Spikes Half IM - Triathlon Week

Spike10 · 08-14-2006, 09:57 PM

Well kids I did it, not to stellar of a time but it goes in the win collum cause I finished it. It was a beautiful day in Boulder CO, we got a good start just after 6:30 AM. The swim was going fine until around the first bouy my left shoulder decided not to do the swim and wanted to go home, well no dice pal we are here to stay! So it was breast stroke time again, but I was no longer hindered by the too small wetsuit. Slow as it was, the swim portion of the half was faster than my Olympic just three weeks ago. And off to the bike (Yea my favorite!) it was 56 beautiful miles of Colorado, I did them right at 3 hours, just over 18.5 mph average. Then off to the hard part, my run was a pain fest, feet were on fire and hips started to lock up at about 10 miles, knowing the finish line was near, the terrier came back and with teeth bared I kept on walking. As I approched the end an athlete that looked like he had been finished for hours started to chear me to the end and trotted along side of me to keep me going, as I rounded the last turn he was there with a hand up for the high five and he made me smile cause that was what I was there for, then I crossed the line and heard the final beep of the timer, then pow, down on my knees and head down I realized that my first Half Iron was now mine forever! For the ones out there reading this post that have yet to do it yet, there is nothing like it anywhere and I recomend to all who have these asperations to go for it.
I can't wait to do it all again next season and with alot better shoes:)
I diddn't hit my goal time of breaking 7 hours but I did finish (still very important) and I was thinking most of the day of my favorite saying from IM Kona, "You can quit and no one will care, but you will always know". The only way that I will end a race early is if I'm unconcious!
Till next time.
Spike.

sfricks · 08-15-2006, 06:35 AM

Killer Spike! Congratulations Ironman. You're right about the feeling of accomplishment. There's noting like coming across the line. Even when you're in pain and you've shut the world out, that finish line makes life "right as rain"!

So how's the sholder now? What was that about? Old injury? Reptitive use injury? Despite the sholder, congrats on a better time over a 25% greater distance!

And the bike!!! 18.5 MPH. That's Sprint distance speed for me (on an all down hill course!). Way to kick butt!

How did transitions go?

So the run was tough, hugh? What was the temp? 13 miles is not fun in the middle of a hot day. I'm happy you stuck to it. That shows real character.

OK... Whats' next for Spikey? Do I smell Iron???

Hernan96 · 08-15-2006, 07:06 AM

Spike,

Congrats. I am signing up for my first 70.3 this week. I am looking forward to it. Your story is very inspirational. I look for ward to the training, the cheering and accomplishment.

Thanks,

Chris

Spike10 · 08-15-2006, 07:56 AM

The shoulder is an old injury, I trashed it about 4 years ago real bad, I tore the rotator cuff in 3 places, dislocated the bicep tendon, partialy dislocated the joint and detached the scapula muscle all in one tenth of a second when I drove my shoulder into hard pack snow while snowboarding at about 20mph.(yes this was my last time to snowboard) Every now and then it lets me know that a doctor had to put a screw in it.
My transitions went very smooth, T1 2:53 and I diddn't forget anything :), T2 was 3:03, when I got there some of my stuff was not where I left it so I made sure to have everthing and a drink of warm Gatorade (Yuck). The temp on the run and all day for that matter was very pleasant, between 85 and 90 with very little humidity, however the dust on the dirt road was not very welcome.
I am planing my 2007 race season and yes I smell Iron too, we shall see when.
Spike.

sfricks · 08-15-2006, 10:50 AM

Spike, again congrats. For what it's worth, if you can do 70.3, it takes very little additional training to muster 140.6. Iron is 30% physical, 50% nutritional and 90% mental. Bad math, I know, but when your engaged in it, you'll understand. My $ is on you.

Chris, good luck in your 70.3. Which race are you doing? Keep us posted on your pre-race, race and post race. Knock 'em dead!

Hernan96 · 08-15-2006, 02:42 PM

Well, I signed up for the Half IM in California,Oceanside. It will be my first of this distance. This has been a good base year so far for me. I have 3 more races this year, 2 in September and 1 in December. Training so far has been good. I had one injury that kind of fixed itself with a proper bike fitting and some rest. I am looking forward to 2007. I will keep everyone posted.

Chris

hmullett · 08-15-2006, 06:12 PM

Spike!!!!!

You rock, Ironman! I'm so proud of you! Felt great, didn't it, crossing the finish line? Now, you know you can do it, there's nothing holding you back.

GREAT JOB!!!! ( and thanks for the Kona inspiration)

Heather