After a few days to reflect and an amazing recovery, I must admit I am really pumped to do another IM. There is just nothing quite like the experience of crossing that finish line and hearing Mike Reilly introduce you as an Ironman! The rush and sense of accomplishment is incredible and I’m sure it is the same for the person who finishes in 8 hours and the person who finishes in 17 hours.
I was so happy with so many different elements of my race. The swim was a real battle as conditions were once again very choppy. However I still felt that I performed well despite a much slower time than I was expecting. The bike was phenomenal given that I just about wiped out in the first two miles when I blew my front tire. But I recovered well and did the change in record time. It certainly helped having the tech support show up, as he buttoned things up while I packed up and re-organized my stuff. From that point on I rode strong and my legs felt remarkable. The other amazing thing is my bike computer did not work right from the start so I was strictly riding by feel. I had no idea of my speed, cadence or distance (other than the major course markers). So I think the countless miles I have endured on the trainer etched an indelible pattern into my muscles which allowed me to crank off the distance in precisely the goal time I had set for myself.
On the run, I purposely chose to go low-tech and left the Garmin in my gear bag. I just wore my $19 Timex Triathlon watch and just added 8:30 every time I passed a mile marker. While that was not my final pace I certainly stuck close enough to it bring me in below 4 hours.
There are still ample opportunities for me to further better my time. All three disciplines present some elements for improvements and with continued training and racing I will get there. But it is important to continue to enjoy the journey and savour these significant milestones along the way.
On the recovery front I have been absolutely pain free despite driving the 11 hours back on Monday after the race. Tuesday I did a short swim just to flush things out and then last night I went out on the mountain bike for 45 minutes and 10 miles. Today I am going to do a nice little run / walk and then next week it is time to set my sights on the half iron man event in Sylvan Lake next month.
Have a great day!
4 comments:
Congrats Garry, sounds like you had a great day!! I have the registration form for CDA 2010 sitting open on my computer... do I do it... do I wait another year... you inspire me to just go and spend the $630 and do it!!! Enjoy your recovery... 4 weeks and 2 days until Sylvan Lake!!!
C'mon Becky, lay the money down. Once the money is down there is no looking back.
Okay... I did it... Ironman CDA 2010 here I come!!!
RIGHT ON! You can do it. You've got lots of time and a good fitness base so it's just a matter of continuing to build on that.
Post a Comment