2013 Eagleman 70.3 Ironman

2013 Eagleman 70.3 Ironman

Eagleman was a GREAT 70.3 race and for me another good learning experience. I was very happy I came out of the water in a group places: 5th – 8th and around minute behind the leaders. I left T2 with the same pro females and we all started to hammer it going out onto the 56 mile bike course. Mirinda Carfrae was amongst this group. She quickly took the lead and the rest of us stayed with her making sure we were all out of each other’s draft zones. We stayed like this for a good portion of the course. A couple of times some of the other pro females would pass Mirinda but then she would re-pass them. Around mile 45ish the referee that was with us for the entire ride on a motorcycle pulled up to Mirinda and showed her a bright orange card? I’m not sure what it meant but the rules for drafting and how one passes another rider are very strict and well we were being watch very closely the entire time. Shortly after that Mirinda started to slow and the 2 female pro’s and I passed her. Mirinda ended up dropping out of the race. I was told it was due to cramping? I’m not sure but it was an honor riding with her for almost the entire bike. It was a surreal experience for me and really has me motivated in going forward with my training.

I stayed with the other 2 female pros and kept pushing it. As we approached mile 50 officials and volunteers all had us slow way down and move to the outside lane on a sharp right turn. I and the other pro women I was with could see something was seriously wrong. Sure enough as we were making the turn there was another female pro lying in the middle of the road and not moving at all. I could see some blood and was very worried for her. I hope she is o.k. and from what I’m hearing I think she will be. I’m still trying to find out. The 3 off us turned into 4 because another female pro caught up to us. We all entered T2 places 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th. T2 was just VERY MUDDY. It rained hard the days prior and well transition was in a grass area and at this point with all the traffic on the grass it was more like a mud pit (lol). I quickly racked my bike and looked down to put on my run shoes. My feet were completely covered in mud. I threw my socks aside because there was no point putting them on over the mud already on my feet. I quickly put on my run shoes and heading out onto the very HOT 13.1 mile run course. I had a slow run (again) and again I think part of it was not taking in enough calories on the bike. I did do a lot better this time than any of the previous half ironman races but one of the bottles I wanted to drink out on the bike my stomach again did not want it. I’m still learning what works for nutrition for me when I’m racing and when I have a nervous stomach. It’s not always what works for me when training but that’s just me and my nerves. I’m planning on working very hard in all areas going forward especially the run. My coach was very happy with the results. I did do my best half ironman time by 15ish minutes and I know when I get the nutrition right this will be even better. I would like to say a HUGE CONGRATS to all those that competed and a HUGE THANK YOU to Columbia Triathlon Association/TriColumbia for putting on an AWESOME event!