Ironman 2014 - 10 Years of Ironman in PE

[tankisbyon]

It was my first. Came home in 13 hours 19 min. The bike was crazy tough, especially seeing as my front de-raillieur stopped working, got stuck on the big ring.

 

Had to stop and manually lift the chain onto the small ring and then just ride the rest of the race like that, but with the wind and hills, I doubt I would have been in the big ring much anyway.

 

Second lap of the run was miserable, terrible nauseau and stomach issues, but was able to walk it off and finshed the marathon in under 5 hours..

 

Before the event, I told everyone it would be a once-off thing, but I can see that I will end up eating those words.....it was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had..

[SwissVan]

 

........it was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had..

 

 

Hehe...that's why I chose to do Zurich IM, what a great way to celebrate my 50th birthday....

 

After reading the post race comments I'm already starting to *** myself

[ADe]

My race report: I had a comfortable swim without much drama, coming out in 1:15. I feel I could have pushed a little more, but overall I felt good. The bike was brutal! I took the first lap very slow. It felt as if the whole field came past me. The climbs were tough. I might need to reconsider my gear ratios for my next one. When I turned for the last 45 km of the first lap the wind was already getting stronger and I just knew the second lap would be a killer. And so it was! I went through some dark and lonely places on that last 45 km. I came in at 7:30. 50 mins slower than my goal time. On the run I was able to keep my target pace of about 6:20-6:30 for much of the first 30 km. And in a matter of 500m my wheels came off. My stomach started cramping and I had to make a pit stop. My legs suddenly just felt dead. For the next 6-7 km I ate some solids and only took in water. With 5km to go I started to feel better and I could get back on my pace again. I finished the run in 5hrs dead, for a finishing time of 14:00 hrs. I am super happy with this, given how tough it was on the day.

 

I must just add. It was a very special thing completing my first Ironman; running onto the finishers straight, seeing my wife and little girl on the side was very emotional, high fiving the announcer (unfortunately not Paul Kaye), hearing those 4 words I have trained for, for the past 9 months: You are an Ironman!

 

A very tough and special day.

[sluiper]

Back in the office after driving back to Cape Town for most of yesterday. 8 hours in the car gives one lots of time to reflect on the race and bask in the afterglow of the event.

 

In terms of the swim changes to the race, I must say that I enjoyed the single lap much more than the double loop. I got into an easy rhythm which was easy to keep up and the bunches on the swim were quite constant and pleasant to swim in.

 

I do, however, think that the German statistician who told the organisers that the 90km loop on the bike wouldn't result in more drafting/congestion was probably at the Oktoberfest whilst doing his calculations.

 

I saw huge pelotons come flying past me, guys literally riding wheel to wheel. The referees seemed not to care as I saw them ride past these pelotons without blinking an eye. I didn't see 1 penalty being given out for drafting during the entire race.

 

The pelotons left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth when I was struggling alone into the wind, but I guess those guys don't mind admitting they couldn't finish an Ironman by themselves. Personally I'm not sure if I could look everyone in the eye after a race in which I drafted most of the way.

 

The support on the run by the crowds was absolutely fantastic, in my opinion even better than last year. It's a special feeling when people shout your name and tell you that you're looking good. I had a stupid grin plastered across my face for most of the run and tried to high-five as many of the kids as I could.

 

The volunteers were awesome. I'm amazed that these people come out and give up their free time to help a bunch of (sometimes ungrateful) athletes.

• The lady who gave me a leg massage was friendly and happy even though she'd been giving massages since 16:00 that afternoon.
  
• The young lady who greeted me with the space blanket and medal after the race who had been up since 5:00 that morning and had who been helping athletes right from the start.
  
• Every volunteer who stood out on the hot course for an entire day and indulged us wannabe "pro" athletes by allowing us to grab bottles on the go.
  
• All of the amazing people in the transition tents who treated us like royalty and helped us put our smelly, stinky clothes into bags without batting an eyelid and pretended we were all going for the win because every second counted.
  
• All of the rest of the volunteers who made it such a great day.
  

I can't begin to say thanks enough to those people who were willing to make it such a special day for all of us.

 

Thanks also to everyone who contributed their advice and opinions on this thread. Sometimes training for an Ironman is a lonely road, but this thread and the guys involved here made it easier for me by knowing you guys were all going through the same experience. Congratulations again to all of you who made it, even if just by the skin of your teeth.

 

So, it's off to the pool this afternoon to turn the arms over and have an easy session with no pressure for the first time in months. Then a massively reduced schedule to spend some time with the family, drink some red wine and be lazy over the winter months in Cape Town. And as soon as spring starts I'll see you all again in the 70.3 thread

[ADe]

......

 

....... Then a massively reduced schedule to spend some time with the family, drink some red wine and be lazy over the winter months in Cape Town. And as soon as spring starts I'll see you all again in the 70.3 thread

My plans exactly.

[jaxtun]

Back in the office after driving back to Cape Town for most of yesterday. 8 hours in the car gives one lots of time to reflect on the race and bask in the afterglow of the event.

 

In terms of the swim changes to the race, I must say that I enjoyed the single lap much more than the double loop. I got into an easy rhythm which was easy to keep up and the bunches on the swim were quite constant and pleasant to swim in.

 

I do, however, think that the German statistician who told the organisers that the 90km loop on the bike wouldn't result in more drafting/congestion was probably at the Oktoberfest whilst doing his calculations.

 

I saw huge pelotons come flying past me, guys literally riding wheel to wheel. The referees seemed not to care as I saw them ride past these pelotons without blinking an eye. I didn't see 1 penalty being given out for drafting during the entire race.

 

The pelotons left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth when I was struggling alone into the wind, but I guess those guys don't mind admitting they couldn't finish an Ironman by themselves. Personally I'm not sure if I could look everyone in the eye after a race in which I drafted most of the way.

 

The support on the run by the crowds was absolutely fantastic, in my opinion even better than last year. It's a special feeling when people shout your name and tell you that you're looking good. I had a stupid grin plastered across my face for most of the run and tried to high-five as many of the kids as I could.

 

The volunteers were awesome. I'm amazed that these people come out and give up their free time to help a bunch of (sometimes ungrateful) athletes.

• The lady who gave me a leg massage was friendly and happy even though she'd been giving massages since 16:00 that afternoon.
  
• The young lady who greeted me with the space blanket and medal after the race who had been up since 5:00 that morning and had who been helping athletes right from the start.
  
• Every volunteer who stood out on the hot course for an entire day and indulged us wannabe "pro" athletes by allowing us to grab bottles on the go.
  
• All of the amazing people in the transition tents who treated us like royalty and helped us put our smelly, stinky clothes into bags without batting an eyelid and pretended we were all going for the win because every second counted.
  
• All of the rest of the volunteers who made it such a great day.
  

I can't begin to say thanks enough to those people who were willing to make it such a special day for all of us.

 

Thanks also to everyone who contributed their advice and opinions on this thread. Sometimes training for an Ironman is a lonely road, but this thread and the guys involved here made it easier for me by knowing you guys were all going through the same experience. Congratulations again to all of you who made it, even if just by the skin of your teeth.

 

So, it's off to the pool this afternoon to turn the arms over and have an easy session with no pressure for the first time in months. Then a massively reduced schedule to spend some time with the family, drink some red wine and be lazy over the winter months in Cape Town. And as soon as spring starts I'll see you all again in the 70.3 thread

Nice report - it is so great to hear that people appreciate the support on the side of the road - It is a long day for supporters as well and always nice to know we are acknowledged - reckon it would be pretty crappy doing that run with no crowd support. It makes it worth supporting when someone smiles and acknowledges it. Congrats on your race.

[tankisbyon]

Nice report - it is so great to hear that people appreciate the support on the side of the road - It is a long day for supporters as well and always nice to know we are acknowledged - reckon it would be pretty crappy doing that run with no crowd support. It makes it worth supporting when someone smiles and acknowledges it. Congrats on your race.

 

Agree 100%, the support on Marine drive during the run was amazing, no matter how bad I felt, they picked me up. The parts around the back by the University were the hardest, on each lap I always looked forward to getting back on Marine drive because of the support

[AndrewF]

I will not attempt s race report just yet... Still overcome by it all. The emotions, the physicality and post race "stuff"... Will let it all settle and then report properly.

 

I will say that I set out to become an Ironman and even though I had many, many, many, many... dark moments where I wanted to quit, I didn't. A big part of that is due to the support from my amazing wife who stood on the sidelines cheering me on the entire day and to my team mates who kept spurring me on through the run. (Tribe Multisport from joburg)

 

My goal was 13 hours or less. I managed to come home in 13:28.

 

Splits: 1:05:19 6:44:02 5:39:03

 

The bike was tough, really tough, but the run is where I really struggled. I took quite a lot of breaks on the bike and run. Also hit the Transact tent in T2 to get a rub down.

 

Crossing that finish line, hearing those incredible 4 words... Holy cow! It made those 13 and a half hours all worth it. I will definitely be back next year to chase a sub 11 hour. Praying for a westerly

 

Scrumpy

[fabes]

Back in the office after driving back to Cape Town for most of yesterday. 8 hours in the car gives one lots of time to reflect on the race and bask in the afterglow of the event.

 

In terms of the swim changes to the race, I must say that I enjoyed the single lap much more than the double loop. I got into an easy rhythm which was easy to keep up and the bunches on the swim were quite constant and pleasant to swim in.

 

I do, however, think that the German statistician who told the organisers that the 90km loop on the bike wouldn't result in more drafting/congestion was probably at the Oktoberfest whilst doing his calculations.

 

I saw huge pelotons come flying past me, guys literally riding wheel to wheel. The referees seemed not to care as I saw them ride past these pelotons without blinking an eye. I didn't see 1 penalty being given out for drafting during the entire race.

 

The pelotons left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth when I was struggling alone into the wind, but I guess those guys don't mind admitting they couldn't finish an Ironman by themselves. Personally I'm not sure if I could look everyone in the eye after a race in which I drafted most of the way.

 

The support on the run by the crowds was absolutely fantastic, in my opinion even better than last year. It's a special feeling when people shout your name and tell you that you're looking good. I had a stupid grin plastered across my face for most of the run and tried to high-five as many of the kids as I could.

 

The volunteers were awesome. I'm amazed that these people come out and give up their free time to help a bunch of (sometimes ungrateful) athletes.

• The lady who gave me a leg massage was friendly and happy even though she'd been giving massages since 16:00 that afternoon.
  
• The young lady who greeted me with the space blanket and medal after the race who had been up since 5:00 that morning and had who been helping athletes right from the start.
  
• Every volunteer who stood out on the hot course for an entire day and indulged us wannabe "pro" athletes by allowing us to grab bottles on the go.
  
• All of the amazing people in the transition tents who treated us like royalty and helped us put our smelly, stinky clothes into bags without batting an eyelid and pretended we were all going for the win because every second counted.
  
• All of the rest of the volunteers who made it such a great day.
  

I can't begin to say thanks enough to those people who were willing to make it such a special day for all of us.

 

Thanks also to everyone who contributed their advice and opinions on this thread. Sometimes training for an Ironman is a lonely road, but this thread and the guys involved here made it easier for me by knowing you guys were all going through the same experience. Congratulations again to all of you who made it, even if just by the skin of your teeth.

 

So, it's off to the pool this afternoon to turn the arms over and have an easy session with no pressure for the first time in months. Then a massively reduced schedule to spend some time with the family, drink some red wine and be lazy over the winter months in Cape Town. And as soon as spring starts I'll see you all again in the 70.3 thread

Well said

[No Name]

When do entries open for next year?

[ebenvn]

Have to agree with the volunteers - absolutely awesome!

 

Thank you!

[Metzet]

When do entries open for next year?

 

 

there are a few whispers in the air...

 

IMSA moving to DBN - (might be related to that Iron distance test route to be held in April - mentioned a few pages back on this thread)

 

70.3 moving to PE.. (would make sense as this year could have been a test of a one lap bike course for 70.3)

 

:ph34r:

[No Name]

there are a few whispers in the air...

 

IMSA moving to DBN - (might be related to that Iron distance test route to be held in April - mentioned a few pages back on this thread)

 

70.3 moving to PE.. (would make sense as this year could have been a test of a one lap bike course for 70.3)

 

:ph34r:

 

I hope not. Love the fact that it is in PE and I can just take a short trip to see the action.

[Sidekick Racer]

Was my first and finished a long way off the goal.

 

59min swim/ 5.28 bike/ 4h27 run. 10.57 total.

 

Massive lessons learnt.

 

Very tough bike route, with that wind on the second lap an absolute beast!

 

Congrats to all finishers on the day.

 

Went down to the red carpet to watch the last 45minutes of finishers, after the cannon went off they said no one was on course and the day is over. On walking back to the car we found someone running the last 500m with a full police escort.

[robsc]

 

On walking back to the car we found someone running the last 500m with a full police escort.

 

Now THATS what Ironman is all about

[shawnvan]

Yep, it was a brutal day out.

 

My dream of a sub-10 hour went out the window when I saw it was a Easterly predicted, and vansihed completely when I saw the bike route and hills. I figured a 10h30 was more realistic, if everything went to plan... which it pretty much did. Here is my brief race report.

 

Did the swim in 1h08, which was 4 minutes slower than I planned. In hindsight I probably could have gone a little harder and I went a bit off course coming home, which cost a few minutes. No big deal and on the positive side I exited still feeling good and fresh for the bike.

 

Bike, first loop I did in 2h50ish, the hills weren't as bad as I expected but could feel the wind would be the divider of men and boys. I stopped looking at my speed completely and just focussed on HR alone - keeping it exactly in my range and not letting it go over 85% on any climb. I just kept as aero and relaxed as possible on those last 45kms to save energy. After Maitlands I don't think I sat up once into the wind, even on the long painful pull up Seaview Road. This paid dividends later and in the last 20kms I must have passed about 20-30 guys who were sitting up (into the wind) and were completely blown... Contrary to the others, i did not find much in the way of peletons and guys drafting, with the odd exception of course. In the final 45kms the field was very spread out, but I was probably ahead of all the middle-runners where the main drafting usually is. People will always find a way to take the "easy route", especially when things get tough... Finished the bike in 5h51.

 

Onto the run and the legs suprisingly felt great. Did the first lap in 1h06 (a little too fast), which then slowed down to 1h14 for the second. I found running into the wind a killer to try keep up a pace, and downwind wasn't going any faster! I found things ok up to 28kms, and then had to dig deep to keep going on the final lap. My qauds were pretty much done but managed to keep it together and finished the last 5km strong for a 3h33 run.

 

Final time 10h41, 78th place overall, 19 in AG. I am really blown away at how far up I finished overall, and really really chuffed For interest, 78th place last year finished in exactly 10hrs, which tells you something about the new course and wind on the day...

 

Bumped into Kevin Garwood checking out my bike. They missed bike cut-off by 10 minutes unfortunately. Less wind and they would have made it.

 

Anyways, I will definitely be back next year... Entries opened on Monday night

 

PS, to those that say they won't do PE again with the new bike course - its IRONMAN - its meant to be f-ing tough and hurt! Just don't chose PE if you are chasing PB!