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Kerrville 2015 1/2 Ironman Race Report

Kerrville 1/2 Full Triathlon 2015 Report
Kerrville, TX
Swim - 1.2 / Bike - 56 miles / Run - 13.1 miles
Start time 7:32 a.m.

2015 Overall - 7:20
2014  Overall - 7:15

Pre-Race
While race weekend did not hold as many surprises as last year, I was excited to return to Kerrville since it was such a wonderful environment to race last year.  Sadly I did not have a restful sleep on Saturday night and when I woke up I just wasn't feeling right.  I can't pinpoint what was wrong or describe any better than that, just something felt off.  I would soon find out the day wasn't going to get much better.

Weather
This year seemed similar to last year, it may have been a bit cooler because of some clouds for the run but still pretty warm.  I was initially concerned about the temperature of the water because the air temperature that morning was chilly and I was pretty cold entering the water but the water was perfect.  Although others would probably say it was a bit warm (77).

Swim
55:50
2014 - 50:05

My swim training this year was sidelined for a few weeks because of a sore shoulder but I still believe I had adequately trained. The one thing that was haunting me more this year than last was the leg cramps.  I have tried to stretch as much as possible, eat bananas, take magnesium, potassium and ensure that I was hydrating.

I was about a quarter of the way into the swim feeling pretty good, not a lot of traffic and just cruising along when the first leg cramp hit, I tried to work it out but needed to get to a kayak to hold and pull up the leg of my wet suit.  After a few minutes I felt I was able to start swimming again.  This cramping continued until I got out of the water.  I stopped a total of 4 times.  Looking at my time compared to last year, I think I would have been faster without the stopping.  The thought of quitting after the 3rd stop was in my head but I knew that was not an option - I would not be able to live with myself if I made that decision.

Since my back surgery I have had ongoing problems with left leg cramps and I have tried a variety of things with no luck.  I think it's time to take Rob's advice and get to a Dr to see if there is anything that can be done. 

Bike
3:08
2014 - 3:13

Needless to say I was happy to get out of the water and on to the bike, my mental game was in the dumps but I told myself to get my head back and move on.  The first lap was going well, aero position is much more comfortable for me!!  The second lap started and a couple miles in, I hit a good size bump and launched my aero water bottle, no problem right, I have another bottle and I'll pick up a 2nd at the aid station.  A few more miles down the road and I hit another bump and the 2nd bottle pops out.......jeez.  Finally hit the aid station in about 10 miles and I'm able to get a water - but what I really needed was something with electrolytes/salt.  I trudge along, thinking this isn't going to be the race I hoped for.

LESSON - always have spare electrolyte/salt mix!!

Run
3:07
2014 - 3:00

I'm shocked I'm excited to get off the bike, since that is my favorite part of racing.  I head out of transition, take in some nutrition and try to get my head back in the right place.  About 1/2 mile into the run the stomach cramps start, I take some more salt and some sips of water.  Cramping gets pretty bad, try to keep moving - whether it's walking or running  - keep moving.   About an hour into the run I need to take more nutrition but can't even stand to put the GU to my mouth and it's my favorite flavor  - Salted Caramel.  I just keep up with the salt, electrolyte mix and short sips.  I decide to try some gummies instead of GU and that helps, the stomach starts to settle.  Next comes the leg cramps  - I stop a few times to stretch out the legs but realize my run time isn't going to be fast.  I keep running, walking, repeat.

At least at the finish line I was able to get a smile for the camera.

My cheering squad - Rob, Janet and Roger hung in for a long day and did their best to help me get out of my funk.  

After thoughts

For the past 2 days I've been pretty pissed off at myself but after many very kind comments from family and friends and some tough love from the hubby and some dear friends.  I realize that I can't kick myself.  My initial goal was to beat my time from last year which did not happen but I still finished the race and I need to be proud of that achievement.  There was a time only a few years ago that I didn't know if I would still be able to do this sport and I'm lucky.  

I will learn from this experience and as I read what I just typed I realize that it wasn't that bad, it could have been far worse.  Longer distances will be even more mentally challenging so be prepared for anything!  I did not start the race with the right mindset which set the stage. Recognizing the early signs will be a key to getting out of the funk and not letting it rule my day.  I can't say that would have prevented the leg cramps but attitude is important.

Back to training - next up Ironman Austin 70.3 only 39 days!

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