Pre-Race Routine and Warm-Up:
Was actually able to eat! Powerbar, drank two bottles of Gatorade, 7% solution. Had a few bites of oatmeal cookie. I jogged that last 800 yards of the bike course to see what that would look like coming in.
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Swim
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40:42 | 1.2 mi | 2:08 min/100 m |
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Performance Comments:
I love swimming Lake Michigan - do it all the time. Was hoping to beat 40 minutes…so close. I started outside almost last because the wave was 160 people. I settled into a rhythm very quickly. I should have started out mid-pack, my time would have been much better. Sun was in our eyes and I thought every orange buoy was the last one which was yellow. I was able to spot very well when at the top of each wave. Practice paid off. Left calf cramped severely as soon as I touched the sand bar. I have to learn to stretch.
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What Would You Do Different?
Started mid pack, near the edge of the group. Coach Ali has me swimming much faster - I'm not in the back anymore!
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T1
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3:15 |
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Performance Comments:
I take my wetsuit off in the water because it easier, but my time is still slow? I always set my phone to a text to tell my wife I'm out of the water - all I do is push send, everything is pre-programmed. I took quite a while to get the sand off my feet. I was the farthest from the bike exit so I ran in socks . . good plan, worked well.
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What Would You Do Different?
Remember my water bucket or spray bottle of water to clean my feet.
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Bike
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2:55:45 | 56 mi | 19.12 mph |
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Performance Comments:
Good performance considering the cramp. I had to peddle with one leg for awhile until I worked the cramp back out. I could see it bruising. It never locked back up, but hurt each stroke. After a while, I just didn't notice it. I drank three Gatorade Endurance bottles in the first hour looking for salt. Considering I never had to hit the portajon, I'd say the cramp was dehydration. All in all, good ride. Last 18 miles was into the wind.
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What Would You Do Different?
Drink and stretch more before the swim.
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T2
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4:19 |
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Performance Comments:
Very slow? It certainly didn't feel this slow. I did change socks because of all the sand.
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What Would You Do Different?
I guess just practice.
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Run
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2:07:58 | 13.1 miles | 9:46 min/mi |
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Performance Comments:
Every single step hurt due to the cramp bruise. I walked the aid stations and the major inclines. I was trying to beat 6 hours total, so I kept calculating the cushion. What a relief to see I had 17 minutes to make the last mile. I ran the last 2 miles quite well.
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What Would You Do Different?
Nothing, the strategy of walking here and there works for me.
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Post Race Activities and Cool Down:
I think this was a fast as I could go. Good coaching and good plan.
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Event Comments:
Being part of a team, hanging out with friends, and having a coach prepare you is the most fun I've ever had doing a tri and I've done about 45 tris. Coach Ali had me well prepared. Volunteers are top notch.
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Would You Do This Race Again?
Absolutely, If I can afford the $250 entry.
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