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2005 Gulf Coast Half Ironman RACE REPORT

Gulf Coast was AWESOME.  Fantastic conditions for everyone to really tear it up.  I had my best race ever, despite a sudden panic attack just before the start when I realized that my wetsuit was nowhere to be found.   Our resident angel lent me one… and the swim went really well (for me  since I’m not a strong swimmer).  No sharks, and out of the water in 36 minutes (you can only improve from a 47minute swim in 2003, right?!).   I thought something was wrong with my watch.   Happy.  Saw my mom and I was even happier. 
 
The bike was sweet… 21.3 avg (I picked up some speed when my two bottles of nutrition got launched). I started to panic b/c I didn’t plan to eat anything  other than that drink and a banana, but was fine.  Avoided all Gatorade for fear of a repeat performance of my G.I. issues at Atomic Man…   MUST figure out nutrition!!!
 
Time to run!!  This was the fun part!!  I felt so freakin’ good off the bike, and stayed in the low 7:10s-7:20’s through Mile 11… then something just bonked in my legs.   Kinda wierd to realize that it’s out of your hands.  I saw Patrick about .5miles from the finish, and he fired me up so much (thanks again!).  Finished the half in 1:39.   I still couldn’t believe my watch:  4:57:57 total time. 
 
I was a few seconds away from #2 in my age group (the #1 in our age group was the overall winner– spanked the pro’s!), but then at the awards ceremony I was called out for 5th place and a 5:01 total time  (got smacked with a 4-min penalty, unknowingly). I still am sticking to the 4:57 time in my book… I didn’t block anyone!!!! ;)    I’ve been informed that blocking can be called for staying over to the left too long (which was probably the case— I was afraid of drafting I think!).   LESSON LEARNED.  It kills me, though…   it really does!!Somewhere around my third margarita, I decided it’d be a good idea to sign up for Ironman Wisconsin.  I have no idea what I’m getting myself into. The fact that there were so few applications left created a sense of urgency, coupled with the excitement of the day and the alcohol slyly skewing any sense of reason…  it just seemed like the logical thing to do.   (I actually did not bring my checkbook on purpose. I fear my own impulsiveness!)  Momma Naj had hers, though, and I swiped one!

 
 

 

 

Buyer’s remorse… but that’s my plan for the summer, I guess. You people who encouraged this craziness called Wisconsin (you know who you are) better be ready to train with me this summer!

I leave for Brazil in 2 weeks. I’m a little nervous because I felt like I was on fire in the Half, but I know that a full IM is a different animal, and I just don’t know how I’ll do at double the distances (never even ran a marathon!).     We’ll see. . . I do plan to take it easy and just enjoy the experience.  (I’m so full of shit…)  ha!  I know I WILL try my hardest and will definitely have fun.   Then there will be a week of relaxation in possibly one of the coolest countries I’ve ever been to.  I can’t wait!  

Great job to everyone who raced on Saturday.   Atlanta was well-represented, with several people bringing home hardware.  Seems like many people hit their PRs this weekend and everyone seemed to be smiling afterwards, which is most important.  Congratulations!  ;)

Amy

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