Ironman Muncie

Friday morning we woke up full of nervous energy. This was the day we were driving to Muncie, Indiana to participate in the Ironman 70.3. We had loaded the van the night before with everything except the cooler but I still reviewed my list one more time because I always feel as if I am forgetting something.

After a trip to Starbucks we were on our way. The trip was uneventful, nothing but cornfields. We arrived in Muncie, checked into the hotel, had some lunch then called our friends Jason and Ann Marie. Jason was also racing. We met them and went to the convention center where the Ironman expo was being held. This is where we picked up our race packets, timing chip etc. This was also the location of the athlete’s pre-race briefing, which we were required to attend.

As we entered the expo, we checked in, picked up our race packets which contained a bib number, a swim cap, a timing chip and some free samples of sponsors products. From here we entered the Ironman store. I bought a bike jersey, running shirt and running shoes. Before we left we attended the athletes briefing. They explained the course, answered questions etc.

Jason and I decided to go for one last bike ride that afternoon so we drove to the race venue, which was about 10 miles from town at a place called Prairie Creek Reservoir. We didn’t ride far, only about 11 or 12 miles then walked around the venue to find out which way to go in and out of the transition area during the race. We drove back to town, had dinner and tried to wind down for the evening.

Race day

The alarm was set for 4 am because I like to eat some complex carbs and some fat (bagel and cream cheese) 4 hours before an endurance event. I woke up at 3 am, so much for that extra hour of sleep. I went ahead and got dressed but wanted to stick to my plan so I waited until 4 to eat. We drove to Prairie Creek. I set up my transition area. This is where the competitors leave their gear, bike, helmet, bike shoes, etc. I was ready; all I had left to do was pace around nervously until the race started.

The Race

Just before 8 am everyone started moving toward the starting line. Someone sang the national Anthem, the professionals were introduced, a cannon fired. The professionals went splashing off into the water. My wave was next; I usually start at the back of the pack because I am a slow swimmer. This race was no different. I planned on swimming at a steady pace and try to stay on course; I did just what I had planned. I finished the 1.2-mile swim in about 52 minutes, slower than I wanted. I ran into transition, put on my bike shoes, helmet, grabbed my bike and was on my way.  Out on the bike I was feeling great. I drank my liquid nutrition about 2 swallows every 10 minutes. This is what I calculated I would need calorie wise to sustain me. I finished the 56 miles in just under 2 hours and 45 minutes at a 20.4 mph average.

Now for the run, this is where the plan fell apart. I had 2 bottles of my Infinit nutrition on a fuel belt lying in my transition area, which I planned to use on the run. But because it was so @#%&*! Hot from setting in the sun, it tasted awful. But in all honesty this is not what spoiled the run for me. There was plenty of food and drinks at the aid stations along the run and the volunteers working at the aid stations were enthusiastic and eager to help in any way possible. They were probably the best group of volunteers I have ever seen at a race. What spoiled the run was that the weather was so @#%&*! Hot and the run course was very hilly which together made for a very slow run, but I finished the run in 2 hours 42 minutes.  My Ironman finish time was 6 hours 32 minutes.

Overall I really enjoyed racing in this event, but it wasn’t the racing alone that I enjoyed. It was choosing which event to run.  It was figuring out the best training methods.  It was figuring out what to eat during the event.  It was the camaraderie that exists in a shared experience with friends. But most of all it was seeing Teresa’s smile when I crossed the finish line.

 Jason and I at the finish!