Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Ironman Florida Part #2: Rebel On A Bike

IMG_3931-280x421[1]

From Triathlete.com

I start the bike on the biggest high of my life and I’m not even drinking wine. It’s a high that would only intensify throughout the day. This is the point where I think my high altitude training and hill climbing really kicked in. Cruising along at 18 mph even with a head wind is effortless. This bike course is a triple “F”: fast, fun and flat.

image

Sharpie’s voice goes through my head, “Okay, bitch, dial in your nutrition on your bike or the rest of your race will suck balls,” or something like that. My race bottle is already full of Powerbar Perform lemon lime drink (the drink I’ve trained with the past 4 months) and I start drinking that immediately. In total, here’s what I ate/drank over 6 hours on the bike (in no particular order):

5 GUs (orange and vanilla)
2 packets GU watermelon Chomps
1 peanut butter and jelly sandwich
1 Honey Stinger Waffle
~100 ounces of Power Bar Perform drink
~40 ounces water
~5 Salt Stick tabs (I had also taken some before the race and after the swim)

I know I need 1,600-1,700 calories and I think I met that. See, Sharpie? I listened.

I expect to have a low point on the bike, maybe at 75 miles when I am feeling tired and my crotch needs a break. Not the case. I never hit a low. In fact, I keep getting more and more energized. Every time I blow by some dude with fancy schmancy race wheels and contraptions I do a little dance inside. 

photo (3)

Clearly I really love to wave when I am on the bike.

Then…I get in trouble. There is a group of us trying to pass some riders. Right then, the race police come up on a motorcycle and tell me I have a 4 minute penalty for drafting and have to go to the penalty tent. They must like me the best, because I am the only one they penalize. This is at mile 80, and I have not been off my bike in almost 5 hours. I try to put a positive spin on the whole thing, telling myself it is good to stop and stretch my legs and pee.

So, like a rule follower I go into the tent a few miles later. The lady sternly hands me a timer and tells me not to touch the buttons and to stand there. I ask if I can go to the bathroom and she says, no. So I just pee on her shoe (kidding). I am the only one in the tent and as I watch the other racers go by, I feel like I am in a time out. I am such a rebel! I remember the quote “Well behaved women rarely make history.” Thank God I have that going for me.

It is 6 or so hours into the race and I have not seen my family and friends yet. They probably went back to bed. I look for their obnoxious orange shirts everywhere. Right after I get out of my time-out, I turn the corner and there they all are!

This is probably one of my favorite pictures of my lifetime. My dad, Big Jim. He doesn’t follow the rules either (a side story about my hilarious dad: the night before, we were having a huge spaghetti dinner. I had a Ziploc bag of my Powerbar Perform drink mix on the counter. I looked over and my dad was putting it on his spaghetti, having mistaken it for parmesan cheese. Big Jim likes some electrolytes with his pasta).

The last 30 minutes of the bike I stop eating solid food in anticipation of the run. I go into a smaller gear to spin my legs. I had promised myself that while I was in each event, I would not think about what was coming up. For just a moment I let myself digest the fact I have to go run a marathon. I try to convince myself it is okay by saying things like, “But, you LOVE to run! It’s what you do! You’ve run marathons before! For shit’s sake, you have a blog about running!”

Yet, I still know the run is going to kick my ass. I know this because every single run I did in training after a long bike ride was a suck fest. And, none of those runs had even been over 7 or 8 miles. I am not sure how I am going to get through it, but I know I am going to get through it because that is what I do.

I cruise into transition ready for the next challenge. In the transition tent a volunteer named Lori screams out Shut Up and Run!! She changes out my shoes and socks (I love her, I know they smelled like ass) and sends me on my way.

photo

Bike 112 miles: 6:04 (including the penalty) – 18.43 mph average

Next up – the longest freaking marathon of my life as I try not to puke up 1,700 calories (did I tell you I hate puke?).

SUAR

PS: If you are late to the party, you can read Part #1 (the swim) HERE.

76 comments:

  1. Oh wow, the photo of you and your Dad just made me get tears in my eyes big time. It is beautiful!

    Way to take your "time out" in stride. I would have been furious I'm sure... I don't do well when I get punished.

    I can't wait for part 3!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Loving the race report! WOOOOO!

    ReplyDelete
  3. OMG!! i am about to pee my pants reading this.. AMAZING!!! YOU ARE A BEAST!! So so happy for you and all you have accomplished.!!!!!! Your my Hero! Beth!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so glad you didn't let the whole penalty thing get you down. In fact, it sounds like it just propelled you along with more determination! Stubborn, rebellious people have a real advantage in endurance events, anyway!! I'm loving these recaps!
    And your dad reminds me of my teen-aged son whom we once caught eating dog treats that he thought was beef jerk :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. LOL! I love that your dad put energy drink mix on his pasta, mistaking it for parmesan. Oh, Dads... the things they do!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am loving your recap, can't wait til the run!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You were smokin on that bike girl!!!! I knew you would do well after all of that hilly training at elevation!!! I am totally in love with the pic of your daddy!!!! priceless!!!! Congrats again on an AWESOME race!!! Shelly

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is a joy to read your recap posts, as your own joy in the race shines through! Congrats again!

    ReplyDelete
  9. See, give a person a badge, and they feel like they need to enforce the law. Were you drafting? Did the punishment fit the purported crime? I think I would have liked the breather. At least you were able to get your momentum back.

    Speaking of crime, I just returned from accompanying my 16 year old to court for a stupid crime. No, it was not drafting. He got 20 hours of community service from the judge and continued grounding from me until that 20 hours is completed.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am so loving the recap, Beth. Awesome job--I saw you had finished in under 13 hours and was so happy for you. Can't wait to read about the run portion!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I was SO excited when I saw you finish on Sunday. I sat there checking your status then switching back to the live coverage of the finish line, every so often I would look up and watch the foot ball game. About 25 minutes of this and I SAW YOU! OMG! You were smiling, you looked so strong!
    You had such an amazing Ironman. So hurry up with part 3, the run. I keep passing your recaps on to my husband who will do his first 1/2 ironman this summer.
    You're amazing Beth and should be so proud. Such an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ahhh this is all so freaking awesome!!! I love that pic of your dad!! SO GOOD! Sucks that you got a penalty - that's a solid bike time for 112 miles!! Can't wait for the marathon re-cap, puke and all. :D

    ReplyDelete
  13. You are amazing! I love the photo of your dad - you can feel his excitement and pride! What joy! Way to rock that race! You are AH-MAZE-BALLS!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Again, so much fun to see you on the bike! You were flying out there!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Loving your recaps and really really love that picture of you and your dad. I love how supportive your friends and family are. What a blessing!

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is so exciting!!! And I absolutely LOVE love love that picture of you and your dad! It made me smile and get all teary :) THAT's what all this is about... doing something you love, that you worked your ass off for and having the people you love there to support you. I'd hang that one on my wall (well, if it was me and my dad. don't worry, I won't hang your picture up over my mantel;). Can't wait to read about the marathon!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That picture of your dad makes me all teary eyed! The drafting thing seems odd? I thought that's how you rode bikes lol.

    ReplyDelete
  18. You are so inspiring! Loving this recap!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow I love all of your recaps!! Can't wait to read all about the run. That picture of your dad is precious! That will be one to keep for years to come!

    ReplyDelete
  20. That is AWESOME, very inspiring!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. LOVE that picture of your dad!!! It makes me realize that no matter how old our kids become, we will always be their parents. So cool to see your dad supporting you like that. Love it.

    Can't wait to read about your run!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like that your dad pre-gamed as well. Spectating IS an endurace sport.

    "For shit's sake, you have a blog about running!" That's awesome! I'm going to start giving myself pep talks like that. "For shit's sake, you have degree in engineering...you can calculate how much 20% off is on pants at Kohl's."

    ReplyDelete
  23. Don't make us wait another 24 hours for the run story! You did awesome. Have you signed up for your next ironman?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hah!! Now I am kicking myself I did not sign up for Boulder and it is sold out.

      Delete
    2. My new philosophy is this: Be unreasonable!
      You are local after all and there are bound to be drop outs for whatever reason allowing room for YOU! Just do it...Ask! I bet you are granted an exception. :)

      Delete
    3. I think I love this philosophy! I may have to steal it.

      Delete
    4. It's a good one 500 miles...and amazing things you had no idea ever could or would happen begin to happen when you begin practicing being unreasonable.

      Delete
  24. Where did you store all your nutrition on the bike? Bike bag, tape on bike, pockets??

    Nice job. Very exciting read!

    -pac

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had some of it shoved in my jersey and the rest in my bento box. I took the chomps and bottles of perform from the aid stations.

      Delete
  25. the picture of you and your dad is probably my favorite thing ever!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you soooo much for sharing this with us.
    You.are.awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  27. OMG, your race recap has brought tears to my eyes. I can totally feel your excitement (and pain) and I adored that your family and close friends were there to support you. that's so freakin awesome.... even your dad's culinary choices.

    You rock. Can't wait to read the rest!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. 46 and kicking IronMan ASS!!!! Love, love LOVE the picture of you and your dad. I could totally picture you peeing on the Time Out lady ... and that's why I love reading your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Such a trouble maker you are!! And I love it. :) Looking forward to reading about the run. I was tracking you on Saturday. When I saw your times getting slower in the run I knew you were probably struggling. I kept sending good vibes to you. So excited you finished in under 13hrs! What an accomplishment!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. GO, GIRL. You don't know me, of course, but I'm a loyal blog reader. I love reading about this. And I LOVE the picture of your dad....so fantastic. Proud!!!!
    Kelly (where did you store all your food on your bike???)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In my jersey and bento box. I took the chomps and bottles of perform from the aid station. It was tough to shove stuff everywhere, but it worked!

      Delete
  31. You should've had a basket on your bike for all of your food :) The pic of you and your dad is AWESOME! I can't wait to read the next part!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. That picture of your dad almost made me cry (and I don't even know either of you,)!! 16x20 on the wall, just sayin'!

    ReplyDelete
  33. That was me that helped you in transition! I feel famous getting mentioned in your blog - LOL! It was so great to meet you and I'm glad you had such a great race!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Am I the only one who's still stuck on the fact that you got penalized? I'm still trying to figure out why you were the only one singled out for "drafting"? Especially if there was a group of you trying to pass??? Were you longer than the 15 seconds rule of passing??? Crazy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been wondering about that too. Mind you, I don't even know what 'drafting' is... But, why just you?

      Delete
    2. It's a good question...I'm sure I was drafting. But, there were a few points in the race where groups of us would be in a swarm (peloton?) trying to pass other riders. It got very tricky. This was one of those times. I know I did not have enough room between myself and the bike in front of me, but it wasn't like I was deliberately doing it. I was trying to get by and get over, but there were too many people. I do know I was not the only one and I was really surprised I got the only penalty...maybe I was closer than others were, I don't know. I'm guessing they had their reasons, but it's not like I make that a practice, it was more circumstantial.

      Delete
    3. It's a snapshot in time as that race official on the motorbike is eyeballing everyone. It seems more often than not it's going to be the person towards the tail end because it's easier to see if they are dropping back the required distance or not. The ones in the middle will "appear" to be attempting to progress forward.

      At one point I got passed by 3 or 4 riders just as an official was riding by and they slowed and stared at me to see if I was going to back off or latch on. They weren't watching the 4 grouped together but, probably because it's easier to see the tail person and visually see if they are hanging on (drafting) or dropping back as required. I dropped back and didn't get dinged.

      Delete
  35. Wow on the drafting penalty! Sounds like a good ride all the same.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am on the edge of my seat. This is such an awesome story!! The picture of your dad? Made me tear up. You are amaze balls!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. But did you use pee as a weapon?? THAT is the key question??!! Loving the photo of your Dad. By the way; I hope you know just how many people I reckon you're causing to sign up for full and half ironmans!!!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm soooo happy for you, Beth! This is awesome - okay maybe not the part about trying not to puke, but all the rest is fantastic. Thrilled that your training and preparation paid off for the swim and bike portions. I'm sure they did for the run segment too - even if it didn't exactly feel that way. Look forward to the final installment!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am bawling like a baby reading these recaps. I have loosely followed your blog for a couple of years and could not be more in awe of this accomplishment. You are truly a bad ass, reaping the rewards of your hard work. Congratu-freaking-lations!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Ah, that pic of you and your dad made me cry! Plus that powerade perform story is hilarious.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great recap!! Bummer on the penalty - nice of you to actually serve it and not pee on the cranky ladies shoe!!!
    Such a cool picture of your dad - how did you not cry?!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Damn those race cops! I couldn't imagine the feeling. Totally would feel like timeout. Pretty impressive that you can eat a PB&J on the bike. Wowza! :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Still waiting for the bathroom escapades -- 6 hours on a bike and nothing to "report"? Awesome recap otherwise.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. God I am so boring. I know you all wanted to hear that I crapped myself and threw it at other riders or something. But, nothing. As a matter a fact, I did not use the bathroom the whole time, only after I got off the bike at transition.

      Delete
  44. Oh I love the picture of your dad! Looking forward to part 3 :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Congrats! Can't wait for part 3!!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Awesome!! Love your humor :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Once again......great recap. Can't there be 4 parts?

    ReplyDelete
  48. Congratulations on such a strong bike! I'm looking forward to reading part 3. Also, what type of bike do you have? I'm currently shopping for a bike to use for tri's and road races and there are so many options out there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got a Cannondale Slice. Not as pricey or nice as the Shiv, but it is GREAT bike. I got it on close out for probably about $2000.

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much! I've been eying the Cannondale's at my local bike shop. I'll have to see if they have any Christmas discounts and check it out.

      Delete
  49. I am learning so much from these recaps! It didn't occur to me that the swim would be done in loops like you described, I didn't know that there were wetsuit strippers and shoe changers, and I guess I always assumed that bike races were like car races, and drafting was part of the deal. Is there a handbook with all the rules? Or did you just learn from your coach?

    Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment! Can't wait to read more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there is an athlete guide with all of that in there, plus they tell you at the meeting the day before the race Lots to remember!!

      Delete
  50. Love that pic of you on the bike waving and your dad lifting up his arms. I can tell how happy/proud he is of you!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. That is a fabulous photo of you and your dad! My husband has a picture he took of me when I saw him, that is priceless. My smile was so huge! My schedule I had given my family was completely wrong due to me being ahead of schedule all day (good problem), so they showed up at mile 100, when I was hurting, and surprised me. Best part of my day!!! I My kids were there too, and I submitted a photo my mom took of them to Ironman, and they actually included it in a fan collage. LOVE LOVE those family support photos. They are so special. Also, I feel like a pig on the bike compared to what you ate!!! I had a ton more calories on the bike!!! I think I was close to 2400, and I'm really small! So amazed I didn't puke on the run :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Freaking awesome- even with the penalty ( I woulndn't have blamed you for peeing on her foot...just saying).

    Love all the pics, and that you like to wave--- everyone likes seeing a happy rider~!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I told my husband you were making us wait for the posts, one slow update at a time. The first one coming days after the event. It was torture. He said, "she's like a crack dealer...giving out a little taste at a time.".

    ReplyDelete
  54. Just awesome! Love hearing this! Great attitude about the penalty, I'd be pretty grumpy about it.

    ReplyDelete
  55. You are absolutely incredible!! Amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. 1700 calories? Holy crap lady. I take in around 1200-1300 and feel full to the brim. 1700 and I would be puking everywhere.

    Great job on the ride outside of the penalty but you should have pee'd on her shoes. F it. What is she going to do give you another penalty?

    Also, maybe have a ziploc of fake poop to toss on the floor if you get caught in the penalty tent again. That'll show them to screw around with SUAT!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I can't believe they penalized you! You still did an amazing job :)

    ReplyDelete