Post by Ed Slovenkay on Sept 13, 2010 16:27:43 GMT -5
“If it were easy, everyone would do it.” That’s what I kept telling myself while I began the first loop of the 2.4 mile swim in Lake Erie as my right goggle filled up with water. I seeded myself properly for my first ever mass swim start and only got bumped a few times. I decided that I’d rather endure lake water in the eye as opposed to going off course in order to adjust my goggles. The swim start was delayed 10 minutes and there was little opportunity to get in the water to warm up. My plan was to go out on the counterclockwise swim easy so as to warm up then go a little harder after the first turn buoy and really hammer it back to shore. The winds were out of the east the day before and that caused considerable swells and a lot of concern about completing the swim leg. Today the winds were out of the west so there was just a little chop, a totally different swim venue than the practice swim.
I was in a good groove rounding the second turn buoy only to find that the chop from the westerly winds was pounding at me as I tried to pick up the pace. I managed to find swimmers to my right and left who were swimming at the same pace so I didn’t need to sight much. It was nice to get to the first swim exit to get those goggles off, but it was almost 50 yards from the shore and shallow enough to prevent you from swimming in very close. The second loop was much of the same as the first, had to tread through about 50 yards of shallow water before you could begin freestyle. Again the right goggle filled with water. I started thinking that maybe it was not a good idea to get my weight down to 170 as maybe my face shrunk causing the goggles I am accustomed to using to no longer fit. As I exited the swim the beach was jammed with spectators all cheering. It was a nice feeling to be able to see out of both eyes again. Swim time 1:07:12.
As I entered T1 I saw that they laid out water buckets to dip your feet in to help remove the sand. I headed for the first one on the left and just as I planted both feet inside, the bucket slipped out from under me and I slammed down on the pavement. I could hear the crowd go “ooohhhh” and I just laughed at myself thankful I didn’t break anything. The volunteer in the tent was great. He helped pull off the wetsuit and packed up my swim gear as I slipped on the bike gear to head out. The skies were overcast and the plan for the bike course was to go out conservative (one gear easier) until about mile 80 and then pick up the pace back to T2. Well, right out of the gate I get passed. Cadence was ~100 and the computer had me at 20 mph. At about mile 3 I get passed again. I’ve often said that racing is as much mental as it is physical. Man is it tough not to keep up with these guys passing me on the bike. Instead I chose to study what they look like from behind since I plan to catch and pass them on the run.
Around mile 30 I was feeling GREAT! Nutrition was dialed in, heart rate was in check, cadence was between 95-100. The wind was not too terrible and I was taking what the course was giving. If I had a tail wind, I went a little faster, if it was a head wind I backed off. I heard a motorcycle coming up beside me. It was a race official and she was taking notes. “What did I do,” I thought as they sped past me. Just then another competitor passed me. I think the loser got caught drafting. He was in my age group and I just smiled as I studied the backside that I was likely to see later. About mile 45 another guy in my age group passed me and he was really working. His hips were shifting and he was mashing on those pedals. I was still feeling good and I thought maybe it was time to pick it up. I did for about a mile until my head kicked in and said “stick to the plan.” He was wearing Army triathlon gear.
The wind had to have kicked up by the second lap. I was riding an 808 on the front and a disc on the back and getting blown around pretty good. I remember several times forcing myself to let go of the death grip I had on the aero bars and wondering whether the aero helmet was going to get ripped off my head as I felt the wind tugging at the back of it. With nutrition still dialed in, cadence and heart rate still in check, I passed the 80 mile mark. The wind was really pounding and I began thinking there is no way I’m going to be able to go harder and still run a marathon. The wind was just relentless and chipping away at me mentally now. I was changing gears, shifting positions, swearing and grunting all in an attempt to find a way to push through it. Just before mile 95 I heard a rowdy group along the side of the road. It was the CTC folks cheering on the racers. As I passed them, the adrenaline started pumping again and I forgot about how miserable I’d been until then. With new spirits I shifted into harder gearing and I was back to the race plan. I truly believe this event saved my race. Thanks guys!! The wind was still an issue coming back to T2 but what a relief it was to get to the dismount line. Bike time was 5:30:23.
As the handler took my bike the daunting task of running the marathon began to sink in. Had I done enough long runs? Did I do enough long bricks? Did I taper correctly? Having only done this distance for the first time last year, I only had that feeling to reference. I remember how bad my stomach felt when I got off the bike in Louisville. I hadn’t fueled properly during that race and it showed around half way through the run. This year I found a combination that worked and practiced it, often. As I reached the first aid station taking only water, I was hoping for a better day today. Within the first 6 miles, I’d caught and passed all but one of the guys in my age group who went screaming by me on the bike, including the loser drafter who had only one word for me, “dude!” I think it was around mile 8 where again the CTC cheering section was stationed. Another great pick-me-up from those guys and I was on the way to completing the first lap. I wasn’t keeping track of my pace, I just knew I felt good and my heart rate was in check. When I hit the turn I knew I was somewhere around 1:45 so all I had to do was keep that pace for another lap and I’d hit my run goal time of 3:30. Easier said than done, which has been my experience.
It was nice to see so many familiar faces on the run course. The common thread was they all kept saying “Ed you look great!” I actually felt great too, so at the start of this second lap, I was in uncharted waters and began to mentally prepare for “the wall.” During all of the marathons I’ve run, the wall hits me between mile 18-20. Last year at Louisville, it started around mile 16 of the run. This time, as I approached mile 16, I noticed some familiar clothing on a male, age 37. It was the guy with the Army triathlon gear who passed me on the bike. I could tell he was running slower than me and my adrenaline started kicking in as I resolved to pass him with some conviction. No words were exchanged but what I wouldn’t give to see that expression on his face as I hammered by this late in the race. As I approached mile 18, I could hear the CTC cheering section again and knew I was going to see them soon for another emotional boost. Durno ran with me for about half a block. I remember Mark once saying that he’d never to an Ironman distance race. I think that’s a great call as I thoroughly enjoy having him out there on the course cheering. I saw Tim Walsh somewhere around mile 22 or 23 and chatted with him for a bit as I still had not hit the wall. Looking at my watch I knew if I could just keep the pace, I’d hit my 3:30 run goal. I was right on track so briefly stopped at the last aid station to grab a cola and water when suddenly I was passed by a male, age 37 wearing the Army triathlon gear. I couldn’t believe it. Had he been close behind me this whole time? Was I falling off the pace that bad?
I instantly dropped the fluids and began chasing. My mind went to another place, the Tuesday morning track workouts where mile repeats can only be conquered using quick steps and fast turnover. Those workouts usually hurt and I told myself that this race and my season are almost over so it’s time to make it hurt. Where was this energy coming from? As I motored past him I somehow managed to keep it up. Random spectators kept shouting “WOW, nice job, finish strong.” I wanted to finish before this guy and still have a chance to have my step daughters come through the finish line with me so I had to hold the pace and get some separation. As I wound through the finish line and into the park, I could see Emily and Rachel waving to me and jumping around. I signaled for them to get into the chute so they could run across the line with me. It was a spectacular finish line, the setting, the cheering, the feeling of once again finishing the Ironman. Run time 3:29.23, Finish time 10:12:50, 2nd place AG, 23rd OA.
About a minute later, a male, age 37, wearing Army triathlon gear, named Anthony Lee came across the line and we congratulated each other. What was really nice about this finish line is that they let you savor the finish for a while. They give you your medal and finisher shirt, a bottle of water but they’re not grabbing you and pushing you out like they did at Louisville. I guess it is due to the numbers. Overall I was impressed that this was a first time event. I thought the Rev3 team did a fantastic job as did the volunteers. I really hope they continue this event. I like having something like this right here on the north coast. At the awards banquet the Rev3 director said that this race was in the works for almost 2 years. Then it hit me, planning, preparation, execution and having the discipline to do all 3 are the main ingredients for success in just about any of life’s endeavors.
I was in a good groove rounding the second turn buoy only to find that the chop from the westerly winds was pounding at me as I tried to pick up the pace. I managed to find swimmers to my right and left who were swimming at the same pace so I didn’t need to sight much. It was nice to get to the first swim exit to get those goggles off, but it was almost 50 yards from the shore and shallow enough to prevent you from swimming in very close. The second loop was much of the same as the first, had to tread through about 50 yards of shallow water before you could begin freestyle. Again the right goggle filled with water. I started thinking that maybe it was not a good idea to get my weight down to 170 as maybe my face shrunk causing the goggles I am accustomed to using to no longer fit. As I exited the swim the beach was jammed with spectators all cheering. It was a nice feeling to be able to see out of both eyes again. Swim time 1:07:12.
As I entered T1 I saw that they laid out water buckets to dip your feet in to help remove the sand. I headed for the first one on the left and just as I planted both feet inside, the bucket slipped out from under me and I slammed down on the pavement. I could hear the crowd go “ooohhhh” and I just laughed at myself thankful I didn’t break anything. The volunteer in the tent was great. He helped pull off the wetsuit and packed up my swim gear as I slipped on the bike gear to head out. The skies were overcast and the plan for the bike course was to go out conservative (one gear easier) until about mile 80 and then pick up the pace back to T2. Well, right out of the gate I get passed. Cadence was ~100 and the computer had me at 20 mph. At about mile 3 I get passed again. I’ve often said that racing is as much mental as it is physical. Man is it tough not to keep up with these guys passing me on the bike. Instead I chose to study what they look like from behind since I plan to catch and pass them on the run.
Around mile 30 I was feeling GREAT! Nutrition was dialed in, heart rate was in check, cadence was between 95-100. The wind was not too terrible and I was taking what the course was giving. If I had a tail wind, I went a little faster, if it was a head wind I backed off. I heard a motorcycle coming up beside me. It was a race official and she was taking notes. “What did I do,” I thought as they sped past me. Just then another competitor passed me. I think the loser got caught drafting. He was in my age group and I just smiled as I studied the backside that I was likely to see later. About mile 45 another guy in my age group passed me and he was really working. His hips were shifting and he was mashing on those pedals. I was still feeling good and I thought maybe it was time to pick it up. I did for about a mile until my head kicked in and said “stick to the plan.” He was wearing Army triathlon gear.
The wind had to have kicked up by the second lap. I was riding an 808 on the front and a disc on the back and getting blown around pretty good. I remember several times forcing myself to let go of the death grip I had on the aero bars and wondering whether the aero helmet was going to get ripped off my head as I felt the wind tugging at the back of it. With nutrition still dialed in, cadence and heart rate still in check, I passed the 80 mile mark. The wind was really pounding and I began thinking there is no way I’m going to be able to go harder and still run a marathon. The wind was just relentless and chipping away at me mentally now. I was changing gears, shifting positions, swearing and grunting all in an attempt to find a way to push through it. Just before mile 95 I heard a rowdy group along the side of the road. It was the CTC folks cheering on the racers. As I passed them, the adrenaline started pumping again and I forgot about how miserable I’d been until then. With new spirits I shifted into harder gearing and I was back to the race plan. I truly believe this event saved my race. Thanks guys!! The wind was still an issue coming back to T2 but what a relief it was to get to the dismount line. Bike time was 5:30:23.
As the handler took my bike the daunting task of running the marathon began to sink in. Had I done enough long runs? Did I do enough long bricks? Did I taper correctly? Having only done this distance for the first time last year, I only had that feeling to reference. I remember how bad my stomach felt when I got off the bike in Louisville. I hadn’t fueled properly during that race and it showed around half way through the run. This year I found a combination that worked and practiced it, often. As I reached the first aid station taking only water, I was hoping for a better day today. Within the first 6 miles, I’d caught and passed all but one of the guys in my age group who went screaming by me on the bike, including the loser drafter who had only one word for me, “dude!” I think it was around mile 8 where again the CTC cheering section was stationed. Another great pick-me-up from those guys and I was on the way to completing the first lap. I wasn’t keeping track of my pace, I just knew I felt good and my heart rate was in check. When I hit the turn I knew I was somewhere around 1:45 so all I had to do was keep that pace for another lap and I’d hit my run goal time of 3:30. Easier said than done, which has been my experience.
It was nice to see so many familiar faces on the run course. The common thread was they all kept saying “Ed you look great!” I actually felt great too, so at the start of this second lap, I was in uncharted waters and began to mentally prepare for “the wall.” During all of the marathons I’ve run, the wall hits me between mile 18-20. Last year at Louisville, it started around mile 16 of the run. This time, as I approached mile 16, I noticed some familiar clothing on a male, age 37. It was the guy with the Army triathlon gear who passed me on the bike. I could tell he was running slower than me and my adrenaline started kicking in as I resolved to pass him with some conviction. No words were exchanged but what I wouldn’t give to see that expression on his face as I hammered by this late in the race. As I approached mile 18, I could hear the CTC cheering section again and knew I was going to see them soon for another emotional boost. Durno ran with me for about half a block. I remember Mark once saying that he’d never to an Ironman distance race. I think that’s a great call as I thoroughly enjoy having him out there on the course cheering. I saw Tim Walsh somewhere around mile 22 or 23 and chatted with him for a bit as I still had not hit the wall. Looking at my watch I knew if I could just keep the pace, I’d hit my 3:30 run goal. I was right on track so briefly stopped at the last aid station to grab a cola and water when suddenly I was passed by a male, age 37 wearing the Army triathlon gear. I couldn’t believe it. Had he been close behind me this whole time? Was I falling off the pace that bad?
I instantly dropped the fluids and began chasing. My mind went to another place, the Tuesday morning track workouts where mile repeats can only be conquered using quick steps and fast turnover. Those workouts usually hurt and I told myself that this race and my season are almost over so it’s time to make it hurt. Where was this energy coming from? As I motored past him I somehow managed to keep it up. Random spectators kept shouting “WOW, nice job, finish strong.” I wanted to finish before this guy and still have a chance to have my step daughters come through the finish line with me so I had to hold the pace and get some separation. As I wound through the finish line and into the park, I could see Emily and Rachel waving to me and jumping around. I signaled for them to get into the chute so they could run across the line with me. It was a spectacular finish line, the setting, the cheering, the feeling of once again finishing the Ironman. Run time 3:29.23, Finish time 10:12:50, 2nd place AG, 23rd OA.
About a minute later, a male, age 37, wearing Army triathlon gear, named Anthony Lee came across the line and we congratulated each other. What was really nice about this finish line is that they let you savor the finish for a while. They give you your medal and finisher shirt, a bottle of water but they’re not grabbing you and pushing you out like they did at Louisville. I guess it is due to the numbers. Overall I was impressed that this was a first time event. I thought the Rev3 team did a fantastic job as did the volunteers. I really hope they continue this event. I like having something like this right here on the north coast. At the awards banquet the Rev3 director said that this race was in the works for almost 2 years. Then it hit me, planning, preparation, execution and having the discipline to do all 3 are the main ingredients for success in just about any of life’s endeavors.
