Boise 70.3

With no full Ironmans planned this year, Boise had been my focus through all of the early training. I have had some break throughs this year with my running, and my bike fitness has remained consistent with what it was late last season. Swimming has been a mystery though with some recent visits to Dennis Baker for feedback. He had given areas to focus on, and much like golf you get worse before you get better. At least for me anyway. So really for the last month my swimming has been improving, but I still have a lot of work to do. With all of that being said I was pretty confident that if all went well on race day I would have a good shot at the podium.

Thanks to technology (Facebook) most are aware of the drama that occurred during the two weeks leading up to the race. Two weeks out I wrecked on my bike coming down Logie (steep descent in the West Hills) and cracked my frame on my TT bike. I loved that bike. Athlete’s lounge quickly hooked me up with a new frame and had me rolling again within two days. In an effort to get dialed in on the new bike I went for a fitting. The new bike (Scott Plasma 2) has a solid carbon seat mast that is “cut to fit”. During the process of getting fit the seat mast was accidently cut too short rendering my new frame useless (at least for me). The fitter took full responsibility for the error and replaced the frame as quickly as he could. I picked up my bike (second new frame) the night before we left for Boise. The other piece that made this race a challenge was the tweaked calf I was trying to fix the week leading up. I had run some intervals with a few guys that are much stronger runners then I and it resulted in a very angry calf (leg muscle, not baby cow). I don’t remember the names of the tendons I pissed off but they apparently play a big role in one’s ability to run. I rested the calf for four days and tried a short easy run on Tuesday before the race. The first 2 miles felt great no pain… but then it went and I had to walk it in. Frustrated and desperate I went in for one last round of electro-stimulus and ultra sound treatment before heading to the race. My next run wouldn’t take place until I came off the bike in T2.

Through all of this I was all over the place emotionally. At first with all of the bike issues I was ready to call it quits with this race and even triathlon. At times I was questioning why I was wasting all of this time, energy, and money on a hobby. Hobbies are supposed to be fun and this wasn’t fun anymore. Fortunately Jen is around to talk me down when I throw my pity parties. By the time we left for the race I was pissed, but in a good way. I had decided that I was going to run until I ether finished or my leg physically came off. So off to Boise we went.

The race went pretty much like the weeks leading up. The conditions were perfect until 10 mins before I started. The winds picked up as a storm moved in. The white caps formed and the swim felt like I was in a washing machine. I started at the front and was quickly passed by a good size group. Between the wind and the rescue boats the swells were large. It made it challenging to stay on the feet of those around me. After dumping out the goggles a few times and throwing up a little frm taking in large amounts of water, I was finally in a groove. Out of the water I felt good about my level of focus and my form. I was a little surprised at my time when I glanced at my watch. I was pretty disappointed with my 39 min swim but was able to move past it and keep the focus on T1. With the long run to the bike I could feel the calf already. I tried to ignore the tightness but I knew it was there in the back of my mind.

The bike was a combination of thunder, lighting, hail, and intense down pours of rain. It was pretty intense, but I was feeling really good. With only having ridden 10 miles on the bike prior to the race it felt like I had been ridding this bike for years. I’m still amazed at how comfortable it is. The bike went by fast due to how much focus was needed to maintain my watt avg in such challenging conditions. Overall I biked what I thought I could on a good day so I’m encouraged with how I did given the conditions. This is the first long course race I’ve done where no one passed me on the bike. It did help though that the 26 through 34 year olds started in waves before me… But still… :)

Off the bike into T2 I felt great. Feet where numb and I was soaked and cold. But I started the run feeling strong. I held back on the first mile and kept the pace steady to allow my calf time to warm up. First mile was a 7:02 with my HR avg in the low 150’s. My plan was to slowly pick it up and go for it at mile 6. At mile 2, just like on my last run, the shooting pain hit. From the back of my knee to my Achilles. I slowed a bit and shortened my stride. I focused on running and not limping. I knew if over compensated then other things would start to hurt. I found I was able to hold my pace at about 7:15 to 7:20 without the pain getting worse. When I tried to increase my turn over though or lengthen my stride I noticed I would start to limp, which hurt even more. I kept this pace up until about mile 10. That’s when two guys in my age group passed me. I watched them run away and decided to pick it up. I was able to run the last 3 miles at just over 7 min pace and caught 3 guys in my age group along the way.

Overall I finished 9th in my age group. With a faster run split I would have had a shot at a podium spot but based on everything that happened along the way I’ll take a PR. I also decided to grab a roll down spot to Clearwater. I had told myself prior that I wouldn’t take a roll down, but I felt like I had earned this one. Overall I’m happy with how I managed the pain in the race and was able to keep my focus. In the past I have struggled with this in long course races. I’ve come out of this experience with a renewed appreciation for the sport. Not only because of the places it takes me emotionally, but also because of the amazing people I have met along the way. I think the best part of this race was having so many close friends there experiencing the same things. Everyone has a different perspective and their own set of challenges, and everyone overcame them successfully. For me the biggest difference this season over previous is my confidence level. I’ve never been a confident person and I think it’s a very hard characteristic to learn. As I’ve tried to become more confident I’m always worried that it is going to come off as cocky. I’m finally starting to realize though that confidence is something that you have to build over time and is the result of reaching goals through hard work and determination. I’ve already accomplished so much more then I thought I could 5 years ago. It makes me want to work harder and learn more to see what I can do over the next 5 years and beyond.
Shout outs:

- My Jenny… 37 min PR? Unbelievable! Her focus and determination this year has amazed me and has kept me on track as well. I am excited to see all of that hard work pay off.
- First timers: Anne B, Taylor B, Stacy S. (I think that’s everyone) Congrats! Strong work on such a tough day. It was cool to be a part of it.
- Chris V!!! I’m glad you’re back on the horse… literally and figuratively. (please upload the picture soon)
- Ann C and Gio. Best cheerleaders ever, but I’m looking forward to you guys racing again soon.
- Dave C. thanks for all of the advice and for letting me be your step athlete. 16 seconds on the bike… bastard!
- Folske, thanks for kicking my ass all winter in the west hills. I hated you then, but I’m loving you now.
- All of the other Ironheads: It’s motivating to see so many friends on the course. Nice work out there.