IM Hawaii IM 70.3 2023 Race Report
Created: Friday, 12 January 2024
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My wife, Stephanie, and I arrived on Wednesday, checked in on Thursday, checked in bike and gear on Friday, and raced Saturday. When I reassembled my bike, my front wheel was bent. I fixed it myself, and it was all good for race day.
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I met up with my Zoot teammate, Derin Pitre for some pre-race preparation. Saw some other teammates and training partners. Everyone was race ready!!
Swim 1.2 mile
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The running beach start felt good. The water was crystal clear. I didn’t feel much of a current. My goal was not to be the slowest. Many races I am, or amongst them. The fish and coral were beautiful. Almost distracting!
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Goal: finish above 95th percentile I’m age group.
Results: 83/99, 84th percentile
Time: 0:50:17
Pace: 2:18/100 yd
That’s an excellent ocean open water pace for me. Still lots of room for improvement.
T1
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Time: 7:09
Distance: 0.51 mi
Bike 56 mile
The first 3.5 miles were slight rollers, but everyone knew what awaited them. After a long slight incline, began an 18 mile climb to the town of Hawi. The terrain varied from steep to gentle, but no relief. Always climbing. The closer we got to the peak, the more the ocean wind picked up. A crosswind was expected but it was more of a head wind. I felt great, and zoomed past everyone around me. It was cool to ride a portion of the same course as World Championship. At mile 30 was the turnaround.
On get downhill return, I knew the wind would be a major factor. The faster I went, the more the wind catch me. I got up to 38 mph, and wind turned my front wheel while I was in an aero position, causing my front wheel to fish tail! At that speed, I just knew that would be the end of me, and I would flip over my handlebars. I maintained control, but slowed it down. Better to finish safely. I saw others also get caught by the very strong wind gusts, but didn’t see any crashes. I heard there were plenty though caused by the wind.
Near the end, I knew there was a left turn at the gas station from previewing the course. The volunteer was yelling at the cyclists to stay right. And pointing to the right. The 2 cyclists in front of my turned right! I followed them, and we all had to turn around to complete the left turn. There was a lot of frustration at that volunteer, but I should have followed what I knew was correct.
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At mile 47, there was a steep incline, which is a shock after a long descent. Then it was the turn back into town. I enjoyed a very fast bike leg considering the long climb and brutal wind gusts.
Place: 45th!!! I passed nearly half my age group on the bike! Crushed it.
Goal: 165 Watts (power)
Result: 141 W, long descent kept it low. 170 W average on the 1st half of the ascent.
T2
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Time: 4:17
Distance: 0.24 mi
Run 13.1 mi
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Goal: Simply Finish!
Result: 2:49:52
Slowest 70.3 ever for me I’m sure.
Overall: 7:00:48, 70th place AG of 99.
The finish line was unique and special. Instead of the traditional inflatable arch, it was a flower-laced arch.
This was supposed to just be a long training day for me in paradise, but this race brought a lot of challenges. Definitely worth it. In 4 months, I’ll be racing my big race this year, IM Barcelona.
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