The Boys at the Big Island..Hawaii Ironman
October 12, 2009
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Last weekend’s Hawaii Ironman saw 1,770 athletes officially start the race in an attempt to conquer the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run on the Big Island of Hawaii. Weather conditions for the 31st anniversary of Ironman were hot, with temperatures reaching well above 90 degrees Farenheit during the bike and run portions. Competitors represented more than 48 countries and all 50 states and ranged in age from 20 to 80 years old. Australia’s Craig Alexander and Great Britain’s Chrissie Wellington defended their titles at the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Alexander added a second consecutive World Championship title to his resume, while Wellington added a third. Wellington’s overall time of 8:54:02 broke the course record set in 1992 by Ironman icon, Paula Newby-Fraser. Our own Vic Birtalan made us old guys proud with a 14:17:14 and Dan McClusky recorded 11:38:06 while Gary Maxwell 12:31:33 provided a quick race report as he was preparing to return home from Hawaii. Here is his report:
What a glorious adventure. After a week of lighter than normal winds, race morning provided the usual challenge on the Queen K for the bike leg. Head winds both directions, but especially coming back after the descent from Hawi – until a few miles north of the Airport. Then the winds lightened and I was able to pick the speed back up again – didn’t help the average much but was a good psychological boost. Spoke with several Hawaii IM veterans after the race who described the winds as an “average” year, but hot. I noticed the winds but not really the heat on the bike.
For me the beginning of the run along Alli was actually overcast though still hot and humid. Training runs along that part of the course earlier in the week had seemed much hotter. Back up Palani and onto the Queen K again the run was back into the sun – at least while the sun was still up. GI issues during the first 17 miles of the run had me into the Porta Johns on four different occasions. That – plus stints of walking after the Energy Lab really padded my run time. I think all the foot soaking at the aid stations helped produce blisters right on the balls of my feet. Should have just kept running, it hurt either way. Next time I’ll know just to suck it up.
And finally the swim – a VERY long time in the water. From the turn around back to the swim exit I was side by side with a guy who was doing a heads up breast stroke – not a competitive stroke – and no way I could pull away from him. Tried to remember everything anyone had ever told be about body position or stroke mechanics and nothing made a difference – I was just flat out slow. Made for a very long day. Good thing I’m signed up for a swim clinic this coming weekend.
Coming onto Alii drive with it’s crowds, music and history was spine tingling. Over a mile away you can hear the noise at the finish. In spite of everything I found I had a smile on my face that just wouldn’t go away. I owe the entire club a big thanks for all the support and advice I received in preparation. It definitely helped get me to the finish line.
And finally, there were times during the race when I was wondering why I’d ever signed on for this. By the finish I was hoping I might qualify again so I could improve on one thing or another. It can really suck you in.
Gary
Here is Vic’s race report:
The conditions were as reported by Gary, although I thought the bike was hotter than usual, the swim a little more choppy on the way out, than usual. I had a couple of issues during the race that affected my finish time, primarily, I did not follow good pre-race protocol by hydrating for several days prior to the race, hence I had some severe cramps on the bike that never really subsided, the cramps started around mile 85 and are really something that I have not experienced in the past. Secondarily, and most significant was that after arriving in Kona I noticed the symptoms of a cold, sore throat, running nose. Anyway the bottom line is that I was not 100% for race day. As Gary so accurately stated “just have to suck it up and keep going”.
Vic
Gary’s splits and video finish:http://liveupdate.ironmanlive.com/ppv/wmf.php?rid=261&bib=340
Vic’s splits and video finish: http://liveupdate.ironmanlive.com/ppv/wmf.php?rid=261&bib=265
Dan’s splits and video finish:http://liveupdate.ironmanlive.com/ppv/wmf.php?rid=261&bib=482
Nice going Gary, Vic and Dan for another inspiring well earned goal. Thanks goes out to Gary and Vic for sending in their race reports while they are unpacking and returning back to their normal lives!
Sandy
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