Beach2Battleship Iron Distance Race Report by Dianne Morrison

Nov 11, 2009

The race day morning was 40 degrees so the water temperature of 67 was quite nice. The run from the swim to the bikes was about 400 yards, way too long and on cold feet. Getting ready for the bike was tough as my hands were quite cold. So I pulled on a cycling jersey and stood and waited for a port-a-potty, (still haven't peed in my wetsuit!!!) and then was off on my bike. Brrrrr for a wee while but it did warm up nicely. I think there were quite a few over dressed (dumb Americans) on the bike. Tights, jackets, booties! Please the temperature was going up to 67 and these guys were dress like it was winter!

The bike was going well I was 3:04 at 90km and then at 120km ran into a headwind for the rest of the way back. That sucked so my bike time was probably close to 6:45 , still quite a slow down I know....but what a swim time, eh!

Got off the bike actually feeling okay, I had switched to the small chain ring in the front I think that saved my legs for the run. My run plan: run until I can't. So I think I was flying, 4:51:12 is not flying, but I felt good on the run and then at 18 miles I stopped at an aid station and felt dizzy, so I slowed down for a couple of miles, ate some pretzels and oranges and then was good to go. I am sure my run time could have been faster but just can't pass those port-a-potties without making sure they work. Did you know you aren't suppose to put ammunition down them?

So it was a well run race. There were only 4 aid stations and the special needs on the bike, which although in reality is enough but I would have like to see more aid stations.....more port-a-potties to check out.

The aid stations on the run were every mile, almost seemed too soon, but they weren't long like a brand name IM so the walk time was shorter.

The only complaint would be that because it is a smaller race, only 750 in the IM distance, it was lonely out on the bike course and I could see the run course would be lonely for the last finishers. Not the same number of spectators.

Special notes. ON the bike course I saw buddy coming out of the bush with his shot gun, heading to his car. Farther up the road there was "Billy Bob" standing watching the bikes go by with his shot gun sitting on the chair beside him. And the number of empty beer bottles/cans on the side of the road is actually quite scary to think these were tossed from cars...probably from the driver.

So that has been my best finish yet. I am thinking IM Kentucky 2011. Another smaller IM if I can find one? But I am doing 70.3 in Huntsville and then I see that there is a 70.3 in Syracuse NY in September. Bummer I didn't know that, it would be flatter than Huntsville.

I think I will attempt a run tomorrow...just a small one....

D