Iron Girl Race Report

Okay, I have had over two weeks to think about and process my race. I needed this time to become objective about my performance.

I was so filled of self doubt that last week before the race. Any confidence I gained from my Cato tri was long gone. Luckily I had a big family reunion the day before the race to stress over. The only training I did that week was a few bike rides and my tri-swim clinic. I did not even bother with a last minute run.

I had to rack my bike and pick up my timing chip/bib number the day before. It was a long 45 minute wait. I tried to be strategic about where I racked my bike. I wrapped up my seat and bike computer in plastic in case it rained (which it did). The expo was fun, but we could not stay long. The kids were cranky about the wait and it was just so humid out. We were late for the family reunion; it was in Sackets Harbor. Despite having to dash quickly, I was able to make it to the the merchandise tent to buy a cool shirt.

Race day; 4:20 a.m. I woke up nervous but excited. I ate a piece of peanut butter toast and had some coffee. The kids were spending the night with my parents so it was just Kevin and me. We left the house at 4:45 for the 20 minute drive to Oneieda Shores. Surprisingly, it was not busy. It was still dark out when we got there. I made my way over to the transition to set up my gear. I was a little bummed to see my bike was in a huge puddle. There was nothing I could do about it, so I just set out my gear and a towel and hoped for the best.

The race was to start out in waves. They broke it down by age group, starting with the older athletes going first. The race started at 7 a.m. but my wave (35-39, a-k) did not start until 7:25. Officials took a water temp to determine if the race would be wet-suit legal. The temp reading came in at 77 degrees to the relief of many racers. I had zero intention of wearing a wet-suit regardless of the temp, so it did not effect me.

My wave entered the water at 7:16. I was calm and ready to go. The beach was full of spectators and the music was rocking which made it a lot of fun.

The gun went off at 7:25. My swim strategy was to stay to the far left of the markers so that I did not get crushed by the other swimmers. That seemed to be the strategy of everyone else so I quickly abandoned that plan and stuck to the fastest path. The swim felt like it took longer than it did. I passed a lot of swimmers who were in full panic mode, holding on to the markers. I would not be surprised if these women even attempted to swim in open water before. They looked like how I felt at my first open water swim.

Oneida Shores is a very shallow lake. I was able to touch bottom about 50 meters from shore. It was tempting to just stand up and run through the water to get out, but I swam until my fingers grazed the bottom. I felt strong enough to get out of the water and run to transition 1 (many women were just shuffling along like zombies). Kevin was waiting for me at the top of the small hill; it was so nice to be able to see him. The crowds were so large I did not think I would be able to find him.

Swim time: 21:51 600 meters (it was actually measured at 656 meters)

Transition was fast and easy. 3:25

The bike portion was my best leg, therefore making it the most fun. I easily passed 40 or so bikers. About 8 miles in, it started to rain but I did not let that slow me down. As I was passing an intersection, I heard a very distinctive cheer. I looked back over my shoulder to see my mother-in-law going crazy. I did not know that she was going to be there so I was surprised. She did not recognize me, so I yelled out to her as I passed. Since it was a rural road, many people came out to their driveways to watch us race. Some people were offering water bottles to the bikers; many had signs. It was really cool.

Bike time: 1:03:09 18.63 miles; 17.1 miles per hour pace

I came in fast to the transition area. Since I do not wear bike shoes, it did not take long. I did have to ask someone which way we ran out; I was a little disorientated.

Transition 2: 1:18

My legs felt like rubber coming off the bike. The first few steps out of transition were challenging. I just wanted to walk a bit to stretch my legs, but I forged ahead. As I was making my way to the path, I saw my parents with the kids and Kevin. The kids were going crazy; jumping up and down with their signs. I gave them a quick high five and kept going.

I alternated between running and speed walking. I am just NOT a runner. At all. But I tried as best I could considering I just biked over 18 miles. The run was a flat out and back 3.1 miles. As I was running I just kept reminding myself to smile and take in the moment. After I passed the 2 mile mark I was just so excited to be almost finished. The final stretch was about 300 yards. I finished strong, passing my family and a few friends that had stopped by. I actually turned around and jogged backwards for a bit trying to speak with them. Silly me, that probably took 10 seconds off my time!

Run: 37:43 12.10 mile pace

Finish time: 2:07:26 640/1053 overall and 124/187 for age group

When the announcer yelled, "Rebecca Alder, YOU are an Iron Girl", I pretty much lost it. I crossed the finish line, took my meddle and a bottle of water and went to find my family.

I can honestly say that I gave the race 110%. I have not looked back and thought I could have pushed harder on the bike or go faster on the run. I gave it my all and it showed. I have zero regrets.

It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to do it again next year.