Augusta 70.3 - Where Everybody Knows Your Name

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham

Augusta 70.3 - Half Ironman Triathlon
Date of Race: September 30, 2012
Total Race Time = 6h 49m 38s
Overall Place = 2496/3335
Age Group = Female 30-34
Age Group Place = 139/198

Pre-race:  I left Atlanta first thing Saturday morning with my mom.  Along with 3 potty breaks, it took us about 3 hours to get there.  We headed straight to the host hotel for athlete check-in.  We walked into the lobby and I was immediately overwhelmed.  There were so many triathletes!  We walked up the stairs and somehow, I managed to arrive when there was no line, so I breezed right through check-in.  In any other race I have done, I see one person, pick up my stuff and head on my way.  Here I had someone to check my ID and USAT card, another to give me mywaivers.  One more to collect my waivers, another to give my my packet, and a last one to give me my shirt.  I went to 5 stations during athlete check-in. 

After I checked in, I was fed through an opening right into the Ironman Store.  (Similar to a ride in an amusement park, you have to exit through the gift shop!)  Once again--overwhelming.  There are tons of people browsing the merchandise and even more people in line.  I knew that I wanted race specific stuff, so I went straight to that area of the store.  I ended up getting the shirt with all the participants names in the M dot and 70.3 on the back.  I am in the top of the 7!  I found my mom, who was out browsing the vendors and we headed back to the car.

The hotel to bike check-in was not far; about 5 minutes.  We pulled up at the Marina and parked.  It was a madhouse!  People were parking, pulling out, riding bikes, walking, etc.  We managed to make our way to transition without getting run over and I went inside to rack my bike.  To add to the theme of the day, once again, I was overwhlemed.Transition was a large grassy area.  I walked through the middle aisle looking for my number.  Transition kept going, and going.  Wide eyed, look a scared child, I finally found my number, a few rows from the back.  I racked my bike and took the long trek back through transition to meet my mom.

We checked into our hotel before heading back downtown for food.  We ended up at Mellow Mushroom, so I could get some more carb loading in.  The pizza really hit the spot.  Back at the hotel, we watched the UGA game (Go Dawgs!) while laying in bed.  Finally, I started to get hungry again.  I had a bite of a PB&J sandwich and then I ordered take out from Macaroni Grill.  When I went inside to pick up our dinner, they were not ready.  It was packed inside with triathletes and their families.  I ended up having to wait at least 30 minutes for my food.  I tried to keep calm, since there was nothing I could do about this.  They ended up giving my mom's meal to us for free.

Back at the hotel, we ate dinner, and got ready for bed.  I had already made sure that my transition bag was packed and ready to go.  I think I unpacked and repacked it 4 times just to make sure everything was there.  I layed out everything I needed to put on that morning on the table: tri suit, watch, HR monitor, road ID, flip flops, breakfast (nutri-grain bar and a banana).....  I took 2 Tylenol PMs (my new secret to getting a good night's sleep before a race) and I was out before 10:30.

Race Day: I set my alarm for 4:45AM and only snoozed 2 times. (On a typical day, it can be up to 10!) I put on everything that I had laid out on the table the night before, grabbed my breakfast and I was ready to go.  I had planned on leaving the hotel around 5:45, but my mom was being a little slower than I had wanted.  Instead of freaking out, I took a few deep breaths and went with it.
 
We got as close as we could to transition and I got out of the car.  My mom drove around to find a spot to wait until I was done.  I braved the long walk to the very large, ominous transition area by myself.  I was almost there and I realized that I had left my pump in the car.  I didn't go back to get it; I figured I would borrow one.  I found my bike and started to set everything up.  There was less room for my stuff than I was used to so my helmet ended up on my handlebars instead of on the ground.  Once everything was set up, I found a bike pump. I filled up my tires and moved on.
  

I found Sara, and we were talking about whether to leave my Chamois cream at transition or put it on right before the swim. We decided it was best to put it on at transition, so I dropped it back off at my spot. We headed to the port-o-pottys. On my way out, I asked her if she wanted a ride to the start. I told her to meet me at my bike.  


Note to self:  Don't wear new flip flops on race morning.  I had a blister on the top of my foot from the new, cheap flip flops I bought!  I knew that it wouldn't affect my run or bike because of where it was positioned, but I glopped the chamois cream on, just to prevent any more friction.  It is a good thing that this happened, because otherwise, I wouldn't have been back to my bike.  As I arrived, the girl next to me told me that my front tire had popped.  I started to freak out.  I grabbed my bike and headed straight for the bike tent.  They were super nice, and fast.  They changed my tube and filled it back up for me.  Sara met me at the tent--the people near my spot had told her where I was.  She told me to take a deep breath and relax.  Once the bike was fixed, I reracked it and we headed out of transition. As we were walking, Sara realized that she had forgotten her goggles, so I waited for her while she went back to get them.

We found my mom, and headed over to the swim start.  We had no problem finding a parking space.  Once we got to the start, I experienced the now familiar feeling; I was overwhelmed.  There were so many people there. We were getting close to race time, so the pros were about to get in the water.  We found a spot on the top of the hill and parked ourselves there to wait until our waves. We found Robin and Alexandra, as well as Daria and a few of our ATC cheering crew. The rest of my crew showed up: My dad, sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, and boyfriend.  It was so great that they were able to get there before the swim start. Our waves were getting close, so we all headed down the hill to get ready.

Swim: The swim start was definately different than any other race I have participated in. There were 25 different waves. We were lined up along the street, grouped in waves.  I was in wave 23, which started at 9AM.  As it got closer, I ate 4 Powerbar chews (Cola flavor) and grabbed a cup of water. 

 

I chatted with a few girls in my wave, and like me, many of them were on there first HIM. We walked up a set of stairs onto a platform and then headed down a ramp and waited until it was our turn to get on the dock. On the way down the stairs and the dock, I kept repeating. Holy crap, holy crap! I couldn't believe the race was about to start! 

I walked on the dock and found a spot to sit. I put my feet in the water. Just right. I hopped in and headed towards the bouys, which designated the starting line. The current was so strong, that I kept floating downstream. It was a lot of effort to stay at the start. I had to do a few strokes of backstrokes to keep myself in check. 

The announcer spoke: "1 minute." I kept treading water and taking deep breaths, trying my best to focus on just me and not the crowd and other athletes around me.  I looked at the clock, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....it is now 9:00AM.  The buzzer beeps.  I press the start button on my watch and go.  I have started this race!

I started off in the very front of the wave, and the area we had to swim in was wide, so I didn't have the usual tri craziness.  Immediately, there was one girl who headed out super fast.  My plan was to start easy and pick up some speed towards the end.  I am swimming at a decent pace (or so I think) and I am doing my best to stay in a straight line.  Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe.  As I made my way down the river, I noticed the yuck that was the river bottom.  I could see the grass swaying with the current.  Every so often I would get a piece of who knows what stuck to my hand or my shoulder or leg.  Eww!! 

 

I kept swimming.  I had divided the swim up into 4 parts and had set my watch to buzz to signify the end of each part.  My watch buzzed.  500 meters down.  I started to pick up the pace.  My watch buzzed again.  1000 meters down.  I tried to pick up the pace again, but I was feeling tired.  Oh no!  Did I go out to fast?  Am I going to run out of steam and not be able to finish this swim strong? At this point, i had caught up to the wave in front of me, so I was now trying to swim straight as well as dodge the other swimmers.  My watched buzzed one more time.  500 meters to go.  This is it.  I needed a strong finish.  I picked up my pace and headed for the finish.  I was nervous about how I would know where the finish was, because we had been swimming in a straight line downstream.  I lifted my head to sight a few extra times during this portion to make sure I wouldn't miss it!  I saw the swimmers veering a little off to the right, so I followed.  I could see part of the boat ramp and there were small red flags that showed we were at the end.  I stood up, and ran out of the water, ready for the next part.

 

Swim Time: 25m:26s

T1: The transition started with an immediate hill up the boat ramp.  I ripped off my cap and goggles and powered my way to the top.  My mom and Scott were there - a wonderful pick me up!!  Right at the top of the hill, was a water station.  I grabbed a cup and inhaled.  It was right there that I saw Tim and Tom.  They were trying to give me high fives.  I pretended to toss the water on them!  So great to see ATC out there cheering me on!!  Again, I passed a few more ATC folks.  The only one I remember from that group is Jason.  Sorry for the rest of you that I didn't see.  It really was all a blur.  The run into transition took us in the front, and then all the way down the side to the very back.  There was a team of volunteers stripping wetsuits.  I bypassed them as I didn't need to get stripped.  I slowed down to breathe a bit. 

I got to my spot and there was grass all over my feet! I used the second towel to quickly wipe off what I could.  I didn't want to use up extra time, but I really didn't want to be stuck with a rock or something in my shoe.  I put on my socks and shoes, my sunglasses, helmet, and race belt.  I grabbed my chamois cream and squeezed a huge glob into my hand.  Shamelessly, I shoved my hand down my shorts and lubed up!  I did not want to worry about any friction or chafing on this race and I really didn't care who was around to see it.  All of my nutrition was already on my bike, so I unracked and ran the long way to the exit.

T1 Time: 4m:43s

Bike: Getting on the bike from transition was so crowded.  People were stopped all over the place clogging up the road.  I ran past the dismount line and got in front of some folks who looked they they were going to take forever to clip in and go.  I could hear people behind me yelling "go" at everyone who was stopped.  I clipped in my left foot quickly and was off.  The road out of transition was flat and that was great!  I saw Scott and my mom, smiled, and then went on my way. 

I had been planning to not look at my watch the entire race, except for when the splits buzzed, so I pushed the buttons to change the screen to heartrate only.  As I pushed the side button, I accidentally hit lap.  I was now in transition 2.  No!!!!  Thank goodness this part was flat, because I stopped the watch.  Reset it, and then moved to bike mode and restarted.  I think once it restared, I had missed about a mile.  I didn't want to chance messing the watch up again, so I left it as is with a view of time, pace, HR, and distance.  No biggie.

I had divided the bike up into 4 parts as well, and would recieve a buzz each time I had gone 14 miles.  In addition, I have a 45 minute time alert to let me know it is time for nutrition.  The bike started off rough.  I was trying to take it easy, so I was going pretty slow.  I really couldn't go faster.  My legs were just not in the mood yet.  It took me about 5 miles or so to really get my legs warmed up. I kept checking my heartrate and it was pretty high, so I was also trying to get it down, while picking up speed--this is not an easy thing to do.  The first part of the bike was nice and flat.  I heard that the ride was hilly, so I was waiting.  I flew through the first 14 miles.  I actually felt great!  There were a few minor hills and a few short, moderate downhills, but I was able to take it easy so I didn't blow out my legs too soon. My watch buzzed at 14 miles and I was actually within my goal pace. 

The second quarter of the ride was much harder.  The hills were a little steeper, and I just had some issues pushing up them.  At this point, Sara, Lauren, Alexandra, and Daria passed me by.  I said hey, and that was that.  Most people passed me, but I was so excited that I actually passed a few people. Go me! My second split was 5 minutes slower than the first, which was disappointing, but I kept at it.  I was still just a few minutes off of my goal pace.  My nutrition was good, but not exactly on par with what I had planned.  My watch was set to alert me, but my timing was off.  I took a packet of Gu and 1 salt stick towards the beginning of the ride, trying to catch up with my watch so I didn't have to pay attention to nutrition.  I have a habit of not drinking a lot on the bike, and this was confirmed with Alexandra rode by. "Sheryl, drink up.  Those bottles should not be full."  I took that as a sign that I needed to drink more. 

Around mile 36 or so, I turned a corner, and there were Jessica and Jerome cheering.  So amazing to see a familiar face on the bike course (even if one of those faces was behind a camera!) They yelled out hi, I screamed "heeeey!!!" They laughed and then I stuck my tounge out at them.  I'm glad I can still be the goofball that I am over 2 hours into my race!  

 

At each aid station I passed, I slowed down and chucked my empty water at the trash area.  I grabbed a water bottle from them each time.  At the second aid station, it was just cruel.  It was on a hill!  I have to stop pedaling when I take a hand of the handlebars (not that great at steering and balance once handed) and I lost a lot of speed on the hill.

 

There were a few people that stick out on the ride.  I went back and forth with a girl named Stephanie Sue.  I would pass her, then she would pass me.  The same with Andrew and Alex.  It was nice that I knew their names, since the bibs were on our backs.  I heard a few times, "Sheryl, on your left."  It gave me the warm fuzzies!  On one of the rougher hills, a girl named Kelli was struggling.  I yelled out, "you've got it Kelli."  She looked over, very appreciative for the personalized encouragement. 

 

My watch buzzed again with my 3rd split--a little faster than the second one, but not quite as fast as the 1st.  Somehow, I got a burst of energy, and the fatigue I was feeling in my legs was no longer there.  I must have gone out easy enough, because I busted ass on the end.  I passed all kinds of people. I was flying up the hills, and gaining speed!  It really was exhilarating.  I had practiced getting out of my shoes on the bike, so I could run into transition in just my socks, but the finish line crept up on me.  Before I knew it I was there!  I clipped out of my pedals and hopped off the bike. When I hit stop, my watch showed 3:17.  I knew I was close to my goal of 3:20, but I also knew, that I was missing a part of the bike.  I told myself that I had done a great job.  I had killed it out there!

Bike Time: 3h:20m:51s

T2: I got off my bike, and hit the ground with both feet.  Holy crap!  I can barely stand up.  How on earth am I going to run a half marathon?!?!  I walked the bike into transition and to my rack.  The 3 girls that finished with me did the same.  We all looked at each other with the same look.  I decided once again not to rush it.  I racked my bike, took off my helmet and sunglasses, (there was no sun - I didn't need them for the run) changed my shoes, and grabbed my visor, water bottle, and ziplock bag full of Gu.  At this point, I realized I had to pee.  This was a great sign!  I drank enough on the bike!  On the way out of transition, I stopped at the port-a-potty.  I knew I would be uncomfortable on the entire run without this pit stop.  It was well worth the minute or 2 extra I spent in transition. Getting my shorts back up while they were wet was not an easy task!

T2 Time: 4m:17s

Run: The exit for the run was the same as the entrance from the swim.  We ran all the way down the side of transition, through the front.  I headed off out of the marina towards downtown.  I was a little bummed that I didn't see any familiar faces there, but I figured they were all on the run course cheering for the rest of the group.  Out of the marina, we turned left.  Right here is where the second loop joined back up with the first loop. There were certainly a lot of people on their second loop as I was starting my run.

My running has significantly picked up recently, and I was hoping for a 2:30 on the run, but I thought I would finish more in the 2:40 range.  My watch was set so all I could see was my HR.  I didn't want to be obsessed with my pace or the distance.  I felt great on the beginning of the run.  My legs were feeling strange, but I just ran, taking it easy.  The outside part of my right shin was hurting a little, but I figured I was fine.
 
My family was right after the 1st mile marker.  I heard the cowbells and the screams and it was great!  My dad mentioned that they would be at 3 and at 5.  Around mile 1.5, I had to walk.  my shin was in pain.  I walked it out a bit and then picked up the run again.  At this point, my entire right foot went numb.  I did a run walk for the next 3 or so miles until it subsided.  As my watch buzzed each mile, I saw that I was getting further and further from my goal pace.  I didn't let me down, since the ultimate goal was to finish, and finish strong.  I kept on moving forward.  As I moved into downtown, I saw Jerome and Jessica, once again, camera in my face.  Its hard not to smile when you see the ATC crew.  My family was right around that area as well and my dad decided to run for a few steps with me to ask how I felt.  I said, "I'm fine.  You can't run with me.  Go away."  I was so worried about the rules.  I remember one of them being that no spectators can run alongside the athletes.

I continued away from downtown and it got pretty quiet.  It was actually fairly nice.  I kept up my run walk and hit the turn around.  I grabbed some water at the aid station and filled up my bottle.  I was now headed back towards downtown and I knew where I would see people.  I saw my family again and I heard the tiny voices of my niece and nephew.  I waved at them and kept going.  I hit the end of the street and turned right towards the end of downtown again.  At some point before the mile 7 marker, those runners on their last lap turned to the right, towards the finish, and those on their first lap, headed straight.  It was so tempting to head straight for the finish!

I saw my crew again, shortly after the split.  I was running with my water bottle in my left hand and my arm was starting to get sore.  I tried running with it in my right hand, but that was just awkward.  As I passed my family, I tossed it at them. I hear my nephew yell out, "Shoo, you broke your water bottle."  I really didn't care. (It turns out that it really wasn't broken.)  Shortly after that, I rounded a corner and started my second lap. 

As I reached mile 8, I said outloud, "Yay, mile marker 8! Only 5 more to go!"  The girl running right near me, said we were roughly an hour away.  I joked and said I was running much slower than that!  We started chatting a little bit, and she certainly helped me through the 9th mile.  The funny thing is, that when I went back through my pictures, she is right behind me running up the hill from the water.

I make the turn onto the main stretch and I see Jerome and Jess from ATC, but that is it.  It was a little disappointing, because I was expecting to see them. As I passed near the finish line, I heard them announce Daria's name, so I knew that they were there cheering my teammates on at the end.  Yay Daria!  She finished!  I get near my family and they are once again, out there cheering for me.  My brother-in-law yells out that he is going to kick my ass in fantasy football (our teams are playing each other this week,) and I looked at him with a "who really gives a crap right now face."  I did laugh though and that was his purpose.

 

At this point, it was clear that I was towards the end of the pack.  The main street had certainly cleared out.  There were fewer runners, and even fewer spectators.  And then it started to rain.  My first thought was my family.  I made them come out to support me and now it is raining. Ugh! I kept up my run walk and pushed through, taking it 1 mile at a time.  As I rounded the turn at the end of the street, I was waiting for the 11 mile marker.  I knew it had to be somewhere nearby.  At the aid station, I stopped to get some water.  I was also feeling a little light headed.  I grabbed a sip of coke. I immediately felt better. One thing I really liked, is that many of the volunteers and the spectators cheered for me personally.  My name was on my bib, and they sure used it. 

 

I was headed back towards town, and I couldn't wait to see my family again.  I needed another pick me up for the last mile or so.  It was pouring rain, and I saw my mom and Scott under an umbrella waiting for me.  The rest of the group was under an awning cheering me from the side.  Just after I saw my family, I saw ATC.  This was the best feeling.  Everyone was out there in a line, in their ponchos.  They were screaming and ringing their cowbells so loud.  They all put their hands out for me to slap and a few jumped in at the end to make sure I wouldn't miss them.  This was absolutely amazing! They were all out there for me.  This gave me the push I needed to get through the last mile.

 

I rounded a corner and started to pick up the pace a bit.  I gained a friend at this point and we chatted for just a few.  As we made the turn for the finish line, I said, there's my crew!  Joey and Jeff were standing in the middle of the road in the rain.  I hear Joey screaming, "Go Shoo!"  The girl turned to me and said, "Oh, you're Shoo?  I saw the shirts!"  I laughed.

I was in the home stretch.  Joey and Jeff were running on the sidewalk.  Jeff had the camera with him.  Joey was racing me, trying to get to the finish line before me.  He was certainly doing a good job.  As I got into the finishing chute, ATC was there on the left.  Amazing!!! I slapped everyone's hands, screamed a bit, and ran strong into the finish line.  I heard my name announced and I threw my hands up in the air. My mom and Scott were just on the other side of the finish line watching.  

Run Time: 2h:54m:21s

Post Race: As soon as I finished, I waved to my mom and Scott and was handed a hat and my finishers medal.  A volunteer took off my timing chip and then Scott wanted to take a picture of me in my new hat and my medal.  I moved out of the finish area and headed to the food.  Everyone was huddled under a tend because it was raining.  They had pizza... I had no interest.  Surprising myself, I grabbed a coke.  It has been almost 3 years since I have had a soda, and it tasted amazing.  I also grabbed a beer.  When I found Scott and my mom, I was double fisting! After the shock of me drinking a soda wore off, Scott shoved an Oreo in my mouth.  I had said that I wanted a beer and an Oreo when I was done with my race.  They grabbed me a mylar blanket and wrapped me up.  Jeff and Joey met up with us and we headed back to my sister, dad, and niece, who were staying dry under an awning. 

I headed back to transition and I saw Daria and Sara.  It was so nice to hear about their races!  Scott packed up my stuff while I hit the port-a-potty for the last time and we headed home.  Because I had so much to drink all day, we had to stop twice so I could use the restroom. 

What would you do differently: I would definately book my hotel room early next time, which I have already done for my next race!  There was nothing wrong with our hotel, but no one else stayed there, it smelled a little, and there was no common area.  It would have been nice to be at the same place as some of my friends.  I think I judged my nutrition correctly because I was fine.  I did get a little light headed, so there may be something to fix. I really think I executed perfectly.  There really isn't anything on race day that I would change-- even stopping to pee in transition!

Rate your overall experience with this race: I give this race a 5. The only downside as an athlete was having the swim start in a separate place than transition.  I was lucky to have my mom with me to drop me off, wait for me, and then drive me to the start.  There was a shuttle to take athletes to the start, but there was a line, and it seemed like a bit of a hassle. There needed to be a few more port-a-potties at the swim start.  I did have to go, and waiting in the long line was not pleasant. The run on this course is amazing.  The spectator scene is such a huge help on the run.  My only complaint at the end was that there was no chocolate milk.  There was even a sign that said, "Got chocolate milk?" It got me all excited, only to find out that there was none.

For my family, it may not have been the best.  To see me swim and then again at transition, they had to move quickly about a mile down the road.  Once they were back downtown, there were plenty of spots to eat.  They set up camp and waited to see me throughout the run.

I can't say enough about the ATC experience throughout the summer.  I have made so many new friends and training buddies and to see so many of them there to cheer me on-- I don't even have the words to say how much that meant.  When I joined ATC, I was a little unsure.  I absolutely know that I made the right decision.  This group is going to help my get through a marathon and an Ironman and I couldn't have asked for a better group to do it with.

It meant the world to me that my family came out to support me and cheer me on.  Scott is seriously becoming the best sherpa.  Although he may not like it, he knows way more about triathlons than your average person! I also would not have been able to make it through this journey without the support from the rest of my friends and family.  While I was called crazy just about every day for the last 6 months, they showed me the love and support that I needed to get through it.

Here's to an amazing race, amazing friends, and an amazing year to come!  On to Louisville.  140.6 baby!!!!

"I believe that I am only at a beginning, only knocking at a door, and I believe that the best is yet to come."