2021 IM Tulsa Race Report
Created: Saturday, 05 June 2021

After flying out to Tulsa from Atlanta, I had to assemble my own bike together. My Garmin Vector 3 power meter stopped working properly, and their great customer service sent me a replacement set right before I left. I installed the new pedals, and the power was reading perfectly!
My racing gear is from the best: Zoot Sports. This includes the Bolt wetsuit, Ultra TT shoes, and of course, the Team Zoot race kit. Other notable gear is the Garmin Fitness 945xt watch, Smith Optics US sunglasses and helmet, Speedfil F1 hydration system, New Wave Swim Buoy goggles, and Quintana Roo Tri PRsix TT bike
For nutrition, I used all Hammer Nutrition products: Gel and Bar before the swim; Perpetuem, Gel, Bars and some supplements on the bike; and Gel on the run along with whatever was on the course. I didn't plan on using the bike Special Needs bag, and placed extra Gel in my run Special Needs bag.
Since it's Tulsa, it has to be acknowledged that this marks 100 years after the Tulsa Massacre. I visited several sites in Greenwood Village and took a tour. It's incomprehensible what happened. There was no justice. No insurance money paid. No reparations. I also had a great Meetup with many other African American racers and with Team Zoot. After the pre-race stress and tension was released, I need to get ready to race.

Swim - 2.4 mi swim

I was interviewed by the camera crew and asked what my goal was for the day. I replied, "Finish before sunset!"
The swim start was 4 at a time. A simple out and back, with just 2 turns. 4 swimmers entered every 5 seconds. There was plenty of space for everyone to have their own swim space, but congested throughout as well. According to the Athlete Guide, there were yellow buoys, then 2 red buoys to turn at, then orange buoys on the return. Soo why were there 6 red buoys on the course? That was confusing, and I don't have any answers. I kept peeping at my Garmin splits, and was so shocked to see super fast times (for me)! I completed the swim with a 2:12/100 yd pace!!!! Big improvement. Thanks Coach Ken!
Goal, finish above the 90th percentile to remain competitive
Actual: 80th percentile!!!
Pace: 2:12/100 yd (Generally, I'm 2:30 or slower)
Time 1:34:35
Place: 172/214 in Age Group
T1
Pumped after a great swim, I started running to my bike. That didn't last long, as the asphalt really hurt my bare feet. Everyone was walking. The rain was continuing. I had to remove my bike gear from the bag and replace it with my swim gear. Then IM will move the bag to T2 for me. I was too hasty, and tied up the bag without my wetsuit! After that was fixed, I was off on my biking adventure.
Time - 6:40
Bike - 112 miles


My bike still had issues. All the vibrations also loosened up my bottle cage within my frame. By the end of the ride, one screw came completely out, while the other was barely screwed in. I made a note in my checklist to make sure ALL my screws were extremely tight.
Staying wet in a chilly wind gave me the chills. Had me sneezing whenever my speed or the wind picked up. Top speed was 44 mph.
My goal was to maintain my target power range and not worry about speed. My main screen didn't even display my average speed. The 2 meeting goals on the bike are to setup my legs for a string marathon run afterwards, and survive the bike leg safely. Speed would take care of itself. The final stretch into downtown was a huge relief.
Goal: Maintain my power, stay safe, ignore speed
Speed: 17.6 mph on 5k feet of elevation on wet, bumpy roads
Rank: 88/214 AG

T2
I thought about doing a flying dismount, but remembering how my feet got jacked up in T1 led me to be smart, and keep my bike shoes on. After dismounting, I jogged to my rack and was surprised to see my bike bag there! The volunteers brought everyone's bike bag from T1. I left that bag alone and emptied the contents of my run bag. Grabbed my gear, placed my bike gear back in the bag, and headed off on the run. In hindsight, I probably didn't need to put my bike gear into the bag.
Time: 4:40
Run - 26.2 miles

On the second loop, fatigue set in. Due to recovering from my leg injury, I haven't done any long runs. My place kept dropping and the hills are punishing. At the 18 mile mark, I just a straight shot to the finish line. My mind was saying, "Push to the finish!" but my legs were cooked. My pace slowed to a jog, and I gave it my all to keep it moving. The last 2 miles was uphill. That fast downhill I enjoyed earlier is now paying me back. Half of the people around me was sharing the struggle and joined me fast walking up the steep climb. The last 1/4 mile flattened and allowed me to run for the finish.
The crowd support was amazing!! Rounding the carrier towards the red carpet was loud and exciting. Finally, I heard the music and saw the bright lights of the finish line. Mike Reilly was on the mic, and announced that I was an Ironman! I finished with my fastest swim time and my fastest overall time.
Run:
Goal: 9:30/ mile
Actual: 11:02/mile
Time: 4:50
75/214 AG
Overall:
Time: 12:59:30
Rank: 82/214 (Excellent rise from 172nd!!!)



