2003 IMUSA
(IronMan Lake Placid)
By: Don Cassano
For Elizabeth and I our Ironman USA 2003 journey began the second we
had DNF'd in 2002. That’s right - DNF at mile 16 of the run. I thought
there was no way I could experience a more difficult course.
Well 2003 brought what I thought was not possible.
As weather.com said 50’s to mid 70’s and 20%
chance of rain for race day (whomever has that day job needs to be
fired!). That was the correct forecast for everyday except race day. As we
had in the past we had an early dinner (
5:00
) with several friends and family. We all noticed the wind beginning to
“whip” a little, with now the normal ?’s on wheel choice, changing
race strategy, etc. As
Elizabeth
I decided to call it a night we decided to each go through one last
visualization of our “ideal” race. Sleep, I did not!! All I could hear
was the howling wind and rain. Breakfast could not come fast enough.
Little did I know that I would have such difficulty eating (
4:30 am
one bagel, 500 cal of Perpetuem, and a few bites of oatmeal). I thought
after 4 previous IM races this was supposed to get easier!
The normal walk to body marking was a bit more promising, no RAIN,
however a bit windy. The decision to ride the disc, which had been a bit
unsettling overnight was now at ease.
As we had for the past two IM’s Elizabeth and I made the walk
through body marking, transition and to the bikes together. We then met up
with Scott Smith ( our training partner for the past 2 years) and several
friends. As we walked to
Mirror
Lake
to don the wetsuits, Graham Fraser spoke with us. A quote “I live in
Lake Placid
I have never seen winds like this”. Thanks Graham. I now thought oh
s##t, that disc!! That 50 MPH descent!!
The swim: As Elizabeth, Scott, and myself counted the cannon down we
gave each other one final “Good Luck”. I had not planned on starting
with
Elizabeth
, but that day I would. The best move I had ever made. I usually start
front left, this time we let approx. 1/3 of the field go then jumped into
that front left position. As I swam away from her I gave her one final
thumbs up. The swim is always a concern for her, rightly so. She could not
swim across the 25 yard pool one year ago. As I came out of the first lap,
33 min I was pumped..on track for a PR. Right in for the second lap..got
in a pack and stayed in the draft…time
1:06:56
…a new PR (thank you T Butts for all the swim stroke work). My previous
IM swims had always been
1:16 to 1:17
. As I ran the 2 block downhill jog to T1 I thought this is what IM is
about. A high five to my little brother then into the tent…arm
warmers..no vest, next time wear the vest
and to the bike.
The bike: As we started the bike started to rain…it would rain for
over 10 hrs of my race that day. After the initial climb out of town, I
began the major 8 mile descent. Last year 49 mph, this year < than
40…way too slick . Into the out and back,
where I would see Scott 15 min behind me and Elizabeth 30 or so min
back. That was a huge moment, I now knew
Elizabeth
was out of the water. Now time for Whiteface Mtn, a 14 mile climb to
finish the first lap. Recorded 30 + mph gusts, a strong constant head wind
and heavy rain, what had we done to deserve this. Back into
Lake Placid
…like the Tour..huge crowd and a time of
3:02
. Oh crap, had I pushed to hard. For this course this was too fast for
me!! Nutrition had gone great…a total of 1500 cal of pre mixed
Hammer Gel and Perpetuem. Stopped to pick up the next bottles at
special needs and off again. Into the first major climb the stomach became
a bit unsettled…made the descent..and started re-tasting the Perptuem.
Oh no what is going on. Decide to change nutritional strategies..Gatorade,
energy bars, and GU. Some better now, however did not
have the “bathroom stop” the entire bike. Dehydrated?? I think
so, but how so I thought. I know better! Second lap, a bit slower,
3:36
, but feeling worse! Into T2, now in a torrential downpour. Out of T2 with
what would be the last of dry feet for 5 hrs and 51 min.
The Run: As I
left T2 I managed to run/ walk…hooked up with a friend..ran too hard for
4 miles then crossed Scott, then
Elizabeth
on the out and back. Scott still 15 or so min back and Elizabeth1.5 hrs. A
hug, a good luck wish and off she went RUNNING!!
Elizabeth
for the first time, beat me at
Gulf
Coast
½ IM…ran past me and never looked back..here she comes again… My
nutrition was blown. I was now on a completely random diet of Gatorade, gu,
chicken broth, and pretzels.
2:25
first ½ marathon. Thought to myself plenty of time to pull this race back
together. This would not happen. Here comes Scott ( caught me at mile 16,
man he is like the Energizer Bunny!!) We talked for a bit then I tried to
run with him, not today.
Elizabeth and I pass again, she is still running..here she comes. We were
now dry, I was fast walking. I was completely determined to cross that
finish line. Mile 23, a final rain, now low 60’s, and becoming
dangerous.. hypothermic. Into the Olympic oval, the sound and site of that
IM finish chute just ahead..More than I expected…just as sweet as the
ones before. Total Time:
13:48:25
. What a great day! I would stay at that finish line for the next hour
waiting on
Elizabeth
, I wanted to put that medal around her neck.. Here she came…she had
done it, dedication, motivation, and perseverance. She conquered
Lake
Placed
.
A special thank you to my wife and training partner, you are my
inspiration! Coach Terry. Thank You. Scott..lets keep it rolling. Our moms
who go to every IM and all our friends for their support: Thomas Miller,
Ben and Phyllis, OMJ, and the Red River Tri Club.
Thanks,
Don Cassano
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