Race Result

Racer:	Gwen Corley
Race:	Spirit of Morgantown Half
Date:	Sunday, June 26, 2005
Location:	Morgantown, WV
Race Type:	Triathlon - Half Ironman
Age Group:	Female 40 - 44
Time:	6:06:19
Overall Place:	80 / 175
Age Group Place:	2 / 6

Race Report:

Racer: Gwen Corley
Race: Morgantown Mountaineer Half Ironman
Date: June 26, 2005
Age Group: 40-44
Time: 6:06:19.28
Overall Place: 80/174
Age Group Place: 2/6
Comments: Brutal course, Brutal heat.

Race Report:

Swim: 35:23 1st in age group
Bike: 3:10:29 4th in age group
Run: 2:18:06 5th in age group (OUCH)

Robert and I headed to Mountaineer Country around 2PM on Saturday. Robert knew the back roads that got us to Rt. 68, so it was quite scenic and relaxing as we meandered through the countryside. It only took about 2hours 45minutes to get there. We followed an SUV that had Tri-Club Maryland license plates and was framed by a Shock-Trauma plate frame. I made small talk with the guy when we arrived and found out he was a physician, exchanged all the usual banter, “I'll come find you if I need you after the race.” Kind of stuff. Later these comments were not so humorous and I will never take my fitness lightly again.

We ran into fellow RAT, Michael Smith, at packet pick-up and decided to hook up for dinner. Another triathlete from Winchester (yes, I'm not the only one) met up with us too and we swapped race stories over a fairly nice Italian meal. Robert was becoming more nervous by the moment, this being his first triathlon in 3 years and the first two were sprints. Plus he was third to the last out of the water at the McDowell swim and he was concerned about this part of the race.

During set up in AM saw Michael Smith again who, thanks to his RAT t-shirt had met someone else from Winchester. So now I was aware of 4 Winchesterites in the race.

Swim:
Rectangular course, start was up river, swim up and then left hand turns. Exit was on a floating dock which was challenging to pull up on, as there was no ladder. I must have looked like a performing seal as I dragged my belly up on the dock. My calf cramped so I wiggled the rest of the way and finally stood up. Very steep climb up the bank and into parking garage that served as transition area. Got the heart rate up a little too high which is where it ended up staying for the majority of the race.

Bike:
This is where the fun begins, beautiful course! A little bumpy heading out of town and over the railroad tracks. Follows the river for a while and then begins the first climb, about half way up this climb road marshalls are warning you that there is a rider down. I think, Oh no, car crash. They were performing CPR when I went by and there were plenty of people helping. Nothing I could do but pray, so I did. Found out later he had suffered a heart attack and died. So... I am greatful for the quad pain that I am enduring today and thankful there were no more casualties that day except for dehydration and heat exhaustion.
The next climb was shortly after the aid station and when you crested the hill there was an incredible view of a dirt track. Race cars, motorcyles, horses, not sure what but impressive.
A short out and back section that brought you back into town was fun and I tried to see if there where any chicks trying to sneak up on me.
Second lap uneventful, just tried to keep up the pace. Got to see the pros going out for lap 2 as I was coming in. Stopped at aid station for quick leak (I don't have the power bladder that STV does) and was on my way up the second hill. Had some minor tummy issues at the out and back section so I switched to water and held off on the gels. So far I had consumed one cliff bar, three gels, two bottles of Cytomax and almost one of water. The heat was starting to get noticable now.
Close to T2 a chick with 43 on her calf passed me, this was the second one in may age group to pass me. I beat her out of transition but she motored off like a jack rabbit and left me in the dust in the first half mile. I was very pleased with my 17.6mph average.

Run: Extremely hot! First three miles was flat and shady along the river. Then a short steep hill that lead to a long hill (no shade) that took you into the WVU campus. I still had energy and chatted to folks that I was able to pass and some coming in the other direction. The pros were finishing up as I was headed out and that was cool. They still looked strong and fresh. Aid stations every mile with water, ice, gatorade, amino vital, hammer gels, bannanas, cookies and lots of friendly volunteers. I walked most of them, dumping ice in my top, down my back and under my hat and drinking water. I took two more gels on the run. I was able to overtake one woman in my age group as we trotted up the long hill. This is an out an back course, by the time I came back down the hill and was by the river again (mile10ish) the quads were cramping and I was afraid to stop. My whole body was protesting. I played chase with another athelete who was walking and running and my little trudge overtook him about 5 times. By this time I was afraid to stop because I was afraid my legs wouldn't let me continue. I felt like the little engine that could and kept on chugging to the finish line.
Was greeted there by iced towel, energice popcicle, water and a coke. Again, lovely volunteers that were very attentive. Med tent seemed full with folks getting I.V.'s.

P.S.
Hubby Robert crossed the finish line about 35minutes later, completing his first Half Ironman. He was cooked but his quads were more intact than mine. Overall, we decided to give this race 4stars out of 5. The award plaque didn't have my age group on it, nor did it say Half Ironman. The finishers meadals didn't say Half Ironman. Robert almost ended up under the boat dock at the swim exit because there was no ladder. There was no ice at the aide station at the turnaround for the run. But all in all, great venue, wonderful crowds, spectator friendly, awesome volunteers, challenging course. We will be back to do the Olympic race if they offer it again next year.

Thanks for making it to the end.