I’m a Dirty Liar

>> Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Earlier this year, I promised everyone, “I will NOT do a Half Ironman this year. It’s too much training, and I want to enjoy my summer.”

Guess what I just did?


Yep, I signed up for the Square Lake
Half IM in just under 3 weeks

If you remember, I ramped up my mileage 2 weeks ago. That was a test to see how well I could hold up. Everything went OK. Yesterday, I swam 2500 yards in 44:43, and I felt great! That sealed the deal. I got home and signed up for the Half IM right away. Pharmie had signed up 2 weeks ago. She didn’t expect me to sign up too, but I thought I’d give it a few weeks and see.

Signing up for this Half IM had to come with a little of an attitude change. Most races I enter, I’m in the race to PR. In these past few months, I PRed at the LTF Tri, I PRed at the Apple Duathlon, and I PRed at the Indoor Tri. That’s pretty much always my goal. But I knew if I were to sign up for this Half, that attitude would have to change.

I’m at that point in my training where I can safely go the distance without hurting myself, but I haven’t put in enough time to be able to PR.

So come race day, instead of killing myself on the bike, I’m just going to focus on finishing the race and having a good time! This idea took 10 days to fully accept as my official game-plan. It was hard for me to swallow this and not be thinking about a PR.

Here’s where all of you come in: I need your help for ideas on how I can make this race “fun” for me and for the other racers and spectators. What can I do to be crazy? I’m thinking about ideas like wearing water wings during the swim (but I think that particular idea would get me disqualified). What can I do/wear to ensure that I have a fun time? Remember, I’m not necessarily going for time, so if it slows me down a little, so be it. (Things to remember: I’ll finish the swim in the middle/back, I’ll stay in about that position during the bike, and I’ll probably be able to pass a lot of people during the run. I thought I should mention that incase your idea has something to do with passing or being passed.)

Any and all ideas will be considered! Thanks!!

39 comments:

Anonymous,  12:11 AM, August 19, 2008  

How about some training wheels?

duchossois 6:14 AM, August 19, 2008  

I like the training wheels idea, but you'll have to verify that the extra wheels won't disqualify you. How about borrowing a 'PeeWee Herman' style bike with handlebar streamers, big chrome fenders, etc.?

Leah 7:11 AM, August 19, 2008  

Wait, you need help figuring out something crazy to do? I don't buy it. :)

Anonymous,  7:37 AM, August 19, 2008  

Square Lake is in Stillwater and I know Lumberjack days has passed, but what about doing the run (any maybe bike?) in a modified Lumberjack costume? Maybe flannel shirt with sleeves cut off? And some cut off denim shorts? Stillwaterites love their Lumberjacks. Sure to get a smile.

-Mindy

:) 8:05 AM, August 19, 2008  

Your promises are no good. We are THROUGH!

Danielle in Iowa in Ireland 8:16 AM, August 19, 2008  

Drag is always an option. Does Pharmie have a running skirt you can pass people with?

Collin Kromke 8:22 AM, August 19, 2008  

I suppose you could wear a shirt on the bike & run that has your name at the top on the back - GAS - and below says "I dare you to pass me".

SWTrigal 8:30 AM, August 19, 2008  

Wear a bikini on the swim..

TRI TO BE FUNNY 8:38 AM, August 19, 2008  

baseball cards in the spokes of your tires so that you sound like a motorcycle.

Rachel 8:44 AM, August 19, 2008  

I say you should have a horn or some other cool noise maker (maybe those hand clappy things on your bike and every time you get passed, clap really loud and honk your horn. :-)

Sixteen Chickens 8:48 AM, August 19, 2008  

A shark fin for the swim.
A horn (ahh ooogah) for the bike.
A beanie/propeller hat for the run.

Don't forget to high-five the spectators.

Jess 8:50 AM, August 19, 2008  

Maybe you could wear a woman's swimming suit!

bigmike600 8:59 AM, August 19, 2008  

Just go be yourself. I am sure you will come up with something.
After you finish, you should go and cheer on the people who are less gifted than you. It won't matter what you wear or how goofy you look but your support will mean a lot to those who finish near the end.
Trust me on this...I know.

Amy Jurrens 9:56 AM, August 19, 2008  

"Super Duper Steve in a Speedo"

Speedo for the swim
Superman costume on the bike
Superman costume and a cape for the run.

Instead of Superman, however, you are Super Steve in a Speedo.

Unknown 10:19 AM, August 19, 2008  

I think your bike tricked out with this spokey doke things - the round plastic things that go on your spokes and then move when you ride, making an ungodly amount of annoying noise. And I like the running in a skirt idea.

Brian 10:36 AM, August 19, 2008  

You´ll have so much more fun not trying to pr. As for the idea. Maybe put your sunshine shorts on and everytime you hear someone passing, stand up. Or tell them to look out as you have to go pp.

J~Mom 10:48 AM, August 19, 2008  

Two ideas...the first would be to have something to hand out...food items where the other competitors are watching for you..like candy? or cookies? I don't know. Something that you could carry..even on the swim!

The other idea is completely disguised. We had a guy at the oly I did last May that was covered from head to toe as the grim reaper. It was totally fun and everyone would stop and pay attention to him as he went by. I can find a picture if you want. It turned out that he was a race director for another racing company. Too funny.

Anonymous,  10:52 AM, August 19, 2008  

I can't wait to hear what you come up with...I need to think on it some more.

HIM distance is too fun to pass up!

Viv 11:48 AM, August 19, 2008  

Steve I got nada for you man, sorry.

Fat girll tri-ing is usually enough for people to take note.

Smithposts... 11:48 AM, August 19, 2008  

Hmmm, how about a sign on your back that says something like "whistle if you think I'm cute" or "do you think I'm sexy?".

Half ironman distance is a long way to be wearing the bowl full of sunshine but the running skirt, er man skirt may work. Good luck!

21stCenturyMom 1:07 PM, August 19, 2008  

On the bike and the run wear a shirt that says "Race Official - DO NOT PASS!"

Always good for a laugh followed by a Gatorade shower.

GoBigGreen 1:31 PM, August 19, 2008  

no bells or ringers, that scares the crap out of people. Remember that no matter where you are on the course some folks will be in it with their game face on and may not want to get honked or "enlightened" by you.
Outfit will be key. I like the idea of womens bathing suit/top...maybe a
helmet thing on the run that has those tubes that come down the side so you can offer drinks to others that you will pass on the road?
I dunno I know you will come up with something.
Sounds fun!
Julia

MissAllycat 1:51 PM, August 19, 2008  

What about "Scooba Steve"??

P.O.M. 3:14 PM, August 19, 2008  

Wow, lots of great ideas already. I like the drag idea - you can pull it thru all the segements - bikini, running skirt, etc.

Coach Liz 3:28 PM, August 19, 2008  

Go for a Kilt!

More manly than a gal's run skirt. Wear a shirt that says, "I know you are just dying to ask..."

When I did Hood to Coast last year there was a team of guys that all wore kilts and they were called the Road Kilts, HA!!!

Try some of the on-line bike wear companies to see if they have those kilts. I will do a search as well.

Tea 4:49 PM, August 19, 2008  

That's the best post that I've read all day. It says so much about you as an athlete to just focus on having fun. I spend alot of time at the back of the pack, and there's alot of partying that goes on back there. Slow down a little bit, and you'll fit right in!

Unknown 4:58 PM, August 19, 2008  

I think you should consider doing the bike and run portions of the race with your signature tighty whities and suspenders outfit (over tri shorts or whatever).

Erin Leigh 5:45 PM, August 19, 2008  

No suggestions can't wait to see what you come up with...

K 6:03 PM, August 19, 2008  

I have an extra Women's TriSuit. If you want it, it is yours to wear. Just post pictures. Please.

triblog carol 7:52 PM, August 19, 2008  

According to a recent thread over at beginnertriathlete, using a snorkel during the swim is allowed. You could attach something real funky to a snorkel!

Jennifer P 9:43 PM, August 19, 2008  

Dude, signing up for a 1/2 IM for fun? I'd say that's crazy.

Kevin 4:44 AM, August 20, 2008  

How about a speedo and suspenders?

I still like the shirt I saw on the tv show according to Jim. On the back of the shirt it said "Beware the thunder from down under"

RBR 7:48 AM, August 20, 2008  

I love the bikini on the swim (you can put it over your wetsuit if need be), run skirt on bike and run Pink would be best, but I have a black one that I hate and will send you if you want. They can be a little pricey.

Then on the back of your jersey you could write (in puffy paint of course!)

"Which one of you grabbed my butt on the swim?!"

Whatever you choose, you will have a blast and look adorable! Can't wait for the pictures!

Sara 7:50 AM, August 20, 2008  

I love the bikini idea and the Super Steve idea and the Race Official idea and so many of them are great!!

My idea was to attach fairy wings to the back of your jersey/running top.

Whatever you decide I'm sure will be hilarious!!

Kevin 8:40 AM, August 20, 2008  

You need to go over to Marcy's Blog and look at today's trashy pic. You could do the Borat look

Anonymous,  4:10 PM, August 20, 2008  

I like the speedo and suspenders and knee high socks with the head band.

If you can write on the butt of the speedo, 'SPEEDO STEVE' that would be even better.

I want to see some pictures of your final choice(s).

Damn, I want to be part of this race. Are you coming down to IM WI this year to cheer on any friends? If you do, I want you to wear 'this' outfit so I can recognize you out there on the course.

Judi 8:16 PM, August 20, 2008  

Dye your hair PINK. I think I am going to when I do IMKY 09. I mean it Steve, look for some Manic Panic hair dye and dye your hair pink, or purple, or blue or green! Or just shave a mohawk!

Come on, I DARE YOU!

:)

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" 8:12 PM, August 25, 2008  

I like the running skirt idea :-)

I have an extra I'd be happy to send you :-)

Anonymous,  11:36 PM, September 29, 2008  

"Double fisting brats." You mean weiners. I know how you are Steve.

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