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My race report - Spirit of
Racine 1/2 IM There are things you can prepare for in life and there are those you cannot. I physically trained for each phase of the race, practiced nutrition and hydration strategies, and mentally prepared for what lie ahead. I knew there were obstacles, which I would have to overcome. My conditioning was not at the level I wanted it to be. There were various aches throughout my body, hamstrings, knee, shin and a right foot that caused me to hobble out of bed every morning. These were all obstacles that I was prepared to conquer. Then there is the unknown; choppy waves in the open water, the blown tire or potential crash on the bike, and finally the conditions of the day. The weather forecast called for temperatures nearing 100 degrees with a heat index between 115 and 120. This could be a problem. I don’t train in these conditions. It’s just too uncomfortable and quite unsafe. There was no way to know what kind of toll this would take. But I was prepared to find out, or so I thought. 3:30am race morning temperature 77 degrees: Waking up was not difficult since I had never fallen into a deep sleep the night before. Add one more variable to overcome – lack of sleep. There was no more time for physical training; it was all mental preparation at this point. Picturing the day’s events unfolding, imagining each phase of the race and preparing to ride the highs and push through the lows. I was ready. 6:00am: There is nothing like the buzz of race morning in T1/T2; participants readying their transition areas, filling hydration bottles and gel flasks, checking tire pressure and squeezing into wet suits. The air is electric with anticipation. Some are frantic, some laughing, and others obviously in deep mental preparation or doubt. The pop-hiss of tires exploding could be heard like distant fireworks. Add one more variable to prepare for. I adjust the pressure on my tires to allow for heat expansion and give a sigh of relief, confidant that I’ve avoided a potential mishap. 6:45am: Transition area is closing. The 1500 or so participants begin their march down the beach to the starting line. I knew I needed to get into the water for some warm-up before the race began. This is a lesson I learned the hard way. My first race involved diving into a cold lake, feeling the shock and constriction in my chest and the ensuing panic from the inability to breathe. This was an obstacle I knew how to overcome. The waters of Lake Michigan were cool and refreshing and a welcome relief from the already rising temperatures. 7:00am: The race begins. Pros and Elite amateurs make up the first waves. I would have to wait a little over twenty minutes to begin, time for one last mental run through of the day ahead. I was ready. 7:21am: The horn sounds and I begin the long anticipated journey. I had my doubts, my fears, and even some regrets at the foregone opportunities I had to better prepare for this day. But the cards had been dealt and I had to make the most of what I had. Not long into the 400yd swim out to the first buoy I realized that the peaceful waves lapping against the shore were the result of significant swells further out in the lake. I am not an accomplished open water swimmer so I may be exaggerating when I say this was definitely an up hill swim. I logged this as the first unexpected obstacle to overcome. I had no strategy so I had but one choice, just keep going and going and going. At some point time becomes a blur. I thankfully exit the water completing the 1.2 mile first leg of the event. Running up the beach to the transition area it’s obvious the temperature has climbed even further. I feel refreshed from the swim and optimistic about surviving the rest of the day. It is hot but the breeze from the lake offers a nice bit of relief. Unfortunately the bike ride would take us out into the countryside away from any lakefront cooling effect. There was wind however. A significant wind out of the west was blowing hot steamy air directly into the face of the westbound riders. The temperature rising, the wind fighting every crank of the pedals, and the endless rising terrain were more unexpected obstacles to overcome on this 56-mile leg of the journey. Again I had no strategy, and therefore no choice but to keep on going, and going and going. As I dismounted my bike and entered the transition area I felt spent. I had hydrated and refueled as much as possible on the ride but the wind, the heat and the terrain had taken its’ toll. I doubted my ability to complete the race. What lie ahead was 13.1 miles of heat and asphalt. The temperature had to be approaching 100 degrees if not over that already. My skin sizzled from the beating rays of the sun. I strapped on my running shoes and reluctantly made my way onto the course. The warning signs were overtly clear. Ambulances and medical personnel could be seen rushing to aid those overcome by heat. These were dangerous conditions and ones for which I would have to have a survival plan. Thankfully, there were volunteers and residents with sprinklers and hoses spraying refreshing showers of cold water. My plan was to take it easy and not let my heart rate get above 165 and drink at every opportunity. This meant my run more closely resembled shuffling and walking. But it was a strategy that proved successful. I crossed the finish line without the rush of endorphins or the exhilarating thrill of victory, but with the simple sense of relief. There is a lesson to be learned from every experience. Sometimes that lesson is unclear. What I know to be true is that I am not fast and will probably never be the first in my age group to cross the finish line, but never the less I am a competitor in spirit. The challenge was daunting and I was ill prepared yet found a way to finish what I started. I guess that I’ve learned that preparation and perseverance are the keys to success and with them no obstacle is too great to overcome.
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