The Bike (Part 2): The crowd was getting thinner and thinner as I moved through the early miles of lap #2. Most of the athletes that day were competing in shorter distances. So very few of us remained on the bike course. I learned after the event that athletes can change the event in which they are participating during the event. When many realized how hilly and sunny the course was going to be they changed their event. The number moved from 150 to just over 90 participants in the IM distance bike course (another 10 or so would change on the run). Needless to say most of the 2nd loop was spent alone and, for me, all of the 3rd loop. I would stop at 2 of the 3 aid stations during the second lap for water. I was still trying to balance the high electrolyte content in my body. When this happens you visit the port-o-potty..... a lot! Half way through the bike, I began to realize my body was beginning to fatigue. The combination of the sun and the hills were beginning to take their toll. My heart rate remained low and I was struggling to keep my heart rate up (yes...this is a problem in endurance events!) even on the hills. By the final aid station at the end of the second lap I had caught a group of riders. I was glad to see someone else on the course! I was hoping to ride into the final lap with this group. My excitement was short lived. The 4 riders I caught were quitting the ride due to the hills. All 4 changed to a shorter course event. Alone again! Whew..... Mentally this was going to be a tough bike finish. The final climb to end the second lap was a bear. I began thinking about all of the hills I climbed in training and all the time alone I spent on the bike. Mentally I was ready. However, I didnt train for a long and hilly course! I trained for a long course with some hills. In other words I finished 4x100 mile rides the final 8 weeks leading up to the event. I would spend about 3 other hours during the week focused on hill repeats/intervals. The problem was that I did not train on long and hilly courses...together! My cardiac fitness was sharp but my muscular endurance was suffering.By the end of lap 2 my legs were fatigued, my lower back was uncomfortable, and I was experiencing saddle soreness (which I had not had for almost 4 months prior). I think the lower back discomfort and saddle soreness was from the constant change in angles by going up and down the hills. I saw Charity when I pulled into the turn around. The picture below shows me holding up three fingers---I was on my last lap. I was still swollen (as you can see) but still smiling. Charity would encourage me, you never have to repeat this lap again. Every stroke you take is the last on on this lap. Make an excuse to finish. Remember why you are here. I love you and you cannot fail. I love that girl! I began lap 3 uncomfortable but with only 37 miles to go! I would see 1/2 mile climb, sisters, double dragon, triple hump, true and false, and earn it one more time. Yes, I began naming the hills. Why not? I was alone and was spending too much time in my head. Ha! Anyway, I kept reminding myself of the whys, whats, whens, and hows of being where I was on this final lap. I decided to set smaller goals the final lap by making it to the aid station to stretch, hydrate and eat. I focused on my heart rate and breathing. I prayed a lot. I tried to keep my mind off what was hurting and focused on what was working. I focused on my form, my core, and....well sunburn! Last time up the final hill and to the turn around was exciting. In my mind I was thinking, I cant believe I just did that. It was beyond my imagination. I honestly did not train properly for the bike course (I did for distance not the distance/hills) and quickly realized why they called the event tougher than iron. I made it to the transition area, climbed slowly off my bike, and walked toward the transition area praying my legs would respond (pictured below) Transition 2: Again I decided to take my time in the transition. I still had a marathon to run but my legs were arguing with me. The first thought of should I quit? crossed my mind in the transition tent. I slowly changed shoes and socks. I fueled while sitting in a chair provided. I stretched. I put on my running gear and belts. I bowed my head and prayed. Honestly, I admitted I was afraid of the marathon. My body was tired and could not regulate my electrolytes. I was sunburned and feeling the effects of the hot and sunny day. I was having trouble cooling down. My legs felt like weights. Then, I thought of the gift of the day. I thought of my wife and how she was supporting me. I thought of you and how you believed in me. I thought about all the people I could help by simply taking one more step. I smiled.....probably for the first time in a long time. I drank a caffeinated hydration drink (for the first time that day---I probably should have had some on the hills!) I left the tent. Saw Charity. My heart sang. She snapped a picture shown below. I was about to run a marathon!
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:45:05 +0000
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