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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Thank You, Dad Part 2: Bassman Half-Ironman, May 1, 2011

It's amazing what you can do sometimes on sheer will.  Leading up to my dad's passing, I was all prepared to scrap this race as life and death happen regardless of the calendar.  After all the arrangements were made and it turned out that the race was still a possibility, I was determined more than ever to do it.  When Chris asked, "Are you sure?" my reply was, "Oh yes, more than ever now.  I want to do this.  For Dad."
With a forecast high temp of 68, race day morning started out a little chilly, but the sun was shining on us.  Set in Bass River State Forest, the Bassman included a 2-loop 1.2 mile lake swim, 2-loop 56(ish) mile bike (flat...it's New Jersey!) and a 2-loop-ish, crazy, chase-your-tail 13.1 mile run through the campground area.  Water temp was estimated in the low 60's, which aside from some numbness in the toes, felt just about perfect.

Some may say May 1st is a little early in the year for a Half-Iron tri.  True.  I can't say that physically I was ready, but the power of the mind over the body is not to be discounted!  From the start to the finish, my dad was on my mind, especially through the hardest parts of the race (2nd bike loop and around mile 9 of the run!).  I was literally talking out loud to myself for the first time ever saying, "Ok, Dad...you gotta help me through this."  Having Chris racing with me and his mom there to support us was an essential boost.  I can't thank them both enough for their strength and encouragement.

I missed calling my dad to tell him the result, but I can picture him smiling.  Here's the breakdown for both me and Chris:

Polly:
Overall:  35th out of 114 finishers
Age Group (35-39F):  1st place
Swim: 32:52; T1: 1:56; Bike: 3:03:05; T2: 1:06; Run: 1:32:41; Total time: 5:11:37

Chris:
Overall:  32nd out of 114 finishers
Age Group (35-39M):  6th place
Swim: 35:37; T1: 1:46; Bike: 2:47:36; T2: 1:28; Run: 1:42:54; Total time: 5:09:19

Thanks again, Dad!
Link to Facebook album: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=207262209304207&set=a.207261875970907.53812.100000612870969&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.207261875970907.53812.100000612870969

Link to Bassman results: http://www.fasttrackcoaching.net/timing/Results/2011-BASSMAN-HALF-DISTANCE-TRIATHLON-RESULTS.txt
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