"That's What She Said" – USAT Halfmax Tri at Myrtle Beach
"I couldn't even drive my car that far!" "Why would you want to do that?" "Are you crazy?" "And you are doing this why?" I heard these comments/questions so many times when I told people why I was going to Myrtle Beach that I finally just started saying it was a vacation. And what a vacation it was! A vacation that was interrupted by 6 hours and 37 minutes of the most strenuous physical activity I have ever done. The trip started on Wednesday with a "short" post on Facebook by Jillian and within a few hours we were on our way to Myrtle. This wave of Crackers was me, Jillian, Jenny and Joella with Stacy and Chris on their way. Adam and Nancy had left earlier in the day as did Jeff and Angela. I am not going to bore you with every detail as to what we did, what time we did it, etc.. but the first two days we were there the main theme was beach and sun. This worked out great for us since most of us were tapering and the beach rest was well needed and seriously wanted. The ocean water was warm which made the beach experience all that much better. By Friday afternoon the nerves were starting to go. More and more questions were being thrown at Joella so we decided to take a trip over to the course so we could see where we would be swimming, running and biking. When we got there we ran into the race director and he had a little fun at our expense by telling us they had pretty much taken care of the alligator problem in the swim area and that in all reality we needed to worry about the sharks. A short bike ride followed and some people did a run after that. We set up the Get Fit Families tent then headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. Dinner was pretty uneventful. Good food, a few beers (yes, I drink a few beers the night before a race) then back to the hotel. Set out clothes, pack my bag, get my breakfast ready. All the normal stuff you do the night before a race. Climb in bed early to get a good night's sleep and then stare at the ceiling. Toss right, toss left, look at clock, repeat, repeat, repeat. Jeremiah had finally made it to town and he and I talked for a while. Then it really was bed time.
5:00 AM Saturday morning seemed to come around earlier than usual but doesn't it always? The hotel room was very quiet as we all got ready for the race. We had planned to leave early enough so Jeremiah could pick up his race packet as he wasn't able to do this the night before. About 5 minutes before we were to leave Jillian tells us she can't find the cars keys. I had asked her to drive as my nerves were starting to rev up and all I wanted to do was be a passenger and not worry about anything. Four of us start to look everywhere for keys. We can't find them. The clock is ticking away. All I am thinking about is which window I am going to break so I can get the spare set inside the car. More looking, a slight bit more panic but I knew it was going to be a back door window that was going to be sacrificed. Jillian finds the keys and off we go. I wasn't worried one bit. No more issues and we get to the race fine. Head into transition and get all set up. After getting set up we all kind of gather at the Get Families tent. As the race approaches more and more of the team leaves and I am there with Chris and Jeremiah. Jeremiah asks if we want to go over to the start line and I say "NO". I am comfortable where I am at and don't want to leave. A few more minutes go by and I am ready to head over.
As I looked around at all of the swimmers I noticed rather quickly that I was one of the few that did not have a wetsuit on. Oh well what do I need a wetsuit for right? Tom, Chris and I were in the last wave for the Halfmax so we had some time to figure out the swim course. When it was our turn we jumped in the water, it was a floating start and off we went. I never did see Chris or Tom in the water and pretty quickly I realized that I had fallen pretty far back. As with a lot of us swimming is not my strong point. I had no problems I just put my head in the water and acted like I liked it. I felt really comfortable in the water. I knew it was slow but didn't realize how slow until I hit transition. You know how it is really hard at times to find your bike? Not for me. I was pretty much the last bike in transition. I felt really stupid. Once I was on the bike it was ok because the course was filled with people. I soon realized that the wind SUCKED. No matter what way I was going it seemed to be in my face. Now let me tell you this course was flat which as much as I tried to prepare for I wasn't prepared. A flat course means you get no breaks. Your legs are going all the time. Your legs are going, the wind is blowing and you have 56 miles to ride. Start thinking about that! To top it off on the second leg I was one of the only people on the course. At one point I thought I was the only one but at one of the turnarounds I saw a few people behind me. And I mean a few. Again I felt stupid but I had to keep moving. 56 miles later I pulled into transition and put on my socks and shoes and off I went. Just like the first loop on the bike the run course was filled with people. The run course consisted of three loops of a 4 mile and some change loop. On my way out on the first lap I got to see all the ½ iron DC's and they all yelled encouragement. I knew I just had to keep my feet moving. It was at about mile 3 of that first loop that I realized I was chaffing really bad under my arms and was going to be in serious trouble. As I reached mile 4 I saw the Get Fit Families tent and started yelling that I needed some Bodyglide. At least four Crackers started scrambling (by this point all of the people doing the spring and Olympic distance were done) and Adam came running up with some. I did a quick lube job and talked to Jillian for a moment as she was checking to make sure I was ok and off I went on the second loop. There were less people out on the course for this second loop. I made sure to stop at every water station and get a cup of water which I dumped in my hat and a cup of Gatorade. The second loop was pretty uneventful. As I reached the end of the second loop and approached the GFF tent again I yelled out that I needed some food. Again, scrambling around and Adam produced some chocolate chip cookies. Off I went on lap 3. As I ran I noticed even less people running but by this point I didn't care. I had 4 miles to run to finish a half iron man. I wasn't stopping for anything. As the miles went by I had one goal, finish. As I passed the 12 mile mark I got a little extra kick (I really wonder what it looked like to the observer) and saw the wonderful red GFF tent. As I went by I got high fives from everyone and knew that I had accomplished something. As soon as I finished Stacy came over with some "beverages" and I happily took a big gulp. For a while I just stood there and stared at the finish line. I was really pumped. A few more minutes went by and it was time to pack up and head back to the hotel.
I can't tell you a great deal about the rest of Saturday afternoon because honestly I indulged in a few more adult beverages. We did go to the beach and I jumped right in the water. A lot of time was spent in the hot tub enjoying those same adult beverages and I believe Nancy and I met a rather interesting fellow at the hotel bar. Dinner at the steakhouse was fantastic and I had no problem sampling every type of meat that they had. After dinner a few of us went out to Shamrock's which was a little local bar within walking distance of the hotel. It was really relaxed and we spent quite a long time there. Not because it was such a hot spot but because some DC's, who shall remain nameless couldn't play pool worth a crap. I didn't even try. By about 1:00 am it was time for bed. I woke up Sunday morning and felt ok. My back was/is sore. I am assuming it was from bending over on the bike for so long. We tried to go to the beach but the wind was blowing sand around so bad it was impossible so we just hang out by the hotel pool. Again I visited the hot tub but this time with not so many drinks. By late afternoon DC's were starting to leave and it was an early night as we had to be up at the crack of dawn (get it) the next day to drive home. Monday morning came and off we went on the 11 hour drive back. I drove the first few hours then Jillian took over. I will tell you that if I had to drive all the way home I wouldn't have made it. For whatever reason I was more tired on Monday than on Sunday. I was a lousy passenger. All I wanted to do was sleep and when I was awake I just sat there zoned out. It had to be the longest drive of Jillian's life. I am forever grateful. Get home unpack and start the daily grind again on Tuesday but start the grind again knowing that I can now answer all of those questions posed to me before I left.
With all due respect to every DC out there the greatest teammates in my opinion are Joella, Scott, Jillian, Stacy, Chris, Jeremiah, Jill, Jenny, Tom, Adam, Nancy, Jeff, Angela, Bill and Phil. I am not looking to piss anyone off but when you have friends that help you reach a goal that has been out there for over a year and a half you can't help but think the best about them. I have a memory from each and every one of them. From "Going Down" (I need to get an elevator gig like that) to Body Glide, to "No, I don't want to hang out with you. I have seen too much of you guys already", to the infamous tattoo. The list could go on and on. Ask me sometime about these and the many other memories that I have from the Myrtle Beach USAT National Triathlon Championships and I may tell you one or two. Perhaps next year you will join us and make some of them yourself. You may even be able to throw a tri in there during your vacation. I know I will.
"I couldn't even drive my car that far!" "Why would you want to do that?" "Are you crazy?" "And you are doing this why?" I heard these comments/questions so many times when I told people why I was going to Myrtle Beach that I finally just started saying it was a vacation. And what a vacation it was! A vacation that was interrupted by 6 hours and 37 minutes of the most strenuous physical activity I have ever done. The trip started on Wednesday with a "short" post on Facebook by Jillian and within a few hours we were on our way to Myrtle. This wave of Crackers was me, Jillian, Jenny and Joella with Stacy and Chris on their way. Adam and Nancy had left earlier in the day as did Jeff and Angela. I am not going to bore you with every detail as to what we did, what time we did it, etc.. but the first two days we were there the main theme was beach and sun. This worked out great for us since most of us were tapering and the beach rest was well needed and seriously wanted. The ocean water was warm which made the beach experience all that much better. By Friday afternoon the nerves were starting to go. More and more questions were being thrown at Joella so we decided to take a trip over to the course so we could see where we would be swimming, running and biking. When we got there we ran into the race director and he had a little fun at our expense by telling us they had pretty much taken care of the alligator problem in the swim area and that in all reality we needed to worry about the sharks. A short bike ride followed and some people did a run after that. We set up the Get Fit Families tent then headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. Dinner was pretty uneventful. Good food, a few beers (yes, I drink a few beers the night before a race) then back to the hotel. Set out clothes, pack my bag, get my breakfast ready. All the normal stuff you do the night before a race. Climb in bed early to get a good night's sleep and then stare at the ceiling. Toss right, toss left, look at clock, repeat, repeat, repeat. Jeremiah had finally made it to town and he and I talked for a while. Then it really was bed time.
5:00 AM Saturday morning seemed to come around earlier than usual but doesn't it always? The hotel room was very quiet as we all got ready for the race. We had planned to leave early enough so Jeremiah could pick up his race packet as he wasn't able to do this the night before. About 5 minutes before we were to leave Jillian tells us she can't find the cars keys. I had asked her to drive as my nerves were starting to rev up and all I wanted to do was be a passenger and not worry about anything. Four of us start to look everywhere for keys. We can't find them. The clock is ticking away. All I am thinking about is which window I am going to break so I can get the spare set inside the car. More looking, a slight bit more panic but I knew it was going to be a back door window that was going to be sacrificed. Jillian finds the keys and off we go. I wasn't worried one bit. No more issues and we get to the race fine. Head into transition and get all set up. After getting set up we all kind of gather at the Get Families tent. As the race approaches more and more of the team leaves and I am there with Chris and Jeremiah. Jeremiah asks if we want to go over to the start line and I say "NO". I am comfortable where I am at and don't want to leave. A few more minutes go by and I am ready to head over.
As I looked around at all of the swimmers I noticed rather quickly that I was one of the few that did not have a wetsuit on. Oh well what do I need a wetsuit for right? Tom, Chris and I were in the last wave for the Halfmax so we had some time to figure out the swim course. When it was our turn we jumped in the water, it was a floating start and off we went. I never did see Chris or Tom in the water and pretty quickly I realized that I had fallen pretty far back. As with a lot of us swimming is not my strong point. I had no problems I just put my head in the water and acted like I liked it. I felt really comfortable in the water. I knew it was slow but didn't realize how slow until I hit transition. You know how it is really hard at times to find your bike? Not for me. I was pretty much the last bike in transition. I felt really stupid. Once I was on the bike it was ok because the course was filled with people. I soon realized that the wind SUCKED. No matter what way I was going it seemed to be in my face. Now let me tell you this course was flat which as much as I tried to prepare for I wasn't prepared. A flat course means you get no breaks. Your legs are going all the time. Your legs are going, the wind is blowing and you have 56 miles to ride. Start thinking about that! To top it off on the second leg I was one of the only people on the course. At one point I thought I was the only one but at one of the turnarounds I saw a few people behind me. And I mean a few. Again I felt stupid but I had to keep moving. 56 miles later I pulled into transition and put on my socks and shoes and off I went. Just like the first loop on the bike the run course was filled with people. The run course consisted of three loops of a 4 mile and some change loop. On my way out on the first lap I got to see all the ½ iron DC's and they all yelled encouragement. I knew I just had to keep my feet moving. It was at about mile 3 of that first loop that I realized I was chaffing really bad under my arms and was going to be in serious trouble. As I reached mile 4 I saw the Get Fit Families tent and started yelling that I needed some Bodyglide. At least four Crackers started scrambling (by this point all of the people doing the spring and Olympic distance were done) and Adam came running up with some. I did a quick lube job and talked to Jillian for a moment as she was checking to make sure I was ok and off I went on the second loop. There were less people out on the course for this second loop. I made sure to stop at every water station and get a cup of water which I dumped in my hat and a cup of Gatorade. The second loop was pretty uneventful. As I reached the end of the second loop and approached the GFF tent again I yelled out that I needed some food. Again, scrambling around and Adam produced some chocolate chip cookies. Off I went on lap 3. As I ran I noticed even less people running but by this point I didn't care. I had 4 miles to run to finish a half iron man. I wasn't stopping for anything. As the miles went by I had one goal, finish. As I passed the 12 mile mark I got a little extra kick (I really wonder what it looked like to the observer) and saw the wonderful red GFF tent. As I went by I got high fives from everyone and knew that I had accomplished something. As soon as I finished Stacy came over with some "beverages" and I happily took a big gulp. For a while I just stood there and stared at the finish line. I was really pumped. A few more minutes went by and it was time to pack up and head back to the hotel.
I can't tell you a great deal about the rest of Saturday afternoon because honestly I indulged in a few more adult beverages. We did go to the beach and I jumped right in the water. A lot of time was spent in the hot tub enjoying those same adult beverages and I believe Nancy and I met a rather interesting fellow at the hotel bar. Dinner at the steakhouse was fantastic and I had no problem sampling every type of meat that they had. After dinner a few of us went out to Shamrock's which was a little local bar within walking distance of the hotel. It was really relaxed and we spent quite a long time there. Not because it was such a hot spot but because some DC's, who shall remain nameless couldn't play pool worth a crap. I didn't even try. By about 1:00 am it was time for bed. I woke up Sunday morning and felt ok. My back was/is sore. I am assuming it was from bending over on the bike for so long. We tried to go to the beach but the wind was blowing sand around so bad it was impossible so we just hang out by the hotel pool. Again I visited the hot tub but this time with not so many drinks. By late afternoon DC's were starting to leave and it was an early night as we had to be up at the crack of dawn (get it) the next day to drive home. Monday morning came and off we went on the 11 hour drive back. I drove the first few hours then Jillian took over. I will tell you that if I had to drive all the way home I wouldn't have made it. For whatever reason I was more tired on Monday than on Sunday. I was a lousy passenger. All I wanted to do was sleep and when I was awake I just sat there zoned out. It had to be the longest drive of Jillian's life. I am forever grateful. Get home unpack and start the daily grind again on Tuesday but start the grind again knowing that I can now answer all of those questions posed to me before I left.
With all due respect to every DC out there the greatest teammates in my opinion are Joella, Scott, Jillian, Stacy, Chris, Jeremiah, Jill, Jenny, Tom, Adam, Nancy, Jeff, Angela, Bill and Phil. I am not looking to piss anyone off but when you have friends that help you reach a goal that has been out there for over a year and a half you can't help but think the best about them. I have a memory from each and every one of them. From "Going Down" (I need to get an elevator gig like that) to Body Glide, to "No, I don't want to hang out with you. I have seen too much of you guys already", to the infamous tattoo. The list could go on and on. Ask me sometime about these and the many other memories that I have from the Myrtle Beach USAT National Triathlon Championships and I may tell you one or two. Perhaps next year you will join us and make some of them yourself. You may even be able to throw a tri in there during your vacation. I know I will.