When training for the Ironman – they do tell you all about the in’s and out’s of training and about what to expect on race day, but they don’t tell you about the pain that follows :>) Jim’s doing “fine” but he’s not doing “well.” From his sinuses to the back of his throat to his neck and all the rest of the way down his body, he’s hurting.
Not unexpected considering the punishment his body just went through. A couple of months ago, he realized just how much of a mind game this challenge was and knew his biggest battle would be between the ears. He won that battle – and now is paying the cost. He’ll be fine, but it will take a few more days before he feels anywhere near normal again.
Meanwhile, a few more stories leak out as he recalls different parts of the event. Here’s a quick recap:
Swim: the churning water actually splashes high enough into the air to block line of sight to the turn buoys which he totally didn’t expect; he was splashed in the face by a rescue vessel (far enough away to be safe, but not to avoid hitting him with the rooster tail which ended up in an-almost panic situation (don’t breathe, get rid of water in mouth and nose, breathe) :>P); he was bumped, hit, and kicked quite a few times, but managed to keep plugging ahead – until a woman doing the backstroke ran right over the top of him and flipped him over. In spite of all this, he turned in the best time he’s ever done. Not bad for a guy who could barely swim a quarter mile a year ago!
Bike: This is his strongest event and was going well – until he derailed the chain about 1/3 of the way into the ride so badly the derailer tore when someone helped him get it unjammed. In spite of the awkward thunk, thunk, thunk and missed gear changes he finished the ride, only having to deal with a flat tire at about the 70-mile mark. Talk about mind games!!
Run: The biggest thing he remembers about the run is keeping his stomach where it belonged! By this time, his system was so stressed, putting food in was dicey. A real Catch-22: don’t eat and lack of nutrition will take you down; eat and risk losing what just went down. He managed to find a combination of broth, water, Gatorade and nutrition chews that got him to the end. One foot after another. On and on and on and on. He got a fresh “breeze” toward the end and sprinted the last fifty-plus feet, passing several athletes along the way :>)
Here’s a link to the finish line video for those who’d like to see him “cross the line” :>) He’s at approximately the 23 minute mark on the video timeline (9:31 on the actual clock which should be just ahead of his crossing).
http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/coverage/detail.aspx?race=laketahoe&y=2015#axzz3mUM40x4A
The other videos are up as well, though we haven’t located him on them. Seems the swim video is broken up and may have missed catching his swim finish :>(
Final stats: Swim – 1:31:59; Bike – 7:16:17; Run – 5:32:37; Overall – 14:46:55 (swim – 2.4 miles, bike – 112 miles, run – 26.4 miles)
Thanks for everyone’s support! It really means a lot to him to have you all behind him!!!