Well, Sunday was IronMan Wisconsin 2009. My main concern going into the race was my inconsistent training and the bike. Overall I had a great day and finished somewhere in the 15:20 range compared to 14:10 for IMWI07 and 15:40 for IMKY08.
Swim (2.4 miles) - I did not swim that much during the training, but I had put in three 2.4 mile swims - so I felt pretty good with the swimming. I started in the back of the pack and worked the inside of the buoy's in order to stay out of the mix. That worked good and I felt strong the whole way. Finished the swim around 1:31 compared to 1:26 IMWI07 and 1:43 IMKY08.
Bike (112 miles) - The plan on the bike was to go easy but consistent the whole day. On the way to Verona I decided to keep up the speed and cruise out there. Once on the loop I checked it back just a bit and made sure that I did not burn any matches. My goal for the bike was to get to at least 56 miles feeling like I just started. A few of my training rides went great and a few not so great, so I didn't know if this was possible. I ended up getting to around 75 miles before I felt any tiredness or anything else. I was certainly pumped that I made it that far and still felt very strong. I made sure that I kept within myself on the hills and just slowly made my way up. About 90 miles into the bike, I started to feel the bike quite a bit. I still had strong legs, but the tiredness had set into the body. You feel that you are done with the hills after the 3rd Bitch Hill - but not true - Verona to Madison has a few more. Finished the bike in 7:10 compared to 7:10 IMWI07 and 7:40 IMKY08.
Run (26.2 miles) - Coming off the bike I knew that I didn't have enough in the tank to have a strong run, so I made the decision to enjoy the run/walk. I had some GI issues, fairly minor, but still caused me to stop running and walk. I tried to run between the aid stations, but slowly the GI problems would stop me. At the turn around (13.1 miles), I felt better and was able to run for about 4 miles. I then started walking a bit and was not able to start running again. Around 5 miles to go, I was still walking fast, but I could feel my body giving up. I knew I'd make it, but it wasn't going to be enjoyable as I had hoped. I ended up around 6hrs compared to 5:20 IMWI07 and 5:40 IMKY08.
My only goal was (and always is) to FINISH - goal accomplished. My other goal is to continue to train for IronMan's and spend summers on our boat - goal accomplished (I spent 5 weeks on the boat this summer with little training during that time).
I ended up in the Medical Tent for about an hour with stomach cramps. I've had this issue after every IronMan - so I knew it was coming. The problem was that we walked up to the capital before it became a problem. At that point I had to lie down and soon they had a "gator ambulance" come pick me up. My blood pressure was very low at 70 / 30, but I had only lost 2 pounds during the day (which is awesome - too many lbs and your in trouble). Mrs TB brought the car down and I made a quick dash to lay down in the front seat (stomach would not cramp while laying down). I did not have stomach cramps on the run - just afterwards - but a bit painful.
I have a feeling that as I continue to do IronMan's and train as I do (inconsistent outside of IMWI07), someday I will DNF. I had plenty of room to finish this year, so all was good. But throw in some windy/rainy weather and the bike may take more out of me than I have. I'm willing to take that risk in order to keep doing what I enjoy - IronMan's.
So, 3 attempted - 3 Finished. Next up - IronMan Lake Placid 2010.
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