Race Day: Sunday morning started with my early morning “breakfast” at 3:00am and a wake-up call at 4:00am. Armando (my coach, driver, sunscreen sprayer, cheerleader, photographer, and all-around great husband) drove me to Fort Wilderness to get the day going. The transition area was abuzz with nervous athletes. After getting my gear in order we headed to the beach.

It was a chilly start for May in Florida (64 degrees), and after I stuck my toes in the water, I shivered til the start (it was not a wetsuit-legal race). There were lots of first-timers, and they showed themselves in the swim. I stayed close to the buoys to help with sighting, and there were lots of “obstacles” around. Several people were struggling only 300 meters into the swim, and I had to swim around the back-strokers, frog-swimmers, and those treading water. My goal for the day was not to PR, but to race at IM pace. So my swim was a bit slower than I anticipated. I finished in 44:41.

Once out of the water, we had a 2-minute run to the transition area. I changed as quickly as possible, and headed out for the 56-mile bike. The course is very nice, with some rolling hills about halfway through the ride. The wind was a factor (10-20 mph) but it was at our backs on the way home. I did a great job keeping my heart rate in check, under 155 bpm….but it was very difficult to not throw it into gear and rock at times! I really had to tell myself, “This is just an expensive training day…keep it slow and low…relax.” It worked and I was able to keep an 18.3 mph average. I finished the bike in 3:03.

Last stop in transition, and into my cute running skirt. My goal on the run was to keep my heart rate low…but that was tough. It was hot (87-88 degrees) and there is a two-mile stretch in the 3-loop course where we run on dry grass and dirt with no shade. That was one hot tamale! But I had been taking two electrolytes every hour starting on the bike, and kept it up on the run. I could see the people who weren’t used to our hot hot heat, and they were walking and cramping…but not me! I did start to have side-splits early on, but I slowed down and breathed deeply for several miles and it cleared up. I had a slow pace (11:16 minute miles) but it was ok with me. I knew my goal for the day. The first two laps were actually good…I’m not a fan of three-loop run courses, but I was able to play the mind game with them…I knew what was coming each time. I didn’t really struggle until I looked at the time (for the first time in the race) at mile 9 of the run….I was at 5:35. That was a little disheartening, and I struggled mentally for a mile. But I talked myself through it. I enjoyed the cold water and sponges at the aid stations and dumped ice down my top to keep cool. I crossed the finish line at 6:23:12.

This was certainly not my fastest HIM (nor was it meant to be) but I was over a minute faster than last year, so technically, I PR’d the course. My run was much cleaner (well, not really clean…the dirt ruined my shoes!) and I felt tons better than last year. Overall, it was a successful “race.” My mental training is paying off and I only struggled through one mile of the entire course. I was actually surprised at how positive I remained throughout the race.

What I learned:

Be positive…it will carry you through the tough times and makes the whole race more fun and enjoyable
Pace yourself…its a long day out there
Electrolytes are a saving grace

Am I ready for IMA, you ask? Bring it on, I say!! :D