BlogNovember 24, 2009 I couldn't resist Ironman Arizona This fall I decided to jump into Ironman Arizona as the hype was building for this huge local race in the Phoenix area. I couldn't resist, and despite not winning or making the podium I'm happy about my decision to compete! The event was awesome with my whole family coming to watch the race as well as my whole "extended family" which is the fantastic triathlon community here in Arizona. The fans and volunteers were incredible and for that I'm very thankful! The race kicked off with a pretty chilly swim in Tempe Town Lake. I heard it was 61 degrees, and it felt cold. I was shivering in the water and when the gun went off I felt my breath and body tighten up. This isn't normal for me and was a little frustrating, but Ironman is a long day so I knew just to relax. About 1000 meters into the race I noticed the pace drop significantly and I knew that I was in trouble, I had missed the main group. This was unfortunate, but I had to accept it and rather than try to do the impossible it was important that I cut my losses and save energy for the bike. Despite me being more than comfortable, others in this group were struggling and there were constant gaps opening. This kept me on my toes as I had to sprint 40 meters a few times to close in on bubbles and feet. Other than those efforts I exited the water very rested in 55 minutes. Down, but not out! As I went out onto the bike I was quite a bit warmer than I had feared pre-race. My brother, Porter, told me I wouldn't feel a thing and he was right. He also told me I probably would get a little hot on the run and he was right about that, too! He's done one IM in 15:47 yet he seems to know a lot more than I do. Apparently there is IQ involved in Ironman racing. (See Jordan Rapp!) Up at the first turn around 18 miles in I saw that the gap to the leaders was significant, I would be riding alone the rest of the day. I accepted this fact (similar to the swim) and put my head down and kept working. It was unfortunate as my hope was to make the lead group in the water and follow wheels all day to conserve for the run, this wasn't happening now! I rode within myself and was really enjoying my Wilier Cento Crono, it's a new bike I've been riding the last couple of months and I'm really impressed with it. So, no cramps or anything, I had my best IM bike split ever with a very "comfortable" 4:39. It was pretty cool seeing a lot of my HO-MEES out on the course, because I was alone and not dealing with anyone right in front or behind me, I was able to give some "go-meins" and some "thumb's ups" when passing them on their first lap. This was unconventional for me, but it seemed like a good time to do it as I was locked minutes between the first and second main groups of pro riders. Jordan appeared to be cranking the bike and I figured this would be his day to win, my hope was to get off in contention and perhaps run my way onto the podium or perhaps the top five! Off the bike the clock read 5:37, a three hour marathon would get me an 8:37 IM, I set this as my goal! I saw my good friends Sue from Sweat, and Scott "MOJO" in the change tent, they're shooting a documentary on endurance sports. It was awesome to see them in there, and this gave me strength and encouragement to now run the distance! I took off running a comfortable 6:30 pace and knew that this was probably going to be my first sub-3 hour IM marathon. I'd run so many Rock 'N' Roll half marathons this year with PF Chang's that my legs felt great. Also, on the swim and bike I had paced more conservatively than usual so things were looking good! For about the first half marathon I held Jordan even (he eventually ran 2:55) and then things started to turn ugly for me! The race turned into survival and I worked my way to the finish line in 14 seconds over nine hours. Not what I had hoped, but far from a disaster, too! After consulting with a couple of experts, I think I'm going to try something totally different nutritionally in my next Ironman. It's crazy to say, but we think we know what's been leveling me around ten miles into these IM marathons. It's not really related to running speed or endurance, it has more to do with fueling so that my body can sustain a hard effort for 8+ hours, that's the trick! Despite the setbacks I refuse to give up and am confident I will work through this and one day succeed on the Ironman level. Two days after the race my legs feel great and I got out and rode a couple of hours today. It's clear that my fuel system shut down way before I was able to go to that special hurt place physically. Next time, I will have it worked out, and it won't be long until I try it! Maybe Ironman New Zealand or at the latest Ironman CDA up in Idaho next June, that one is so cool! Between now and then I'll focus on the half IM distance as it seems to be what suits my abilities the most at the moment. Also, I want to do some X-terras and ultra-distance mountain bike races next year. So much to do! Thanks for all the fantastic support this 2009 racing season. My sponsors and the Arizona triathlon community have been amazing. Tri-Scottsdale has inspired me the last few years and will continue to, you guys all know who you are. One more event December 6th in Las Vegas, the Rock 'N' Roll half marathon with PF Chang's and I'll go about my business getting chubby over the Holidays! Congratulations to all the Ironman Arizona 2009 competitors, simply fantastic! Yours in sport, Lewis « Back to Blogs |
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