took a beating in Augusta

John Kilpatrick Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:11 pm

Wish I could
report some grand result, but the reality is what it is. Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to sort
of put the thoughts down while they are fresh…. Also, I cut and pasted this from word and it screwed up the formatting - hard to read I know - sorry.....

This, by far, is the biggest event/race that I’ve ever been
a part of – it was insane the number of people!
I arrived Friday get a hotel and check in. Usually we travel as a crew, but my wife and
son couldn’t make it this weekend. That
left me with my nerves before the race!
I went to the check-in hotel to get my race packet and holy smokes –
there were a ton of people. Just about
every race I feel a little this way, but I looked around and everyone basically
looks incredibly fit and confident – I started thinking uh-oh, I’m going to get
crushed. Sat through one of the pre-race
meetings then took off to drive the bike course. Second uh-oh.
This thing is hilly! Got a fitful
night sleep – nerves plus I hate sleeping in hotel rooms! Saturday got a relaxed start to the day and
then took off to drive the bike course again. Stopped along the way to do a short bike ride
(20 minutes) – hard to believe I will be racing this same road tomorrow. Ate a
subway sandwich for lunch and decided to go back to the hotel to watch some
football. Laid out my racing gear
probably 5 times over, making sure everything was good. Stomach was flip-flopping all afternoon. We had to rack our bike sometime between 2-8
on Saturday, so I headed to the transition area about 2:30. There were people EVERYWHERE and you could
really feel the excitement in the air.
There were about 3200 people entered – lot of people with their gear
packed into one area! How in the heck am
I going to find my bike in all of this mess during the race? Someone fortunately had the forethought to
stretch an old swimming cap over the end of the rack in my row, so that would
serve as a great marker for my bike rack.

I think my biggest fear was having to go to the bathroom
during the race. Decided to eat some
crackers for dinner – didn’t really feel hungry and didn’t want to have any GI issues. Tried to go to sleep and finally did at about
midnight or so – set alarm clock for 3:45.
Woke up the next morning and drank a glass of warm water and went for a
mile run. That helped out potty wise, so
that was a good thing. I was worried
about parking, so I left early to get my transition area set up. Grabbed a bagel on the way out of the hotel
and ate half of it on the drive. Hit a
port-a-potty on the walk from the car again for good measure. Butterflies in full swing now. Got my area set and took the shuttle bus to
the swim start (Augusta was set up where the start, transition area, and finish
are all in different areas). At the swim
start now, and this is it – nothing to do but wait a little while and all of
the hard work that I’ve put in will be put to the test! I’m a little concerned that I haven’t eaten
very much, but figure it is better than the alternative – I kept a gel with me
to eat right before the swim start. At
7:30, the 1^st wave (pros) took off and I watched them swim
downriver. They sure make it look
easy! Time to get my wetsuit on (at
least the legs) and find my wave group.
I was the 12^th wave to go (scheduled for 8:16 AM), with about
140 people in it. The time went by
pretty quickly – took my gel at about 8:00 and it was almost time to go. My God, what have I gotten myself into
here? Time is up – my group of people
heads to the water – it was a treading water start, so we all jump in and wait
for the starting horn. 10 second warning
– there is no turning back now! Horn
sounds, and we’re off!

About 1-2 seconds into the race, I got kicked in the right
eye – didn’t hurt, but popped my goggles enough to where the right eye filled
with water – instantly. That sucks –
guess I’ll have to live with it for the swim.
One eye is better than none anyway (and I didn’t want to stop and adjust
it). Sighting wasn’t as bad of an issue
as it could have been because it is downriver – I could just keep the right
hand shore in my vision and I knew I was in good shape. I really didn’t push it too hard on the swim
and the people spread out fairly quickly.
Got to what I thought was near the end of the swim and got a little
confused – I couldn’t see the exit, but I knew I should have been really close –
I realized then that I had basically overshot the exit and had to make a hard
right-hand turn to hit the exit (a boat ramp).
No big deal but sort of stupid! I
got out of the water with what seemed like a bunch of orange-capped people, which
were two groups ahead of me.

Swim: 1.2 miles in
24:04 (avg pace 1:08/100 yds). This was definitely
current-assisted, so it is not really comparable with other swim times at other
events. In any case, after looking
through the “official” results, that put me in 20^th in my division
(there were 414 finishers in the male 40-44 group) and 152^nd overall
(out of 2693 finishers). Still felt good
– time to get to work now.

Ran up the carpeted boat ramp to the transition area. It was a relatively long run to get into the
transition area – ran past the “strippers” and flopped down on my butt. I already had the top down for the wetsuit
and the volunteers there grabbed the top and peeled my like a grape in about 1
second. Thanks guys! Got over to my bike without incident and sort
of stumbled around getting ready. You
wouldn’t think it would take very long to get a watch on, but I fumbled with it
for probably 20 seconds. Oh well, got
the shoes on and took off for the bike exit.
Little bit of a traffic jam there, but got out and to what they call the
mount line (where you can actually get onto your bike). Hopped on and took off. Great – another traffic jam. There are rules on passing at these things
and you can’t go over the yellow center line to pass, and there was bikers 2-4
across for the first ¼ to ½ mile or so.
As soon as I could, I dropped into the aero bars and started hammering
down. My plan was to use my Garmin watch
during the run and my bike computer during the ride. But, the computer never came on. Damnit!
Somewhere along the way, the sensor got knocked out a little too far
from the magnet on the spokes, so I was left without knowing the speed. I had decided not to wear the HR strap for my
watch b/c I didn’t want to be distracted by it, but flipped my watch on. I don’t know why, as I never looked at it
during the ride and had it set on the run option anyway. Below is
the profile for the bike course – not hilly by some’s standards, but it
was pretty much constantly rolling and definitely hilly for me! No hills were really steep, but some were long
and required a good effort. I got passed
by some people, but overall it seemed like I was just constantly passing
people. I wondered if I was pushing it
too hard, but this is supposed to be a race, and I’ve never had real problems
on the run and hey – it is only 13.1 miles (this would come back to haunt
me!!!!!). There were three bottle drops –
places where you could drop a water bottle off and grab a new one. I stuck with the plan of eating a gel every
45-50 minutes and drank my perform (basically Gatorade). But, in retrospect, I didn’t drink enough
(more on that later). I almost got taken
out by a wobbly cyclist at one of the rest stops, but no sweat. Making the way through all of the cyclists
was interesting. Most were following the
rules, a few were obviously drafting (a big no-no), more than I would of liked
were blocking (not passing anyone, but riding in a manner to make it difficult
to pass anyone. No idea what happened,
but somewhere along the way, my high bike gears starting making some awful
clicking sound like the chain was coming off or something. Great.
This left me with my lower gears in my big chain, but I was afraid to
really hammer down in the downhills.
This left me with the thought that I had really better bear down on the
uphills to make up the time. No problems
really, just a 56 mile ride. By about
mile 50 or so, I started thinking about the run. I also started thinking that maybe I hadn’t
taken in enough fluids and my legs were feeling a little more wobbly than they should
have been after a ride such as this. But
hey – once again, it is only a half marathon and I’m on track for actually
breaking 5:00 – holy cow, I’m actually going to do this! Finished up the bike, dismounted, and made my
way to my transition spot. Racked my
bike, got on my running shoes and cap, drank a little, reset my Garmin, and
took off through a longish exit to begin the run. Legs felt a little heavy, but I know from
experience that will shake out in short order (or not – more on that
later).

[img] took a beating in Augusta Profil10

[/img]

Cycling: 56 miles,
2:30:06, 22.39 mph avg. Rank 132
overall, 19^th in my age group at this point. Looking backwards, the cycling time was 33^rd
in my age group. There weren’t many
bikes racked when I got back (most were still out on the course) so I thought
things were going well.

OK, so now to the run.
I’m basically bowing my head in shame over this one. I remember Tim talking about carnage – that was
me, carnage. It was horrible. I made it through the first half (6.55 miles)
in 51:44. Disappointing because I
normally feel like I can run faster than that.
The real bummer was I could feel my HR really spiking, legs getting
heavy, breathing way too hard, etc.
Stopped at every aid station to drink some water. I don’t know why I never ate a gel or drank
any coke, Gatorade, ate a banana or anything – it probably would of helped a
little bit. It wasn’t real hot, so I can’t
blame it on that and a lot of other people were running. I think it ended up 84 degrees, 72 dewpoint,
66% RH (race started at 73, 73 DP, 100% RH).
Maybe not perfect, but not totally awful either. The wheels totally fell off at about mile
8. I was “running” (if you can even call
it that) between aid stations, but started walking for longer and longer at
them. At mile 8, my calves started
seizing up. Had to stop periodically to
stretch them and had to take little short choppy steps to keep jogging. This one was another complete surprise – I’ve
never had cramping issues before like that.
My left leg, which has been a concern of mine for some time, really
never hurt any worse than usual during the event and I can’t blame any of this
on that. Here I am, really wanting to be
a decent runner and at my “strong point” I’m looking like a complete
idiot. I’m really embarrassed over the
results there, but I really had nothing left.
Nothing. I was toast. I did what I could do, but really fell
apart. Pitiful/disgusting/etc. Came through the finishing gate and it was
bittersweet. I know I missed the 5:00
goal, but I didn’t finish strong. I’m 0
for 2 in the endurance events. Crashed
at the end of my first marathon and crashed at the end of my first longish
triathlon. I trained hard, but obviously
have a lot to learn about pacing and energy management.

For the run, I’m ashamed to report that I ran 13.1 miles in
2:02:06 (1^st half in 51:44 and the second half in 1:10:22). That’s it.
I blew it. Anyway, That put me at
an ending time of 5:02:04. According to
the official results, that left me at 43^rd in my age group, with the
74^th run. I can’t believe how
bad I did that there were that many people running more poorly than I did.

As a recap: Ended up with 5:02:04. That put me 43/414 in my age group, 216/1766 men finishers, and 263/2693 overall finishers.

section	distance	my time	my pace	age group standing after each event	age group rank	Avg age group time
swim	1.2	24:04	1:08/100 yds	21 (152 overall)	20th	29:31 (1:23/100 yds)
cycle	56	2:30:06	22.39 mph	19 (132 overall)	33rd	2:51:58 (19.54 mph)
run	13.1	2:02:06	9:19/mile	43 (256 overall)	74th	2:24:51 (11:03/mile)

Following thoughts/ramblings: After I’ve had a little bit of time to digest
it all, I don’t feel quite so
bad. I got through it, but am totally
humbled by the sport and am in even more awe of those that can pace themselves
throughout. I certainly learned some
lessons for myself as I move forward.
Eat something a little more substantial the night before and maybe a
little bit more the morning of. Settle
down and it will be OK. Drink more on
the bike – don’t start the run thirsty.
Take maybe some salt tablets or something to stave off cramping. Also, when I look back, I have to admit that
my original goal was to actually finish the race. I did that.
I think I must be what Jerry
calls a “bad racer”. How do I get better
at that? I don’t know, but my hunger for
improving is only stronger now. I’m
beaten up a little, but not beaten. I
also learned that a structured training plan is probably best and I will be
following one as I move forward. As I
was driving the 4 hours home after the event (that pretty much sucked!), I was
thinking about my next goal. Run a sub
3:15 marathon in March. One of these days
I’m going to figure out how to successfully run a good distance event without
crashing. If not this year, then the
next or the next or the next. I also
have to think that in this race, my goal was to give my best effort. I think I did that even if the results
suffered. There is something to be said
for racing smart – I can only learn and get better there. I am not a natural-born athlete so I can’t
expect it to come easy. I’ll just keep
working at it. There are some really
gifted people that work harder than I did to get ready that performed really
well, but there are surely others that have put the time in probably for years
to get to where they are. I have a
little bitter pill that I’m still swallowing, but I’m also really hungry for
the next go-round. I don’t mean to whine
about the results either even if I’m a little disappointed. I will say this – after I collected myself a
little after finishing, I thought about the journey and got choked up with
pride. While not a stellar result, I
have come a LONG way from not that long ago.

It is also important for me to thank the many people on here
who inspire, encourage, and even sometimes admonish (or maybe just steer me in
a better direction) me. I’ve learned so
much from all of you. Thank you
specifically to Mike, Randy, Alex, Seth, Jim, Chris, Jon, Jim, Michele, Tim, Martin,
Lisa, Julie, Kenny, Stephanie, and everyone else. Your support really means a lot!

mul21 Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:32 pm

So, let me get this straight. You just successfully completed your first half Iron Man and finished in the top 20% of your age group and the top 10% of overall finishers, right? You just missed going under 5 hours and while there's not many of us here who have done a race like you just did, I can tell you that just about everybody would have been happy if they finished within about 2 minutes of their goal time in their first marathon.

You've come a long way since you started training and keeping at it and being more consistent will only help you continue down that road. Great job and you should certainly be proud of your finish! You kicked ass!

Nick Morris Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:33 pm

Sorry to read about your bad race experience. But in all honesty, a 5:02 is not that bad of a race. What you need to do is reflect on your race and learn from it for the next one. Keep your head up!!

Jim Lentz Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:35 pm

Very nice placement, John! I am inspired by anyone that can complete a half ironman that well!

Seth Harrison Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:41 pm

John, You have absolutely nothing to hang your head about. This was a terrific first triathlon. Your AG and overall finish is fantastic.
Like a first marathon, this first tri is all about learning what to do for the next one. It definitely appears that you were dehydrated halfway through the run. That's something you can easily remedy. I think getting 3 1/2 hours sleep also didn't help.
Congratulations on a great, and I mean GREAT first triathlon.
I really enjoyed following your training for this one.
Rest up and be really proud of what you accomplished.
Great job buddy!

Michele "1L" Keane Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:58 pm

mul21 wrote:So, let me get this straight. You just successfully completed your first half Iron Man and finished in the top 20% of your age group and the top 10% of overall finishers, right? You just missed going under 5 hours and while there's not many of us here who have done a race like you just did, I can tell you that just about everybody would have been happy if they finished within about 2 minutes of their goal time in their first marathon.

You've come a long way since you started training and keeping at it and being more consistent will only help you continue down that road. Great job and you should certainly be proud of your finish! You kicked ass!

Yeah, pretty much what he said! Shoot I know we all want to do better every time we compete, but hell, John, that was a pretty awesome race if you ask me. I'm so intimidated by the Half IM distance (and I thought about Augusta - thank god for my college friends) that I wouldn't even sign up let alone train and finish 41st out of 414. You learned some lessons as we all do the first time, but damn, that is an awesome race!!

PS if it makes you feel any better, my friend Katharine Trapp who runs with me on the ATC team finished an hour after you. She totally blew the run (according to her), so you were not alone. I also know for a fact that it was very warm and humid.

Kenny B. Mon Sep 26, 2011 2:10 pm

I can't say much more then what was already said. Give yourself the celebration it deserves and carry on!

healdgator Mon Sep 26, 2011 2:50 pm

Man, your cramping issues sound very familiar to me. Still, with all that, you finished within 2 minutes of 5 hours in a brutal event. Pretty impressive, imo.

Julie Mon Sep 26, 2011 2:52 pm

Yeah top 10% on your first Half Ironman , nothing to hang your head about. Seriously. You did great! Yeah you were beat up at the end and the run didn't go as well as they have been going in training but you stuck with it and you finished and just a couple minutes over 5 hrs! Great job! Now enjoy some ice cream or something and take a few day off! Very Happy

stanton Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:00 pm

Loved reading your report! Someday, hopefully, I'll be able to complete a HIM (much more slowly than you did). Just getting out there for one of those things is freaking terrifying to me. I can't imagine getting out there AND doing as well as you did on your first try. I looked online yesterday to find out how you did and my first reaction was thinking, holy crap he did freaking awesome. Was pretty surprised you weren't happy with your performance, and definitely don't feel bad for you. Overachiever! People like you make me look even worse than normal!

Very Happy

Chris M Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:07 pm

Ok, ditto from me on all the nice things people said above. You did great. Top 10% overall and top 12% in your AG. Good stuff.....really nice.

Now...on the other hand...WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ON THAT PRE-RACE "DINNER"? Crackers? Seriously? I've had massive problems with cramping in marathons and one of the best sources of info I've gotten on how to address nutritional needs is from the tri community. You crazy tri people understand fueling completely and it is the "4th sport" for HM and IM athletes along with swimming/biking/running. For as fast as you are, you simply have to get your knowledge and performance in that 4th sport up to a much higher level!! You stacked the deck against yourself going into the race so depleted. And on a hot day like that, it may have been impossible to replenish enough during the race but you went and gave that a little kick by skipping on-course carbs during the run?! Geesh.

So, all positive things on your training, your speed, your toughness etc. You are really doing quite well after really just getting started.....but.....you simply must step up your game on the fuel side of things. Have a MUCH BETTER plan next time you do an event that will last more than 2.5 hours. Better planning and execution on the fueling side would have made a big difference in Augusta and it will for you when you do it right next time.

Now, about that BQ we've been discussing.....get rested from this and then let's get to work!

T Miller Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:56 pm

You had a amazing race just like everyone has said. You must be really comfortable in the water to swim that whole way with water in one eye. While I was tracking you I thought for sure that you were going to come in in under 5 hours. You must have really been feeling it during the second half of the run. I'm sure you've learned some valuable lessons and will fare much better next time.

Now back to running, right?

Are you planning a HIM for next year? I haven't decided yet but perhaps we can train together, virtually. Smile

Alex Kubacki Mon Sep 26, 2011 5:47 pm

John, that was an amazing performance especially in those conditions. You're already a force out there so when you get the other stuff nailed down you'll go to a whole new level. Congrats on the race.

Michael Enright Mon Sep 26, 2011 7:16 pm

Great job and great report! The weather sounds awful - reason enough to struggle thru that HM. On to whatever's next...

Mrs. Schuey Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:21 pm

mul21 wrote:So, let me get this straight. You just successfully completed your first half Iron Man and finished in the top 20% of your age group and the top 10% of overall finishers, right? You just missed going under 5 hours and while there's not many of us here who have done a race like you just did, I can tell you that just about everybody would have been happy if they finished within about 2 minutes of their goal time in their first marathon.

You've come a long way since you started training and keeping at it and being more consistent will only help you continue down that road. Great job and you should certainly be proud of your finish! You kicked ass!

I wish there were a "Like" button!

I would like to start by saying that by no means are you that "bad racer Jerry talks about".

John - you have and will continue to inspire each of us on here. Can I tell you how cool it is to see you drop by my blog and give that ray of sunshine I need right when I need it?

You train hard - I am completely serious when I say that I could not do what you do. You are so dedicated and I think you kicked ROYAL ASS!

Continue in your training and keep blogging here. You don't know who's looking up to you!

Schuey Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:28 pm

John let me just tell you that you are far very very very very very far from being a "BAD RACER"!! Don't you ever think that and let that ever enter your mind! Everything you did with your training was a complete inspiration to me and I'm very proud of you! Sure the end results might not be what you were looking for but you gave it 110%!!

The one thing that I always say is no matter what the clock says as long as you give it everything you got you never never ever have no reason to hang your head. And you gave it everything you had for the day. Live to fight another day buddy and remember this day and use it to improve in the future.

Take everything you did this past training cycle and what you did on race day to help improve for the future. Another thing is remember you do this stuff to become more fit and to push your limits, it's not about times or PR's. Sure those things are nice but those things don't measure you or what you are made of. I don't care what anyone on here says, fast times and PR's really don't mean shit except to us personally but if you look at the big picture what really matters is that you pushed your limits on that given day and to me that is worth more then any PR or great time can give you. Races are not all about PR's it is about giving it 110%, I know people that run PR's but still didn't come close to giving it a 110%. You my friend are a winner and a huge inspiration to me so hold your head up high and be DAM PROUD of what you just did! You are a GOOD RACER and you will continue to improve as you do this stuff more and more. Why? Because you have desire and you are fighter and there is no quiet or bad in you buddy.

Randy E Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:39 pm

Hi John, first of all, congrats on getting that first 70.3 under your belt. You sure were a nervous ball of energy the day before the race. I really hope you enjoyed the ambiance of the event.
I think you will do even better next time. You will have a much better idea about fueling, etc. The dinner of crackers was absurd, but looking back kind of humorous. You will look back on that some day while remembering your first race and have a good laugh.
Don't beat yourself up to much but instead learn from this experience and move forward and become better. You have the tools, that's for sure. Once you fine tune a little, watch out!
So, great job and congrats!!

Peg Coover Tue Sep 27, 2011 8:13 am

John, I'm in awe! You did great!

"How do I get better at that? I don’t know, but my hunger for
improving is only stronger now. I’m beaten up a little, but not beaten"

What you said right there is awesome! Congrats!

jon c Tue Sep 27, 2011 9:26 am

John, overall it sounds to me like you did very well. I also agree that nutrition is what did you in on the run. Especially in the heat and humidity it is even more important.

Use this as a learning experience and grow from it. Just think of the improvements you can make. I only see good things ahead for you if you make those adjustments. Cool

I too appreciate all your encouraging and helpful comments on a lot of our blogs. Thanks for that and congratulations on your performance, even if it was somewhat disappointing to you.

fostever Tue Sep 27, 2011 10:12 am

I was going to advise eating something besides crackers the night before and have a solid breakfast, but you covered that. I think someone put it like this; would you drive cross country in your car without filling the fuel tank? Chalk it up to lesson learned. You actually had a SOLID, SOLID time especially considering the disappointing run that I'm assuming you feel is your strong point. I guess you have to realize that stong point comes at the end of a grueling 3 pronged event. Anyway, great job persevering to the end and congrats on a great overall time. Hey, 84 degrees is no walk in the park either, geez, way to go!! cheers

Jerry Tue Sep 27, 2011 10:17 am

Will never get into tri myself, but it seems half ironman is still way more difficult than a full marathon. Be proud on your achievement, John! Congratulations on the finish!

Jack_Scaff Tue Sep 27, 2011 11:33 am

Amazing stuff - I can't imagine how difficult a half, much less a full Iron Man would be.

Congratulations on the work you put in and the result.

JohnP Tue Sep 27, 2011 12:06 pm

John, that was a great race report, very engaging. Like the others here, I agree you shuold not beat yourself up. 84 degrees for a half marathon is way too hot, especially after doing the swim and bike. You do need to get in the mode of Gus during running though. And start to figure out how you can eat more the day before. I am totally with you on avoidnig the bathrooms, but I think you went too far in not eating. Nice job overall though, that took a lot of planning and dedication.

John Kilpatrick Tue Sep 27, 2011 10:32 pm

mul21 wrote:So, let me get this straight. You just successfully completed your first half Iron Man and finished in the top 20% of your age group and the top 10% of overall finishers, right? You just missed going under 5 hours and while there's not many of us here who have done a race like you just did, I can tell you that just about everybody would have been happy if they finished within about 2 minutes of their goal time in their first marathon.

You've come a long way since you started training and keeping at it and being more consistent will only help you continue down that road. Great job and you should certainly be proud of your finish! You kicked ass!

Thanks Jim - I've had time to think about it for a little while and I guess I feel a little better about it. Live and learn. Good point about the marathon time thing - I know I was about 10 minutes away from my first marathon goal and I really didn't know how to pace myself. I've got a lot to learn, but a lot of time to do it.

Nick Morris wrote:Sorry to read about your bad race experience. But in all honesty, a 5:02 is not that bad of a race. What you need to do is reflect on your race and learn from it for the next one. Keep your head up!!

Thanks Nick - forgot to thank you, but I always have appreciated your comments and support. The sun came up today and this was just a learning experience. Maybe that is what makes stuff like this so tantalizing - that it is so damn hard for many of us to run a perfect race.

Jim Lentz wrote:Very nice placement, John! I am inspired by anyone that can complete a half ironman that well!

Ha - Thanks Jim, but you would do well with it if you wanted to as well. I had fun with it - really I did!

Seth Harrison wrote:John, You have absolutely nothing to hang your head about. This was a terrific first triathlon. Your AG and overall finish is fantastic.
Like a first marathon, this first tri is all about learning what to do for the next one. It definitely appears that you were dehydrated halfway through the run. That's something you can easily remedy. I think getting 3 1/2 hours sleep also didn't help. Congratulations on a great, and I mean GREAT first triathlon. I really enjoyed following your training for this one. Rest up and be really proud of what you accomplished. Great job buddy!

Likewise on the training, Seth. I don't feel so bad anymore, but I really was bummed that I didn't finish strong. Hydration and nutrition are some areas that I definitely need to work on - but the good news is it can only get better! I think next time I will be able to sleep better - I was just so damned nervous about what to expect. Now, I'll know!

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:Yeah, pretty much what he said! Shoot I know we all want to do better every time we compete, but hell, John, that was a pretty awesome race if you ask me. I'm so intimidated by the Half IM distance (and I thought about Augusta - thank god for my college friends) that I wouldn't even sign up let alone train and finish 41st out of 414. You learned some lessons as we all do the first time, but damn, that is an awesome race!!

PS if it makes you feel any better, my friend Katharine Trapp who runs with me on the ATC team finished an hour after you. She totally blew the run (according to her), so you were not alone. I also know for a fact that it was very warm and humid.

I hope Katharine had a good experience - reflecting back, I think it would of been good to take a moment or two during the race to enjoy it - even when the wheels were falling off I was still doing something that I could only dream about a while ago. I did learn some lessons that will hopefully make things a little better next time, so I take it as a positive.

Kenny B. wrote:I can't say much more then what was already said. Give yourself the celebration it deserves and carry on!

Thanks Kenny - that is a good thing to remember. At the end of the day I was fortunate and blessed enough to throw my hat in the ring with some absolutely amazing athletes. For that I am extremely grateful and it was a good accomplishment to be there!

healdgator wrote:Man, your cramping issues sound very familiar to me. Still, with all that, you finished within 2 minutes of 5 hours in a brutal event. Pretty impressive, imo.

Ha - I told you we were a lot alike!

Julie wrote:Yeah top 10% on your first Half Ironman , nothing to hang your head about. Seriously. You did great! Yeah you were beat up at the end and the run didn't go as well as they have been going in training but you stuck with it and you finished and just a couple minutes over 5 hrs! Great job! Now enjoy some ice cream or something and take a few day off!

Thanks Julie - lessons learned and move on. I'm not hanging my head anymore - promise! I'm already thinking about my upcoming marathon cycle and am excited about it. I will have to work on getting negative thoughts out of my head about the last 6-8 miles of it though!!!

stanton wrote:Loved reading your report! Someday, hopefully, I'll be able to complete a HIM (much more slowly than you did). Just getting out there for one of those things is freaking terrifying to me. I can't imagine getting out there AND doing as well as you did on your first try. I looked online yesterday to find out how you did and my first reaction was thinking, holy crap he did freaking awesome. Was pretty surprised you weren't happy with your performance, and definitely don't feel bad for you. Overachiever! People like you make me look even worse than normal!

Thanks - appreciate the kind words. Believe it or not, how things shake out with other people is not the most important thing to me - I don't have any control over who shows up at something like this anyway. I was more sort of bummed at the way I finished. There were people out there who probably finished in over 6 hours, but busted their tails doing so - their results are just as if nor more impressive than anything I could of done. I just wanted to race my race and I watched it get away from me there at the end. Oh well - like I said, live and learn! If you were faster or slower than me or anyone else and you get the opportunity to run your race, that would be awesome! It definitely can be done - there are so many people out there that you feel sort of anonymous anyway and can just focus on you.

Chris M wrote:Ok, ditto from me on all the nice things people said above. You did great. Top 10% overall and top 12% in your AG. Good stuff.....really nice.
Now...on the other hand...WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ON THAT PRE-RACE "DINNER"? Crackers? Seriously? I've had massive problems with cramping in marathons and one of the best sources of info I've gotten on how to address nutritional needs is from the tri community. You crazy tri people understand fueling completely and it is the "4th sport" for HM and IM athletes along with swimming/biking/running. For as fast as you are, you simply have to get your knowledge and performance in that 4th sport up to a much higher level!! You stacked the deck against yourself going into the race so depleted. And on a hot day like that, it may have been impossible to replenish enough during the race but you went and gave that a little kick by skipping on-course carbs during the run?! Geesh.

So, all positive things on your training, your speed, your toughness etc. You are really doing quite well after really just getting started.....but.....you simply must step up your game on the fuel side of things. Have a MUCH BETTER plan next time you do an event that will last more than 2.5 hours. Better planning and execution on the fueling side would have made a big difference in Augusta and it will for you when you do it right next time.

Now, about that BQ we've been discussing.....get rested from this and then let's get to work!

Thanks Chris - good stuff. All of it. I now realize how seriously I need to take the nutrition aspect of something like this and take away a lot of lessons learned. Like I said, the good news is that I know improvements can be made. I didn't eat really the night before b/c I was so damn nervous. It is really stupid, though - I don't know why - all the thing is is a swim, a bike ride, and a run. It's not like I hadn't been doing this stuff for some time anyway. Seriously dumb is that I would always eat a "fueling" meal on Saturday and Sunday before my longish rides and runs. Brain just went kaputz.

About the BQ stuff. My leg and brain needs a little rest, but I am already getting excited about the upcoming cycle. I actually am getting REALLY excited about it!

T Miller wrote:You had a amazing race just like everyone has said. You must be really comfortable in the water to swim that whole way with water in one eye. While I was tracking you I thought for sure that you were going to come in in under 5 hours. You must have really been feeling it during the second half of the run. I'm sure you've learned some valuable lessons and will fare much better next time.

Now back to running, right?

Are you planning a HIM for next year? I haven't decided yet but perhaps we can train together, virtually.

Thanks Tim - you would of absolutely destroyed this course. With this swim you might of gotten into the 4:4x-4:5x range. Yeah, the swim stuff I feel really comfortable with. Going in, I felt very comfortable with the run. Live and learn - it sucks to feel the wheels wobble, the bearings get hot, and then fall completely off - you know it is coming and, in my case, I couldn't stop it. I don't know why the brain freeze on nutrition. It might not of even helped, but certainly couldn't of hurt either! I would like to do Augusta again next year as a preparation for the Panama City full, so I plan on diving back in next year. There are a couple of smaller sprints, Olympics, and HIM distances local that I will try to participate in as training runs too. Wish we were closer and could do some training together! I'd love to get some lessons on how to avoid the crash and burn. When you start getting more comfortable with the swimming - look out! You are going to rocket in triathlons if you desire.

Alex Kubacki wrote:John, that was an amazing performance especially in those conditions. You're already a force out there so when you get the other stuff nailed down you'll go to a whole new level. Congrats on the race.

Thanks Alex - I don't think the conditions really were a factor - everyone else was in the same stuff. Nutrition and stamina I guess. One is improved pretty easily and the other just takes a little time. Thanks for the kind words!

Michael Enright wrote:Great job and great report! The weather sounds awful - reason enough to struggle thru that HM. On to whatever's next...

Thanks Michael - the weather wasn't too bad - I'm actually fairly used to that sort of stuff. Next up is the Snickers Marathon in Albany, GA the first weekend of March. Another BQ attempt!

Mrs. Schuey wrote:I wish there were a "Like" button! I would like to start by saying that by no means are you that "bad racer Jerry talks about".

John - you have and will continue to inspire each of us on here. Can I tell you how cool it is to see you drop by my blog and give that ray of sunshine I need right when I need it?

You train hard - I am completely serious when I say that I could not do what you do. You are so dedicated and I think you kicked ROYAL ASS!

Continue in your training and keep blogging here. You don't know who's looking up to you!

You are too kind, Lisa. And likewise to you on your training. I know it doesn't always come easy, but you keep at it. I hope I can avoid the crash and burn thing at the end of a marathon/long triathlon, but I have to think that time and training will have to help. I'll continue to learn about the nutrition side of things too.

Schuey wrote:John let me just tell you that you are far very very very very very far from being a "BAD RACER"!! Don't you ever think that and let that ever enter your mind! Everything you did with your training was a complete inspiration to me and I'm very proud of you! Sure the end results might not be what you were looking for but you gave it 110%!!

The one thing that I always say is no matter what the clock says as long as you give it everything you got you never never ever have no reason to hang your head. And you gave it everything you had for the day. Live to fight another day buddy and remember this day and use it to improve in the future.

Take everything you did this past training cycle and what you did on race day to help improve for the future. Another thing is remember you do this stuff to become more fit and to push your limits, it's not about times or PR's. Sure those things are nice but those things don't measure you or what you are made of. I don't care what anyone on here says, fast times and PR's really don't mean shit except to us personally but if you look at the big picture what really matters is that you pushed your limits on that given day and to me that is worth more then any PR or great time can give you. Races are not all about PR's it is about giving it 110%, I know people that run PR's but still didn't come close to giving it a 110%. You my friend are a winner and a huge inspiration to me so hold your head up high and be DAM PROUD of what you just did! You are a GOOD RACER and you will continue to improve as you do this stuff more and more. Why? Because you have desire and you are fighter and there is no quiet or bad in you buddy.

Damn - Thanks Martin. Great words of wisdom there. Appreciate the perspective too - I really needed a reminder about that. I can't stay down for too long - I'm not that kind of person!

Randy E wrote:Hi John, first of all, congrats on getting that first 70.3 under your belt. You sure were a nervous ball of energy the day before the race. I really hope you enjoyed the ambiance of the event. I think you will do even better next time. You will have a much better idea about fueling, etc. The dinner of crackers was absurd, but looking back kind of humorous. You will look back on that some day while remembering your first race and have a good laugh.
Don't beat yourself up to much but instead learn from this experience and move forward and become better. You have the tools, that's for sure. Once you fine tune a little, watch out! So, great job and congrats!!

Thanks Randy! One thing that I certainly gained a further appreciation of is your mental and physical grip on the sport. Why the hell was I so unnerved as to basically forget everything that I know I should be doing when it is only a combination of the three sports that I spent so much time engaging in? Yeah - pretty stupid. Thanks a bunch for your guidance and I really hope to get some of this stuff nailed down in the future. I know the next one will be more enjoyable because I will be able to relax a little.

Peg Coover wrote:John, I'm in awe! You did great!

"How do I get better at that? I don’t know, but my hunger for
improving is only stronger now. I’m beaten up a little, but not beaten"

What you said right there is awesome! Congrats!

Thanks Peg! You know what? The sun came up today! The next one I might actually enjoy instead of being scared to death!

jon c wrote:John, overall it sounds to me like you did very well. I also agree that nutrition is what did you in on the run. Especially in the heat and humidity it is even more important.Use this as a learning experience and grow from it. Just think of the improvements you can make. I only see good things ahead for you if you make those adjustments. I too appreciate all your encouraging and helpful comments on a lot of our blogs. Thanks for that and congratulations on your performance, even if it was somewhat disappointing to you.

Thanks Jon! Live and learn....

fostever wrote:I was going to advise eating something besides crackers the night before and have a solid breakfast, but you covered that. I think someone put it like this; would you drive cross country in your car without filling the fuel tank? Chalk it up to lesson learned. You actually had a SOLID, SOLID time especially considering the disappointing run that I'm assuming you feel is your strong point. I guess you have to realize that stong point comes at the end of a grueling 3 pronged event. Anyway, great job persevering to the end and congrats on a great overall time. Hey, 84 degrees is no walk in the park either, geez, way to go!!

Thanks! It is fun following all of you on your upcoming races. I have such a profound respect for the people that can pound out strong running performances at the end of these things. Wow.... Energy management between the three events is definitely something that will be a challenge next time.

Jerry wrote:Will never get into tri myself, but it seems half ironman is still way more difficult than a full marathon. Be proud on your achievement, John! Congratulations on the finish!

Thanks Jerry - I don't know if it is more difficult, just different. If I wasn't such an idiot with nutrition and energy management, it might of been a little different. I am still in awe of people that run marathons - I've run one and am really excited to train for the next one, but have a healthy fear and respect of the grind that it is!

Jack_Scaff wrote:Amazing stuff - I can't imagine how difficult a half, much less a full Iron Man would be. Congratulations on the work you put in and the result.

Thanks - appreciate it!

JohnP wrote:John, that was a great race report, very engaging. Like the others here, I agree you shuold not beat yourself up. 84 degrees for a half marathon is way too hot, especially after doing the swim and bike. You do need to get in the mode of Gus during running though. And start to figure out how you can eat more the day before. I am totally with you on avoidnig the bathrooms, but I think you went too far in not eating. Nice job overall though, that took a lot of planning and dedication.

Thanks John - live and learn. In retrospect, a trip to the bathroom would of been a lot better than the alternative! I eat regular stuff during training and rarely had any issues, but got the pre-race jitters. That will be better next time!

OK, so thanks again everyone for the kind words and great perspectives on everything. If I could change anything (well, who am I kidding - I would change a lot of things!), I think I would of taken a step back and enjoyed everything a little more. Here are a few pictures from the event - didn't get one coming out of the water, but the look going across the finish line pretty much says it all (time is different than my finishing time b/c of the different starting waves). Instead of being happy or proud that I had just finished my first HIM, I was focused on how badly I did during the run. I should not of been staring at that stupid Garmin for the last hour watching time bleed off! Anyway, when I had a chance to decompress a little more, I take away a lot of really fond memories from the event. Now, it is time for me to get to root for a bunch of you on your upcoming races that many of you have been busting your butts for! I hope everyone kicks ass and if I can offer anything to anyone, it would be to enjoy the moment!!!!!!! Thanks again to all!

[img] took a beating in Augusta Ahim_110

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Mike MacLellan Tue Sep 27, 2011 11:05 pm

Didn't even smile for the camera at the finish line Very Happy

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