Tuesday, 09 June 2009

• 2009 Milkman - III

  

  Here are my thoughts of the Milkman 2009.  Perception can be a funny thing.  I figured that, since I train year-round, I'll have no problem (except for the open-water swim) to get through this year.

  Well, then reality proves what is really going on! 

  This year, my bib number was 427.  I'm fitting into the 40 - 44 age group and I placed 107th out of 146 contestants.  I didn't see any guys my age on the run, unless they were passing me!  Why?  The winners were posting times like, 1:02:09 ... AMAZING!  But I loved this year because I erased last year's embarrassing struggle.I finished last year, but I felt like I "cheated" by having to catch my breathe with the life-guards and by walking most of the 5K.  This year, I didn't do that.

  
  Here are my thoughts after I've had a little time to dissect what I did right, wrong and what I'm learning from the race.

  • This is the first time I've used a Tri-Wet Suit from Neosport.  I got it for $119.  It was amazing to use!  It gave me an extra amount of bouyancy and really smoothed out a more level form.  I still get nervous in water I can't see in - but for the most part, it wasn't fatiguing and it went without incedent.  Swimming at Bottomless a couple of times really helped take the edge off. 

    The temp was almost too warm, though, as I felt too warm towards the end of the swim.  But it beats a dry-drowning incident! So, as long as it's legal, this is a perfect example of utilizying technology to benefit your race!  My swim was 13:04.5 with at T-1 of 2:09.8.  Taking off the suit slowed me down quite a bit.

  • I want to get my weight down so, under doctor's recommendation, I'm trying some whey protein and creatine in a meal substitute to help build-up damaged tissue and lose fat.  I've done it for two weeks and it doesn't seem to be working.  In face, I suspect that my CRAMPING issues were more about too much invested in whey protien and creatine, and not so much about hydration and electrolyte levels.  I'll try it until the product is used up and I'll go see the doctor.  Of course, if I keep eating hamburgers and hotdogs at dinner, that's probably a problem, too.  Cramping occured in both calves (couldn't walk right for 3 days!) and right vastus medialus and sartorius.

  • Biking was okay.  I did it in 43:28.2.  I compared this to a cyclist I respect who was part of a team and he did it in 39:54 minutes, so I'd say my time was decent, considering that he only had to concentrate on one aspect.  Wind was from the South East and increased in speed towards the end of the bike leg, so it kind of helped going out; it made you suffer going in.  I ate one Gel Pack and downed a bottle and a half of water.  I started to develop a cramp in my right calf.  Transition time was 1:22.5

  • Run was horrible and painful.  At 32:14.7, that's over 10 minutes per mile!  I started with cramps in both calves and knew it was going to be bad; the best that can be said was that it was a consistant jog!  I found out that my shoes (new Mizuno Wave 4, with less than 30 miles on them) are not meant to be run in without socks - I got a couple of blisters.  Near the end I got cramps in my interior/medial thigh above the knee.  I think that I might get some of those zip-ties I see other racers use. 

  I could have shaved off a couple more minutes, but I'm still very pleased.  A 16 year old who is a GREAT swimmer also competed and his time was 1:26.  He did the swim in half my time, and was a couple minutes faster on the bike, but I actually beat his run time.  I think I can beat 1:30.  I'll ask around but I'll try this:

  • Cut the whey protien and creatine a couple of weeks before the race.

  • Always have a long bike ride in the week of 30 - 50 miles.

  • Do a "brick workout" once-a-week ramping up to the race.

  • Swim more at bottomless with the suit. 

  • add more technology changes (tri-top with pockets in the back, and zip-ties on shoes)

  
  One more thing I am proud I did.
  I made sure that before I raced, I read the scriptures and dedicated the race to the Lord. In fact, every day, must have that same sense of dedication.  I'm not doing this selfishly.  I'm doing this for Him - that he might be proud of action done in faith - living out that desire that I believe he paced within me.  I learned a lot about just persevering and going on.  I know I'll be able to pull a few more lessons in life from this race, but for now - Soli Deo Gloria!
  

  2009 Milkman
  

  Bib #: 427
  Total Time: 1:32:19.6

  500 m Swim: 13:04.5
  

  T-1: 2:09.8
  

  20 km Bike: 43:28.2
  

  T-2: 1:22.5
  

  5 km Run: 32:14.7
  

  Men's placing: 107th

  
  

  
  

  
  

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