I had not run since my shin pain had started and had given myself lots of physio treatment in the proceeding weeks. It had not got a lot better, but i was hopefully that it would by race day.
Arrived late on Thursday, 9 days before the race. Stepping off the plane, hit by the heat and humidity and almost immediately started sweating. The condo we rented was perfect - beautiful, relaxing and quite. Just out of town but less than a mile from the swim start. Dean and Sherrie's website Kona Hula Girl says Aloha, welcome to paradise. And it most definitely was.
In the week pri
or to the race, relaxed on the beach, relaxed in the condo, relaxed in the coffee shops. Nothing strenuous. We did hire a car for a few days and drove the bike course and also go to the volcano. Built myself a luck stone pyramid, for good luck along the Queen K Highway.
or to the race, relaxed on the beach, relaxed in the condo, relaxed in the coffee shops. Nothing strenuous. We did hire a car for a few days and drove the bike course and also go to the volcano. Built myself a luck stone pyramid, for good luck along the Queen K Highway. Simon did the unde
rpants run - managed to run next to the legend that is Scott Tinely.
rpants run - managed to run next to the legend that is Scott Tinely. I wasn't nervous, just v
ery excited to be in Kona to race in the Ironman World Championships. But come race morning, it was a different story and Simon had to cope with the nervous wreck I became. Once I got onto the pier 15 minutes before the start, I became relaxed and eager to start the day. Pro's off at 6:45. I then started making my way into the water for a short warm up and float. Swimming is normally my least favourite part of the Triathlon day. But I found myself really enjoying this one. Warm and clear blue water helps! The first 5 mins were hectic with a few punches and kicks received and dished out. But that's all part of the fun. I managed to find myself a good pair of not too kicky feet to sit on all the way to the turn boat. Where I was knocked into a few times and tangled up in the lane rope to the next buoy and lost my draft. Heading back, I managed to get myself in another good spot and arrived back at the pier in 1:09. Not fast on the grand scale, but fast for me!
ery excited to be in Kona to race in the Ironman World Championships. But come race morning, it was a different story and Simon had to cope with the nervous wreck I became. Once I got onto the pier 15 minutes before the start, I became relaxed and eager to start the day. Pro's off at 6:45. I then started making my way into the water for a short warm up and float. Swimming is normally my least favourite part of the Triathlon day. But I found myself really enjoying this one. Warm and clear blue water helps! The first 5 mins were hectic with a few punches and kicks received and dished out. But that's all part of the fun. I managed to find myself a good pair of not too kicky feet to sit on all the way to the turn boat. Where I was knocked into a few times and tangled up in the lane rope to the next buoy and lost my draft. Heading back, I managed to get myself in another good spot and arrived back at the pier in 1:09. Not fast on the grand scale, but fast for me!Heading out onto the bike - I was so exited the crowds through town were amazing! Pele dished out a cruel day for us athletes. The 20 miles before the turn is rolling and known for being windy. Today the cross/head wind was blowing. Gusting at what felt like 100mph. On one uphill drag i was going about 8mph! Somehow I managed to get myself a drafting plenty. (Anyone who knows me, knows i hate riders who draft in races) so I'm very embarrassed about this! Served my plenty - which rather than 4 minutes, was actually closer to 5:30 mins due to incompetent of the race officials in the penalty tent. Back on the road, descending in the cross winds I made up some time, overtaking lots of people not happy in the wind. Some how at Kawaihai the tail wind, switched to a head wind and made the way back to town a bit of a slog. I was hoping to have good quicker on the bike in all honesty, but had felt heavy legged when working harder, so had eased back, so not to ruin my legs for the run.
2.4 mile swim, 122 mile bike completed, I skipped into Transition 2 feeling full of beans, still excited and riding the wave of excitement. Onto the run all well until about mile 2, started to feel my sh
in burning. Kept running, but pace slowed a bit. I started running as far as i could, the walking when it hurt too much. Eventually it became painful all the time. I ran up palini road - determined to do that. Couple of miles later 11/12 ish every time i landed on my right foot, i received a stabbing pain in my lower leg and my knee almost gave way. So I pretty much walked from there on in, for the rest of the marathon. I did keeping trying to run, but my hobbling only lasted about 50m each time, before almost tripping over my own feet and falling on the floor. Cross the finish line in 12:21:02!
in burning. Kept running, but pace slowed a bit. I started running as far as i could, the walking when it hurt too much. Eventually it became painful all the time. I ran up palini road - determined to do that. Couple of miles later 11/12 ish every time i landed on my right foot, i received a stabbing pain in my lower leg and my knee almost gave way. So I pretty much walked from there on in, for the rest of the marathon. I did keeping trying to run, but my hobbling only lasted about 50m each time, before almost tripping over my own feet and falling on the floor. Cross the finish line in 12:21:02!So i didn't have the race i wanted to race. Everyone keeps telling me that Kona is a place were only a very few have their great race. But i feel upset still that injury prevent me, from seeing what i could do. The race was an amazing experience. When i finally accepted i was walking to the finish, i started to enjoy it again. As the sun set and people started to run with glow sticks on the run, I started cheering people just starting on the queen K as i was hobbling back into town. Even though i walked the last 13 miles, i still ran the last 400m and hobbled across the line - which felt so good.
Swim 1:09:43
Bike 6:06:59
Run 4:58:33
I've had a great season training and racing. Had lots of fun, made some good friends and had great performances along the way. I started the season hopping to place in the top 10 of my 25 - 29 age group, I was a long way off that on race day. But hopefully will get another shot! Probably not next year, but hopefully in 2010. At the moment I'm looking forward to being able to walk more than 10 minutes without limping, getting back to training and next season.
Thanks to everyone who gave me their best wishes and has supported me over the season. Especially Simon and Loz in the Tri store, Brad Goggin - coach, Pete - Science in Sport, for fueling me, Martin Bramfoot - DJM Products (Zoot and Bodyglide, for great tri clothing and preventing chaffing!).
Mahalo!
No comments:
Post a Comment