So we're a few weeks out from the Longhorn half Ironman and I thought I'd share some thoughts on the experience. Overall I was really pleased with the way it turned out. I had a game plan and stuck to it. in the end it wasn't flawless but it was successful. I was ready for the race and I really had a good time once it had started. The beginning of the day, however, was stressful. When I got to my bike that morning I found that it had a flat tire. Because there were two transitions I did not have a pump so I had to track one down. After getting my the tire changed I tried inflating. Either because of nerves or because I was not familiar with the pump I snapped of the stem on my tube while trying to inflate the tire. I changed it again but they were trying to close transition. I cut my thumb but got the tire fixed (again). I got the tire pumped but didn't get a chance to check the bead or do anything else to ensure it was alright. I had also used both of my backup tubes so if something went wrong and I had another flat I was doomed. Luckily for me that never happened. After that I got in the water after saying hi to Kennon and Mel. Maybe because of the stress the flat or the gravity of what I was starting I sort of panicked in the water. My heart rate went high and I was having difficulty getting my stroke on. I eventually got going but never felt fully comfortable. After getting out of the water I headed for transition and got on my bike keeping my fingers crossed that the tire would stay together. My goal was to keep my heart rate at around 80 BPM. This is a pretty comfortable pace but I knew I had a half Marathon to complete. The bike course started off pretty hilly. there are a lot of hills in the first 12 miles. I knew that going in and kind of considered that part of the transition. After turning away from the lake and on to (Somewhat) flatter roads I tucked in and just got in a groove. I saw Liz on the bike. I caught up with her near the end of the bike. Coming in to T2 I could see the runners out on the course and I sort of had a WTF? moment. I was pretty tired and still had hours of running to complete. I shook that off and concentrated on having a smooth transition. I got my running shoes on and hit the road. as I was leaving transition a well meaning supporter yelled, "Congratulations, You're almost there."
I thought, "Are you crazy lady? I'm about to start a half marathon." I just started laughing. I think she may have been annoyed but it totally relieved the death grip that doubt had put on my psyche. During the run the game plan really started to pay off. I felt like I had enough in the tank to complete the run. I even had negative splits on the three loops of the course. After the race I saw Corrie, and all my friends. It was an overwhelmingly emotional experience. After the race I was starving but nothing seemed edible. I ended up eating a powerbar, because I hadn't had enough of those apparently.
I only took a few days off after the race and then got back to the pool. I feel good moving forward and am looking forward to increasing the training heading into St George. I've been working with my friend Robby on my swimming. He's been great and has helped me tweak a few things in my stroke that are having huge benefits.
I was talking to Mark during the Jack and Adams group ride this last weekend. He said something that I will be focusing on moving forward. He said when you're training and racing long triathlons you have to be your own best friend. I've found that couldn't be more true. when you're out there you have to be your own cheerleader, entertainment, and psychologist. It's funny that something that seems so masochistic has already taught me to love myself more. It may seem antithetical but it's one of those beautiful contradictions you find in life when you step outside your comfort zone.
