Forgive me if I prattle on here and this gets a bit long.. Still on a high/out of my mind recuperating. I know Norseman gets a lot of pub but wanted to share...especially if you are considering racing it one day.
If you have SLIGHTEST attraction to race Norseman...sign up for the lottery. Just do it. And if you're lucky enough to get a spot, find a way over to Norway to do this race.
CONTEXT:
Lifelong endurance athlete. Competitive cross-country runner in HS. Raced bikes in college. 2 IMs (Wisconsin 2007 & 2009) 10:19 and 10:31. Missed KQ by a few spots each time. HIMS, low 4:30s. AG podiums for Olys. No tri racing since IM in 2009. Barely any racing/exercise at all due to starting own business and starting family (have 3 yr old son).
CATALYST:
In August 2013, I went to buy a pair of pants. I’ve always been on border of a 33/34 (I’m 6’3”) inch waist. Always. Couldn’t fit a 34.. Tried a 35, wouldn’t fit. Tried a 36, WOULDN’T FIT. Didn't buy a pair of pants. Went home and weighed myself. 207. Went out for my first run in 18-20 months that day. Only made it a mile.
Had to do something drastic. Naturally, around that time, Norseman started accepting lottery applications. My wife had always said this was a race she could get behind (she’s Scandinavian) and told me to apply. I did. Knew the odds were terrible, but had this strange feeling I’d get a spot.
I did.
PREPARATION
Uh-oh. I had 9 months to get back. Started slooowly. Running in fall/winter of 2013.(did shit show Disney marathon with my wife in January). Started riding on trainer and swimming in January. Quickly started to come back. Got in 400 hrs of training from January through July 2014. Much different with present work and child…fit in training whenever I could during day. So not as much long stuff…lots of more frequent short stuff. Most rides on trainer. Running was awesome…built up to mid 50s mpw. I don’t use power. I don’t use HRM. I only wear a watch to know how long I’ve been out. I’ve been doing this long enough to know within a few seconds what min per mile I’m running… and effort on bike, etc. Of course, could be more effective with more science, but I had a blast just getting out and training. My fitness level not quite at 07/09 levels...but at least 90%.
I weighed 207 in August 2013. I weighed 176 the week before the race.
OBJECTIVE
Of course I wanted one of those black t-shirts.
THE TRIP
Flew to Stockholm with my family. Used a Ruster Armored Hen House (which was awesome, by the way…no questions asked by airlines, no extra $, and bike arrived safely). We then drove 4 hours west to family summer house. Had small lake to swim in. Good roads to ride. And awesome trails to run. My wife and two brother-in-laws volunteered to be my support crew. We got up at 5:00AM on Friday (day before race) and drove to Eidfjord, Norway. Was a 6.5 hour drive. We arrived at 11:30 AM. Chilled. Got ready. Went to Pre-Race meeting. Listened to Norwegian folks songs. And checked out other 260 competitors. EVERYONE looked like KQers. Everyone. No pretenders here.
SWIM
All of a sudden, found myself climbing aboard the famous ferry at 3:45AM. Pretty relaxed atmosphere. I decided to use my old QR wetsuit from around 2006 (doesn’t have much mileage). Thickest suit I have. Still fits best. Used Emilio’s suggestion of a “Cap Sandwich”. Latex cap, neoprene cap, latex cap. With wax ear plugs. Did find a Roka neoprene cap that didn’t have chin strap (tested a couple… and didn’t like feeling restricted). Was awesome. My bald noggin felt nice and toasty. Used neoprene booties too. And, frankly, the water wasn’t that cold. We got lucky. 16 degrees Celsius. Even warmer close to shore. Zero issues. 2.4 miles was glorious with only 260 people. Had zero bumps. Had super clear path the entire way. Didn’t swim as much in training as years past but felt very good, quite easy.
Came in 1:07. Previous two IM swims were 1:04 and 1:08. So right there.
T1
Total change. Stripped down naked. Put on full cycling kit.
BIKE
Bike: Road 2007 Planet-X Stealth. Had no funds for new bike. Did buy a set of Flo 30s to use for this race. Wanted something easy to use…especially if I got into trouble. A little aero. Aluminum braking surface. Plus, wanted new wheels to train on.
Bike clothes: Desoto Tri Bib (Awesome shorts.) Gore undershirt. Castelli Aero Jersey. Giro Attack. Castelli Nano-flex arm warmers. Giro ProLight Shoes.
No GPS. No bike computer. No watch. This would all be by feel.
And I was off. And up. And up. And up.
First 25 miles are uphill. Seriously. The first 25 miles. No breaks. Through tunnels. Through old roads. With traffic. Some ascent up to 6-8%. Of course, you're telling yourself to take it easy…but it just doesn’t let you. It’s really quite devious. I loved it.
Around the 40K mark…first time I saw my support crew. We were now up on the Hardangervidda plateau and it was getting chilly. And windy. Quickly put on my bright yellow Gabba jersey. Was very glad I brought it along. 40-90K is the “fast” part of course. Some decent downhill. Had to remind myself to eat and drink. Think I reached halfway in 3:30. I couldn't help but laugh. 3:30 for half! From 90K, you turn south (hello straight headwind!). You then go through three climbs. Each about 4K. 7-8%. With fast downhills. But never really chance to collect myself as my legs were definitely getting shattered by this point (how on earth I was going to do the run started creeping in at this point).
And then you hit final climb, up Immingfjell, which is a real doozy. It was long, steep and unrelenting. I just put my head down. A few dark places. Did remember to keep eating (luckily, have a cast-iron stomach so ate gums, waffles, snickers, gus, etc all through the day).
Finally, made it to the top…and started some false flats until the long descent to T2. And that’s when Xtreme really happened. Massive storm front came rolling through. Crazy rain. Hail. Xtreme wind. Fog. Couldn’t see past 20 yards. (Let me say, if you ride in inclement weather…buy yourself a Gabba jersey. Was absolutely awesome).
And that’s when I started the 7% grade, tight switchback, descent. Wet, white knuckle time. It was absolutely freaking awesome.
One of the coolest things… I was racing an Ironman length race…and was completely alone. Completely alone, totally drenched, flying down a mountain. No one else around me. I was so geeked up, was shouting at top of my lungs.
An unfathomable 7:20(!) later…I reached T2. (For what it's worth... I did IMWI in 5:15 and 5:30. HIM bikes all around 2:20)
T2
Okay…naked again…in front of Norwegian school children. Good times!
RUN
Changed into running clothes. Wore a fuel belt with fluids to always have something with me (no aid stations). Figured I might as well get comfortable. First 15 miles are relatively flat. As shattered as my legs were…I had definitely prepped for run. Went out easy. Put a watch on but never looked at it. They told me I was in 89th place. Started picking people off. Felt really good for 13 miles. Mt. Gaustatoppen loomed in the distance. Holy shit. It was damned big. Hit the 25K mark around 75th place. Ah, so this is Zombie Hill.
Yikes.
I thought I might be able to be one of the few who would run up Zombie. Um, no. Started to walk. Kept looking up. Holy smokes, this looked serious. My wife and one brother-in-law joined me. We were joking around.
We also were doing calculations. Getting to the 37.5K checkpoint in time cut-off was easily in reach. And there was no real way for nearly 90-100 people to catch up to me and pass me for black shirt. So we kept ambling up. It was at this time that I noticed something strange: Norwegians are a bunch of mountain goats. People were flying hiking up Zombie hill. At first, my competitive nature was kind of bothered by it. But really, I quickly realized it didn’t matter. What mattered more to me was to have a great time with my family who had been doing such an outstanding job all day supporting me. After long slog… we reached the 37.5K mark to go to top. Let me tell you…you think you’re close, but your not. The weather and wind only ratcheted up. Climbing up the rocks isn’t too crazy…but it ain’t that easy either. The top was shrouded in mist…so we didn’t even have reference point in terms of climbing. Just kept going and going.
And then finally, finally, finally… we were there.
I’ve run 10 marathons. I’ve never run one (including IMs) over 4 hours. This took me 6:09. (It took 2:13 for first 25K). Could I have hustled up the last 17K faster? Probably. But it didn’t matter.
Over my lifetime (so far), I've been fortunate to have had some great experiences through sport. State championship race in HS CC. The Little 500 at Indiana. A great run at Boston in 07. A “perfect” (for me) maiden IM at Madison.
The black t-shirt easily takes a rightful place.
Most importantly, the best part of Norseman was doing it with my family as support crew. You literally could not finish this race without support. Plus, it was just so much fun sharing the experience with them. It was also a refreshing change from prepping and gunning for a KQ, which I had done before. This was just me vs. the mountain.
I won’t be going back to Norseman. Too many other mountains to climb. But will always smile when thinking of the utterly charming and utterly sadistic race they’ve created there.
If you have SLIGHTEST attraction to race Norseman...sign up for the lottery. Just do it. And if you're lucky enough to get a spot, find a way over to Norway to do this race.
CONTEXT:
Lifelong endurance athlete. Competitive cross-country runner in HS. Raced bikes in college. 2 IMs (Wisconsin 2007 & 2009) 10:19 and 10:31. Missed KQ by a few spots each time. HIMS, low 4:30s. AG podiums for Olys. No tri racing since IM in 2009. Barely any racing/exercise at all due to starting own business and starting family (have 3 yr old son).
CATALYST:
In August 2013, I went to buy a pair of pants. I’ve always been on border of a 33/34 (I’m 6’3”) inch waist. Always. Couldn’t fit a 34.. Tried a 35, wouldn’t fit. Tried a 36, WOULDN’T FIT. Didn't buy a pair of pants. Went home and weighed myself. 207. Went out for my first run in 18-20 months that day. Only made it a mile.
Had to do something drastic. Naturally, around that time, Norseman started accepting lottery applications. My wife had always said this was a race she could get behind (she’s Scandinavian) and told me to apply. I did. Knew the odds were terrible, but had this strange feeling I’d get a spot.
I did.
PREPARATION
Uh-oh. I had 9 months to get back. Started slooowly. Running in fall/winter of 2013.(did shit show Disney marathon with my wife in January). Started riding on trainer and swimming in January. Quickly started to come back. Got in 400 hrs of training from January through July 2014. Much different with present work and child…fit in training whenever I could during day. So not as much long stuff…lots of more frequent short stuff. Most rides on trainer. Running was awesome…built up to mid 50s mpw. I don’t use power. I don’t use HRM. I only wear a watch to know how long I’ve been out. I’ve been doing this long enough to know within a few seconds what min per mile I’m running… and effort on bike, etc. Of course, could be more effective with more science, but I had a blast just getting out and training. My fitness level not quite at 07/09 levels...but at least 90%.
I weighed 207 in August 2013. I weighed 176 the week before the race.
OBJECTIVE
Of course I wanted one of those black t-shirts.
THE TRIP
Flew to Stockholm with my family. Used a Ruster Armored Hen House (which was awesome, by the way…no questions asked by airlines, no extra $, and bike arrived safely). We then drove 4 hours west to family summer house. Had small lake to swim in. Good roads to ride. And awesome trails to run. My wife and two brother-in-laws volunteered to be my support crew. We got up at 5:00AM on Friday (day before race) and drove to Eidfjord, Norway. Was a 6.5 hour drive. We arrived at 11:30 AM. Chilled. Got ready. Went to Pre-Race meeting. Listened to Norwegian folks songs. And checked out other 260 competitors. EVERYONE looked like KQers. Everyone. No pretenders here.
SWIM
All of a sudden, found myself climbing aboard the famous ferry at 3:45AM. Pretty relaxed atmosphere. I decided to use my old QR wetsuit from around 2006 (doesn’t have much mileage). Thickest suit I have. Still fits best. Used Emilio’s suggestion of a “Cap Sandwich”. Latex cap, neoprene cap, latex cap. With wax ear plugs. Did find a Roka neoprene cap that didn’t have chin strap (tested a couple… and didn’t like feeling restricted). Was awesome. My bald noggin felt nice and toasty. Used neoprene booties too. And, frankly, the water wasn’t that cold. We got lucky. 16 degrees Celsius. Even warmer close to shore. Zero issues. 2.4 miles was glorious with only 260 people. Had zero bumps. Had super clear path the entire way. Didn’t swim as much in training as years past but felt very good, quite easy.
Came in 1:07. Previous two IM swims were 1:04 and 1:08. So right there.
T1
Total change. Stripped down naked. Put on full cycling kit.
BIKE
Bike: Road 2007 Planet-X Stealth. Had no funds for new bike. Did buy a set of Flo 30s to use for this race. Wanted something easy to use…especially if I got into trouble. A little aero. Aluminum braking surface. Plus, wanted new wheels to train on.
Bike clothes: Desoto Tri Bib (Awesome shorts.) Gore undershirt. Castelli Aero Jersey. Giro Attack. Castelli Nano-flex arm warmers. Giro ProLight Shoes.
No GPS. No bike computer. No watch. This would all be by feel.
And I was off. And up. And up. And up.
First 25 miles are uphill. Seriously. The first 25 miles. No breaks. Through tunnels. Through old roads. With traffic. Some ascent up to 6-8%. Of course, you're telling yourself to take it easy…but it just doesn’t let you. It’s really quite devious. I loved it.
Around the 40K mark…first time I saw my support crew. We were now up on the Hardangervidda plateau and it was getting chilly. And windy. Quickly put on my bright yellow Gabba jersey. Was very glad I brought it along. 40-90K is the “fast” part of course. Some decent downhill. Had to remind myself to eat and drink. Think I reached halfway in 3:30. I couldn't help but laugh. 3:30 for half! From 90K, you turn south (hello straight headwind!). You then go through three climbs. Each about 4K. 7-8%. With fast downhills. But never really chance to collect myself as my legs were definitely getting shattered by this point (how on earth I was going to do the run started creeping in at this point).
And then you hit final climb, up Immingfjell, which is a real doozy. It was long, steep and unrelenting. I just put my head down. A few dark places. Did remember to keep eating (luckily, have a cast-iron stomach so ate gums, waffles, snickers, gus, etc all through the day).
Finally, made it to the top…and started some false flats until the long descent to T2. And that’s when Xtreme really happened. Massive storm front came rolling through. Crazy rain. Hail. Xtreme wind. Fog. Couldn’t see past 20 yards. (Let me say, if you ride in inclement weather…buy yourself a Gabba jersey. Was absolutely awesome).
And that’s when I started the 7% grade, tight switchback, descent. Wet, white knuckle time. It was absolutely freaking awesome.
One of the coolest things… I was racing an Ironman length race…and was completely alone. Completely alone, totally drenched, flying down a mountain. No one else around me. I was so geeked up, was shouting at top of my lungs.
An unfathomable 7:20(!) later…I reached T2. (For what it's worth... I did IMWI in 5:15 and 5:30. HIM bikes all around 2:20)
T2
Okay…naked again…in front of Norwegian school children. Good times!
RUN
Changed into running clothes. Wore a fuel belt with fluids to always have something with me (no aid stations). Figured I might as well get comfortable. First 15 miles are relatively flat. As shattered as my legs were…I had definitely prepped for run. Went out easy. Put a watch on but never looked at it. They told me I was in 89th place. Started picking people off. Felt really good for 13 miles. Mt. Gaustatoppen loomed in the distance. Holy shit. It was damned big. Hit the 25K mark around 75th place. Ah, so this is Zombie Hill.
Yikes.
I thought I might be able to be one of the few who would run up Zombie. Um, no. Started to walk. Kept looking up. Holy smokes, this looked serious. My wife and one brother-in-law joined me. We were joking around.
We also were doing calculations. Getting to the 37.5K checkpoint in time cut-off was easily in reach. And there was no real way for nearly 90-100 people to catch up to me and pass me for black shirt. So we kept ambling up. It was at this time that I noticed something strange: Norwegians are a bunch of mountain goats. People were flying hiking up Zombie hill. At first, my competitive nature was kind of bothered by it. But really, I quickly realized it didn’t matter. What mattered more to me was to have a great time with my family who had been doing such an outstanding job all day supporting me. After long slog… we reached the 37.5K mark to go to top. Let me tell you…you think you’re close, but your not. The weather and wind only ratcheted up. Climbing up the rocks isn’t too crazy…but it ain’t that easy either. The top was shrouded in mist…so we didn’t even have reference point in terms of climbing. Just kept going and going.
And then finally, finally, finally… we were there.
I’ve run 10 marathons. I’ve never run one (including IMs) over 4 hours. This took me 6:09. (It took 2:13 for first 25K). Could I have hustled up the last 17K faster? Probably. But it didn’t matter.
Over my lifetime (so far), I've been fortunate to have had some great experiences through sport. State championship race in HS CC. The Little 500 at Indiana. A great run at Boston in 07. A “perfect” (for me) maiden IM at Madison.
The black t-shirt easily takes a rightful place.
Most importantly, the best part of Norseman was doing it with my family as support crew. You literally could not finish this race without support. Plus, it was just so much fun sharing the experience with them. It was also a refreshing change from prepping and gunning for a KQ, which I had done before. This was just me vs. the mountain.
I won’t be going back to Norseman. Too many other mountains to climb. But will always smile when thinking of the utterly charming and utterly sadistic race they’ve created there.