Well, I was considering registering for the 2013 Lake Placid Ironman at noon today. After all, I just finished my first 70.3 distance, who cares if I slogged to a 6:48 time and probably wouldn't have made it to the finish line without Jan and Lou biking along for much of the half-marathon?
I went to the web site, the price for registering went up to $650, plus a processing fee. If you decide not to do the race they will refund $150. Yet their business model absolutely is a success judging by almost every one of the IM's selling out, usually in a few hours at most. When Jan did Lake Placid three years ago registration was under $500. Still a lot of money, but a 30% increase in fees seems ridiculous. But then, the first NYC IM sold out in minutes and is over $800.
Yes, in addition to all of the other sane reasons not to attempt an Ironman, I am too cheap.
Ten Reasons Not to Enter an Ironman;
1. I would need a new wetsuit, my current one was bought used and has gouges all over it.
Cost $180+
2. I would need a faster bike. My road bike is nice, an "entry" level Trek that was under $800. Yes, training helps get better, but buying speed would make a 112 mile ride easier. So, let's say I find a lightweight, aerodynamic, fitted bike on sale. $1500-$2000 would be a moderate amount for that.
3. Accomodations. Understandably the local motels/homes for rent/condos charge more during IM periods. Usually there is a minimum 3 night stay, in fact, you have to check in to IM by Friday for a Sunday race, so your hand is forced. Figure room costs to be doubled. Many times homes you can rent require 2 weeks, one for IM week, one around that time or another time in the year (this is assuming you can find a room or house at all-they get booked while people are standing in line the morning in-person registration opens). Let's go with 4 nights in an average motel, nothing fancy. $1000.
4. Swimming lessons. With a wetsuit I am a moderate swimmer, middle of the pack in my age group maybe. A few lessons when having to race 2.4 miles might be in order. $400.
5. It's a damn long way to race. 140.6 miles. Ridiculous.
6. I get dehydrated easily and the older I get the more susceptible I am to the vagaries of weather.
7. I don't own a pool, public pools aren't always open (Bport state closed all summer, Roberts Wesleyan closed...well... the water disappeared overnight...). Lakes get darn cold around here between October-May.
8. 112 miles on a bike? My butt is sore just thinking about it.
9. Planning ahead. I'm supposed to know what I am doing with my life a year from now? I have a hard time thinking about what to make for dinner tonight.
10. Time. Time to train, eat, sleep. It's a part-time job, 15-25 hours a week of training, for months. That's a big load on the athlete and his/her family.
Total monetary price is a minimum of $3900, plus transportation and food. If you have a nice bike and wetsuit already, still figure $1650 plus food and transportation. Really, this is a big commitment, one I won't be doing.
The Erie Canal, Running Paradise
Monday, July 23, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Bicycling Etiquette for Women
Apparently during the 1890's in America there were rules women in particular should follow while biking (from Utne Reader July/August 2012, reprinted from the New York World magazine of 1895).
Don't faint on the road.
Don't cultivate "bicycle face". (not sure what that means)
Don't attend church in your bike costume.
Don't wear clothes that don't fit.
Don't scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first the cow will run away.
Ask for assistance if going up a hill.
No gum chewing in public, exercise your jaws in private.
Don't use bicycle slang. This is for men to use only.
Don't appear in public on a bike unless you have learned to ride well.
Don't ask "what do you think of my bloomers?" (nowadays that would be bike shorts?).
Don't scratch a match on the seat of your bloomers.
Don't faint on the road.
Don't cultivate "bicycle face". (not sure what that means)
Don't attend church in your bike costume.
Don't wear clothes that don't fit.
Don't scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first the cow will run away.
Ask for assistance if going up a hill.
No gum chewing in public, exercise your jaws in private.
Don't use bicycle slang. This is for men to use only.
Don't appear in public on a bike unless you have learned to ride well.
Don't ask "what do you think of my bloomers?" (nowadays that would be bike shorts?).
Don't scratch a match on the seat of your bloomers.
Monday, July 9, 2012
What Next?
It's always difficult to finish a major race and find the motivation to keep training at a decent level, and for some people to train at all. There has to be some mental and physical down time. But, depending on how you did in the race, it's not always easy to convince yourself that is exactly what needs to be done. This is especially true if the race was a long event, like a half-marathon to ironman distance.
What if you fell short of a goal time? Do you pick up training where you left off and look for another race? Once I ran the Marine Corps Marathon missing the Boston qualifying time by 63 seconds. A week later I felt pretty good, was desperate for a BQ time and signed up for the Philadelphia marathon. Three weeks to "train". In hindsight Philly was a good race for me, but I fell apart around mile 19 and missed qualifying by 8 minutes.
Eight days ago I completed a goal race, the Tinman half-ironman. My finishing time was about 30 minutes slower than the slowest I thought possible, but I am still proud of myself. All sorts of thoughts go through my head; do I spend six months next year or the year after and try again, hoping for a better time? It's always a crap shoot for the weather, staying healthy, and even if I cut 30 minutes off my time, so what? I'd finish in the top 30% of my age group instead of 50%? I can't find the motivation to think about that.
The immediate goal now is running the Marine Corps Marathon in 16 weeks. It's great to have a plan in place, not fall into some depression because I don't know what to do next. Exercise needs to be a continuous life-long process. Having goals helps keep you motivated, whether it's the local 5k, a sprint tri, trail running, or incorporating a race with travel plans. It doesn't even have to be running. Sacrilege, I know, but the body was meant to move, not blob out at a desk, behind the computer or in front of the television.
What if you fell short of a goal time? Do you pick up training where you left off and look for another race? Once I ran the Marine Corps Marathon missing the Boston qualifying time by 63 seconds. A week later I felt pretty good, was desperate for a BQ time and signed up for the Philadelphia marathon. Three weeks to "train". In hindsight Philly was a good race for me, but I fell apart around mile 19 and missed qualifying by 8 minutes.
Eight days ago I completed a goal race, the Tinman half-ironman. My finishing time was about 30 minutes slower than the slowest I thought possible, but I am still proud of myself. All sorts of thoughts go through my head; do I spend six months next year or the year after and try again, hoping for a better time? It's always a crap shoot for the weather, staying healthy, and even if I cut 30 minutes off my time, so what? I'd finish in the top 30% of my age group instead of 50%? I can't find the motivation to think about that.
The immediate goal now is running the Marine Corps Marathon in 16 weeks. It's great to have a plan in place, not fall into some depression because I don't know what to do next. Exercise needs to be a continuous life-long process. Having goals helps keep you motivated, whether it's the local 5k, a sprint tri, trail running, or incorporating a race with travel plans. It doesn't even have to be running. Sacrilege, I know, but the body was meant to move, not blob out at a desk, behind the computer or in front of the television.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Tupper Lake Tinman
"Raquette Pond was angry that day, my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli."
I was a mess in transition, tired, a bit disoriented, Jan came over and got me straightened out and I took off in a full...walk. Then the hills and heat really got to me. Fortunately Jan and Lou met me around 5+ miles with water, electrolytes and most importantly moral support. That's when I found out Mike had dropped out in the first mile of the run with leg cramps. I felt like crap, was running 10+ minute miles, my calf was cramping up and wasn't sure about being able to finish. They made me keep going, following me on their bikes for much of the last 6 miles. My daughter Amanda's voice kept playing through my head, "patience Dad, this it all about finishing". Amazing how much the athletes in the rear of the pack support each other, it was nice and helpful, you can talk a lot more when combining walking with running. Around 10 miles I felt better, except for the cramping that would appear after every 4 minutes or so of running. It was a slow slog to the finish, about 30 minutes slower than anticipated, but at least I did finish my first and last half-ironman.
 |
| Jan/Me Transition Prep |
Well, maybe not that bad, but it was a bit undulating for the 8:00-8:20am starting times.
I chose the Tinman race because wetsuits were allowed, the cost was $100+ less than IM trademarked races, and most importantly, the weather would be in the highs of 70-75 at most (Typically I don't race well in heat). I was correct on 2 of the 3 criteria.
It was near 70 at 7am. By noon we were in the 80's with bright sunshine and lots of wind (the wind was okay for the run, a bit rough for the swim and darn hard on 30+ miles of the bike, the 80's did not feel good on the run). Jan opted out of competing for the day, having completed an IM and four previous .5 IM's in her triathlon career, she didn't see the need to beat herself up in the heat and wind. I needed to get the dnf monkey from Disney Florida .5 IM off my back.
Eileen went first, at 8am, for the start of the sprint (.6 mile swim, 18.6 bike, 6.6 run). Lou, Mike and I began in the last wave for the Tinman, at 8:20. Unfortunately Lou had health issues and couldn't complete the swim. Mike decided to talk to the swimmers around him (who talks while swimming?), which gave me an advantage coming out of the water. I ended up about 3 miles ahead of him at the halfway point of the bike, thinking he would reel me in at some point. Unbeknownst to me a flat tire for Mike at 40 miles added another 10+ minutes to his time (why is it always the rear tire?).
 |
Mike W finishing the bike leg. Jan on left cheering.  |
We had the BEST location for our motel, literally right next to the start/finish/transition area, a 100 yard walk from our bike rack to the motel room (Sunset Park Motel). Didn't have to worry about driving, parking, bathrooms, it was great. Thanks to Joanne for the photos.
 |
| Finished |
 |
| Lou, Eileen, Mike W., Me, Jan post-race |
Monday, July 2, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Happy Birthday from the Marines?
Jan, who happened to have a birthday yesterday, June 27, received this e-card from the Marines. We are running the Marine Corps Marathon in October, Jan's sixth time at this race.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tupper Lake Tinman
It's true, I may be getting a bit anxious about attempting another 1/2 Ironman this weekend. Three reasons for picking Tupper;
1. Can wear a wetsuit
2. In the Adirondacks, should be cooler all day than my attempt at Florida
3. Less expensive than the trademarked IM races ($140 entry fee versus typical $250 or more)
Good news, we can still wear wetsuits so my legs shouldn't be dragging along the bottom of Raquette pond and the race fee remained at $140.
Bad news, the temperature is forecast to be highs of 80-85 and mostly sunny. At least the humidity should be lower than Florida. Amanda get your IV drip ready for me!
Tuesday night I took my bike out for a quick spin. Sunday I had just cleaned the chain and the bike frame and put on a new rear tire (please no flats during the race!). There was a constant clicking sound as my pedal came around while in the big gear. I adjusted the derailleur and it seemed to stop. On my Tuesday ride the clicking was worse and shifting while in the big gear was horrible. D...o...n...'...t h..y..p..e..r..v..e..n..t..i..l..a..t..e! Must breathe. Relax. NOOO. My race is over, I can't fix this! No bike shop will repair it in less than a week!
Which shop do I go to? Sugar's in Spencerport was the closest, I called and he was going to be open till 7pm. I was down there in 10 minutes. Damien told me if I needed parts there was no way it would be ready by Thursday when we are leaving. I was crushed. My race was over once again. He had one hour left before closing and might be able to look at it. On the way to our last swim, 45 minutes later, Damien called. He had it fixed, but was closing soon. Fortunately, as Jan and I were picking up our last pre-race pizza, she noticed Sugar's was still open and it was 8pm. (how great a town do we have where our favorite pizza place and a bike store are in the same plaza?).
Even better, Damien didn't charge me. He is fairly certain that if I don't mash the gears the bike should be okay for the race. Next week I can take it in for more extensive work. I carried the bike away like a newborn child and gently placed it on the bike rack.
My breathing has started to return to normal. Life is good.
1. Can wear a wetsuit
2. In the Adirondacks, should be cooler all day than my attempt at Florida
3. Less expensive than the trademarked IM races ($140 entry fee versus typical $250 or more)
Good news, we can still wear wetsuits so my legs shouldn't be dragging along the bottom of Raquette pond and the race fee remained at $140.
Bad news, the temperature is forecast to be highs of 80-85 and mostly sunny. At least the humidity should be lower than Florida. Amanda get your IV drip ready for me!
Tuesday night I took my bike out for a quick spin. Sunday I had just cleaned the chain and the bike frame and put on a new rear tire (please no flats during the race!). There was a constant clicking sound as my pedal came around while in the big gear. I adjusted the derailleur and it seemed to stop. On my Tuesday ride the clicking was worse and shifting while in the big gear was horrible. D...o...n...'...t h..y..p..e..r..v..e..n..t..i..l..a..t..e! Must breathe. Relax. NOOO. My race is over, I can't fix this! No bike shop will repair it in less than a week!
Which shop do I go to? Sugar's in Spencerport was the closest, I called and he was going to be open till 7pm. I was down there in 10 minutes. Damien told me if I needed parts there was no way it would be ready by Thursday when we are leaving. I was crushed. My race was over once again. He had one hour left before closing and might be able to look at it. On the way to our last swim, 45 minutes later, Damien called. He had it fixed, but was closing soon. Fortunately, as Jan and I were picking up our last pre-race pizza, she noticed Sugar's was still open and it was 8pm. (how great a town do we have where our favorite pizza place and a bike store are in the same plaza?).
Even better, Damien didn't charge me. He is fairly certain that if I don't mash the gears the bike should be okay for the race. Next week I can take it in for more extensive work. I carried the bike away like a newborn child and gently placed it on the bike rack.
My breathing has started to return to normal. Life is good.
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