About Me

My photo
Austin, Texas, United States
I'll make you laugh, or break my neck trying. This is usually accomplished with daily bouts of swimming, biking and running. A former "chub-a-holic," I got fit and healthy the good old fashioned way and went from a mid-pack athlete to top age group runner and triathlete. I'm a Writer and USAT Level 1 Certified Triathlon Coach. I guess that makes me part Tina Fey and part Jillian Michaels. Visit my coaching site at www.fomotraining.com

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

My Race Goals

This is one of the hardest posts I've written because it lays it all out there. It's like telling that first crush that you like them with nervous anticipation because you don't know what they're going to say back. I'm publishing my goals and predictions, but have no idea what the day and my body will give back to me...the blessing and curse of this distance.

First of all, here is Ironman Triathlon 101.


1.) The distances: 2.4 mile swim/112 mile bike ride/26.2 mile run ONE LONG DAY


2.) The main rule: You have 17 hrs to finish. The race starts at 7am when all 2500 participants start swimming at the same time. The course closes at 12Midnight.

3.) There are rest stops and some food, but for the most part, you're on your own.



So Now...Without Further Adieu...

I Present to You...

My Personal Realistic Goal Ranges if I Have the PERFECT RACE
(Bib #2055)


2.4 Mile Swim
1:25-1:40 (yep, that's 1hr 25 mins to 1hr 40mins of straight swimming)


It's a broad range because the swim is intended to be a nice long warm-up for the rest of the day. Plus, the swim is always unpredictable with the amount of kicking, drafting and commotion that takes place at the start.

112 Mile Bike
6:30-7:00 (yep, once again, that's 6 1/2 to 7 HOURS on a bike saddle!)

I'm hoping to average between 16-18mph overall for the ride. On normal conditions, it shouldn't be a problem. Wind is the big unknown factor. Other unknown factors include mechanical issues (flat tires, chains, etc.) and nutrition.  This is also the time where I'll ingest a huge amount of liquid calories and try to remain hydrated.

26.2 Mile Run
4:00-4:30 hrs

Running is, by far, my biggest strength and I'm actually looking forward to this portion of the race. For me, the marathon leg will be a celebration. I hope to soak it in, take my time if I have to and walk if I have to. I promise to high-five as many people as possible! The big unknown??  The expected 95 degree temps...yeah, yeah, yeah...It's a dry heat. You know what?  Fire is also a dry heat, ok?!?!  95 degrees is just blazing hot with or without humidity!  My Marathon PR is 3:29, but I obviously don't plan to come close to that.  I've never run a marathon at 3:00 in the afternoon, after 112 miles of riding, in 95 degree heat.  

 So there it is... Realistically, I can go sub 13:00 hours. It's where I've trained. It's where my fitness level is and I know I'm completely capable of doing it. 

I know I'll have so much love and support heading my way. If UFOs are spotted in Tempe, don't worry. It's just me floating on air.

I've made a lot of predictions, but there's only one guarantee I'll make: I will savor the moment.

Bib #2055 

And now, if you'll excuse me....My Chariot Awaits.



Even our cat, Brutus Buckeye Sapp-Barrett, is admiring my machine! 
(and judging by his waist girth, he could use a lesson or two!)

10 comments:

greyhound said...

That is one flash machine of a bike.

I think your goals are realistic. Just be prepared to adjust for conditions on the bike. Pushing hard to gain 15 minutes on the bike could cost you 45 in the marathon, which is (as you say) where your strength is.

P.S.: Olympic Tri passed me a note that said that Half-Iron Tri told Sprint Tri that Ironman Tri said that he kind of likes you.

(First Crush reference)

Patricio said...

OMG how cool!!!! Awesome goals, you'll do great!
Sweet bike btw... oh and cool kitty name too :)

PC

Paco said...

Kick Ass Carrie!

Anonymous said...

Buckeye Nation Rocks!!!

Give em hell.

Kevin
Fellow Buckeye

Mnowac said...

Wow your cat is a fatass! I am so excited for you, what a journey. I CANNOT wait to read your race report. You are going to rock it.

Colleen Renee' Wilson said...

As I am riding about 85 miles on Sunday for CdA, I will anxiously await the "beep. beep. beep." which means I have a text message, which means you crossed some kind of timing mat! I will be CHEERING loudly for you here in Austin and all the way to Johnson city apparently!!

Rock it friend. rock it.

And then come back and share all your first timer secrets with me. only me.

:) here is to the moment you will savor!! GET IT GIRL!!!

triguyjt said...

first of all...the red chariot rocks....looks hot..will be smoking for the 112...guaranteed

just enjoy the day....

the goals are very doable..

you are tough...

you will be ironman

IronWaddler said...

Your bike looks on fire and ready to ride. Good luck to you on the journey and reaching your goals.

Go Buckeye!

Scott and Lindsey said...

GO CARRIE!!!!!!!!!!! Kick some ass. I know you can do it. Savor every moment (even the painful ones) and then report back. :) Can't wait to watch you cross the finish line on Ironmanlive.com. I'll take a shot for you!!! Seriuosly, so excited for you. I can't wait to hear about it.

PS Your chariot rocks... but does it have a name??

Alex said...

good luck! you will do great!

just be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. after moving to vegas from austin last year, i'm always surprised at how much i drink when i run out here. because you don't really sweat as much as you do in austin because it evaporates pretty fast, you don't think you need much water but i always do.

as for the heat, yes, the desert is a dry heat but the sun is brutal out here and it can feel hotter than what the thermometer says when you are in the sun. i just normally wear a hat and light colored clothes and that helps. plus lots of water!

anyway, kick some ass!

alex - a tri to be funny fan who is in awe of anyone who can attempt an ironman