A NoMoBeer Race Report....

[NoMoBeer]

Hope you like it! Not sure if I've ever posted these on here, but I used to post them on another sober website a while ago. Hopefully some can take inspiration from them, or laugh, or whatever.... Let me know if you like it!

Tri in the Pines Race Report
August 26, 2006
Swim 825 yds, Bike 12.3 miles, Run 3.5 miles.
Show Low, AZ
Elevation 6,300’

This race was initially scheduled to be an “A” race, but due to back and stress problems, my training 3 weeks leading up to the race was very limited. I decided it would be a “C” race, and I would take whatever the day gave me.

I drove up to Show Low Friday afternoon. Picked up my race packet and drove the bike course – I remember those painful hills from last year! Got to my hotel to check in. What a flea bag. Oh well – I guess I’ll take what that day gives me as well! Went across the street to Native New Yorker restaurant to grab dinner. Had spaghetti, grilled chicken and a salad. Went to bed around 9:30, but did not sleep well.

Woke up at 4:00 AM and could not get back to sleep, so I just got up. My wave did not go off until 8:55, so I had plenty of time. Showered, dressed and ate breakfast. Had a cinnamon raisin bagel with peanut butter and banana Hammer gel. Drank lots of water all morning. Prepped my water bottles, etc. and drove the ½ mile to race site at 6:00.

Set up transition area and spent time with my fellow club members (and friends) and we all looked spiffy in our new team tri uniforms. I was getting a little nervous because of my lack of training over the past 3 weeks, especially my swim, which deteriorates fastest due to lack of ‘feel’ for the water.

The call came for my age group, and I went over to the meeting area. On the way, I had an Espresso Hammer Gel and some water. Ready to go. Got in my lane, and did about 100 yards of warm up. Went off at 8:50. Of course I was sharing the lane with a kid who smoked me and probably lapped me twice. No worries, I just didn’t want to be last out of the wave (they had seeded me with the second fastest group!). I came out of the water a little shy of 14:30 (and not last). Not bad. I felt like I had no idea where I was as I made my way to the transition area (truly a “put one foot in front of the other” experience). Had some trouble getting my socks on, but eventually got going.

Headed out on the bike and was laboring hard – the altitude was affecting me for sure. The first section of the course is fun, and downhill – I was up between 25-30 MPH for a while. What goes down must come up! Back section of the bike has a couple of short climbs. Meanwhile, there was a guy in front of me in blue. I was trying to catch him. I finally did, passed him and noticed a “41” on his calf. He’s in my Age Group! There was a good possibility he was from my wave, so I was stoked…. Finished the bike, not sure of my split, but around :40 so I averaged a little over 18 MPH – not bad for a hilly course.

Nothing too eventful in T2. Got my bike shoes off, helmet off, running shoes, race number on and off I went. I did notice that my calf had been cramping since about mile 10 of the bike. Headed toward the run course. Got out on the run, and I had to stop about ¼ mile in to stretch my calf. I was in pain, but kept on running. My stomach was also not doing too well – I was drinking Hammer HEED on the bike (similar to Gatorade, but no simple sugars and much milder taste), and it was just sloshing around in my stomach. No more HEED on the bike for short course – stick with water. My run (3 laps around a one mile trail, plus a ½ mile) got stronger each lap. The hills are not monstrous, but enough to be painful. I’ve got to learn to keep my strength better on the hills and also learn to run downhill – free speed!

Last lap I came around the ball field and could see the trisports.com finish line…. Kept my pace strong and headed in toward the finish – crossed the line and looked at my watch – 1:32 – a full 10 minutes faster than last year!!!!

All in all a fun race, the ride back to Phoenix was the most painful part. My lower back does not like two 3.5 hour car rides back to back!!!

I did reach all 3 of my race goals:
1. Have fun
2. Finish strong
3. Be grateful to God for the gift of being able to do this crazy sport!

Thanks for reading!
Not sure yet where I finished in my Age Group or Overall, but when I find out I'll post 'em!

Ken

[Gabe]

Ken, I hope you are very proud of yourself.
What an amazing thing it is that you do.
Thanks for sharing with us.

[Hopefloats]

I loved reading this Ken. Good for you! I had a lot of smiles as you took me along on your journey...
Hope

[Little Missy]

That is awesome!! Congratulations no matter how you finished!! I was cheering you on as I read, "Go, Go, Go!!"

Thanks for sharing such a great experience with us!! Makes me want to get in shape, kind of. LOL

[Chy]

I love reading your marathon reports, I do, I do, helps keep me motivated! Way to go you!

[CAPTAINZING]

I know this is a one day at a time but, I believe in goals

Keep up the good life Ken

[NoMoBeer]

This just in....

I placed 5th in my Age Group (out of 11), and 48th overall men, out of 95.

Yippee!

[Chy]

Yay you!!!

[NoMoBeer]

Yay God! :smiley_abap:

[Little Missy]

That is so awesome!! Way to go!!

[cody]

WOW Ken....very impressive! Good for you

I agree that being able to read your story was very inspiring, and motivating. I look forward to hearing more!

Thanks