Race Result

Racer:	Shawn Clark
Race:	Mooseman
Date:	Sunday, June 3, 2007
Location:	Newfound Lake, NH
Race Type:	Triathlon - Half Ironman
Age Group:	Male 30 - 34
Time:	5:09:07
Overall Place:	178 / 526
Age Group Place:	6 / 28
Comment:	A Big Fat Hairy Deal Indeed...

Race Report:

Well I did it. I finished my first half iron distance Triathlon and it was much harder than I thought it would be but more rewarding as well. I made the weekend into a mini-vacation in which I got to visit our relatives in Boston who generously fed and watered me (Clydesdales need sustenance) as well as sending me on my way with a new 12 stringed surprise. I was able to stay in Hartford, well right outside of, at a friends townhouse which allowed me a place to sleep and shower mid way through my ride which was a lifesaver for both Kayla and me. Thanks Tom! Then I met Julie and our friends Jay and Kristen (Jay-sten) who flew up to New England to drink tequila, search for an elusive moose and cheer me on.

Our cabin was amazing and nestled so far into the woods that we saw and were seen by no one the whole weekend.

I decided to party on Friday which would give me Saturday for a few Hefeweizens and lots of water and rest. Let me tell ya...Friday was a wild one....Jay-sten happens to be equal to us in our passion for the Nectar of the Agave plant...MMMmm tequila I really did take it easy on Saturday just visiting with some friends that drove down from Maine, lots of hammock lying and even a soothing game of scrabble before bed. (it's better than warm milk)

The Race
The swim:

I came out of the water in 34:18 which for me is not bad, it's not gonna win me any prizes but it is right where I expected to be. I know I can and will do better but this was my first race of this distance and I really was trying to conserve energy for the unknown and well, I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm really just not a great swimmer.

T1 - 2:12 again not spectacular but good enough and I experienced my first stripper ;-P they really do get you out of your wet suit a LOT faster.

The Bike - 2:38 (21.3mph) I think I did what I could for the bike. It was a two loop course and each time I was allowed to ride up "The Hill" a 15% grade that was really tough and to top it off they had a lady dressed like the devil taunting us at the base of the hill and thank god we were allowed to do it twice. There were a couple long gradual climbs in there as well that really dug into my quads but I managed to fight through them. I have some work to do on the bike but overall it was a great ride and I am pleased. All the group training I've been doing has really helped. I remember my first ride when I thought to myself "I'll never be able to ride with these guys." Now, while some of you are still celestial compared to me, I'm able to enjoy the rides and still come home able to function. Thank you RATS

Mental breakdown during the ride:

Drafting was terrible in this race. I kept telling myself to race MY race and for the most part I was able to but at one point I was really frustrated when these guys rode past me clearly taking turns leading. I was behind them for about 2 miles before I finally rode up next to em and said "Are you planning on drafting the whole race? I'd just like to know." They didn't respond and I rode past them. I was mad at myself for letting them get to me and kept my mouth shut the rest of the race. I mean really I'm not gonna win so I should just do what I came to do and that's race as hard as "I" can and do the best the "I" can. Live and learn and hopefully I won't waste my energies on elements out of my control again.

T2 - 1:54 slow but deliberate and I took the time to put on socks to avoid the blisters.

The Run - 1:52:46 OUCH!!! This was a challenging, hilly run and my legs were spent from the ride. I really didn't know if I was going to be able to do it but I just kept telling myself 1 more mile 1 more mile 1 more mile until I saw there were only 2 left. They were very cruel in that it was a double out and back and after your first one you had to run right by the the finish line. I wanted to stop but knew what I would think of myself all the way home so I just kept going. I realized after the race I need to really spend some more time running. My Wednesday morning track work with Scott has really helped but I have to find a way to not skip my long runs on Sundays.

Overall I had a great time before, during, and after the race. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to travel and race. Organization was top-notch. Volunteers were amazing, plentiful, and friendly and the area was beautiful. Jay-sten actually even saw a moose.

If you wanna see pictures that go along with the race report www.xanga.com/shawnclark8

2007 - 1st half down ....now it's time to start getting myself ready to be SAVAGE!!!! That 15% is gonna seem like a flat compared to those hills