The focus for this season was the half-ironman distance and I wanted to wrap it up with a half ironman
distance event. Miami was the perfect race for that, late in October, and another excuse to go down south and
visit a good friend.
And it turned out to be an awesome weekend in great company! I ended up besting my PR by almost 1’30 and qualifying for the 2014 Ironman 70.3 World Championships! Unexpected to say the least, but I’m looking forward to 2014.
My Stats:
Overall time: 4:25:21 - 10th AG – 68th OA
Swim: 31:58 | T1: 1:48 | Bike: 2:17:30 | T2: 54” | Run: 1:33:11
An eventful week leading up to the race...
Diagnosis: Peroneal Tendinitis
I had this excruciating pain on the outside of my left foot for a good two weeks, which forced me to end my run workout prematurely the week before the race. I limped for 2 to 3 days after that run, and started to doubt my chances to race in Miami, at least the run leg. I nursed it with painkillers and ice the whole week, with some serious (read great) oversight from Mariesa, who made sure I’d ice it twice a day for a good 8 days.
I mentally needed to rule out the stress fracture to be able to race. Andrew (aka Miami) was able to get me a last minute appointment with his doctor on Friday morning (2 days before the race). The X-Ray didn’t reveal any stress fracture, but instead the doc thinks that I have a severe Peroneal tendenitis that will require 6 to 8 weeks of rest to heal completely. I’m not a doctor, but I’m sure he meant to say that I was good to go!
Hit by a car for the first time...
What helped me keep my mind off my foot injury was the car accident I suffered on Thursday morning. The right mirror hit my elbow and next thing I knew I was on the ground, looking back at the car that was closing in on me. Nothing broken, but a badly bruised hip and I were very shaken up (and still am). The car obviously didn’t stop.
On the bright side...
Unlike at Eagleman, I had 5 great nights of sleep, and a great relaxing weekend in Fingers Lake with Mariesa who got me my first spa ever for my birthday! Despite the foot injury and my concerns about my ability to race in Miami, I felt great and fully rested!
Race weekend
We flew out on Thursday night. After a nice breakfast at a French bakery on Friday morning, we left to the transition area at Bayfront Park to pick up the race packet in the afternoon. We also picked up the bike and headed home after. A quick 30 min swim to loosen up the legs in the evening before having lasagna at a delicious Italian place capped off a great day. On Saturday I went for a 30-min pre-race warmup bike ride through Miami, escorted by Miami in his Range Rover. I’m not going to lie, I enjoyed knowing that I wasn’t going to get hit from behind again. Thanks for the peace of mind, Drew! We then all headed to transition so I can drop off the bike and get more familiar with T1 and T2. I rehearsed the transition several times, making sure I knew where to run to at T1 and T2. We took it easy and went food shopping and made about 5 pounds of pasta for...the 3 of us! Pre race dinner: roasted chicken with Pasta and banana for dessert! Money! I’m well rested, confident despite the foot injury and hip bruise, excited to have Mariesa around, and I can’t lie, I’m also looking forward to take some time off training after this 70.3!
And it turned out to be an awesome weekend in great company! I ended up besting my PR by almost 1’30 and qualifying for the 2014 Ironman 70.3 World Championships! Unexpected to say the least, but I’m looking forward to 2014.
My Stats:
Overall time: 4:25:21 - 10th AG – 68th OA
Swim: 31:58 | T1: 1:48 | Bike: 2:17:30 | T2: 54” | Run: 1:33:11
An eventful week leading up to the race...
Diagnosis: Peroneal Tendinitis
I had this excruciating pain on the outside of my left foot for a good two weeks, which forced me to end my run workout prematurely the week before the race. I limped for 2 to 3 days after that run, and started to doubt my chances to race in Miami, at least the run leg. I nursed it with painkillers and ice the whole week, with some serious (read great) oversight from Mariesa, who made sure I’d ice it twice a day for a good 8 days.
I mentally needed to rule out the stress fracture to be able to race. Andrew (aka Miami) was able to get me a last minute appointment with his doctor on Friday morning (2 days before the race). The X-Ray didn’t reveal any stress fracture, but instead the doc thinks that I have a severe Peroneal tendenitis that will require 6 to 8 weeks of rest to heal completely. I’m not a doctor, but I’m sure he meant to say that I was good to go!
Hit by a car for the first time...
What helped me keep my mind off my foot injury was the car accident I suffered on Thursday morning. The right mirror hit my elbow and next thing I knew I was on the ground, looking back at the car that was closing in on me. Nothing broken, but a badly bruised hip and I were very shaken up (and still am). The car obviously didn’t stop.
On the bright side...
Unlike at Eagleman, I had 5 great nights of sleep, and a great relaxing weekend in Fingers Lake with Mariesa who got me my first spa ever for my birthday! Despite the foot injury and my concerns about my ability to race in Miami, I felt great and fully rested!
Race weekend
We flew out on Thursday night. After a nice breakfast at a French bakery on Friday morning, we left to the transition area at Bayfront Park to pick up the race packet in the afternoon. We also picked up the bike and headed home after. A quick 30 min swim to loosen up the legs in the evening before having lasagna at a delicious Italian place capped off a great day. On Saturday I went for a 30-min pre-race warmup bike ride through Miami, escorted by Miami in his Range Rover. I’m not going to lie, I enjoyed knowing that I wasn’t going to get hit from behind again. Thanks for the peace of mind, Drew! We then all headed to transition so I can drop off the bike and get more familiar with T1 and T2. I rehearsed the transition several times, making sure I knew where to run to at T1 and T2. We took it easy and went food shopping and made about 5 pounds of pasta for...the 3 of us! Pre race dinner: roasted chicken with Pasta and banana for dessert! Money! I’m well rested, confident despite the foot injury and hip bruise, excited to have Mariesa around, and I can’t lie, I’m also looking forward to take some time off training after this 70.3!
Race Day
Transition area & warm up
I got to Bayfront Park at 5am and set up a clean transition, and surprisingly it didn’t take me long to set it up either. It almost felt like I was missing something, but after triple checking it I was confident I was good to go. One observation: there were lots of French or French-speaking athletes!
Oh! And one minor detail: the water was 78.9F, which made the race “wetsuit illegal.” It should be an interesting one given that swimming is my weakest of the 3 disciplines.
My wave didn’t start until 8:15, so we had time to watch the pros starts and dolphins swimming around, checking out what this was all about. 8am...time to line up for the last race of the season!
And the gun goes off
The swim turned out to be incredible. I felt great from the very beginning, and after a chaotic and nervous start (what’s new?) I was able to pick up the speed and get closer to the front of the pack.
The advantage of not wearing a wetsuit is the quick an easy T1. The run to my bike was long, probably 200
yards, but I got to my bike and remembered the old Will Regan’s saying “slow is smooth, smooth is fast!” It
always works! I only stayed in T1 for 1’48, ready to tackle the 56 flat miles of the course.
The bike course was very interesting. The first 3 to 4 miles take you out of the city and get you on a two-lane road, that becomes a three-lane road after 10-12 miles, to then become a highway where cones separate us from traffic. We rode on the left lane of the highway (or speedway maybe?) for 13-14 miles, and after 28 miles, we simply turned around and headed back to town. The wind constantly changed direction, but I made sure not to push too hard in headwinds, and maintained a good wattage when I had tailwinds. Around mile 24 a group of 10 passed me in what clearly was a draft fest! Interesting enough, most of them were males in my age group! I joined the fun for 5 minutes, cruising at 29mph. I can’t deny, that felt good, and had we not been in race conditions, I would have stayed in the back, enjoying some serious 30mph draft fun! But at the turnaround point I broke away from the group to race my own race. I wasn’t happy that these guys were still drafting, essentially helping each other out and saving some serious energy, but I can’t blame them. I did partake for few minutes. I looked behind at mile 33 and saw that they were still riding together, only to hear couple minutes later the engine of the motorcycle that the officials rode to distribute draft penalties. And they did just that. The headwinds intensified as we approached T2, and I decided to maintain a cadence slightly lower than what we agreed with Aidan to keep some energy for the run. It was already 87 degrees when I got into T2 and I knew I was up against a tough run. I clocked in 2:17:30 and averaged 24.5 mph.
Bringing the bike back to the rack was easy as it was a straight run passed the pro, corporate challenge, and
another set of racks before mine. I “rehearsed” the day before, and I knew it’d take me 15 seconds at most to
get to it. There weren't too many bikes that were racked, which made it easier to run through. I got to my spot
and racked it by the breaks, took off the helmet and put the visor and the glasses on. I didn’t tuck my bib in
from the very beginning since I didn’t wear the wetsuit on the swim, so I had to make sure that I had it on the
run. I also decide to run without my run belt. I felt like I did well with my nutrition on the bike and learned
that I wasn’t taking full advantage of having it with me. Part of it is that I still have to find energy gels I like
to intake. 54 seconds later I was off to my last run of the year. 13.1 miles separated me from the finish line,
which literally was a hundred yards behind me. I think I heard the speaker announce Terrenzo Bozzone
crossing the finish.
Beautiful run
My preparation of the last few weeks was affected by injuries and accidents, but I was relieved to know that I didn’t have a stress fracture. The bruise on my hip wasn’t an issue at T2, as the swim and the bike leg helped me warm up. I just had to suffer through any pain that the tendinitis may trigger.
I looked forward to this run. The course was two 6.5-mile loops, taking athletes along the bay and passed the Miami Heat arena before going up and over the MacArthur Causeway bridge. A tiny turnaround cone passed mile 3 sent us back onto the steeper side of the bridge. A water station awaited athletes with coke, ice, and water at the bottom. At this point we were about 1.5 miles away from the transition area, with another turnaround cone that kicked us right back onto the same loop, for the second time. I thought that turnaround was like a tease that gave you a taste of what the finish was like, before pinching you back into reality.
I felt really good for the first 2.5 miles and started running with a guy who ended up finishing 2nd in my age group. I used him as a windshield when we got on the bridge, but even with that, he looked strong and confident. I wish I had that confidence at that very moment, but decided to keep up with him. I said to myself that it was my last run of the season, and of the year as I planned on taking a 8-week break to let that tendinitis heal. It was worthwhile pushing a bit harder and see how I’d do. Unfortunately, he was maintaining a pace I wasn’t comfortable at, and trying to keep up with him would get me in trouble. I backed off and ran at my own pace. I was mad at myself because I know I can run at that pace (probably 6:25min/mile) even in hot conditions, but I couldn’t let that spoil this race. After getting over the bridge on the way back to transition, I started to feel the heat and slowed down drastically. I needed to collect myself again and get the confidence back, and I knew that seeing people on the side cheering athletes would give me
Beautiful run
My preparation of the last few weeks was affected by injuries and accidents, but I was relieved to know that I didn’t have a stress fracture. The bruise on my hip wasn’t an issue at T2, as the swim and the bike leg helped me warm up. I just had to suffer through any pain that the tendinitis may trigger.
I looked forward to this run. The course was two 6.5-mile loops, taking athletes along the bay and passed the Miami Heat arena before going up and over the MacArthur Causeway bridge. A tiny turnaround cone passed mile 3 sent us back onto the steeper side of the bridge. A water station awaited athletes with coke, ice, and water at the bottom. At this point we were about 1.5 miles away from the transition area, with another turnaround cone that kicked us right back onto the same loop, for the second time. I thought that turnaround was like a tease that gave you a taste of what the finish was like, before pinching you back into reality.
I felt really good for the first 2.5 miles and started running with a guy who ended up finishing 2nd in my age group. I used him as a windshield when we got on the bridge, but even with that, he looked strong and confident. I wish I had that confidence at that very moment, but decided to keep up with him. I said to myself that it was my last run of the season, and of the year as I planned on taking a 8-week break to let that tendinitis heal. It was worthwhile pushing a bit harder and see how I’d do. Unfortunately, he was maintaining a pace I wasn’t comfortable at, and trying to keep up with him would get me in trouble. I backed off and ran at my own pace. I was mad at myself because I know I can run at that pace (probably 6:25min/mile) even in hot conditions, but I couldn’t let that spoil this race. After getting over the bridge on the way back to transition, I started to feel the heat and slowed down drastically. I needed to collect myself again and get the confidence back, and I knew that seeing people on the side cheering athletes would give me
that boost.
The second loop was tough. I wasn’t looking forward to going over that bridge again, but I was happy that my tendinitis wasn’t making it harder yet. As I got closer, I saw this endless lane of runners going through the that ordeal. Luckily for me I ran with a guy who set the pace on the uphill, protecting me once again from the headwinds. I took off on the downhill, getting back into my own pace, and into my bubble. At mile 10, I started to feel better and ran at a pace I was more comfortable with. I started to feel a slight pain on my left foot, but that wasn’t going to slow me down. I was too close, 2 miles from the finish. I took more time at each water station to cool down and drink plenty. As I got closer to the finish, the last spike of adrenaline coupled with people amassed on the sides gave that last boost of energy that helped me push to the finish line.
The last 300 yards of the run were amazing. They were fenced in with people on each side. We faced the buildings of downtown Miami in front and I passed the swim start on to my right, like a symbol to remind me that this race started right there, 4+ hours earlier. I ran passed the fountain and made a last right turn to the finish. Miami, his dad, and Mariesa were awaiting, but I didn’t see them. I was in my bubble, looking to finish strong and enjoying it at the same time. This race had an international flavor to it: announcements were made in Spanish and English, and the flags of 50+ countries that were represented that day “paved” the way to the finish line arch: “Ironman Finish.” The speaker announced my name: “...Kevin Portmann from Jersey City...” Pretty cool! I gave it all I had, crossed the finish line with a big smile on my face (always!), yet completely exhausted. 4hours, 25 minutes, and 17 seconds and 70.3 miles after the gun went off, I crossed the finish in 68th position overall, and 10th in my age group.
Crossing this finish line marked the end of what I think was a great first season into the sport. The satisfaction of racing a PR in Miami, of all the positive results that came along this season, and seeing all the hard training paying off rushed to my brain in a split second and hit me soon after I crossed the line. I couldn’t describe it on the moment, but the physical pain suddenly changed into some sort of drugs that shot up to straight to my brain. Strange, but so true! Whatever it was, I was happy! I had to sit down to cool down and collect myself. 2013 is in the books, and I look forward to 2014...after taking a break in November!
And I end up qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 Worlds!
10th OA! No way I have a shot at getting a spot for the Worlds! 3 slots were allocated to my age group, but the lady at the tent told me to stick around passed 4pm (roll down time) as no one claimed it yet. She said she saw the roll down going further than 10th position. The winner and runner up of my age group were offered their pro cads, which means they weren’t going to claim their spots (for info the winner crushed it in 3’58, and the runner up finished in 4’10). Mariesa and I stuck around for another 1 1⁄2 hour, dropped off the bike at Tri-bike Transport, and headed back to the stage where the award ceremony took place, and eventually the roll down. 4:30pm...here we go! The award ceremony is done and we’re now talking about these slots. I didn’t even know what I was doing there. To me, it just wasn’t gonna happen. After all, it’s only been a year, and there will be plenty of opportunity to hopefully be up to par and clinch a spot if I keep at it. Anyway, we got to my age group, and the speaker started by saying: “oh, this is going to be an interesting one, male AG 25-29, 3 slots available, 0 claimed!” He called the guy who finished 4th, and he claimed his spot. We’re 1 down, 2 slots to go, 4 athletes ahead of me.
The second loop was tough. I wasn’t looking forward to going over that bridge again, but I was happy that my tendinitis wasn’t making it harder yet. As I got closer, I saw this endless lane of runners going through the that ordeal. Luckily for me I ran with a guy who set the pace on the uphill, protecting me once again from the headwinds. I took off on the downhill, getting back into my own pace, and into my bubble. At mile 10, I started to feel better and ran at a pace I was more comfortable with. I started to feel a slight pain on my left foot, but that wasn’t going to slow me down. I was too close, 2 miles from the finish. I took more time at each water station to cool down and drink plenty. As I got closer to the finish, the last spike of adrenaline coupled with people amassed on the sides gave that last boost of energy that helped me push to the finish line.
The last 300 yards of the run were amazing. They were fenced in with people on each side. We faced the buildings of downtown Miami in front and I passed the swim start on to my right, like a symbol to remind me that this race started right there, 4+ hours earlier. I ran passed the fountain and made a last right turn to the finish. Miami, his dad, and Mariesa were awaiting, but I didn’t see them. I was in my bubble, looking to finish strong and enjoying it at the same time. This race had an international flavor to it: announcements were made in Spanish and English, and the flags of 50+ countries that were represented that day “paved” the way to the finish line arch: “Ironman Finish.” The speaker announced my name: “...Kevin Portmann from Jersey City...” Pretty cool! I gave it all I had, crossed the finish line with a big smile on my face (always!), yet completely exhausted. 4hours, 25 minutes, and 17 seconds and 70.3 miles after the gun went off, I crossed the finish in 68th position overall, and 10th in my age group.
Crossing this finish line marked the end of what I think was a great first season into the sport. The satisfaction of racing a PR in Miami, of all the positive results that came along this season, and seeing all the hard training paying off rushed to my brain in a split second and hit me soon after I crossed the line. I couldn’t describe it on the moment, but the physical pain suddenly changed into some sort of drugs that shot up to straight to my brain. Strange, but so true! Whatever it was, I was happy! I had to sit down to cool down and collect myself. 2013 is in the books, and I look forward to 2014...after taking a break in November!
And I end up qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 Worlds!
10th OA! No way I have a shot at getting a spot for the Worlds! 3 slots were allocated to my age group, but the lady at the tent told me to stick around passed 4pm (roll down time) as no one claimed it yet. She said she saw the roll down going further than 10th position. The winner and runner up of my age group were offered their pro cads, which means they weren’t going to claim their spots (for info the winner crushed it in 3’58, and the runner up finished in 4’10). Mariesa and I stuck around for another 1 1⁄2 hour, dropped off the bike at Tri-bike Transport, and headed back to the stage where the award ceremony took place, and eventually the roll down. 4:30pm...here we go! The award ceremony is done and we’re now talking about these slots. I didn’t even know what I was doing there. To me, it just wasn’t gonna happen. After all, it’s only been a year, and there will be plenty of opportunity to hopefully be up to par and clinch a spot if I keep at it. Anyway, we got to my age group, and the speaker started by saying: “oh, this is going to be an interesting one, male AG 25-29, 3 slots available, 0 claimed!” He called the guy who finished 4th, and he claimed his spot. We’re 1 down, 2 slots to go, 4 athletes ahead of me.
5th? Not here! 6th place finisher? Not here! 7th? “please make it clear if you are in the audience”...not here! If
8th isn’t claiming his spot, I’m going to the worlds! Otherwise, it could always be my objective for 2014. 8th?
8th? Not here! That’s it! Even if the guy who finished 9th claims his spot, I will certainly claimed the last one,
which I did! I made sure they heard me, and the speaker looked at me and said “he sure looks happy and will
be looking forward to the nice drive from Jersey City!”...I sure will!
Looking back at the male AG standings, I finished 10th OA, 1 second faster than the guy behind me! Mariesa has it on tape: he was trailing me by 1 second, and he passed me...after the finish!
Looking back at the male AG standings, I finished 10th OA, 1 second faster than the guy behind me! Mariesa has it on tape: he was trailing me by 1 second, and he passed me...after the finish!
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