=cheers mate
Great going guys=jolly well done (only kidding - no one says that anymore!)

All the best
Phil (BritTOM) - currently in retirement (until the next one)

Going the Distance at Lake Placid - The Pictorial

Who needs a fancy bike stand. My favorite bike mechanic making those final adjustmnets to my precious bike.

Heading over to rack the bike.

The usual "day-before" chaos at the Oval.

Swim start: "just stay behind me, Baby!"

We are way over on the right, "calmly" awaiting the start gun.

I was this close to catching this hot chick in front of me! If I didn't have to make this pit-stop, I could be drafting off her now ......

It was hot, even with the cold-water sponge shoulder pads.

Post-race sharing of tales at Shoulte's.

Ah, basking in the glory of a post-race day, some sunshine and Lake Placid Ale.

Support crews deserve a ton of applause too!