Like my title? You see— this race report is 14 months late because I have struggled with how to write this race report. Alas- if I want to fire up the blog again, and if I have any hope of ever inspiring anyone- I need to pick up where I left off, and tell you about September 30, 2018 when I almost became a kinda-sorta Ironman.
For starters, a few days before the race, Ironman announced that the swim was canceled due to historic flooding on the Tennessee River.
While I was “officially” sad because it wouldn’t truly be an Ironman without the swim, I was secretly super thrilled! With the swim canceled, my always-present race anxiety dissipated. I slept well the night before the race, and was so excited to just bike and run!! I had cycled 100 and 110 miles in recent weeks and I felt confident in my 116 mile bike ride. I figured if nothing else I could walk the 26.2 miles.
Normally you get 16.5 hours to complete the 2.4 mile swim, 116 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. But with the swim canceled, they gave us a 14:40 time limit— taking 1:50 off for what could’ve been the swim. I wasn’t worried. I was hoping for a 7 hour bike, possibly even a little faster, and then 7.5 hours on the run if needed. No problem!
The morning arrived, and it was interesting to be part of a triathlon that started with the bike. I was excited and I was happy! The first 28 miles or so—I was pacing 17 mph. And then—- before the climb at Hog Jowl— my back tire felt weird. Weird. Wobbly. Oh no.
i got off my bike and sure enough, the back tire was soft. I didn’t know what to do. But I thought that maybe I could just add air and make it to an aid station for help…. Let me say right now— that I know how to change a tire- theoretically. What I didn’t have was experience taking the tire off the rim, etc…. so, I added a cartridge of CO2 and hoped for the best, made it up Hog Jowl, back down and was on my way…. until about mile 30 or so… and then— it was flat. FLAT. I got the wheel off, and then sat down on the ground to start the arduous task of getting the tire off the rim. … I tried, and I tried, and before long I could feel the hot tears welling up in my eyes. Dammit! I could not get the tire off! Ironman stops for no-one, and minutes we’re passing by. Finally, a man and woman- both triathletes- stopped and offered to help. While they were helping, the bike sag van came by also, and he quickly sent my two good samaritans on their way and he finished changing the tire. I could feel the tears coming again as I was certain my day was over only 32 miles in… but he said there was still plenty of time and to get going! I looked at him incredulously but mounted my bike, noting that there were still plenty of cyclists passing by. He shoved an extra tube in my back pocket, and off I went.
I had no idea how much time I spent on the side of the road. But I figured about 20 minutes. I finished the first loop feeling good, and started the second loop. Writing this now, 14 months later, the only memory I have about the second loop is that it was no longer crowded, but I was also tired and not able to take those rollers as fast as I would have liked. The other memory I have was looking around at the beautiful scenery of the valley, and being so thankful for this day and this opportunity. Truly my heart was grateful. Did I go into a dark place mentally?? Maybe around mile 70-80 but I remember talking to myself that it would pass.
Before I knew it, the bike was over. 116 miles in 7:30. 15.4 mph overall which is taking into account the 20-30 min on the side of the road. I buzzed into T2, and a kind volunteer helped me with my bag, but all I did was change shoes and put on my visor. Out of T2 in 6 minutes and change.
THE RUN
I suppose the best thing about writing a race report a year later is that it’s nice and short for the readers because I’ve forgotten the details of the day. I really don’t remember much about the run, except that I walked most of it. I knew I had 7 hours and 10 minutes. And I knew if I maintained a 16 minute mile I could make it. Surely with running and walking I would finish in time.
My boys met me near Boathouse restaurant on both loops. It was great to see them and have their support and encouragement.
I made it up and down the hills on the north shore, and back to Special Needs at mile 13.1. I honestly do not remember what I had in the bag, nor how I felt. I knew at that point I could finish. I was, however, not interested in any running. I felt good walking and didn’t want to run and risk no longer able to walk fast. I didn’t know then— but my walking was going to start slowing down.
Ok I’m even getting bored writing this! So the next 13.1 miles came and went and I felt ok the entire time. Tired but not in pain, so onward I walked….
There came a point- and I’m not sure when or where- maybe mile 18-19 — when I knew I was too slow to finish in 14:40…. I decided it was ok as long as I could finish while the finish line was still open and get my name called and know I went the distance. Looking back— a person. Is not capable of making sound decisions after 136 miles of biking and run walking! Oh how I wish I would’ve tried to push it!!!
anyways— I finally was approaching the finishers’ chute. I was with another guy as we approached and we asked each other which one wanted to go first so we could each have our moment. Honestly I can’t remember— I think he let me go first. Anyways— it was glorious!!!! I was an Ironman!!!!
well— kinda.
Not really.
I missed the cutoff by 13 minutes… a few days later Ironman decided to let everyone who finished by 14:50 be official finishers. So- I missed it by 3 minutes! Crap! Oh well. You know what? It was still the best day of my triathlon life— in spite of the flat tire fiasco. And besides— my first 70.3 took too long and I was officially a DNF, so why not my first 140.6… Besides— even if I had finished in 14:50, I still wouldn’t be a “real” Ironman because the swim was canceled! 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Only one way to rectify this kinda-sorta not really Ironman race….. 2020! Stay tuned for all that has happened since September 30, 2018. And, might I add— that even with the swim canceled, I still went more than 140.6 miles, since Choo has 4 extra miles on the bike. So it was 142.2 and I’m still proud of myself! And happy oh so very, very happy!💕💕
Midlife Triathlon 