Iron Girl Sprint Triathlon Relay Race Report
Race reports seem so common now, right? I was thinking about how many of them there are… out there. And how many different styles there are. And before I started this one, I wanted to ask if you have noticed any style you prefer.
I am not trying to sound full of myself, but I have run enough races that the reports I write now focus less on the actual “in” the race part, and more about how I feel about the race, or if something was unique about. Basically, you aren’t going to get the mile by mile play by here, at least, with a lot of detail.
I have noticed some people do that (which is fine!). Some people rate races, with pros and cons. Others mention highlights and lowlights. Others say they did it and not much more. Styles are all about personal preference.
I just wonder… what is your race report style? Which styles have you noticed you prefer?
Alright, let’s get on with this bad boy!
I’ve told this story a zillion times, but here it is again. A couple of years ago, a blogger I read was signed up for a half marathon and decided to switch to the 5K instead. She was being pretty hard on herself about it. She really wanted to go the longer distance, and felt the 5K was not a respectable distance.
I commented on her blog with a big “Hellz no! 5Ks are TOUGH! Go out there and get that bad boy!” To this day, I still think the 5K is my hardest distance*, when I am racing it.
This rang true on Sunday.
There was, uh, um, talk that I should try to PR this course. My PR is from this March, aka, winter, aka 20+ pounds ago. No. No PR for Kim! I was just hoping to run 8:00s and bet my previous race (different course) PR, which was 26:04. Success! The Iron Girl results have me at 25:08, a 8:07 pace. Eh. Close enough.
So what was the point of the 5Ks are hard story? Well, I usually have one summer 5K that reminds me to respect the distance and get back in shape**. I guess this was it! Also – I was happy I could run that pace with no speed training, and some extra weight. Moving on.
How did the rest of my team do?! And! Who was on my team?!
Well, my trainer, Brian, was cool enough to sponsor two Essential Fitness Multisport Club (Efit) teams. We also had two Efiters doing the tri solo. And! Kelsey, Erin and Valerie were there as a relay team.
Valerie, Erin, moi, and Kelsey
In fact, my Saturday (the day before the race) included a sleepover with these lovely ladies. Foosball, s’mores, and gossip may have been involved. Little sleep, too. Ha ha. The best kind of sleepover. Good thing the run was the last leg because I felt a bit tired in the morning. Hee hee!
On to the swim! Chris was our swimmer! Relayers went in the last wave – with the youngest tri group. It’s weird – they had signs all over for wave times and ages, but none of these signs mentioned the relay teams. I knew when we were to start because I read it on the website, but similar to the Ironman 70.3 Kansas Relay, there was just not much info out there for relay teams. And definitely not many knowledgeable volunteers at packet pickup (understandable). You know what? All that has made me pretty chill about races. I definitely have a “I’ll figure it out in the am” attitude about relays now. No sweat.
Geesh! You guys let me get so sidetracked! So, Chris had been practicing the half mile swim and doing about 30-35 mins in the pool.
And! She came out in 24:59! Schweet! She took some major time off! Transition 1 was 1:05, then our biker, Judy, was off!
Chilling with the Bobster (who came to spectate!!!) while Judy biked!
Judy biked the 12 miles (I wonder if it was short this year like in the past) in 38:55, with an average speed of 18.5 mph! This was her first cycling event and was thinking she would cycle 15-16 mph. She kicked butt!
Transition 2 was 00:42 then it was my turn.
True to form, I took off too fast! Fastest first mile, slowest second mile, sped up in the last mile. It was mentally very hard. I am not sure why. I kept telling myself to pump my arms. I enjoyed seeing women high five each other. I encouraged the people I passed. But man, I wanted to FINISH. I wanted to make my team proud!
My team ran me in. On their somewhat rested legs, ha. We SPRINTED to the finish! I was like, “Crap! I can’t let them cross the line in front of me!” Ha ha.
Let’s take a second to check out my awesome landing style.
Ahh! So happy to be done! So proud of our team! 5K time of 25:08, overall team time of 1:30:49! Woo hoo!
I knew it was a blast to do tri relays, after my experience at this race two years ago and the recent Ironman 70.3 Kansas. But to do it with my multisport club? What a treat! I loved cheering everyone on (and my blogger friends too, and even strangers). This race has a wonderful spirit to it. Everyone did really well and had a lot of fun.
The race is not without its logistical issues though. Parking is a bit of a pita, as is getting out of the race after. Relay information is sparse. There was no food right at the finish, and a huge line for it. There are a few other things. Basically… I say go in to this race (and all others?) with a patient, open mind. I enjoyed it, but I was being totally chill.***
I usually don’t comment on those things, but with the price tag to this race… yeah.
Anyway.
I got to see Ian, who was working transition. And I got to meet Nicole, who I didn’t even know would be there!
And… Steven came out just to spectate and take photos (all of the photos are from him unless noted otherwise). He is so supportive!
So yeah. I kind of really wanted to be riding my bike on Sunday. I am not sure if I can fit a race tri in on my schedule the rest of the year (I would want to do one outdoors) but I can probably do one on my own!
*And that is probably because I have not tried anything shorter, ha ha.
**For the Chicago Lung Run!
***If you know me irl, you are probbaly all “Kim? Chill? Uh huh.” But, no. I was legit chill. FOR REALZ!
Themocracy
YAY! You guys rocked it! Great race report, and love all the support! Way to go hon!
Ok. So like I shouldn’t do a mile by mile recap for my marathon? I was thinking of breaking it into half mile segments to mix it up a little… 🙂
Your 5k sounds like all of mine… Fast, oh crap, speed up again. Hehe you kicked butt out there!
Yay for Steven taking some seriously badass photos of you running. You look so serious and fierce.
I want to do a relay now 🙂 you bike, I’ll run and we can find someone to swim. Lets do it!
Ha! No, you actually can, if you want! Some people are really in to that! 😉 I do tend to get a bit bored with those, though.
Thanks 🙂 We should do a relay! I wonder if we will have to wait for next year? Outdoor tri season seems short (from my very small experience with it).
When I grow up, I want to run 8’s like you! Love how you all met or exceeded expectations! Great job, ladies! Those medals look awesome! I thought it was really cool how your team ran you in!
Aww, thanks! You did run in the 8:00s at your last race! You are kicking some major bootay!
I am excited to put up my new medal rack and put my first medal on it 🙂
Hey, I did this race! Too bad I missed you. It was a great day!
Aww, man! That is too bad! You had a run race? 🙂
I love your race recap format! And it sounds like doing a tri relay is super fun. You’re motivating me to “try” it : ) I’m learning to love running, and would even think about the swim. The bike is just not the leg for me, so a relay would keep me in my happy place.
Thank you!
It is so fun. You should think about it, and find the leg that suits you best! That is the cool part – everyone gets to do what they are good at and then be super impressed by their teammates, too!
Nicely done! Fr the price of that race, I’m shocked about the food and other issues…. Bummer! At least you ran strong. Go Kim!!
Great job on the run part of your relay! I’m a fan of the in the race race report style as well!
The photos. Let’s just say they are classic. C-L-A-S-S-I-C. Love it. Congrats on going out there and getting it done.
The instructor and I were chatting in spin yesterday about the yuckiness that is 5Ks. I don’t think you get you buck’s worth but more than anything, I hate the “let’s spring for 30 minutes” thing.
Thanks 🙂
5Ks are seriously HARD! I enjoy them (when they are over) from time to time, but would much rather run long and slow 🙂
looks like a great time! You are super speedy!
Thanks 🙂
They are lucky to have you as the runner of the team – awesome job!
Aww, thanks 🙂
Looks such such a fun time…I think I’m finally getting the “tri itch” there is a spint in Sept that I may have to sign up for 🙂 And awesome job on the run!!
YESSS! DO EEEET!!!!
Nice job! That’s a really strong run. I haven’t done a trip relay since high school, but it always looks fun. 🙂
As far as race recaps go, I like to see at least a little bit of comments on the race (course, organization, etc). This is helpful when trying to decide if I want to do the race or not. It’s also fun to read about people’s experiences and share in the joy of a good race (or the disappointment of a bad one)
Thank you! Of course, I could probably NOT run that pace after swimming and biking!
Ahh, yes! Good point. I should have mentioned that the course was mostly flat, etc, because I like to read that in recaps (to see if I can avoid hills, ha!).
I’m always so amazed when recaps go into each mile, especially for a half or longer – how do people remember that stuff? I think I usually just share my overall experience, not always focused on the run (which is basically my approach to running – HA!).
Nice job knocking a minute off your last 5k! I know you feel better running at a lower weight, but do you think it’s possible to adapt to running faster at a higher weight?
I think logistics are a good thing to point out, especially if a race is expensive. If I’m paying a lot, I guess I expect them to have worked stuff like parking and food out.
I am impressed by people’s memory too!
Yeah, I do think it’s possible to adapt to running faster an a heavier weight, as I have done it myself over the years. It’s just… annoying. And honestly, I think it’s risky, for me!
I try to recap sections, but my brain never remembers mile by mile what happened…
5ks hurt. Period.
Chris rocked the hell out of her swim!
I think it’s funny that you were worried about keeping up with Chris and Judy, because as we were waiting for you, THEY were worried about keeping up with YOU!
I had so much fun spectating! It was such a fun, encouraging, and high energy event – I really think I’d love to do a relay some day 🙂 BIKE FOR ME! But the parking? Yeah – FOREVER away.
Hey! You owe us some recaps, AHEM! 😛
LOL! That is too funny they were worried about keeping up with me. That is the other cool thing about a team – everyone has so much confidence in their teammates – you really want to do your best as to not let them down (not that they would be upset, but you know).
I will totes bike for you. I think it would be fun to have an event with a ton of teams together! Super hectic, but FUN! Followed by 80s Dance Partay at Bobbi’s!
Love the pic Steven snapped of you from behind, looking seriously fierce and fast there!
So no play by play of the minute to minute synopsis of my marathon this fall? You don’t want to know every boring lame detail and thought that goes through my mind? Can’t see why not 😉
Your team did awesome, and heck yes 5ks are hard! This is the trickiest distance in my opinion, short, fast, and painfull nearly every step of the way. But you rocked it!
Thank you!
LOL! Britt, for you, I will read it 😛
SO much fun! I wish we could do this every weekend!
You look SO hardcore in that pic of you starting your 5K!
I got a good chuckle at your foot position in you crossing the finish line! It almost looks painful!
I wish we could too!
Thanks! 🙂
It does look painful! Can you believe I land like that and don’t snap my ankle?!
Great recap! You all look great, which is definitely part of the experience! And nice run. 5Ks are painful. Ugh, I should do one at some point.
As for the price tag – sigh. I’ve never seen a “cheap” triathlon. I think that they involve more coordinating than a run, so maybe that is one issue. Also, Irongirl is part of Ironman – which is a corporation. A lot of times a locally-run event is a bit cheaper (sometimes quite a bit), so you might look into those events.
Thanks 🙂
A standalone 5K? Your last tri was speeeedy! I wonder what you could do in a 5K!!!!
Such a good tip. I need to look at local/smaller!
Congrats, you did awesome!!!
5k’s are my most challenging races as well. The mental aspect is so different from longer races and really difficult for me – I usually just want to give up!
I like your race recaps a lot. I don’t really dislike any specific formats but I tend to question the mile by mile recaps. Do people actually remember exactly what the felt and thought about during EVERY mile of a marathon?? I sure don’t!
Yes! Why is the give up factor SO early in a 5K? I was looking at my watch, like, “Really? Only .38 m in?!!!” LOL
Aww, thanks! LOL, I wonder if half of that is made up! Or if they are taking notes with a recorder!
Perfect race report! Seemed like a fun event! I’m proud of you and aspire to be you one day 🙂
You ROCK!!
Aww, thanks! Do you have any more tris this year?!
There is one more that both the Hubbs and I want to do, but it’s on a very busy weekend for us. I think we’re going to have to skip it. It’s the TriRock on Lake Geneva. It’s supposed to be a good race.
I was thinking of doing that one too, but then decided to teach a strength class that day. What about the new one in Evanston on 9/15?
It’s the same weekend as the TriRock. I’m having my son’s third birthday party that day and we have a wedding the night before. My in-laws will be staying for the weekend…just crazy. But i plan on dinner with you on the 13th!!
Ahh. That is a crazy weekend! Glad to see I am not the only one who WAY overbooks! 🙂 Crazy, together!
This is a really fun recap, so I would say that I like ones like this! 🙂
When I write my race recaps, there is NO WAY I can remember each mile. I have selective memory and tend to remember the big picture and overall feeling of the race, instead of each mile.
I’m always so impressed with your 5k times- there must be a secret in that heel strike!
Thanks! That is more what I remember too, unless something significant happened in each mile!
And thank you again 🙂 The weird thing is, it’s midfoot, but so over supinated… if I could just land in the middle, I wonder if I would run better. Probably not. I bet it would be the exact same. Ha ha.
Congrats to you and the rest of your team- you guys rocked it! And Steven’s photos are badass! (I actually printed off the one of the four of us and put it in a frame bc I loved it so much!) So they didn’t have any food when you were done?! So lame!!
PS- Did you ever hear if they gave out awards?
Aww, what an honor that you printed it! Yay! 🙂
I think they did have food, but the line was too long. I was annoyed there wasn’t anything in the finish chute.
They did give out awards, according to someone from my club. They only go to first for the relay teams. It was like that two years ago, too!
Great job and great time! I agree that 5k’s are the hardest distance of all. They’re so painful!! Glad you had fun w/ your team.
As for race reports–I am not crazy about mile by mile reports. I’m much more interested in the race overall. I really don’t think anyone really CARES how I was feeling each mile anyhow!
Congrats on a great race! I always like to be honest with my race reports. If I don’t like something, I will say what and why (especially if it was something specific to my own circumstances).
I love the 5k but I must disagree and say that the 10k is the toughest distance. Based on my 5k time, my predicted 10k time was way faster than something I could muster, when I last tried. So tough!
Your relay team is lucky to have you! Looks like it was a super fun race! 🙂
I wonder if I raced more 10Ks if I would agree. I know I will be in a lot of hurt when I try one in a month!
When I read a race report I definitely know what to know what the person thought of the race overall and why they thought that. I want to know the good and the bad things, how they felt, what their goals were, and if they achieved them. Also, if funny things happened during the race it’s fun to hear about those 🙂
So, yes, good job including all those things in this race report 🙂
The big question, in my mind, is did they hand out Biscoff at this race, too? And is Biscoff vegan? Because Biscoff is love in a jar.
They did not. Biscoff is vegan. We still have quite a bit from when it was super cheap at ALDI.
I love the idea of a tri relay!
Awesome job! Relays are so fun!! Glad you met your goal. I am not a huge fan of summer races so I’m always impressed when others do them.
Awesome race report!!
And BTW, you do have a totally jacked landing style…OUCH!!!
I’ve always wanted to do a full tri, but I’m a horribly slow swimmer!
And 5K’s are sooooo painful!!!
IKR? Ha ha ha. I have been landing like that FOR YEARS! I see it in all my race pics.
Hey, slow but you can still swim? I say, go for it! 🙂
Personally I hate race reports that break out every single mile. Unless it’s a 5K. I skim those. Otherwise, as with any blog post, stick to what is interesting/noteworthy/useful/funny. I feel like lately, my race reports focus a lot on the before and after and not much on the race, but that’s because I haven’t been serious about my races for awhile. Maybe if I PR again at some point I’ll write a longer race report 🙂
Blogging style? Guess that’s something I never thought much about! I definitely am a wordy blogger so my race reports are long, but hopefully readers find them enjoyable enough to get to the end of them. I may have to change it up for future race reports. Right now, I just have the marathon and that’s a long race so that deserves a long reap, right?
Again, great job on that 5K! 5Ks are really hard to race! You can’t start out too slow because it’s a short race, but you can’t blast out the gate either and fade toward the end. I’m just like you – fast out the gate, slower toward the middle and just hanging on for the finish! Again, more even pacing in a 5K is something to work on for me, but eh… so long as I stop racking up personal worsts I’ll be OK…
I don’t think I have read a recap of yours yet! Is your marathon the next race? My reports are usually wordy, especially the longer races, like you said 🙂
Right now, the marathon is the next race. But, I’m itching to run something else in between then… maybe a 5K to erase those recent personal worsts. Here’s a sample for you to check out 🙂 http://grandmaponyruns.blogspot.com/2013/06/belated-north-shore-half-marathon-race.html