The Best Things In Life Most Certainly Are Not Free – Memories From The 2013 OBX Half Ironman

The excitement mounts, even at smaller triathlon events. Maybe especially at smaller events, and this is a good one. The athletes are setting up their bikes at the 2013 Outer Banks (OBX) Half Ironman Race. Photo by FitOldDog.

Hi folks! Welcome!

I raced as FitOldDog (my brand) for the first time. It generated some interesting comments. He had a good race; slow but good.

A key role for the older scientist and older athlete is to encourage the next generation. Give it a try, it feels great when they appreciate it. I don’t mean ram your opinions down their throat. Just a carefully chosen word to get them going, encouraging them to employ their strengths and transcend weaknesses.

The day after an endurance race I sit and think about it over my morning cup of tea. I completed yet another triathlon yesterday, the Outer Banks Half Ironman (OBX), against the advice of family and friends. I had very specific goals for this race, knowing I was not adequately recovered from a series of recent races. These goals fitted my long-term objective for Ironman training/racing.

My long term goal, now that I’m in my 70s, is to complete an Ironman in under 13 hours, coming over the line healthy, happy and HUNGRY.

Not nauseous and all beat up, or headed for the medical tent (never again) or even the hospital (seen that, not me fortunately!)

Until my business, Old Dogs in Training LLC, takes off I’ve decided to cut back on expenses. First camping in a tent at Worlds, now sleeping in my truck at OBX. Sleeping bag, bug screen on windows, book, carbo-load. The closest I’ll get to heaven. Photo by FitOldDog.

In yesterday’s race I wanted prompt transitions, and to run the run, only walking briefly to take in food and water. But not just to run the run, to run it at a pace that suited my stomach. I wanted to finish hungry, not nauseous. In order to do this you have to get your nutrition AND your pace right. Go a bit too fast for your level of conditioning, and nausea will get you as sure as eggs are eggs. I achieved that goal, and boy the food tasted great.

My key memories from that race were of two young men, both at the back of the pack with yours truly, one in his early 50s and the other a 19-year old runner (I called him ‘The Runner’ because his running style was a work of art).

I was the first to arrive at the site at 4:00 am, where I was met by a lovely mist over the parking area, highlighted by a flood light. OBX is a beautiful venue, lovely swim, nice roads and trails. Wish I’d taken more photos. Photo by FitOldDog.

50-Year Old Guy: This man was on my heels for the last 3-4 miles of the run, and he was clearly winded, but he had a very relaxed shuffle run and a great attitude. Like most of us he was in mental pain (comes with the sport). He just seemed so happy! That is what I liked; he was hurting but happy. We had a chat afterwards, where he mentioned that this was his first triathlon, and he wanted to complete a full Ironman. I warned him, using the same advice my youngest son, Nigel, gave me years ago, that “A full Ironman is like doing three halves in one day.” I saw his face fall and his determination rise. Interesting!

19-Year Old Runner: At mile 55 on the bike leg, which due to the wind was pretty hard, I caught up with a young man (said 19 on his calf). He looked completely dejected.

Building your career or training base is like piling the stones of experience one upon another, and none of us does it alone – people quietly place stones on your pile, often without your knowing. Photo taken by FitOldDog in Zion National Park.

I said, “You OK?” He replied, “Yes, sir!” But he wasn’t, he was clearly disappointed with being at the back of the pack, and he was in physical pain – bet his legs were burning. Probably a new experience for him, being at the back, I suspected. I then said, “Are you a runner?” He said that he was, and added that this was his first triathlon. My response was, “Then you’ll have a chance to drop a bunch of people on the run. Remember, the pain is just in your mind.” His response was confined to a quizzical expression, and I moved on. He came by me at about one mile into the run, and again I said, “Are you The Runner?” In response to his affirmative reply, I clapped him on the shoulder and said, “Well! Run!” And he sure did. I saw him again later in the race returning from the turnaround, and he had pulled up several miles on me. He looked so happy running – a different person. After the race we met by chance as I was packing my truck. Just an old guy packing and making a cup of tea. As he went by with his family, I said yet again, “Are you The Runner?” In response he exclaimed, with an expression of complete surprise and delight, “Are you that guy?” He proceeded to thank me profusely, shaking my hand, saying, “You were right, the pain was in my mind.”

The latter event reminded me of encouraging young scientists at poster sessions towards the end of my career. I didn’t think to do this until an older scientist recommended that I did. He said, “Kevin, you obviously like lecturing, but you never go to the poster sessions. Why don’t you just go to provide encouragement to those youngsters with no-one showing any interest in their research. It works wonders for them and for you.” He was right!

A little encouragement can go a long way. It costs us nothing and feeds our ‘soul’ (not sure quite what that is, exactly).

Now to get my training back on track – think I need a coach I can afford. Mark Allen Online?

-k @FitOldDog