Racine 70.3 almost.
For those who don’t know, Racine 70.3 was this past weekend. It was supposed to be my big race for the year. Been training since February for this one. When I arrived at Ironman village on Saturday I was beyond excited. After getting checked in and listening to the course talk, I had the opportunity to meet a fellow triathlete/tumblr @kcowgill, wonderful person. It was honestly a pleasure meeting you, and seeing you out on the course. After everything my girlfriend and I headed off to Milwaukee to enjoy some time with some friends.
Sunday morning I got up super early and got ready. Drove to Racine, got a parking spot within 1 block of transition, and headed to get my area set up. All was well until they told us not to head up the beach for our swim. To keep this post short, they ended up cancelling the swim and postponing the race until 10:30. Around 9:30 they informed us of a shortened bike course, 31.4 miles roughly. We had a TT start by rack, meaning I was one of the last to go. My number was 2261, oh well more people to pass.
The winds were brutal! I think I heard somewhere around 18 mph with 25+ mph gusts. Being a shortened course I dropped the hammer as hard I could. I averaged 18.2 MPH for the distance. I’m not complaining that was fast for me for that distance. Made it through transition in under 3 minutes, slow but there was a guy literally sitting in the spot where my bike went. I asked him to move, he ignored me. Until my front tire went over his head :D Then he apologized and moved.
Funny thing about this race, they didn’t shorten the run....so 13.1 here I come. I got to see a few people I knew out on the course. Even had a high five with @kcowgill around my 8th mile I believe. It was good time, until mile 9. My calves cramped hard!!! Full on toes curled under, uncontrollable spasms. I walked for the remainder. Every time I tried to run, I would cramp. This has happened 1 other time during a half marathon and until mile 12.5 I had no idea why. That’s when it hit me, I was having so much fun on this run, I hadn’t been eating. Nothing since mile 4. Maybe some Gatorade, but nothing with any substantial calories or carbs. It was too late for me by this point as all aid stations had been passed. I just kept walking, crying a little, but out of happiness. It was my slowest half marathon to date, and I am still happy about it. I crossed the finish line in pain, but happy.
Most of the time when I run I listen to music. I ignore the people and beauty around me. I ignore my body and thoughts. Yes, I pace faster with music, but I don’t enjoy it. For the first time, in a long time, I enjoyed running. It didn’t matter what my time was, it didn’t matter the pain. I spent time talking with some guy named Jeremy. I spent a mile running with one of the people I’ve trained with and talking with her. A police officer fist bumped me at mile 12. It was a blast. I thanked so many volunteers, I joked with them. Almost every picture I’ve seen of me on that run, I was smiling. I learned more about myself in that 3 hour run/walk, then I have in a long time.
When I finally saw the finishers shoot, I tried to run. I made it to within about 5 feet of the final inflatable arch and my legs locked up. I walked it in, I got my medal and hat, found my girlfriend, gave her a giant hug. I spent some time thanking friends for coming down and supporting me, mind you, I’ve only met these two one other time and that was a year ago. They spent the entire day cheering me on in the heat and humidity. My own family has yet to say anything to me about this weekend. They have yet to even like my facebook status about it, but that’s another story.
At first I was upset by the shortened distance. I felt like something was taken from me. I wanted more, I trained for more. I think my friend Beth summed it up best. “This isn’t the race I trained for, but it’s the race I was given. And I finished it.” While I may not be able to get a 70.3 sticker yet, or my Ironman tattoo, I finished one of the hardest races of my life, and I’m still happily hurting.
On a personal note. @kcowgill Thank you for reaching out Saturday and meeting with me. If you are ever in the Quad Cities area don’t hesitate message or text. I hope you enjoyed your race. Congrats on your finish!!!