Race Reports

Trying to decide where to race? Check out the following race reports written by LATC members to give you a jump start on your race planning!! Submit race reports to Chris at: bright-c@ves.pvt.k12.va.us!!

Mrs. T's Chicago Triathlon (sprint & olympic)

The worlds largest triathlon with over 5000 participants. A big event, but one that everyone should do at least once. The swim is in Lake Michigan and goes right along the seawall, the water is typically cool but calm. Chicago tends to have a long T1 because of the size of the transition, so be prepared to run in your wetsuit and no shoes. The bike course is a loop and a half along Lakeshore Drive which is flat, fast, and very scenic. The only challenge on the bike is not drafting and passing heavy bike traffic. Since this race is in August the temperature is generally very warm to hot by the run. The run has changed over the years but typically rolls along the lake and through a park to a huge finish line. Post race party is massive with free food, beer, etc. Recent trend has been to send the Pro's last so you have an opportunity to watch the big dogs race. Chicago is an Ironman Qualifier, Bally's Nationals Qualifier, and Clydesdale/Athena National Championship. It is only a 12 hour drive from Lynchburg.

Jim Redmond

St. Anthony's - St. Petersburg Florida (olympic)

A great place to have a triathlon, the Tampa Bay Area makes for a great long weekend vacation and competition. St. Anthonys acts as a great barometer of your training as you go up against the best national competition in an olympic distance Ironman Qualifier early in the season. The Swim is in Tampa Bay adjacent to the Pier at Straub Park near Downtown St. Petersburg. The 1500 meter swim tends to be very choppy and wetsuit use is recommended but often not allowed because of the temperature exceeding 79. The bike course is flat but fairly technical with a lot of sharp turns on tricky surfaces (accumulation of sand on the road) that tends to cause a lot of crashes, especially when wet. By the time you get to the run it is going to be HOT and getting hotter throughout. The run is an easy out and back course with aid stations every mile. It is critical that you get plenty of fluids on the bike in order to be prepared for the extreme heat during the run. This race is well organized and has a very extensive expo and post race party. Make sure to arrive early on race day as the transition is massive and fills up quickly.

Jim Redmond

Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon

May 15th, Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 1000 meter swim, 12.7 mile bike, 3.1 mile run. This is a great local race that is growing in popularity!! The race is directed by VA Amateur Sports. The event is well organized from start to finish with a decent post race spread. Get your entry in ealy (like NOW) if you plan on racing this year. The penalty for a late fee is mo' money mo' money mo' money! The swim is a simple out and back (a little short last year but should be a legitimate 1000m swim this year). Wear a wetsuit!! A 100m dash and you're on your bike. Get ready for a rolling course with one steep climb about three miles in. Head out of the park, take a right, and its out to a little marina and back to the park. No flats or steep hills, really, just rolling hills with a moderatley long climb back to the park. Spin back to the transition and prepare for the out and back run. The run course is held entirely in the park. The run follows the first 1.55 miles of the bike course. Again, no flats, just rolling hills. One slight hill just before the finish line. If you've been looking for a race that doesn't require a lot of travel - this is the race for you!

Chris Bright

Semper Fi Triathlon (olympic)

Saturday, June 5th in Jacksonville, NC. Super Race!! The race is well organized and marshalled from start to finish by marines in training. At first they aren't too excited about waking up early and pointing left and right, by as the day continues, they become more vocal and animated! Last year on the run, I was barked at by a military man for walking through a water stop.

The swim is in the Little River Inlet (brakish water), and for the past two years, has been a little on the short side...not quite 1500 meters. Wetsuits were permitted two years ago, but not last year. If the tide is out, get your jumping feet ready and porpoise out as far as you can! (If anyone wants to see 200 people porpoising at the same time, I've got the video...quite entertaining) The water is relatively calm and plenty of support staff are zooming around in little boats. Finish the swim and hop on your bike...wait a minute, run almost a QUARTER MILE to the bike transition. Yes, for those who love that red-line experience early in the race, this transition is for you. The bike is super flat and super fast! There are a moderate number of turns, but for the most part, you can really fly on this course. The draft marshalls are diligent on this course so be careful not to bunch up on the straights. Watch out for the wind; it can get gusty from time to time. The run is flat as well, and is basically an out and back course that has some turn-offs into the surrounding neighborhoods. Temperatures can get pretty warm by this time of day (wear a hat!), so drink plenty of fluids on the bike and during the run. All finishers are greeted at the finish line with a medal and a nice "Congratulations!" Steve and Debbie Bozeman, as well as Gary Taylor, are making plans to compete in this race!

Chris Bright

Ironman Florida

Panama City Beach, Fl, Nov. 6, 1999 As we arrived at the transition zone about 0600 we moved along the other racers to put our special needs bags into the appropriate piles, got our time chips, bodies marked (yeah baby), and checked on ou r bikes. After the usual jitters and long lines we ditched our warm ups for our wetsuits and made our way for the water. The sand was cold and white, the air was crisp, the sky was blue and the water was inviting. We were ready. Once in the coral I t urned to Jill and said: "Now is not the time to be nervous, we just have to trust ourselves and have fun." Word up.

As we edged toward the water we stopped for a horrible rendition of the countries greatest song. Once hitting the med tent to fix our eardrums we prepared for the long haul. The gun went off and 1500 watches went as the personal timers started. Ankle deep I saw that there was a crowd in front of me, go figure, 1500+ people and I saw a crowd. I broke to the right and swam on the f ringe of the group. Not knowing if my strategy was good I plugged on and engaged in the hand to hand combat. And it really was. The most important thing to keep in mind is to stay calm. No one is really trying to hit you or kick you, though it is hard t o convince yourself otherwise while you are there. The gulf was very salty which I had noted in our training swim. Now it seemed exponential. After making the first loop I was not looking forward to a repeat, but what choice was there.

So, I finished the swim and the people were walking up the beach. Not me, em every chance you get. Stay out of the packs. More individual help. Up to the tarps and volunteers where they strip your wetsuit off like it was yesterdays old whatever. Running up to get the bike bag. Into the tent that is packed you change in the makeshift hall and throw your stuff in the bag. A volly takes it. You get sunscreen, I ate a sandwich, and got to my bike. After the hand off you jam out of transition with a billion peopl e (who are always less considerate) and get underway.

The bike was flat and I had my plan. Keep the HR at 150 plus or minus and I'd come in with an average of about 120. That would set me right for the run. I planned for a gu each half hour and was right on except for the first half of the second hour. The first 30 went by fast because I was playing tag with Monique. It was fun but she was a better rider. It is also impossible not to draft. You will find that some people you pass right out and you w i ll never see them again (even if you have to carry your bike) but most of the gang is going to ride your pace. As you go to pass there will be another to squeeze in behind. Watch for the marshals and drop back when they are there. Loose the 10 seconds as opposed to the 3-5 min. Also watch for blocking. You will go to pass and instead of passing one, you will have to pass 5 or more.

Make sure that your derailure cables are tight. I had a problem with one and had to talk real nice to get back into my big ring. Had it been hilly, that would have made a larger problem. The special needs was good. Small can of pringles, a turkey sandwich, payday, tube and co2. I took water and gatorade at each stop they offered it. Need to stay hydrated and to wash after going on the bike. About mile 90 I started to feel the heat of the day. It was nice to almost be done. Most of the ride is a blur. Just a time to focus and go. I looked around but I don\rquote t remember. I went off the bike twice and on the bike 5 times. Learn the trick and save time. Coming in to the bike hand off they take it and rack it. You run to your run transition bag and change again. Another volly is there to take your bike clothes. Eat a gu and off you go.

I ran sub 8 min miles for f irst 2. I eased back from there and ran 830/900 and got my average at 906. The run was out and back twice and was good only in that you got you see those you knew and provide inspiration to them. Need to remember that running is synonymous with enduring pain. The earlier you shut all feelings the faster you will run and the better you will be. Brainwash yourself. Convince yourself that there is nothing but running. My knee started to hurt about half way into it. I took a sandwich from my spec. needs but did not take the long sleeve shirt, as it was still sunny and warm. At about mile 15 bot of my feet felt like they were broken. Really! Not kidding at all. The outside of each foot felt that it was going to snap in two as my foot rolled. So, I dropped the pace a little, I had been walking water stops (hydration is priority) and walked/jogged from 16.5 to 17. Than I ran again and hit mile 20. Now it was dark and I just had one leg left to run. It was just the back part. Armed with light stic k s and gu I took off like the wind and shut out all feeling. There was nothing but running (and some Zepplin music) for me. It was grand and I ran as hard as I could. That worked for about 5 steps, just kidding, I did that all the way in and I even defi ed myself. I had always said I would slow down to have my own finisher's photo and wait for the ribbon to be stretched, BS. I ran and ran and the only time I was going to slow down or stop was when I was done.

Great, I just finished my race and got a me dal, my shirt, and the chills. After some food and drinks I caught up with my gang and hung out. Walking to the other end of the earth to get my warm ups (logistics needs some quality control comments) I went back to the group. I felt really good consid ering I wanted to hack off my legs, my eyes seared and my mind was gone. Kidding, it was nothing like that. I had to pee a lot, I drank gatorade a lot and got a date for the party the next night. So, really, you don\rquote t feel that bad. Now to get all of the gear home. Ha. After getting what seems to be more stuff than you have at your home, you sling, carry and cart your stuff to the car and head home. But, you can only do that with the niffty ironman bracelet. Without it you are done. After a shower and the hot tub I got dressed and went back to the race site. One, to see the last finishes, two, to see my date. How great, She didn't even recognize me (she thought I was my roommate) ha. So, my training was good. Too many people over train and get hurt (my knee). Everything else was great. We don\rquote t need to run 20 miles ever for our training. You just increase the injury potential.

So, that is my race. I was very happy. I can in at 11:05:19 which placed me 21 of 63 in age and 433 of 1500 or so. Top third. Fine with me. I,ll do better next time you can count on that.

David "Crash" Nash 11-28-99

Virginia Beach, VA

Gulf Coast Triathlon - Panama City, Florida

I have done the Gulf Coast 4 times (1995 - 1998) . It is a great race. There are about 1800 triathletes and 2000 volunteers. The swim can be tough due to high seas. We had 6-8 foot swells in 1998. There are about 300 triathletes to each wave start. I also have been stung by at least one jellyfish every year. Wetsuits are usually allowed and I recommend them to anyone except the exceptional swimmer. It saved me four minutes and a lot of fatigue when I first used them in 1997. The bike is so flat compared to Lynchburg, VA. Only "hill" is a bridge you ride over. I found the bike to be very fast (avg. 24- 27 mph each year). You will have to check your bike in the night before the race. Don't worry, they have a lot of security guards there. Give yourself time on race day for the helmet check in and numbering process. I found that getting there by at least 5:30am, I was in and out quickly. The run is very hot with very little shade. The temp for the run is usually in the mid 80's to low 90's. Run course is and out and back loop the a slight rise at the 6.5 mile - 7 mile mark. At mile 9 there is a short section (about 200-400meters) of sandy roads that you have to run on. Mile 10 to the finish is great. There are water stops at every mile and they are fully loaded including medicine and vasaline. The pre-race expo is awesome. Give youself time to mingle through the stuff and bring some extra money. There are a lot of great deals on bike parts and other tri stuff. The after race party is great. A lot of good food, wine, beer and fireworks.

Gary Taylor

Great Floridian Ironman

With the athletes assembled in the water, we are treated to the national anthem followed by a release of doves before the horn goes off. We’re moving. It feels good to be finally in motion. Even with the early race congestion, I’m moving better than expected and it’s certainly better than waiting on the shore. The sun is rising on the eastern horizon as we swim the first lap. It’s a relief when we finally get to the midway point and get the sun behind us so we’re not blinded with each breath to the right. On the way back in, however, sighting the buoy’s is more difficult because they are now on our left, as is the sun. At the half-way point we exit the water, run across the timing device and re-enter the water. Thirty-five minutes…okay, this is promising. The second lap goes much like the first. The sun is now just high enough to be out of our eyes as we look for the buoy’s, but the extra distance (swimming from the re-entry point to the original first buoy) adds three minutes to my time for the second lap. I leave the water a happy camper. With my limited swim training this year, I feel real good about coming out of the water this quickly.

I spot my wife and kids at the transition fence. They are yelling and I acknowledge them with a wave. The transition goes well. Finally getting on the bike feels great. I move through the first 30 miles (which are very hilly) and pass a lot of other riders. I check my monitor to make sure that I’m not riding too hard. We get to Sugarloaf and I laugh out loud at a flatlander’s comment that “I’ve never seen a course like this…it’s all hills!” This year's course was changed to provide relief from the strong late-race headwinds in previous years. Last year I was averaging 20 mph at mile 95 and over the last 17 miles my average dropped to 18.6. Obviously, I was happy when I heard about the course changes. Unfortunately, the wind gods figured out the plan and decided to blow from the outset of the bike eliminating nearly all of the advantage gained by the course changes. However, the changes made the course more enjoyable as some of the more heavily trafficked roads were eliminated. The bike goes well and I feel strong, despite the wind. My cyclecomputer is not working properly, even though it has worked fine for the previous year. There are even a couple of segments (not very long ones, mind you) where we have a tailwind. What a relief! The aid stations are well placed, well-stocked and the volunteers as usual, are great. Friendly, encouraging, helpful, always trying their hardest to give you exactly what you want. This is a GFT standard, and this year is no exception. I get to mile 110 and think I have only two miles to go. Since my cyclecomputer is not working, I check my watch and estimate seven minutes to the finish. Seven minutes come and go and we keep going, riding up and down some of the steeper hills in the town of Clermont. I know I have gone more than two miles. Another rider comes by and asks if this is the “Tour of Clermont.” We both chuckle and stand up for the final hill before the transition area.

Entering the transition area, I check my watch. Six hours, one minute for the bike. Better time than last year. More hills, slightly longer course and with stronger winds. As I run into the transition tent to change clothes I am once again greeted with cheers from my gallery by the transition fence. I change as quickly as I can, go to the port-a-john and head out. On the way out of the transition area, I stop to kiss Lisa for luck since I missed her at the start due to the ChampionChip incident. I get through the first few miles of the run feeling great. I have never gotten off the bike in an IM-distance race and felt as smooth and strong. My legs don’t hurt and my heart rate is very good. With changes in the run course, we are re-directed through a residential area where we are able to take a bike/walking path for a couple of miles which provides a fair amount of shade and zero traffic. I get passed by some guy in the 55-59 age group who is flying. I’m doing nines and he is absolutely cookin’. In no time he is completely out of sight. I wish I knew the overall elapsed time, but my watch button got hit sometime during the swim and I haven’t seen a race clock since the start. Around mile six I begin to eat the salt from pretzels to replenish my sodium levels. Last year I began to cramp badly near the finish and I want to avoid that happening again. I am running more of the marathon than I ever have during my previous finishes. Even the weather is cooperating. Instead of the high humidity and 85-plus temperatures of prior years, this year is mid-70’s with relatively low humidity, for Florida anyway. I continue around the lake and easily complete my first lap.

My spirits are lifted when I see Lisa, Sarah and Adam waiting for me at the waterfront park. I get high-five’s and continue on, not even stopping to walk again until mile 13. Like I said, I am feeling good. Midway through the second lap, on a section where the road is severely cambered, my left illiotibial band begins to show the first signs of irritation. At the next aid station I get some Tylenol and while this does not provide immediate relief, I hope to avoid letting this problem get worse. I knew that this felt too easy. Completing the second lap around Lake Minneola is always a relief. Two down, one to go. But the second lap takes its toll. The accumulated mileage from the other events combined with 20 miles of the marathon make for a feeling of weariness that really sets in hard. The balance to this is the knowledge that you only need to run around this thing one more time and it will be over. I pass Lisa and the kids one last time. They ask how I’m feeling. I respond, “rough.” High-five’s and I keep moving. As I pass the special needs area, I consider stopping to change from my prescription shaded sunglasses to a pair of regular glasses. Darkness will be here soon and this seems like a good idea, but I decide to keep moving. I don’t yet know what the elapsed race time is and I want to push to the end. Lap three is always the toughest, not just because the accumulated fatigue begins to grip your body, but because of the darkness. Where there were people with faces and features, now there are just figures moving in the same direction, some you catch and go by, some you neither gain or lose distance on. When the aid stations begin to pass out the glow-sticks, it becomes even more eerie because then all you see is these dark figures up ahead with a glowing ring that appears to be suspended in the darkness.

People are also less social during the later stages as they internalize their struggle and mind-games are played out in their minds. GFT has great volunteers, period. Each aid station is unique in some way, from the church groups to the wild and crazy MadDogs. Each year I have done GFT, I have taken the time to thank the volunteers and on the last lap of the run, I always say “goodbye” and “see you next year.” These people really make GFT’s fabric enduring, something that competitors will not soon forget, and I suspect the volunteers have some of the same feelings. Running is tough now. As darkness has fallen, my left IT band has gotten worse. I continue to push as much as possible with the biggest problem being the pain when I start and end my run segments. I rationalize that it’s not going to get any better and pushing forward is the best decision. Approaching mile 24, I begin to feel a sense of relief. It’s a lock now. I could even crawl in from here, if I had to, and I won’t. I get to 25 and hit the MadDogs station. Even in the darkness, one of the volunteers recognizes me from the previous lap and yells my number and some encouraging comments. I respond, say thanks, and keep running. I am so close now that I can hear the crowd noise and see the glare from the lights. I remove my glow-ring and stick it in the back of my tri-shorts (don’t want it in my finish photo and besides, my son made me promise to keep it for him). I round the corner and turn left onto Montrose Street. The crowds are cheering. I look up at the time and it says 12:09:45. I sprint (if you can call it that) and hit the tape in 12:10:03. A new PR. I don’t get sweaty hugs from my kids very often, but tonight I do. Unlike previous years, I am starving. We get pizza from the food tent and I devour it. While putting on fresh shoes I find two blood blisters on my feet the size of quarters and a third on one of my toes, none of which have burst. I also have a black toenail that won’t be with me much longer. The medical volunteers open the blisters and give me a bag of ice for my knee. We sit in the tent watching the finishers for the next 45 minutes or so before we finally decide to leave. I want to shower and get clean, but I really enjoy the feeling I have right now. Satisfaction at finishing with a new PR, the enjoyment of watching others finish, many of them first-timers. It feels great to just soak in the feeling and emotional energy from the people and the swirl of activity going on around the finish line.

Few people ever really know when their last Ironman may be, and because each event has such special nuances and peculiarities, taking the time to just enjoy it should be a requirement. Don’t let this moment pass you by; if you do, you’ll regret it. GFT is the kind of race that fosters these feelings. It’s still personal, the volunteers treat you special, the race staff is friendly, the town is open and it’s a great event not just for competitors, but for spectators as well. We finally head back to the hotel. Naturally, everyone is tired and throughout the drive our car is mostly quiet, which is unusual. As we are driving along, I look in the back seat and see a dark figure the size of my son with a glow-stick around his neck. I can’t help but smile to myself as I turn around to enjoy the silvery orange moon making its way upward in the sky.

Wendell Scott
wendellks@aol.com

Ironman USA - 7/30/00
by Chris Bright

Great Buckeye Challenge Half Ironman - 8/20/00
by Jim Redmond

Odyssey Double Ironman - 9/16 to 9/17, 2000
by Steve Bozeman

Odyssey Triple Ironman - 9/15 to 9/17, 2000
by Walter Wrawle

Ironman Florida - 11.4.00
by Jim Redmond

Ironman California - 1999
by Steve Shepherd

Ironman California - 5.19.01
by Jimbo Redmond

ITU World Long Course Triathlon Championships - 8.4.01
by Christopher Bright