Ali’s Kona Race Report Take II
Hawaii was not in the plan this year. It wasn’t even on the radar. It might have been in Fiona’s plan, but she has always believed in me more than I have. To make a long story less long, a broken elbow, new job, long winter and sense of Ironman burnout, contributed to a very different headspace heading into training for Mont Tremblant this summer.
Fortunately, to counter the negatives listed above, I had a huge positive keeping me motivated. Mont Tremblant would mark the triumphant return of Marvelous Marvin to the world of Ironman. Yes, it’s true. After 2 years of triathlon retirement and semi-sloth, Marvin had one glass of wine too many and proclaimed that he would rise again, if our fellow drinking buddies, that night in Sonoma, would register for IMMT 2014.
A few weeks later we got word. An email forward, including the confirmations of race registration from our 5 Californian friends. Marvin’s reaction was decidedly sober: ‘Shit. They actually signed up.’
And so it was. This year, it wouldn’t be about Ali’s race. This year we wouldn’t be chasing a Kona slot. This year, it was about getting Marvin to the start line. And if all went well – the finish line too.
Despite his half full 10-Swim Punch Card proudly worn like a badge of honor, Marvin not only made it to the start line … though some might argue he had no business being there … he soldiered on to the finish setting a new PB, and possible NRG record for how few workouts one can complete ahead of participating in a full Ironman.
Our entire group of 7 ‘racing’ in Tremblant had a triumphant day. The genuine excitement for each other and sincere celebration as we received our friends crossing the finish line made for the most enjoyable Ironman I had ever been a part of. … That is until Kona a few weeks ago.
To my surprise, I had a good race in Tremblant and scored the last roll down spot for w35-39.
Heading back to Hawaii for a second time, there was part of me looking to prove I could be faster than in 2013. First time through, I had been nauseous in the swim, biked and ran without a watch and committed myself to ‘making a memory’. Surely I could better that performance with a little focus? Ha!
Even if I had thought a repeat performance of ‘Ali Casual’ would suffice, Fiona made sure to send me an email the day I left for Hawaii. In it she reminded me of a comment made in my last Kona Race Report: ‘…If I ever qualify for Kona again, maybe then I will race it…’ Thanks coach.
So yes, let’s be truthful. I did want to be faster, and I believed it was possible. Heck all I needed was a decent swim and I would be well on my way!
Upon arrival in Kona, it was hot. It felt hotter than 2013. Even the locals were grumbling that it was hot. Hmmm. Then there was talk of the wind. Days in advance you could hear the whispers, ‘The winds are coming, the winds are coming.’ 2013 was virtually wind free. Hmmm.
The nerves began setting in. Secret time goals were revised and revised again. And a personal decision was made to prioritize good sportsmanship above all else. Away we go.
Race Day
I made a few mistakes seeding for the swim. Amongst the caliber of athlete in Hawaii I am a middle of the packer at best, and back of the packer at worst. Knowing that, I shouldn’t have seeded myself up front on the right, close to the buoy line. Having done so, I was pummeled for a good few minutes before drifting back to my rightful place. Other than the rough start and some usual jostling around the turn buoys it felt like a good swim. I climbed the exit steps with a massive smile: ‘YAY! That was WAY better than last year.’ … Anyone see my swim time? Good thing I didn’t – until checking the results after midnight.
Spoiler Alert: 1:25. My slowest swim time EVER. 2 minutes slower than last year and 5 minutes slower than Cozumel in 2012.
Ignorance IS bliss! I was through transition and on my bike believing a PB was in the bag.
The bike started well for me. About 30 kms in the wind picked up. I was anxious. It was a swirling wind coming from all sides and for me, nerve racking to spin through. My speed dropped, but I was feeling strong under the circumstances. When I saw Nigel just past Waikola I was ecstatic. I did it! I stayed upright in Hawaiian crosswinds. Whoohoo! BUT wait a minute … it’s the winds between Waikola and Hawi that are really treacherous?
As I headed up to Hawi the wind got angry. On the upside, moving at a crawl for the better part of 40 kms, I had LOTS of time to absorb the scenery and marvel at the landscape. The lava fields are awesome.
It was on the ride to Hawi that I saw a girl literally blown into the air and off her bike. She and the bike were completely air born, crashing separately on the opposite side of the road. I was relieved to see her stand and give me the thumbs up as I called after her and then continued on at my putt-putt pace.
At the turnaround I changed my nutrition plan on the fly. Opting to stick with Infinit and Perform for the whole ride rather than chancing a wipeout by fiddling with gel packets. As scary as the winds had been, I was looking forward to the way back to Kailua-Kona. After 3 ½ hours fighting a headwind, the idea of screaming downhill with a well-earned tailwind rocketing me forward, was pretty sweet! And for 10 minutes it was! But then, like riding into a brick wall, everything changed. More cross wind, no tail wind.
Huh? Perhaps my face spoke for me, because moments later as a guy cycled passed, he leaned over and yelled, ‘Where the fuck is the tailwind?’ To which I replied: ‘I think the pros took it’.
Anyway, slow as it was, 6 hours and 50 minutes, I honestly enjoyed the ride. I had shifted from ‘race mode’ to ‘no face-plant mode’ early on, changing my focus from being fast to being steady, safe and smart.
Out of T2 and on to the run course my legs felt great! I was right on pace, 4:55 for the first 12 kms. There was cloud cover and the temperature was very manageable: God’s little reward for surviving the ride. I was having a ton of fun out there. Since my bike was almost 7 hours, I knew a PB was off the table. So when I noticed my run pace dropping, I stopped looking at my watch, and opted to relish the run as if it was a long training day. It was wonderful.
In other races I have made it a mission to beat the glow sticks. Finish in daylight! Dusk or just after but never concede the dark. Don’t take the glow stick! It’s an insult to be offered! Heading into the Energy Lab I reached out with a big smile and said, ‘Yup, I’ll be needing one of those!’
It was twilight and the sunset along the shoreline was stunning. How lucky was I to be running in Hawaii? In the Ironman Championships – with the best triathletes in the world? Wow. Amazing.
My last 10 km were the best. I have no idea of the pace time. It wasn’t tempo, but it was consistent, strong and light on my feet. I loved every step. My run time 3:45:55, 14+ minutes slower than Tremblant.
Cruising through the finish line I shrugged and smiled at the time. Chip 12:!5. Not great by most people’s measure. In fact it was my slowest Ironman of 8 and that includes my first race in Louisville 2010.
I dismissed the time within seconds of seeing the clock. It was instantly overshadowed by my experience of the day. The day, the trip, the season couldn’t have been better. I finished the race feeling fresh and happy. So fresh and so happy that Marvin and I found Andrea and stayed at the finish line cheering in every athlete until the lights went off at midnight.
PB’s are overrated. I would take this day over any other, any time. It was perfect. Thank you to Fiona and NRG for getting me here once again.