Eric''s Steelhead 70.3 Report (Last test before Moo)

[Eric]

This is the report from my race this last weekend’s race consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run.



So here is a short race report from my weekend at Steelhead 70.3.



Pre-race – We opted to get lodging at the last minute, which unfortunately is a big no no for these big events. We ended staying at a dive hotel off the high adjacent to a truck stop. Yes, disgusting! I swear they may have rented out the rooms by the hour if you get my drift. At any rate, wake up was at 4:30am. It’s been a long time since I had pre-race jitters, but with my increased fitness this year, I was poised for a good race. So I woke up before the alarm and started my pre-race routine. Two instant Campbell soups, a banana, and a powerbar, all while sipping Gatorade and water. At about 5:15 we headed down to the race site. As with most major races, a lot of people get there early and prep there bikes and transition areas. My routine is simple, put the headphones on and focus on myself. Lucky for me, I’ve done this a lot, so with no light yet I had my petzl headlamp handy to get my area setup, pump my tires, check my water bottles, and make sure everything was set. The remainder of the time is spent stretching and getting my mind right. The problem with aging up into another age group is that the 30-40s are considered the fast guys and we go off last. So after the pros went off my age group was an hour and twenty minutes afterwards. A lot of time to do nothing!



Swim – I started up in front and got into a pretty good rhythm, but the winds were picking up and the swells were getting bigger. The swim was much tougher than I had anticipated, but I just stayed calm and forged onward. I was having problems sighting the buoys though because of the swells, but managed to swim somewhat straight and exited the water in just under 39 minutes. Not very fast, but I was not exerted at all.



Bike – This was going to be my first test of this year’s fitness, so I was ready to get going! My first minor problem occurred at mile 3, when my rear wheel was loose and I had to stop and tighten it. Eventually, I had to stop again because my rear wheel was rubbing against something and I didn’t figure it out until mile 30. I’m lucky the tire didn’t blow! Anyway, I was averaging 22.5mph and I was pretty happy, but at mile 20 the wind started to pick up really hard. I had to exert a lot more energy an effort to maintain speed. As a result, I accidentally deviated from my nutrition time table, which ultimately doomed me. By mile 40, my stomach was in knots! I tried to drink some Gatorade, no mas…I instantly threw up to my left. Hopefully no one was behind me as we were going about 18mph. The final 16 miles were the worst of the day! 25 mph headwinds, coupled with puking and dizziness! I literally dropped 3mph off my average speed. But I made it into Transition (T2) and knew that I was going to have a battle ahead of me. Off the bike in 2:53, which is about 15 minutes behind schedule.



Run – So this part is supposed to be my strength and it tested me on Saturday. Having an upset stomach and calorie deficit put me behind, but luckily I had a plan and it worked. First mile I strictly stuck to the plan of running a 9:30 mile. Second Mile 9:00 minutes, eventually I worked my way down. No matter how I felt, I made myself promise not to walk. I was in bad shape with cramps and dehydration, but I kept running and shuffling. I passed 300 people in those 13 miles and cross the line after a mediocre 1:55 half marathon. I instantly crumbled after crossing the line and was rushed into the medical tent for instant IVs. I was in there for two IVs. Let me tell you IVs are instant treatment! All in all, I was not too disappointed with my day even though I was 30 minutes behind where I wanted to be. I didn’t taper for the race and I fought through some tough conditions. A huge mental boost leading into Wisconsin in 40 days.

I'd like to thank Mike, Asher, and Brett for cheering me on and taking some cool pics. Its really awesome to have someone yelling out with a megaphone "Go DETROIT IRON" as you're coming in from the bike!



E

[jared]

Awesome race report! When things don't go your way on a race but you still make it through and finish, it really helps you for future races. I think that's basically all what the Ironman is about. I know you're going to do great at IM Wisconsin and I can't wait to hand a water bottle off to you at the aid station!