First the city of Chattanooga is a very generous host city! So much to do so close to Athlete Village and very kid friendly. Anyone with kids and a traveling support system should consider this race! I really enjoyed Little Debbie as the headline sponsor. That LD team did an amazing job with giveaways leading up to the race and during the race (even for spectators).
Race morning begin at 3:55 AM. I met Rob (the best trainer partner one could ask for) at transition and went in at 4:30. After final bike prep was completed we rode a nice yellow school bus 2.4 miles north to line up for the swim.
Was surprised when we lined up for the swim for two reasons:
1- the ports potties were 1/4 mile behind where we lined up (yes, exactly 1/4 mi);
2- we were probably about 100ish in line so really close to the front!
Time started to go by quickly and before you knew it the National Anthem played. Mike Riley sent off the PRO women and then the age group race started!!
The swim was fast and water seemed fairly clean in the Tennessee river. I didn't push the swim knowing it would be fast so I settled in with an avg HR of 120. The swim wasn't wetsuit legal but was wetsuit optional (I didn't wear one). If your not a strong swimmer and considering an IM I would definitely consider this race.
Swim 2.4 mi = 54 minutes 56 seconds
Onto the bike..
It was a warm race morning so T1 was quick. Swim cap, goggles and speed suit off and socks, helmets and shoes on.. That was really all I did in T1 and off I went.
The bike was gorgeous. A lot of the course was tucked in mountains. The bike was mostly rolling with a couple sustained climbs. What I liked about this course was the amount of downhill. Road conditions were OK but I was also fortunate to be towards the front of the field. I didn't deal with any congestion but the folks in the middle of the pack likely had a lot of rough road dodging to do. The right side of the lane had some really rough sections and a lot of pot holes. Overall the bike seemed pretty fast to me and I maintained the same speed / effort the entire ride. I did stop to pee once around mile 40 but that was the only stop for me. I was able to finally catch up to my TP around mile 100. After being lonely for 5 hours it was nice to pass each other several times and exchange some words!! On another note I did take in almost 9 20 ounce bottles of fluid on the bike..
Bike 116 (NOT 112!!) = 5:34:58
First I got to see my entire support crew coming into T2. I was a little faster than I anticipated so I didn't get to see the crew in T1. I love full IM races because volunteers take your bike and you don't have to rack it!
T2 consisted of taking the helmet, Oakley's and biking shoes off. I changed socks, rubbed Aquafour on my feet (stuff is a life saver) put my running shoes, RACE BIB, headband and Ray-Ban's on and was off. I got to give the kiddos kisses as I ran out of T2 and was very fortunate to have such a supportive crew to cheer me on! Coming off the CHOO bike was the best I've ever felt during an IM. Now onto the run..
The run started out uphill (of course). Sustained climb through first several miles of the run with some steeper portions right out of transition. My hydration was OK but my overall nutrition was starting to fail. I've never had indegestion problems specifically around Base Salt but that began toward the end of the bike. By mile 4 I couldn't take in anymore Base and my stomach was cramping. I fought through the cramps through mile 7 but wasn't taking in enough liquid. My HR was in check but I had to start walking a lot to recover and take in more fluid. Then the run course pretty much turned into the hills from hell. Long and really steep climbs up and down Barton avenue with other larger than ohio sized hills peppered along the back side of the loop. By mile 9 I was really struggling and that continued for a bit - nasty thoughts but mental toughness is a HUGE part of Ironman. I started to recover and was happy to make it back to the special needs stop. Thankfully Hayden and Laura were there to greet me and make me laugh. Before I knew it I was climbing back up the grade, mixing in some walking and trying to stay hydrated in the heat.
I could tell halfway through the second loop the sun angle was starting to go down and that helped mentally and physically. I started "running" a lot more and finally was only walking up the hills. Ann helped get me up one of the climbs before crossing the river and when mile 23 hit and I knew it was in the bag. Finally some adrenaline kicked in and I crossed the line for IM number 6! Was great to hear Mike Riley announcing as well since my previous two races have been announced by someone else.
Run 26.2: 4:40:43
Overall Chip Time 11:20:35
In conclusion CHOO is a tough run course. Some things to work on for next year to continue and push myself to the limit and be more efficient in this crazy endurance sport.
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