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My food on the bike was gels, chews, tailwind and a baggie of mixed real food- sourdough pretzel sticks, ginger snaps, almond snickers, kit kats, almond chocolate cups (think Reeces with almond butter) and chocolate covered ginger. I think for IMMD I’m going to leave the kit kats and snickers out and instead bring a wawa soft pretzel and more almond butter goodies. I trained with these items and didn’t have any issues.
I did get lax on my meds on the trip home and had similar, though not as intense, GI issues.
That being said, I’d guess the issues were a result of a combination of meds, heat, nutrition and anxiety.
As far as clothing change, I’ve done it once and the last 3 were all in the same tri suit. I dont have a huge preference but if it’s cold, I need to do a full change.
I also recommend changing your socks for the run. It feels soooooo good.
I’d bring a headlamp for the morning setting up your bike and then toss it in run special needs. I’ve volunteered at IMMD a few times and the back half of the run course gets really dark.
Also, dont put anything you want back in either special needs bags. If you dont take it, it gets thrown away.
I also always pack a baggie of a few meds I may need on the course: ibuprofen, antacid, imodium, salt anxiety med, gasX, and anti- nausea. I took imodium and anti nausea on the bike last week and though I was still sick, it could’ve been worse.
Holy crap IMLP is in the books. Here’s a not-so-brief race report if anyone is interested.
Thanks everyone for all your love and support.
***
It wasn’t the race of my dreams, but it was exactly the race I needed. This was my fourth Ironman, and, despite being 4 hours off (yes, that’s hours not minutes!) my personal best, it is my most meaningful race. Ironman Lake Placid was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Two years ago I had a major depressive episode. I was(am) dealing with PTSD from some events recent and long ago and the end of a 12 year relationship. I was ready to throw in the towel, and tried a few times.
After many months of hospitalizations and half a year in a treatment center, I started to find myself again. My confidence grew and I began to see hope in the future. I made a list of things I wanted to do with my new life. On the top of that list was do things that scare me, and do another Ironman. I (was) terrified of biking downhill.
In October I signed up for Ironman Lake Placid.
My training for IMLP started around that time when I adopted my dog Azuri, a catahoula puppy who loves to run. We ran together every day, and in January, I ran my first marathon after all the hospitalizations. She trained with me, going as far as 17 miles, and running the Pacers 15K.
Things were good, but as is life, it didn’t always stay that way. Training went reasonably well, until it didn’t. At times, I struggled to get out of bed, and other times, I ran 20 miles with Azuri while pushing a cart full of camping gear. I did some unconventional bike training; a 60 mile mountain bike ride, 70+ on 3 mile loops through the arboretum, 3 days straight of riding hills of rural Maryland 60+ miles a day; and then some weekends, I barely left my room. It was a roller coaster mentally and physically, but training always helped.
I was hospitalized once over the course of training, but without the goal of IMLP, it likely would’ve been more.
The last month and a half was especially tough with the loss of a friend to gun violence, a cousin diagnosed with cancer, a relapse of a depressive episode, and an injury to my popliteus (likely due to letting my strength training fall by the wayside). I trained, and even raced, as best I could, but I felt like I was barely staying afloat.
Last week the car my friends were supposed to take to Lake Placid had some issues rendering it temporarily not driveable. So, instead of leaving two days before packet pickup and meeting everyone there, we all packed into my minivan; 2 dogs, 4 people, luggage, food and gear; and left for Lake Placid at 5am on Friday. We arrived at 4:54pm, 6 minutes before packet pickup closed.
That would be the theme of the whole weekend – cutting everything close.
Race morning came, and I was feeling good. I had my usual breakfast, I pooped(!), everything was ready to go and I felt calm. I seeded myself in the 1:10-1:20 swim start as all my previous races were in that range, it seemed reasonable. But the swim was crowded and it appeared that wherever I went, someone followed. I had a blast battling people off, but it definitely showed in my first loop. I was off my normal pace by about 5 minutes. I wasn’t stressed, I got back in the water and did it all over again. I love the swim. I love everything about the swim- the contact, the waves, swallowing water, everything. Except, the cold. I lost feeling in my fingers, and had to stop a few times to warm them up. The water wasn’t cold by most standards, but it was for me.
My swim was off PR pace, but I knew going into this race i wasn’t shooting for any time goal. Secretly though, I wanted to finish by dusk.
I hopped on my bike and within minutes I could feel my popliteus screaming at me. I yelled back and practiced some mindfulness. It started to subside. I got to the infamous Keene descent and my heart was pounding. One of my goals going into this race was to ride confidently downhill. I started conservatively, then gradually let go. By a mile in, I was hitting 40mph and loving every moment of it. I achieved my first goal of the day. I was pumped.
But IMLP bike is no joke. I rode the first loop slow and steady knowing full well the second loop is where the race begins. By mile 60 though my stomach was howling. I got diarrhea. I had to stop, again and again and again. I started to struggle to get gels and chews down. Despite not letting my heart rate climb, drinking water and tail wind, and following my 20minute nutrition strategy, something wasn’t right. I was nauseous and pooping…a lot.
By now I realize I’m probably getting close to the cutoff…and the last 20 miles are mostly uphill. So, I started singing and grunting. I was doing anything I could to get my mind off my intestines and the impending cutoff. Somewhere I found the mental strength to push through the nausea and I biked into the transition with 6 minutes to spare.
I left transition as quickly as I could, and as soon as I started to run, I felt like I was going to vomit. So I walked. I looked around me and I discovered the art of power walking. I did that for the first mile then came upon my housemates and dog. They ran alongside me as I whimpered. My dog, confused, just wanted to play. In converse and pumas, they jogged with me for a half mile until I pushed them away, fearful of getting disqualified.
But not too long after, the dry heaving returned. My vision started to blur. I found an aid station and sat down. I ate more gels, drank cola and took salt. After a few minutes and making a few new friends, I got up the strength to keep going. For the next 8 miles I’d battle nausea and dry heaving. I pass my family almost in tears. It took so long to finish the first loop, there was no way I could finish by midnight.
I see my housemate and I cry. I’m convinced I can’t finish. Today just wasn’t the day. I couldn’t see straight and was still heaving.
They would have none of that.
Dishing out a plate of tough love, they told me to get my ass in gear and started to jog alongside me. So I started to jog. Then, I started to run. I ran. I didn’t stop running until I hit each aid station. I grabbed cola, water and broth. I ran again. I ran the up hills. I ran through the dark. I kept running. I come around the bend miles later and see my housemates again and a giant uphill. I run it.
I run another 2 miles and see my sister. She tries to talk to me, but I’m channeling everything I have to keep moving forward and not vomit.
The finish line is finally in sight and it’s clear I’ve made it before the cutoff! I jog into the oval and a fellow athlete sees the line and trips. We had all traveled this journey this far and nothing was getting in the way of everyone realizing their moment. We help her up, brush her off and away we all go to the next chapter of this adventure.
The finish was surreal. I felt like I was whisked away to some enchanted fairyland. This was my fourth ironman, but this was my biggest fight. Never, in all my races -not even my PR- have I ever felt so whole when I crossed that line.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to take this journey, and have all these experiences and emotions along the way. I found myself in uncharted territory in this race, and in the process, discovered a little more about myself.
Onwards to Ironman Maryland!
* In reading through my medication paperwork, the intestine issues were likely caused by not staying on top of my med regimen in traveling and racing. Ugh.
Thanks! It’s been super fun. The last month+ has been tough, but I’m excited to get to the mountains and try not to get stuck in the past. It’ll be a long training day with food and friends!
I did do something crazy not too long ago. I signed up for Ironman Maryland. I’ll be joining y’all in September!
If anyone needs or knows of anyone who needs a last minute camping spot tonight or tomorrow, i have space at mine. Site 21. My puppy is staying at home 🙁 and it’s a dog friendly site. Feel free to let HIM, Oly and NTP forums know if anyone’s in a bind. Just text me so I know who’s coming . 2024239687. It’s just me and one housemate. We have room for another car and 4 more people (and a dog).
Nicole
Oh that’s a great suggestion! I’ll have to try PWF.
I really like Greenbelt. It’s super close (to me) and has some solid hills. On Weekdays, there are very few cars. I can’t speak for weekends.
I’ve been struggling for motivation for my long ride this week, so yesterday I took my mountain bike out and rode 6 hours on the C&O Canal. Not only did I see so much wildlife, but there’s no cars. You cross a parking lot a few times, but it was empty once you ride north of Great Falls. It’s best done on a gravel or mountain bike. I won’t do many (or any) more long rides on my mountain bike, but breaking up the routes and terrain is super helpful for my brain – which can at times be less than helpful!
Anyone interested in any of these rides? I’m thinking about some of these. I’m happy to carpool. I can fit another bike in my van, and more if I ever put the bike rack back on!
May 18: https://tourdemadison.com/
June 22: https://garrettcountygranfondo.org/
June 21-26 (or 24-26): https://bikevirginia.org/2019-tour/
June 29: http://whiteclaybicycleclub.org/events/doublecross/
Nicole
This is so sad. I have so much respect for the work he did. I’m planning on going tomorrow. Will anyone else be there? Let me know if you’d like a ride. I can fit 2 bikes in my van (so one more), or 4 if I ever fix my bike rack. I live super close to Catholic Athletic complex, so if you’re within a few miles, I can swing by and get you in the morning.
Take 2 of the email:
Ironman is excited to announce the added nutrition of GU ROCTANE Energy Gels and BASE Performance Bars today. Both gels and bars will be added to the on-course support starting at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on April 6th, 2019 and will be available at the full distance IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events.
BASE PERFORMANCE
There are plenty of other bars out there, but only BASE REAL BARS have a foundation built on helping people do their best, live healthy lives, and achieve their dreams. The name REAL BARS show our commitment to using only the best real, natural, and whole food ingredients to fuel your life… the way nature intendedWe have created a special discount specific to the IRONMAN promotion which you can find HERE. In addition to offering the bars at 15% off, we are offering you Free Shipping to the US and Canada as well. In order to get the free shipping, you must spend at least $60 if you live in the US (enter coupon: freeshipUS at checkout) or spend $150 Canada (enter coupon: freeshipCanada at checkout) Don’t pass up this great opportunity to try out the amazing and healthy bars. • Certified Organic • Certified Gluten Free • Certified Non-GMO • Certified Kosher • Dairy Free • Soy Free
Click here to watch a 90 second video about how the bars will be given out on course.
Gu energy labs
Gu Energy Labs invented the first Energy Gel back in 1993 in Berkeley, CA. Ever since then, our family owned company has remained committed to helping athletes achieve personal bests with innovative sports nutrition products.
I’m heading out of town this weekend, so i did long ride #1 today. It was waaaay too wet to ride outside so this was done on my trainer. Finally, some of this was scraped together because i haven’t been to a store in a few days – but, it worked out relatively well.
Here’s what I tried and learned:
* honey stinger waffle vanilla – delicious! Ate 1 at :30 and hour 1. Felt good, but got hungry in 2nd hour so I will try to eat 1 full one at :30 and another at hour 1.
* gu roctane gel chai latte – tasty, ate it at hour 1.5. A little thick for my taste, but not too sweet. Went down easy and didn’t affect my heart rate. Will try again but will eat later in ride or on run
* Dave’s killer everything bagel (half of it) with loads of sunflower butter. I ate this between hour 2 and 3. The sunflower butter made it hard to swallow, but it really helped with the hunger. I think I’ll try a smaller amount of sunflower butter next time on sourdough bread. The bagel was amazing, but sourdough is my favorite.
* huma chia mocha gel – these are my favorite gels! Love the texture and not too sweet. Ate this at hour 3.5. In a race , I’d probably hold off another hour.
* red bull – hour 3-4. Really helped with my energy, but i think if i had ate more earlier on, i could have pushed this back.
* EFS fruit punch electrolyte mix. 2 bottles in 4 hours. This is so gross. I found a leftover container from a few years ago. It could be that it’s old or it’s just gross. Will definitely not use this again.
* frozen blueberries – ate 1 cup over the first 2 hours. So freakin good. Perfect! Digested well and not too sweet. Will definitely eat again!
Here’s the links:
Spartan Strength (tuesdays 615am) https://wiredcycling.com/apps/mindbody/classes/1203
Full body cardio and strength (fridays 12noon) https://wiredcycling.com/apps/mindbody/classes/142
Wired Cycling in Eckington has a class Tuesdays at 6:15am led by a DC Tri member and designed for triathletes. The class is awesome and the whole studio is super welcoming. I’ve been going religiously since they started the class in January. I highly recommend it. The class is called Spartan Strength.
I also go to the Friday 12pm class there too that integrates trx and functional strength.
I’m really bad at staying on top of strength training, so I go to Wired twice a week. I’ve started to see noticeable changes in strength .
Nicole
I’m not on facebook, is there another way to get info on moco rides? What’s the details? I’d love to join you.
I rode bates and mccormack drives, behind the CU athletic complex and dc dump, today and had a similar experience with wind. I kept thinking about eagleman!
On sundays, the dump is closed so there’s almost no cars making it great for practicing riding in the wind, false flats and hills. It’s less than 3 miles rt, so you can do it quite a few times on intervals.
Nicole
Rebecca had mentioned a study done on athletes consuming tart cherry juice after a workout to reduce inflamation, I came across tart cherry extract pill supplement. Has anyone tried the pills? Any anecdotes?
Nicole
Hey!
I love doing my long rides on the trainer….it’s safe, comfortable, easier logistics, takes less time. I get a great workout in that I can do in my room, and still be able to be somewhat social with my housemates. I did about 80% of my training for my 2nd IM on the trainer. I got strong.
That being said, I know one of my hurdles is my brain. I struggle with anxiety getting out on the road, despite knowing that once I’m out there, I’m usually good. So, the more I ride indoors, the harder it is for me to go outside. And the less I ride outdoors, the less confident I am handling my bike. And, out of total transparency, I have yet to do an outdoor ride this year, but I hope to get some riding in this weekend on low traffic roads.
One of my goals for IMLP to work on my anxiety that manifests both with getting onto the bike,and also my expert ability to catastrophize situations- something not helpful in training! So, I’m trying to discipline myself to do at least one ride outside. Additionally, I’m signing up for some group century and metric century rides to assure I follow through on my commitment to myself.
This year, I’m investing a lot of time training my brain so that the gains I make in IM training can more easily transfer to everyday life.
Thanks for the reminder! I grabbed a campsite. My housemates and puppy are coming along but if anyone’s in a bind with camping, we have a converted van that sleeps 4 to 5 (where most of us will likely be sleeping) plus some extra tent space. Let me know if anyone needs to pitch a tent with us.
On that note, some of my collective can help with kayaking or other roles if needed/there’s a sign up list. We just need to chat amongst ourselves for specific commitments.
Nicole