Iron Butt Triathlon

Scott Parish

Premier Member
#1
Please note – this ride has not been endorsed by the IBA. I have submitted proposed guidelines along with my completion package for consideration to be added to the themed ride list.

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(Above: The challenge)

As we know – perfect riding weather is not something to take for granted in late October. A high-pressure system had been sitting over the southwest for a couple of weeks and I wanted to get at least one more IBA ride in this year. I had been working on an “in county” SaddleSore and was finding the logistics were going to be a little complicated with multiple witnesses required along the route to organize at the last minute. I had read Brian North’s account of combining a run across the Mackinaw Bridge with a SaddleSore which got me thinking of aligning a ride with traditional triathlon events (i.e. swim, run, ride).

I run 3-4 times a week so I didn’t anticipate too much trouble with that aspect of the attempt. However, I haven’t been swimming (unless you count floating along the Harrah’s Casino lazy pool with a Bloody Mary or the occasional water volleyball match) much in the last few years. I just recently cancelled my 24 Hour Fitness membership because they closed the last Active club near me and was insisting I upgrade my membership to access the remaining location which is a Super Sport club with monthly dues twice as high as I was paying. Plus – my employer has a decent fitness facilities at several locations which I prefer to use for convenience. So the first challenge related to the swim was where to do it? My son and daughter live nearby and each have a swimming poolin their complex – but the hours are limited and neither pool is heated which was not required; but I thought would be nice. I checked the local YMCA; but their membership was even higher than 24 Hour Fitness and the pool hours were too restricted. Therefore, the Saturday before my planned ride; I stopped at a nearby LA Fitness and signed-up for the most basic membership possible with pool access. The only problem with LA Fitness is they are not open 24 hours. During the week they open at 0400 and 0600 on weekends. This really bothered me initially because I was hoping to start the swim/run portion around 2AM to maximize daylight for the ride. However, after some reflection – I thought the later time would be better by allowing me a normal night of sleep and start off more refreshed. With only a week before the event – I was not going to implement a swim training plan. In fact – I was so busy at work; I only had a chance to swim a few laps on Friday (the day before the ride) to familiarize myself with the set-up. Honestly, I only had about 15 minutes in the pool before having to get out; or join the aquatics exercise class scheduled to start. I managed about 10 laps and felt confident I could swim the length 66 times or 33 down and pack laps of the 25M pool the next day.

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(Above: Getting Ready Outside LA Fitness)

I started the event by riding to a Shell station near LA Fitness. I pumped a couple of gallons and pulled a receipt at 0549 which started the 24 hour clock. I quickly rode to LA Fitness where my wife was waiting for me in the parking lot. I had a few minutes before they opened at 0600; so I took off my riding gear and stored in Shelly’s car. I was wearing my swim attire under my gear. The doors opened at 0600 and I was in the water at 0605. Shelly was stationed at one end up the pool and updated me on time and lap number each pass. After about 10 laps I was starting to get a little tired. I realized I was trying to swim too fast and backed off a bit. Having Shelly present was not only necessary as a witness; but was critical to keeping a record as I found it difficult to keep track of what lap I was swimming. I allotted 60 minutes for the swim and was happy with a 53 minute finish.

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(Above: swim complete)

The transition from swim to run took a little longer than I would have liked. You exit the pool area through the gender appropriate locker rooms. When I got to my locker where I had stored my running attire and shoes; I realized I did not have the key with me to the locker. As a typical husband – when I need something carried; I give it to my wife. So I needed to find Shelly. Only one problem – when I said swim attire; I was being generous. Since I’m not a regular swimmer; the trunks I have are more board-short oriented adorned with the Corona beer logo. They are baggy and I thought a little too heavy for lap swimming (but great for lounging); so I was just wearing a pair of Under Armor spandex bottom layer shorts. Perfect for swimming; but not really styled for walking around a gym (at least not at my age). Plus my shirt was locked away so here I am with a towel around my waist looking for my wife. The place is really big and was already filling up with members. I couldn’t find Shelly so I went back through the locker room to the pool and found my key sitting next to the pool. I think I lost about 10 minutes in the transition; but knew I still had plenty of time.

I decided to conduct the run on a treadmill for a couple of reasons. First, it provides a means to easily track time and distance. Second – I suffered an injury to my right lower leg in a motorcycle accident about 12 years ago resulting in a degloving of the calf requiring reconstructive surgery and skin grafting. I lost a good portion of the calf muscle, circulatory system and damaged the nerves. I have no tactile feeling in my leg as a result and a slight foot drop which requires more effort to pick-up the foot and put it down in a coordinated manner. I can run fine on a treadmill; but tend to slap my foot when running on the road which I can manage; but it is more comfortable on the treadmill.

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(Above left: starting run. Above right: treadmill screen run complete)

I wasn’t anticipating the run being too challenging; but I underestimated the energy expenditure during the swim. I figured it would be better to keep the pace at 6mph (10 minute mile) to conserve energy. I was expecting to coast at that pace; but the last mile took forever. I stopped at 6.22 miles which is slightly over 10 kilometers in 62 minutes. I took an extra 10 minutes after the run to stretch my back, quads, hamstrings and iliotibial bands to avoid soreness before taking a shower and meeting Shelly in the parking lot.

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(Above: first two events done; one to go)

Once in my riding gear; I ate a banana and drank some orange juice. Shelly followed me over to the gas station where I pulled the first receipt earlier. I topped off my tank and pulled another receipt - 0907. It took me a couple of minutes to sync up route guidance between Garmin (Gladys) and my phone (Page). I think I pulled out of the station around 0915.

My route was simple. I planned a clockwise direction leaving Escondido/San Diego heading north on Interstate 15. The first leg was the shortest; just 136 miles to Barstow. Once there I ate another banana and drank a muscle milk. I didn’t need a bathroom break yet; but since I had to go in to the store for a receipt because the pump did not provide one – I hit the bathroom. Leaving Barstow I headed east on Interstate 40. This section can be rather desolate and a bit of a grind. However, I realized it was generally a grind because I normally ride this section during the summer when temps are near 120. Today was perfect and it maintained 85-89 degrees to my next stop in Kingman. I really enjoyed the scenery like never before and was feeling really relaxed and comfortable on the ride. Staying on 40E leaving Kingman; you are treated to a steady incline taking the rider from desert landscape to pine forests. I’ve said it many times; Flagstaff is one of my favorite places. In no time at all the temp was around 70 degrees with the sweet smell of pine in the air. My next stop was just outside Flagstaff after taking the southbound Interstate 17 where I was able to eat half of a PB&J sandwich I had packed along with some water. The 17S between Flagstaff and Phoenix is another beautiful stretch of road. I was able to really enjoy descending back to the desert floor and the mild temps in the 80’s. Traffic was a little heavier than I anticipated on a Saturday afternoon; but much of it I figured was attributed to being the weekend before Halloween and people heading to parties. Phoenix traffic was fairly heavy; but I kept a steady pace in the HOV lanes and made it through just as it was getting dark. I stayed on 17S until it junctions with 10E as my next stop was Eloy where I ate the last half of my PB&J. There was a number of law enforcement vehicles responding to a call at the Loves I stopped at; but I didn’t hang out to see what was happening.

Leaving Eloy I took Interstate 8 heading west. It felt like I had the road to myself. There were miles between cars, the temperature was in the 70’s and I felt content with my lights punching holes in the darkness ahead of me. The next to last stop in Yuma seemed to only take minutes to reach. I had a small 6 ounce can of Coke Zero I always carry on rides. It gives me a little boost when coffee doesn’t sound appealing. I was only wearing a long sleeve Under Armor top and three quarter length pants under my gear. I thought about adding an additional layer anticipating cooler temperatures crossing the mountain range entering San Diego. However, I was feeling so good; and making great time – I decided I would put up with a little discomfort crossing the range rather than taking time to add layers.

The only issue I encountered leaving Yuma was I came along a Border Patrol SUV ahead of me on the interstate. I had the cruise set at 5 over PSL which kept me behind the vehicle. I have a set of LED Rider LX40 3 inch lights on the front of the bike. They provide terrific illumination and are set to run at 50% illumination at night with low beam. I guess the Border Patrol Agent felt they were a little too bright so he rotated his spot light on his driver side door to face backwards towards me and turned it on. Not only was it a stupid thing for him to do; but very dangerous as well. I clicked on my bright lights which triggers the auxiliary lights to go from 50% to 100% as well as turning on the BMW auxiliary lights. It really turns night to day and I rarely use this combo unless on a deserted road because of the intensity. He turned his spotlight off and quickly applied his brakes to come up behind me. I was prepared for him to pull me over (actually I was looking forward to it); but all he did was get behind me and flash his bright lights once and take the next exit.

I’m sure many have crossed into San Diego along Interstate 8 heading west. Since it was around 11pm I found it nice to have the warm air at my back as I started ascending the pass. Initially the temp rose to 85 but soon started dropping as expected. My set-up was comfortable to 60; but as the temp continued to drop to 50; I was getting a little uncomfortable. I knew it would start warming up once I pass Pine Valley and started descending through Alpine. I kept the grip warmers set to high until I was in El Cajon and the temp stabilized at 65. From El Cajon I was able to take highway 67 and 52 to shave some time getting backing on Interstate 15 heading north. I pulled my last receipt at 0025(which was the third for the day) from the same station I pulled 2 receipts at the beginning of the ride. Total ride time 15 hours 17 minutes. Total Triathlon time 18 hours and 36 minutes. A short 10 minute ride home and Shelly met me in the garage with my favorite celebratory drink…..Yoohoo.

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(Above: the route)

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(Above left: final receipt, ride done, clock stopped. Above right: home safe with a celebratory beverage!)

I hope the IBA endorses this ride and adds it to the themed ride list. However, if not - I hope others will take inspiration from this like I took inspiration from Brian North and do the ride themselves. If nothing else; I have found adding a physical training regime helps a rider manage fatigue and decreases recovery time. LD riding is about endurance; and while I agree it is mostly mental; physical fitness can improve mental fitness. Besides - it was a blast!

Cheers,

Scott
 
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HACKLE

Well-Known Member
#2
A great read on a first time themed ride. Congratulations Scott on this different take on a ride. From one who has completed many triathlons including the full Ironman distance event your combination is worthy of inclusion in the IBA event list. Cheers.
 

Scott Parish

Premier Member
#5
Congrats!

Ain't no way I could do that...
I think when broken down by event - you will find this is very achievable by the majority of IBA riders. With most knocking out a standard SS's in 14-18 hours; that leaves plenty of time to run/walk the 10 kilometers and dogpaddle 1 mile.
 

Baxter

Well-Known Member
#9
Great idea.

It reminds me that I should get myself in better shape before I attempt another IBA ride. (Long story short: last season I found myself always tired and I got winded for no good reason, turned out to be high blood pressure and sleep apnea.)