70.3 – Back to Table Rock Lake
So why pick the Branson Half-Ironman for my first 70.3 (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run)?
Because it’s a return to my roots. I was born in Neosho, MO, and graduated there. Table Rock Lake was our weekend get-a-way spot. I grew up swimming, skiing, fishing, and running trot lines in the clear waters there. We went to Shepherd of the Hills play and Silver Dollar City—long before Branson became the “live music capital of the world.”
Nearly every weekend of every summer, or so it seems in my memory, we took off for a cabin on Table Rock. On Sunday morning, we’d be at the Shell Knob Church of Christ. Often when my dad walked in, he was given the five minute warning that he’d be leading singing. My brother (younger by five grades) and I would double the size of the teenage class. This church still holds a special place in my heart.
So, it’s back to Table Rock Lake for the Branson Ironman 70.3. I’m about ready for the swim and the cycling. But getting ready for the running part in the record-setting heat of this summer has been challenging. Constant cramping has kept my runs short.
My goal? Finish in under 8.5 hours (the official cutoff time). It looks like last year exactly half (26 of 52) of the men in my age group met that goal.
Here’s the course:
Cramping?
Comes down to potassium usually. Bananas, bananas, bananas. (And anything else you can get down that has it.)
I’m trying everything: bananas, kiwi, multi-vitamins, agua, Pedialyte, Gatorade . . . .
My body has a propensity for dehydrating to begin with. Plus, it’s stinkin’ hot, and I spend a lot of time on planes.
I think what I really need is my own IV at home!
One word: Why?
Ummh, you do remember that there are hills in Branson
Two words: bucket list.
Or three words (to quote Mallory): because it’s there.
Hills?
Come on, Ralph, you’ve got a soft spot in your heart for all our 4th of July celebrations on TRL, don’t you? One of my great memories of Granddad is how his patriotism translated into an extravagant display of fireworks on the lake.
I figure the swim, at least, will be flat.
Love the honest description of the bike portion: “The bike course is a double-loop affair that has few flat sections. The course favors strong cyclists as athletes will be climbing or descending throughout the 56-mile course.” Translation: this ain’t Abilene.
Good luck Mike!
When I was wondering why I was training for the half last year someone reminded me: bragging rights. That will work, too.
I have no doubt that you will make it in the time. Training in this heat? Brutal.
I follow The Boring Runner (theboringrunner.com — hilarious, not family friendly) who lives in Phoenix. Can you imagine? He mentioned that for distance runs he drinks salted gatorades before he starts to help his body retain what water he has and drinks along the way. (Can’t find the post where he said that — but it was just in the last week or so). Sounds exceptionally gross, but possibly effective.
I’ve started using Hammer Nutrition products – really great stuff. Check out their electrolyte drink. Gels and recover drink are really good too.
I get the Why question quite a bit – health, discipline (which keeps me disciplined in other ares of life), and doing something hard is extremely empowering – but I too like George’s answer best.
I have great memories of TRL. But I am not sure that is the way I would choose to revisit the past
Try starting hydrating enough time before beginning the running by drinking one to 2 gallons of water [depending on how much time before]. Be sure you stretch and limber up well before starting–also warm up your muscles properly.
The cramps are likely due to failure to complete the proper exercise routine before beginning. The actual cramps are likely due to insufficient oxygen getting to the muscle cells rather than nutrition deficiency such as K+. And that comes from lack of proper warm-up procedure.
I also ask why do the Iron-man? “Because its there” doesn’t cut it–there a lot of challenges out there–many that you would not consider. And one can be fit and healthy without subjecting themselves to such brutality. Your description of training does not sound like fun–so why?