Race report – Ironman 70.3 world championships – Sarah Ryder
So started with a smooth registration, collection of bike and setting up of transition on Friday. Couldn’t help but notice all the very expensive tt bikes being racked all around me as I was there. Would my little propel do the job? I also noticed many of the athletes around me had legs up to my armpits. Would my little legs do the job?
Up on Saturday morning, breakfast and off to transition. Reached transition five minutes before it closed. Plenty of time to do what had to be done. So far so good. I went down to the beach to watch the many waves to go before it was my turn. I had an hour and a half to wait before I was to go. I dipped in and out of the sea, did warm up exercises and talked drivel to Jude, anything to take my mind off the fact I was starting to think I was out of my league here. Finally after the longest hour and half ever it was my turn to get into the starting pen. The compare welcomed us all and told the crowd ‘ these are our ladies who are mums, hold down jobs and still find time to train.’ I don’t remember what else he said because suddenly my nerves had gone and everything was back in perspective. I was there because I had earned my place. I had nothing to prove to anyone. I was going out to do my best for me. Off I went into the sea. Three big waves in the face later and I was swimming in a very cold sea. After 800m there was a left turn at the buoy and then the fun started. It was so choppy. I swallowed so much salt water I was starting to feel sick. The only thing I kept thinking was relax and swim, it will soon be over. When I reached the beach after what I thought was a dreadful swim my garmin said 41.25. I was over the moon. For me that’s a great swim. Big celebration as I ran up the beach as I had not been eaten by a shark.
On my way to T1 I lay on my back, two men ripped my wetsuit from me and pulled me to my feet. That was the high light of my race. Every triathlon should have this. On with my cycling gear while a helper packed my wetsuit etc into my bag and handed me my gel. I felt like royalty.
The bike went well right from the beginning. It was my kind of route, long drags uphill and sweeping bends down hill. It was beautifully picturesque as the route followed the coast line. There was one hell of a head wind for the first half of the ride, I just ploughed on. Felt strong all the way through the ride and just seemed to be taking cyclists all the way.
Back to T2. Quick change and onto the run. I had planned for 8.30 min/miles and that’s how it started. It was two laps of a course that took us from one end of marine drive to the other with a hill at either end which we had to run up and down. It was getting hotter and hotter so at each aid station it was water, gel and wet sponges. About three quarters of the way through the run I started to feel sick. I’d got the nutrition wrong. I couldn’t take on anything else it was a case of just hanging in there. Sadly the support on the run course was awful. Despite it being a very hot day, I have tan lines to prove it, there was hardly anyone out supporting. Thank goodness for Jude. It is amazing how much difference a friendly face makes when you are hurting. As you already know I did finish.
Overall very happy with the swim and bike a little disappointed with the run and will forever remember the day two men ripped my wetsuit off me. A fabulous experience which I still can’t really believe, I’ve competed at a world championships and I finished in the top half of the field.