**** Warning: Long with a few pics
Thursday, July 19th
We left Clearwater early for our 7am flight to New York. Because of weather issue around Kennedy airport, we took off 2 hours late. Our connection to Burlington Vt. was also delayed. We then missed the ferry to cross Lake Champlain and had to drive south in the late afternoon traffic to catch another ferry. To summarize, it took us more than 12 hours to get to Lake Placid. The weather was overcast with a few showers. It had been raining for three days already and the temperature was cooler than expected.
Lauren, my wife, had booked a hotel room in Wilmington, about 10 miles north of LP, right on the bike course. More about the hotel later.
Friday, July 20th
We went to LP to pick up the rental bike we had reserved for Lauren. The bike shop, Planet Placid Bicycles , stays open 24h a day from Thursday morning to Saturday night before the event. After loading the bike on the rental car, we had breakfast at Soul Shine Bagel on Main Street. It is a small bagel place which makes a yummy trail mix bagel.
After the breakfast, it was time to retrieve my bike and my gears I had shipped through Tribiketransport. We then headed to Mirror Lake where the Ironman swim would take place. The buoys were already in place and lots of people were swimming the course. I put my sleeveless wetsuit on and got into the water. One week earlier the water was about 75F but because of the rain, it was now down to 70F. I swam about 30’ and exited the water shivering.
After picking up my race packet, we drove the part of the course we hadn’t already driven the day before, back to the hotel.
As I said earlier, the hotel was right on the bike course. It is also one of the most challenging portions, with a five miles gradual climb. I rode this part in the afternoon to get used to it. I also realized my front derailleur was not shifting down properly.
At night, I took the bike to the shop to adjust the derailleur and we went to the mandatory athlete meeting afterwards.
Saturday July 21st
The day started with a short run and ride to check the shifting.
I prepared my T1 and T2 bags and we went back to Lake Placid to check them as well as the bike into the transition area.
I also prepared my nutrition for the race. 3 bottles of water diluted Gatorade, 2 flasks of gel and Hammer Sustain Energy, 3 Clif bars and 12 salt pills for the bike.1 flask of gel and 12 salt pills for the run.1 Clif bar for the bike special need bag.1 gel flask for the run special need bag.
I made sure to stay well hydrated and to eat extra carbs the days preceding the race.
Sunday July 22nd, Race day
I woke up before the alarm clock at 3:15am. I had a bagel with jam, a banana and tea, got dressed and left the hotel around 4:20 am. We parked in town, close to the transition area before they start closing the roads. Lauren had taken her bike, so she could ride back to the hotel after the swim. We walked to the transition area. The sky was clear and it was supposed to be a sunny day, but it was only 47F. After inflating the tires and installing the bottles and nutrition on the bike, I went for an easy run and bathroom break. Back to the transition area, I put my warm suit in the dry clothe bag I would get back after the race. T1, T2 and dry clothe bags are stored in the transition area, on the way to the changing tents. Special needs bags were stacked by the swim start, about halfway on the bike and run course.
I watched the start of the professional women at 6:25 am, put my wetsuit on and got into the water to “warm up” for the swim.
Swim:
The start area was crowded with more than 2300 people. Not being a strong swimmer, I decided to seed myself in the back away from the buoys. The gun went off at 7am. It was the beginning of a long day.
The swim was two loops with a short run in between. I swam my own pace away from the packs.
Swim time: 1:21:05
T1
When you exit the swim, volunteers help you remove your wetsuit. This was the toughest part of the day for me, used to train in 90F weather. The air was in the low 50F; I was wet and had this long stretch to the transition area. I grabbed my T1 bag, got into the tent, tried to find a spot and started changing for the bike.
The plan was to wear some gloves, arm warmers and a wind vest. I was frozen and it took me forever to get dressed. I had also never rehearsed trying to put on arm warmers on wet skin. Finally I grabbed my bike and exited the transition area. The bike mount was congested. Still cold I clumsily got on my bike, kicking one of my behind the seat bottle in the process.
T1 time: 12:19
Bike
The bike was two loops through the Adirondacks with a good mix of rolling hills, flat sections and climbs. There is also a fast 6 miles downhill to the village of Keene. Some people went above 50 mph on this part.
I started to eat and drink early. The plan was to keep my power around 75% of my threshold, up to 100 -120 % in the climbs. From previous race reports, it would pay off to stay conservative on the first loop.
I warmed up halfway through the first loop and stuffed my vest and arm warmer under my tri jersey. I would later put them in my special need bag.
When I rode past the hotel, Lauren was there cheering for me and for everybody else as well.
I finished the first loop in 3:04:15, slower than I had expected. I grabbed the Clif bar from the special need bag and attacked the second loop. The wind picked up and I had to work a little bit harder.
I completed the second loop in 3:10:50. My average power was right on target.
Bike time: 6:15:05
T2
This transition went much better than the previous one.
T2 time: 3:40
Run
The run consists of two 13 miles loops. Each loop includes an 11 miles out-and-back and a shorter 2 miles out-and-back. My legs felt good and my first mile was a little bit too fast, I then adjusted the pace and managed to keep it almost all the way. I grabbed a second gel flask halfway.
First loop time: 1:42:24
At mile 20 I started to have side stitches. I had to walk a few times to get some relief.
The finish is on the speed skating oval, by the Olympic center. I took my visor off and raised my arms when I crossed the finish line.
Second loop: 1:50:38
Run time: 3:33:02
I was now an Ironman.
Final Time: 11:25:11, 312th overall, 65th M30-34
Several volunteers asked me if I was ok after the race, even trying to carry me. I kept telling them I was fine. I did not have any pain and did not understand all their concern until I saw the pictures. I was indeed real pale and the salt on my face did nothing to improve it. I got to the massage tent, changed in warmer cloths and grabbed a couple slices of pizza.
I recovered my bike and dropped it at the Tribiketransport collection area by the transition area.
Back to the hotel, light dinner and to bed I went.
Thoughts for the next time: Get a long sleeve wetsuit: first it is supposed to be faster but it will certainly be warmer.Dry your arms before trying to put arm warmers on.Take only two bottles of fluids on the bike, one aero and one on the frame. With water stops every ten miles there is no need for the two behind the seat bottles. I did not touch the second one.Volunteers are great. Never forget to thank them. Actually the whole town and Lake Placid area is very supportive of the event. I used a 12-23 cog set. I could have used a 12-25 ones to spin the climbs more easily.
Monday, July 23rd
Despite the effort from the day before, I woke up early.
After breakfast, we went back to Lake Placid to get the finisher certificate, see the race pictures and buy a couple finisher souvenirs. Go to the store early, as the small sizes disappear fast. How many Ironman finisher wear XXL shirts?
As fatigue was setting in, lunch was followed by a well deserved nap. We then went up White Face Mountain with the Gondola.
I was surprised to not experience more pain and soreness. I only had a black nail as reminder.
That night we had an excellent dinner at the Hungry Trout restaurant.
Tuesday, July 24th
Another local place that deserves a visit is the Paul’s Bakery in Upper Jay. Their pastries are made fresh from scratch everyday and are simply delicious. The store decoration is worth it too.
The day was dedicated to visiting the area with a first stop at the High Falls Gorge and a boat tour on Lake Placid.
Wednesday, July 25th
A few words about the hotel we stayed in. The owners of the Ledge Rock at Whiteface are very supportive of the events and the athletes. The day of the race, they serve breakfast starting at 4:30 am. As the hotel is right on the bike course, they organize a lawn party with hot dogs and beverages for the guests. And when I checked out, I got an envelop containing a copy of my race results and pictures of the race and the party. It is a nice and quiet place to stay with a great view of the Whiteface Mountain.
Conclusion
This was the conclusion of an adventure which started one year ago when I registered for Ironman USA 2007. The training has been challenging at times and required some creative time management to fit it between work and other commitments.
But more important, I could never have done it without the support and encouragements from my wife and friends.
Now the question is: Which one am I going to do next?
