RACE REPORT
Age Cat: 25-29 Female
Time: 6:28 hours
4 weeks ago I had a crash at the world championships. Physically, the bruises plus muscle contusions and mentally, the impact on self confidence played heavily. I struggled with basic sessions in the first 2 weeks and then we started working with a new coach. His philosophy is different and the training volume was higher than usual. 2 weeks to race start and I didn’t see much taper. My elbow had just recovered so I could go on the Aerobars just the week before the race.
My legs still carried the fatigue into the race.
This is my first year racing at ironman events and it’s my 3rd 70.3 race in 6 months.
My swim felt better, we did a quick warmup in the ocean before the race started. I had some rough moments in the ocean with my goggles being knocked off and sighting with one eye. But managed a 37ish minute swim which gave me some confidence. I also escaped the jellies and did a quick transition. I had some chain/gear issues when I got on the bike, nothing serious, just lost a minute there. The bike leg felt challenging considering the 6 climbs and the disguised humidity. I went easy on the bike as I felt the stress on my legs at just 10km into it. After that point, I just wanted to get to the finish line, safely. I loved the downhills, went breakfree and did my nutrition on point. Not very sure about the hydration and salts, still need to dial down on it.
The run was blazing hot, the first loop was manageable and the next two loops after 11:30am, were hot and humid. The loop post the hills had no shade. I feel my physical ability was at 30-35% for this race, so the entire race, especially the run leg was a mental battle. I was borderlining on the red on my effort, my HR was averaging 190. On the last loop I realised my body had no scope to consume or digest anything and I skipped the gel to avoid adding more stress. I’ve always raced or competed with a good physical ability, and also conservatively. Which means, even after finishing the race I could do another good effort.
But this race, I had gone beyond for the first time. This proved to me that I am capable of mentally pushing myself. This undoubtedly has been my most challenging physical pursuit. After the last DNF, just finishing the race meant a lot to me. I just ran from one aid station to another and then to hill and repeat. My sport form just lasted about 4 hours. I walked at times when my heart rate started racing. I had a runner who tagged along for the last 1.5 loops and he kept me motivated. I knew I’d have moments in the race where I’d question the purpose of doing something so preposterous. I had made a list of 10 why’s and they helped me make it. An added plus was the 2nd place finish in my age category.
My entire race was covered by a crew and I’ll probably share the short movie once I have it. It was an insane yet incredible journey.
Gratitude to everyone who’s been involved in my journey. Just getting started. I shall come back stronger and definitely faster.
Next stop: Ironman 70.3 Bahrain.
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