I am excited to bring you a 2014 REV3 Knoxville Half race report and gear essentials post by Steve Stout. Steve is a triathlete, cyclist and runner based in the Tri-Cities, TN. His race resume includes Ironman Louisville, Asheville marathon, Charlotte’s Thunder Road marathon, and three Medoc Trail marathons. He is looking to get into the Medoc 100 Mile Club this year if he can recover from Ironman Chattanooga in time.
Steve’s Report
Temps ranged between 46 to 67 on race day. Weather was perfect although a bit cold first thing in the morning. Water temp was 68 degrees. I took a salt tab before the swim start to prevent cramping.
We had an age group start from the water. It was a very rough start on the swim. I received several blows to the head and even a couple of kicks. Got to drink some water as well. I had a hard time controlling my breathing and pushed to the outside of the group. I thought it was best to slow down and get control of myself instead of spending it all in the water. After a few minutes I was good to go.
Hit the bike feeling real good. Very hilly course with some good climbs. Managed to keep around 17 mph pace. Just about wrecked coming up on a guy at 35 mph who was hanging out on the left side of the lane. I yelled “on your left” and he went left. I thought I was going over the bridge towards the end of the ride taking a turn way too fast. Bike nutrition was great. Used Infint with no problems. Did eat part of a PowerBar just to have some solid food.
Got off the bike and hit the run, I felt good even with a lingering knee injury. I power walked the long hills on the run. No use trying to run slow uphill when I can walk it pretty much the same speed. Used two salt pills one at start and one at mile eight. Four GU packets, I carried a water bottle with me for the run. I never count on water being at aid stations. The volunteers did a fantastic job. Last mile was my strongest. My watch time was 6:10. Official time was 6:15:50.
[one_half]
1. Bike shoes
2. Running shoes
3. Running shirt
4. Wetsuit
5. Tri shorts
6. Saltstick Electrolyte Capsules
7. Infint Nutrition
8. Race belt
[/one_half][one_half_last]
9. Bike Jersey
10. Floor pump
11. PowerBar
12. Bike water bottles
13. Sunglasses
14. Bike helmet
15. Swim cap
16. Water bottles
[/one_half_last]
Not shown: Swim goggles, Socks, GU Gels, Bike gloves, Hand warmers and Timing chip.