Thank you for the many well wishes and congrats after the race. It was not what I thought the day would bring. Early in the swim I got smacked pretty hard in the head by a paddle board oar. I doubt it was on purpose. But it left me dazed and light headed. After some breastroke, I continued the swim. On the bike I could not really get anything going with a headache and dry heaving a bit. I came around about 2 hrs into the bike, but I was way back in these HUGE draft packs, and quite honestly, got demoralized. Little food in me, seeing all the cheating, and knowing tons of riders have passed me. I ask if I should just enjoy my last Kona in a while…but in Hawi I snap out of it and get back on my watts, ride back way stronger and get my head somewhat together. Problem is now I have no idea where I am for the day, I figure I get off the bike in 18-20 place. I start running with a focus on just running, allowing the run to be fun, relaxed and feeling good about running a decent marathon. At no point do I know placing, where I am or what day is unfolding in front of me. I walk a few minutes in energy lab – don’t force it since I know I am in no hurry, surely that bike and swim have me way back still. I get past my sidestitch after a mile of walk and working through it, and get going again. Just steady. I finish the last mile down hill and onto Alii just chillin and talking with Ruby. I want to enjoy it. Even once through finish chute, another AG guy behind me say he thinks we might be podium, I laugh, say nooo…only to find out it was right there. Had I known I was running down first, my run would have been different. As you can imagine, I am not happy, frustrated by no updates for anyone on IM Live, its the WORLD champs, why don’t we get to compete and race the competition ahead of us? No updates, too much drafting. Its a sad result to this race, for me and for the race. As you can imagine – I am quite frustrated…
It is the worst case scenario: too close to walk away from Kona, knowing those ahead of me might be drafters (as on the run they were going backwards) and having my day in my grasp had I only known my placing and where I was.
Way more to follow with a longer update and race report, but I wanted to share my initial thoughts, frustration and disappointment.
4 comments on Initial thoughts from Kona 2014
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You still RULE in my opinion! You’re a ffffing total Warrior my friend!!! 🙂 🙂 Life is short… Enjoy it … all of it!!! NEVER ever forget that mate 🙂 Cheers
Honor is in everyone but those who choose to display it are truly the honorable ones. Keeping within the guidelines set forth with no one watching over you is where the champion is made and that is why the heart of a champion beats in your chest. congrats on a great job and I look forward to being coached by you and your team.
Semper FI….
Hey Chris
We don’t really know each other except for a brief chat at around mile 23 I think on the St. George Course. I however had a similar experience to you on the bike. I was really disappointed by the drafting. I found it quite frustrating and demoralizing. It probably also explains how all these guys ride 20 watts lower then me and post faster times! Anyway I honestly was telling myself I didn’t want to do this race again until I got to Hawii and saw my family which lifted my spirits. However, then my back flared up and I had trouble holding my usual watts. Anyway the drafting thing still bothers me and shocks me that people can feel good about themselves. I spent a lot of energy yelling at other racers as they came by.It also makes me appreciate races like St. Geroge and Tahoe (I was not fit for Tahoe) where packs get broken up and the depth isn’t as high so drafting at the pointy end is not an issue. Or any real Ironman North America event where the field is not as deep and I am usually by myself by the second half of the bike where I don’t have to witness all the drafting! Not really sure what the answer is as I saw a decent amount of marshals out there and guys in the penalty tent, but obviously many still got away with it. Also tough with no age numbers anywhere to know where you were in the race!
Submission to the vagaries of the day is all too easy as I have experienced too often in my 24 times to the Big Island.