Ameliaman Race

This was a really late addition to the race calendar. Coach Dan was itching to race and wanted some company. Since I pulled out of the race in Nashville this seemed like a great opportunity. So we departed around noon en route to Amelia Island. We met up with some of his friends and crashed in a hotel adjacent to transition.

We first started moving around 5 am Saturday morning as the women in the room were racing the half ironman. I think I finally pried myself from the hotel sofa around 6 am. I devoured a clif bar and a banana while jostling around. I finally made my way to transition, took the bike for a spin and began to stretch out a bit.

My wave was the fourth to go off, after the half ironman wave.s We started on the beach and ran into the water. You had to wade nearly 50' before you could swim. Before the start, we watched the earlier waves go off and you could see that the current was pushing the athletes left really hard (I think the whole first wave missed the first buoy). My plan was to sit on Dan's feet as long as I can and site about 30' to the right of the turn buoys.

First few minutes were good. I was on his hip for the first 200m. Then he began pulling way so I got on his feet. We both were drifting left quickly. He finally pulled away between the second and final buoy. I rounded the turn buoy just fine but realized I couldn't see anything. I had no clue about the course layout. I tried to find feet but everyone was so spread out. I found the second turn buoy and headed home

Here is where I made a mistake. I forgot to take into account the current pushing me on the return. I was a good 20' off course. And there were NO feet anywhere. So I had to fight the current to make it back in. Then you had to wade the final 50' again. That really sucked.

Swim: 27:59 (1.43y/100)

I came out of the water sucking wind. I was not happy with my swim but it was the best I could do given the conditions. The run from the water to the parking lot was about 150 feet. I could tell my heartrate was through the roof. I made it to my bike and popped off my wetsuit. I put my garmin on my wrist and was already in zone 6. And then I was gone.

T1: 2:14

I came out of transition with 3-4 guys and got up to speed quickly. The race was run concurrently with a HIM so they too were transitioning to the bike. My plan was to push it hard as long as I can in order to build up a lead for the run. The best part was that I was passing people as if they were standing still. One guy caught me and I decided not to chase. I sat right outside the draft zone waiting for him to falter. He began to fatigue and I took off.

As I was approaching the turnaround, I began counting the number of people coming back. I was in 18th place and knew I could make up a few more sports. So I put down the hammer on the way back. I was pushing LT nearly the whole time and gaining on everyone. The funny part was that I was in no man's land most the race. If I passed someone, then I dropped them quick and there wasn't anyone to catch for a few more minutes.

Even in the final 3 miles, I caught another 3 guys and soared past them. I knew I had just put together a kickass bike

Bike: 1:07:22 (22 mph)

Due to the injury, I was under explicit instructions to not push the run. If needed, I was to switch to a 9/1 style in an effort to keep the knee from getting irritated. I came out of transition feeling a bit rough. I felt like I was just shuffling along. My HR was in check so I just kept moving. Imagine my surprise when I hit mile 1 at 7:48. Uh-oh WAY too fast.

And for the first time in a while I had a HORRIBLE side stitch. I can't recall the last time I developed one of those. And it wasn't going away. In fact it was slowing my down. I had to bypass the water station despite feeling parched.

I kept plugging along until I was passed by a guy in my age group. Grrr. I knew with the side stitch and bum knee that I couldn't go with him. I made a deal with myself that I was going to continue pushing the pace until the 2nd guy passed me in my AG. (I had a really good feeling where I stood).

Around mile 3 the side stitch subsided. And more importantly the knee was still engaged. At the turnaround I saw some hungry wolves coming my way about 200m back. I settled into a very comfortable sub 8 pace and kept moving.

Around the final 1.5 miles, my HR started to go up. I could hear footsteps behind me. I pushed a bit harder and said hello to z4. I was passed with right at mile 5 but there were 2 more behind me. So I picked it up a bit more. I put a bit more distance between us. At this point I knew I was going to pr and was having a really good race. I made the final turn and had about 50' on a guy.

Despite it being a race, I really didn't want to blow it out over the final 100m but he came barreling toward the finish line and I had to pick it up. And I'll be damned if he doesn't pass me IN the chute. I look at his calf. It says 26. I am devastated.

Run: 48:08 (7:46 pace)

Overall: 2:26:43
4th in my Age Group (grr)
20th overall

This was a great race for me. I really wanted to get out there prior to IMFL and go through the process again. Given my injury, I really didn't expect much from the run. And I really surprised myself. My knee held up really well and I barely felt it. My bike was the best performance to date. After reviewing the results I am pleased with my swim. All in all, I am thrilled with my performance. This was a PR of about 20 minutes for me. I am just mad that I didn't finish the race and secure hardware!!!