Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3

[Bella]

I posted this in the Triathlon section and was encouraged to post again in the race results area. I finished this event last Saturday....now it seems ages ago. www.steelheadtriathlon.com

The swim begins as a jump from the infamous St. Joseph Lighthouse pier. Based on the numbers, I believe there were 5 waves of swimmers. I was in the first round of women and got the benefit of some drafting...and some blows to the head. It did seem a bit crowded in the water - especially for having a whole lot of lake available but I understand mass swims too.

The public was allowed on the beach at swim finish - and looking at the crowd shadows through my somewhat foggy goggles and hearing their chants despite my swim cap covered ears was really exhilerating. I didn't have any support there (my bf was also racing) but I felt they were there for me. The look in their eyes tells you they wish they had your willpower and guts.

The bike course is hilly but includes some good flat stretches too. The volunteer crews were awesome. This being my first half IM, I played it conservatively. Looking back, I could have cranked it up a slight notch - but that's what learning experiences are for.

I know now more than ever the role that nutrition and fueling play in endurance events. I experimented with Hammer products during training and felt they worked well. The only problem with training is that it in no way is like the real deal - only partial simulation. So by the time I was on the run, I was feeling stomach heavy, bloated, gassy, runner's trots. Although I used liquid nutrition, I "over ate" while on the bike and it caught up with me on the run.

That was somewhat disappointing as it took me 35min longer than I should have been, but my muscles and cardio were good to go and feeling strong. As a first race, I take away a LOT of useful information and learning. Primarily that I don't need as many calories as I thought - especially if I play it conservatively on the bike.

Once the final miles came on the run, the realization of what I had just accomplished this summer (training) and that day (the event) all came swelling up. Every emotion possible was summoned and it carried me right to the end. The finisher's chute was 50 yards long - and along it stood families, athletes and organizers - all cheering for me as if I were the first to cross and not the 1000th. My coaches and bf were also there with their hands out to slap as I passed by. The feeling was extraordinary. An older woman stood near, shaking her head slowly saying over and over, "you did it, you did it. I'm so proud of you". I didn't know who she was and her athlete was still out on the course - but she was proud of me. I imagine if she were writing a journal about her experience, she'd say she drew so much inspiration from all the strangers she saw run, walk or crawl past her and over the finish line.

And so to the end I ran and, with my arms raised in victory, I plowed through the ribbon, lifted my head to the blue skies and thanked my lucky stars for bringing me through safely to the end. Handfuls never finished that race - some choked on the swim, flattened out on the bike or collapsed on the run. Two were taken away by ambulance. Any one of those could have been me.

A finish line volunteer took my hand and led me to a seat - the most comfortable folding chair I ever sat on in my life. There he took my timing chip and spoke words of congratulations, while another came with an icy bottle of water. (Better service than a spa!!)

With a medal dangling from my neck and my aches done for the day, I joined the others on the chute and cheered and cried for those coming in behind me. Sure the elites are impressive. They are fast and they have swanky equipment. But the ones that finished with me and after me were everyday types - just like me - out for a mega accomplishment. Every age and body type came in - pushing every ounce of stamina and possibly more courage than most. Although the race information claimed it would shut down the course after certain times, they didn't. The last racer came in well beyond the cutoff time - with a police escort, horns, lights and sirens as he came in. Everyone stopped - even in the transition area some distance away - and sent roaring praise to this brave fellow. It was awesome.


I am certain that anyone can train for and complete a half IM. It gets tough and it is a committment not to be taken lightly but the rewards of finishing are indescribable and simply priceless.

For those with races yet to come this year, I wish you all much speed and endurance!

[Jones]

Great accomplishment, congratulations. Great race report, I think you should send it to the 70.3 organization. Jones

[Lise]

Bella, thank you again for posting this race report! Very inspiring and encouraging. My goal is to do Steelhead next year--maybe we'll be out there together! Lise

[skibum]

Great race report, Bella! You really captured the atmosphere and the emotions of the race experience. Congratulations on a great finish and good luck on wherever your race plans take you in the future!

[DirtDiva]

Wow! A most excellent report on a most excellent accomplishment.