Ironman 70.3... a Non-Elite Perspective

Source: Trifueler

by Star

The week started with my parents flying into Tampa on Wednesday, and then driving over to Indian Shores for a few days in a condo on the beach (not a bad start!). On Wednesday afternoon, we went to the race hotel and got checked in. While we were perusing the expo, a man with a video camera asked if he could interview me about this inaugural and historical event (and apparently this was shown at the Welcome Dinner on Thursday night). I also had the pleasure of meeting "Noel", a fellow Trifueler. I knew immediately that he was going to kick @$$! On Thursday morning Dad and I got up early and I joined in on the practice swim on Clearwater Beach. The weather had been windy and Thursday was no exception: there were 2-3 foot swells, which made for a fun "practice" swim; swimmers were all over the place trying to fight the waves and choking on salt water. I was hoping that the wind would die down by Saturday. Thursday afternoon a friend of ours took my parents and me out on his boat to view Clearwater and the surrounding beaches from a different perspective (including the dreaded Memorial Causeway Bridge). Friday morning Armando and I went to the athlete briefing and checked in my bike and gear bags. Friday night, we had my traditional pre-race dinner: pizza....some Europeans at the restaurant also added beer for more carbs. We went back to the condo and had a nail-painting party...even Dad painted his "hang-loose" fingers in bright orange! I slept a total of three hours due to anxiety and excitement.

Saturday morning 4:00AM Dad is up and ready to roll...but our alarm wasn't set til 4:30AM. I took a shower, loaded up our bags and headed out. We took a shuttle bus from the race hotel to the race site, which is less stressful letting someone else drive and park. I really had little to organize at my transition area, since all my needs were in my gear bags that we checked in on Friday. I took my time looking at the elite athletes and how every one prepares in his own way: some listen to music, some stretch, some chat with their family and friends, some of us spend time waiting in line for the port-o-potty! Time to get out of transition, and head to the water. The pros went off at 7:00 and 7:05, then the men in three different age groups, and last but not least, ALL of the women...355 of us to be exact, started our journey at 7:30AM.

Initially I wasn't happy that all the women were tossed in together, but seeing that we made up less than 25% of the entire race (there were 1361 starters total) it made sense. And when our swim started, and I had a great swim despite being swam over and under, and kicked a few times, and pulled along by some of the faster swimmers, I was ok with the big group thing. The wind had calmed tremendously and I felt confident and relaxed and finished my 1.2 mile swim in 36:06...a few minutes faster than I had planned. Great! As I climbed out of the water and onto the soft sandy beach, I saw and heard my personal cheering crowd. Cool! I entered transition, and was wetsuit-stripped by four volunteers...who made life easier at that particular moment. I grabbed my gear bag, and changed into my bike attire with my own personal assistant helping me. I ran with my hot Orbea out of transition and again saw my cheer leaders on the sidelines as I zipped by them to start the bike leg.

The heart beats fast after leaving transition, and I know it will calm down, but its so exciting to be out there with elite athletes from all over the world! The majority of men and women were well ahead of me, and some of those who I passed on the swim, passed me on the 56-mile bike ride. The local police did an excellent job of directing traffic and keeping our lane cleared of vehicles (although I saw a couple of accident victims). The bike course was beautiful, climbing up the Memorial Causeway Bridge, the Bayside Bridge and the Courtney Campbell Causeway...lots of water to look at while I pushed along by myself. On the Courtney Campbell I noticed that there were two huge groups of men drafting...what the...??? I wanted to be in there, being pulled along, but at least I can say that I rode on my own power. I passed Sarah Reinertsen, the physically challenged female triathlete, and wondered how she does it. I smiled and waved at the retirees who stood out on the streets and cheered for us. Finally I got back to Clearwater, finishing the bike loop in 3:08 (8 minutes slower than I wanted) and knew what lay ahead....13.1 miles of running.

At the transition again, I handed off my bike to the bike handler (one of the BEST feelings in triathlon!) and scooted over to my gear bag for one final change....into my cute running skirt! I saw Ilene (my volunteer volunteer) who gave words of encouragement. As I hopped out onto the run course, the best of the best were finishing their race. That is one of the most difficult mental games to play in tri....knowing I have 2+ hours of running left, and there are athletes who are finished with their race. "Keep pushing!" I tell myself. My feet dance when I see my group cheering on the side...I can't get close to them because there are runners on their way to the finish line, but I give 'em the "hang loose" and keep moving forward....up the 72 foot Memorial Causeway Bridge. During this first loop, there are still runners out there, finishing their second loop, but at least I'm not alone. The course was beautiful and scenic as we ran through the Belleview Biltmore neighborhood. There were aid stations every mile which is always a welcome sight...the volunteers are encouraging and helpful and fun. Up the Causeway Bridge and down it....didn't see my group at the turn-around...I could have used their power, but this is my race....gotta do it alone. Up the Bridge again...only one more time to go, then the finish line. I ended up running the majority of the course, with nutrition breaks at the aid stations. My stomach was in good shape this time...my new nutrition plan seems to be working, though I probably should have taken in a few more calories. It was getting hot, and I was concerned about dehydration, but I took in enough electrolytes to keep moving forward and upright. Finally, the Bridge is staring me in the face again (with the theme from Rocky playing in the background!), and I trudge up it one last time. I looked down into the intercoastal and seriously thought of jumping in! It looked so refreshing... I chatted with an Englishman on the way up and hightailed it down again, jamming to the local radio station that was booming at the bottom. Getting closer to the finish line I hear the crowd cheer, though I can tell that there aren't many spectators left. Some guys had already picked up their bikes and gear and were heading out of town....but they cheered and encouraged me to keep moving through that last mile!

Finally, I see the finish chute, and see my group. They don't care what time it is, or how long my race took (6:10:28)...they think I'm the best triathlete in the world! (At least that's the feeling they give me). They cheer me on and we high-five as I make my way through the finish chute. I think my Dad has tears in his eyes, and I can see the look of pride on each and every person's face. Its like I race for them....they may not be able to do it...but I can. I guess that's why I do this sport....because I can. And they all are my power each and every time I race. Whether they are at the race or not, I feel their support and encouragement. Triathlon is an individual sport.... but I couldn't do it without them behind me.

Thanks to all of you who put up with me during the tri season....NOW we can party! Thanks to you TRIFUEL for the words of encouragement, knowledge and tips. I may not be the fastest girl, but I am the luckiest girl in the world! -Andrea

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