Ironman Louisville 2014 Race report Swim-- 58:59 (1:31/100m) 5th T1-- 3:47 Bike-- 5:47:37 (19.4mph) 4th T2-- 4:15 Run-- 4:07:20 (9:26mpm) 2nd (fastest marathon time in my age group) Total-- 11:01:58 (2nd 40-44 AG) (19th female) IM-PR by 10 mins Swim-- I got in line early enough for the swim at 5:00am and had less swimmers to jockey for position with once we were in the water. I felt strong and focused during the swim. The current was fast once I was headed down river. The negative consequence of that was when I sighted and needed to correct my position, I found myself over correcting because the current was so fast. It took 2-3 times before I realized and adjusted my tactic. Bike-- The weather started overcast for the bike, I think a lot of people pushed too hard during the beginning of the bike because of it. I knew it would get hot and stuck to my plan. 140-150w, my plan was to stay around 270 TSS, because I run off the bike well. But when I was 20 miles from the finish my TSS was 265. I eased through the end of the bike a little. At the finish of the bike my TSS was 307. I felt comfortable during the bike. My nutrition/hydration plan 300cal/hour and Chomps with caffeine during the 2nd half was a success. I filled my front water bottle every aid station. I took my lunchtime supplements at the 56 mile mark. I felt strong and focused during the bike. Run-- The run started out hot, sunny and humid. My nutrition/hydration plan was 1 gel flask per 13.1 miles, eat every 20 mins. I hit the wrong button on my Garmin coming out of T2 and my watch stopped. I fooled with it until I had pace and time to track nutrition. I did not have overall race time or accurate marathon time. I felt pretty good running, but did not worry about pace as everyone around me, including the pros seemed to be suffering more than I remembered in past years at this race. I ran to each aid station, dumped 2-5 cups of ice water on my head and neck, added some under my hat and drank coke and water or perform and water while walking. Later I switched to perform and coke and very little water. I ate gel every 20 mins for the first hour, but then I switched to drinking more perform for the additional electrolytes and hydration and stopped taking in gel. I took my dinner time supplements, 2 Advil (did not make time to buy Tylenol) and a couple electrolyte tabs with 7 miles to the finish. At mile 12 someone I had met in the swim line told me that there were 2 women ahead of me. (Grace of God moment!!) I didnt trust the info completely. In Louisville you never know because of the random order at swim start. But it did give me a renewed focus to stay on task and not slow down. I told myself to keep doing what I was doing and not slow down. (IM is a not about who goes the fastest, but who slows down the least!) Shortly after that I passed someone in my AG. I stayed focused. I stopped to poop at mile 18, I think it was mile 18. I began to feel better running as the sun went down and decided to skip the last 3 aid stations, no walking. I splashed my ice water cups and took a swig of coke, but really started to run as fast as I thought I could hold until the finish!! The last 3 miles I averaged 7:11 min miles and felt really strong running. I finished in 11:01:58 good enough for 2nd place 40-44 age group and a guaranteed Kona slot. Now I am all signed up for the World Championships in Hawaii on October 11, 2014. I have wanted to go to Kona since my first Sprint triathlon in 1999. IM Louisville in 2013 was my first attempt, Eagleman 70.3 2014 was my 2nd attempt, and finally on the 3rd attempt IM Louisville 2014, I was successful. I am humbled because I know I could not have accomplished this goal without great sacrifices from those who love me. First of all it would not be possible without God and his grace, everything I have is undeserved, a healthy and athletic body, a wonderful and kind husband, 2 amazing and encouraging kids, Sandy Haas and Alisha at Bench Mark Medical, Matt Schick-ART therapist, Jamie at Discover Massage, Eric, Tyson and Kyle at Peleton Cycles, Julie Formby-herbalist, Onika Baker-the best babysitter EVER! Shannon Timmons, Melissa Webb, and Kylie Knutson for watching my kids. Last but not least my coach, Marilyn. She truly pushed me to make a breakthrough with how I mentally approach the sport of triathlon!! If you think I am mistaken by saying that I dont deserve this success, because you and I know I have worked hard for it, it is true, Gods grace is always undeserved. If I did believe in karma, I would be dead already. ;)
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:54:41 +0000
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