Ironman 70.3 Branson

It has been a tough season, struggling during the swim at almost all Bundesliga races this year. So, the Ironman 70.3 Branson was supposed to be a retreat for my bike strength and a recovery from all these sprint races. An absolut beautiful setting on Lake Table Rock and incredible bike course on the highroad around Branson called for an attractive race. The overall goal was a Top 10 finish and an age group spot for Worlds in Las Vegas next September.

Swim (28:49) Rank 27th Div. Rank 2nd

Lake Table Rock was as calm as it could have been on Sunday morning when the first wave started at 7am. Of course, as it seems usual at all U.S. based 70.3 races; age groups 18-29 went off last. So, starting at 7:40am there were about 150 starters between 18-29 taking off, chasing the wave in front, which had a 5 minute lead. It was a perfect and calm start for me, as I started on the left side without any interference of other athletes. Surprised of my excellent start, I was in the lead of the age group coming to the first turn buoy after 650 meters. Trouble didn’t start after that, but we picked up several swimmers and the rhythm was affected by slower athletes that started ahead. Taking the last turn and coming to the long 900 meter home stretch, I got passed by one swimmer of my age group. He had a perfect line and I didn’t have a chance to catch his feed. At the end, I was able to finish the swim in second place and felt very confident, even though the time of 28:49 didn’t seem as fast as anticipated. A major concern running out of the water and up towards transition was a leg cramp on my left leg. I don’t think I have ever had a pain in my legs after swimming, so this raised many uncertainties for the upcoming bike.

       

Bike (2:43:09) Rank 8th Div. Rank 3rd

Starting the bike, I planned to attack on the first hill just out of T1. Looking at the course a couple days prior the race, this first climb seemed to be the toughest, so the right spot to make up some ground. Well, the cramp in my left leg was still there and the attack was made by others. I quickly dropped into third place and lost lots of ground. Once we reached the highroad, roughly 18km into the race, I was finally able to find a solid rhythm. Road conditions were incredible and the race now just started. Looking back I don’t think there was a stretch longer than 100 meters that was flat. There was a consistent change in climbing, or flying down the road averaging 80 km/h. Half way through the first loop on the highroad I caught up with second place, who had clocked the fastest swim time. Up the hill I pushed a little more, passed him and charged the next 10 minutes all I had. I’ve dropped him and he wasn’t seen no more. I felt very confident at that point, as the guy leading our age group sure didn’t look like a runner. Cruising along and taking care of my nutrition, I thought to be in control of the age group. With about 40km to go on the bike, it was the fast swimmer again, who came by and rode back into second place. I wasn’t quite sure what was going on, as I didn’t have any power, not the slightest chance to stay close to him. This was a turning point in the race. I had no idea that I had slowed down dramatically, but split times showed that I rode the second 29km loop 5 minutes slower than the first. Absolutely exhausted, still in pain with some continues upper leg cramps I wasn’t sure if I can finish this race. Only thing on my mind to that point was to reach T2 and get off this bike. Loosing minutes to the leaders on the last section of the bike didn’t really matter anymore, as I was able to jump of the bike still in third.

         

Run (1:36:07) Rank 11th Div. Rank 2nd

Finally off the bike, still able to clock the fastest transition of the day, I was looking forward to see what my trashed legs are able to do. Really, couldn’t expect much with my condition off the bike, but didn’t think it can hurt that much. About 5 km into the run I thought my upper legs will explode and I will definitely have to quit this race early. This wasn’t a tough run course in comparison to the bike section, but the tank was empty. All in the sudden, motivation rose again at the 12 km mark as I saw the fastest biker of my age group jogging just in front me. I asked myself if this was possible, but it seemed like he killed himself with the fastest amateur bike split of the day. So, it really just took about 500 meters to catch and pass him for second place. Once I realized there was nobody charging from behind it was a slow, pleasant, but agonizing run towards the finish.

        

Overall (4:50:20) Rank 11th Div. Rank 2nd

All in all, looking back I am very happy with the result under these circumstances. I finished 11th overall, 2nd in the age group 25-29 and qualified for Worlds 2012. I guess, I couldn’t have asked for more, even though I am very frustrated with my race tactic and the fact I wasn’t able to run sub 1:30 due to this approach. There was a lot I learned during this race and I am taking several things out of this season, which should make me a superior athlete in 2012. I didn’t except my spot for Worlds, plans for 2012 are still in the making.

http://ironman.com/assets/files/results/branson70.3/2011.txt