Don's 1st Half Ironman - Great Illini Challenge 2011 - Race report

"I need a good fall race goal to help me keep up my training intensity, and support the weight management plan", is how the conversation started back in July. As we searched for races that aligned with our "free" weekends we happened upon the "Great Illini Challenge". The goal was to try a new distance of race, and concentrate on keeping off the end of summer/early fall pounds, and the race offered an Olympic distance triathlon (1500meter swim, 40K bike, 10K run). On the other hand....they offered a half ironman distance....what is a few more miles if you are building up to a new distance anyhow??? It sounded logical at the time, so somehow I found myself training for a Triathlon involving a 1.2 Mile Swim, 56 Mile Bike, and a 13.1 Mile run. Thanks to Leann and the kids for supporting me on the aggessive training schedule. Mom and Dad watched the kids, so Leann and I went down the night before to get checked in and scout the course. It was the 1st time I had actually seen what a 1.2 mile swim looked like....very intimidating! At least I could visuslize what I was up against. Some other participants were exclaiming about how small the event was and were concerned about supporting a 1/2 ironman in the predicted 100 degree temperature.

Race morning came fast and early so we were setting up in transition in the dark, which added to the already very exciting atmosphere.

Lining up for the swim, I settled into my normal race day jitters, and I kept telling my self to keep calm and enjoy the swim because of the impending distances on the bike and foot.

 The swim went off without a hitch, I got off to a good start without too many knocks and bumps from the other participants. The first lap went by fast, and the second lap seemed even quicker. I did have some trouble sighting the buoy's as they were pretty far apart - although very large.

 The cool morning and calm flat water made the swim one of the highlights of the day.

 Transition to the bike was fairly smooth, I took long enough to enjoy a brief congrats from Leann and pose for some pictures.

I kept telling myself to hold back on the bike, and save enough for the 13.1 miles of running lurking just around the bend....but the other side of me kept saying, "the faster the bike, the less time you will have to run in the 100 degree heat." The course was flat, and fast. I kept close eye on my heart rate and cadence, dialing back to maintain a reasonable pace. My mind kept going to my brother, as it always dooes when I am on my bike. If it weren't for him, it is very likely that I never would have gotten in to cycling!  Can't believe that it has been 8 years.....

There were two memorable moments on the 56 miles that the race director should note for improvement next year. On the 1st bottle exchange, the volunteer were allowing bikers to grab drinks from both directions, which is seemingly fine, except on an out and back course. I was in the proper lane to get my bottle, and I came face to face with an exhausted looking gent trying to grab a bottle from the wrong direction. I had a few sharp words for him and an evil glare for the volunteers that allowed this near miss to occur (I saw it happen twice more, but not to me). The other memorable moment was at the 1/2 way point (23 miles). It took place near the transition area, so there were many cheering fans, and volunteers providing no direction as to which way you were to go. Bikes were turning around clockwise, and counter clockwise.....leading to more near misses. Betwixt all of that mess, they were trying to hand out bottles and snacks...its a wonder nobody got hurt.

I came off the bike about 15 mins ahead of my expectations....and I felt great. A quick dip of the hand grabbed a couple of ice soaked rags to stick in my jersey, and off I went.

Tongue was waggin'

The 1st 6 miles were right on my target pace. Plenty of volunteers from the local college basketball team handing out water, electrolytes, Heed, banana's, and oh so important cups of ice. As the temperatures sky rocketed to 100+ on a black top road with a total of 15 feet of shade on the entire route, people started to walk, drop out, yack, and just plain stop. A constant reminder of why I race kept me moving. Although my last 4 miles consisted of allot of walking, I was thankful to do it because of the many brave people we have met over the last 2 years that wish they could be doing just that.

The finish line was beautiful, as it marked a finish to one of the most grueling things I have ever endured, yet represented what swimming, biking, and running has meant to me in overcoming some tough life experiences!

 A smiling, cheering, beautiful face encouraged me across the line, it felt so good.  We were barely in the car, and Leann asked the obligatory question, "so would you do it again?" Absolutely!!