you did something
for the first time?
| Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
2004! Well, I did it again! I completed an Ironman for the second time. And this year I improved my time and learned from last years mistakes. This year was so exciting because we had 92 people at the starting line. Our modest debut last year with 21 people has grown immensely, and people all over the world are talking about the Norseman! Here is my experience:  Already a week ahead of the race I have been nervous about this years race. Last years mistake of not fueling up with salt was sure not to be repeated. But I have also been suffering with some pain in my left leg, ever since the half-Ironman in Malmö, Sweden, July 11th. I did not sleep very well at all the last 2 nights!
The start was at 5.00 am. I was already in the changing zone at 4 setting everything up. Maria was in charge of the kayaks this year and could not help me as much as last year. But Dad was there again, and my step-mom Inger Johanne.
The swimmers were driven 3.8 km out into the Hardangerfjord in a large boat. 92 of us jumped into the cold water (17 degrees C), and it was quite a sight with all the green swim caps with the huge mountains and fog in the background. The boat horn went off at 5:10, and we were off. This year we had a current against us. This made for a slower swim than last year and I came in at 1.20 (1.04 last year). I was faster in the changing zone this year and jumped out on the bike. The temp was nice so I only need a tri suit and a short sleeved bike jersey.
The first bike climb came immediately after only 6 km on the bike. From here it was a 34 km climb (8% steep) straight up to Dyranut. I had consumed both bottles of Maxim sport drink, and 2 energy bars. At the top was the first food station (new this year, last year there were none). My crew was waiting for me there with bananas. I took a quick bathroom break. Also I had to put on leg warmers (extensions) because it was colder now. The temperature had been about 17 degrees Celsius down in Eidfjord, but now it was only 14 degrees and cloudy. The next part was slightly easier, with 50 km to Geilo fairly flat. But I had only taken 1 banana at the stop and quickly understood this was not enough. Luckily, several crew cars were at the side of the road and I received 2 sandwiches from one of the Norwegians who knew me. I quickly ate the first, and when I went to grab the 2nd one it fell out of my hands and quickly disappeared behind me… shit! A second pit stop had to be made before reaching Geilo, all the water I was consuming had to get out. As I reach Geilo and the 2nd food station, my crew was surprised to see me this early. But I refilled my bottles, ate a salt tablet, and some salami, a bun, and was off again. Next ahead were 4 steep climbs! Still cloudy and about 15 degrees C.
The first one is 3 km long and 8% steep. The climbs were difficult this year, and I felt they went slower. But I was also afraid of taking out too much energy this early, and slowed down my stress level. This helped a lot, and my pulse was much lower than last year. I made it to the top, my crew filled me up again, and I was off. First a nice steep downhill, then the 2nd hill. This one 4 km long, also 8% steep. It went very well, and my crew was waiting for me. I stopped for a pee again, and filled up my bottles. I was very strict about drinking and eating. The next downhill was really steep and speeds were up to over 60 km/h. Soon came the 3rd hill, 4 km long, 8% steep. It went very well, and I passed a couple of guys on the way up. I was still feeling good, and the looks from Inger Johanne told me I was doing good. It was also warm enough to finally take off the leg warmers. The next downhill was very long and very steep. Maximum speed was clocked at 73 km/h, actually faster than the speed limit (60). I cruised down into the 3rd food station where I met Hårek. He had decided at the last minute not to participate this year because there was simply too much to organize. A bitter conclusion, as I was looking forward to competing with him again this year.
I filled up with more sports drinks and salami, and was off to the 4th and longest climb on the bike leg, up towards Imingfjell. This one is 6 km long and 10% at the steepest. This one went slow. I took another pee break half way. Also my crew came with sunglasses. Finally at the top! I met up with my crew and now I was getting sleepy, just like last year. The temp was colder now too, and there was lots of headwind. More than last year. I put on a jacket and headed off. I drank some coffee as well. I had never tried this before, but figured that that was what I needed. Also I tried to eat some more, as my stomack was wanting more nutrition. The next few kilometres seemed very long, riding in the headwind. It went slower than I remembered from last year, but I remember how tired I was last year too. My form now was picking up. The coffee must be working. The next steep downhill was really steep and very winding. Hårek had put up a "hairpin turn" sign to warn us. Very smart. My crew car finally caught up with me, but I needed no more assistance. I cruised into T2 (transition 2) and stretched a little. My back had been hurting from all the downhill, and I could also feel it in my left leg, but not as much as I had feared. I took a quick bathroom break again, drank some more, put on my jogging shoes and was off. I managed to find a nice jog tempo that I figured would be about 30 minutes per 5 km. I was right, and made it to the first drink station in 30 minutes. I had caught up to a Frenchman who had 2 running helpers, one on foot, one on bike. He was tired! We teamed up for a while, but I was stronger than him. We came together to the next water station, 5 km. But then I left him behind. I was feeling surprisingly good, and kept the same comfortable pace. Dad had given me his cap now to keep my head colder. The sun was hot and it was 24 degrees C. I was drinking at every station, and pouring water over my head. Also they had salty gummy snacks which I consumed. My stomack was fine, but I was cautious about too much food and mostly had liquids. Maria and her kids finally caught up with me and I got a nice big hug at the 3rd water station. By this time I had caught up to a Belgian (Thierry Olyslager), who was also suffering from the heat. We talked a little during the run and turns out he had 13 Ironmen under his belt! Impressive. We ran together to the 4th station, in Rjukan. I had managed to keep my pace and made it in 2.5 hours here. From here it was strictly uphill! And we were only 25 km into the 42 km run. A quick pee break again and we were off into the hills. Still with the Belgian, and now a Norwegian that we passed. Water was running down the side of the mountain, and we stuck our heads under to cool off. It was sunny and hot. The steep windy uphill seemed forever! And it took forever. I was getting frustrated at my time now since we were walking. The Belgian tried to run a little, but he never got out of my sight. After a while a caught up with him again… he was sitting down. I kept the same pace, and my crew car and now Maria were driving alongside cheering me on. I needed it. New water station after 31 km. I thought I had come further. I continued walking. Finally I reached the plateau. I was getting reports about 2 of my teammates, Tim and Trond… they were slowly inching in on me. I could run a little, but very little. The Belgian had a second wind and managed to jog past me. I was getting tired, sleepy and frustrated. Maria gave me an energy gel packet... this proved to be a wise move. I finally made it to Stavsro. The final water station before entering the 5 km climb to the top. Rocky and steep 10%! I put on a backpack with warm clothes and headed off. I could now feel the energy-gel packet kicking in. I managed to keep a steady pace up, as I was looking back for Tim and Trond. I could see Tim! He was still inching in on me. I had a banana and some water and kept on. I was not letting him pass me. To my surprise, I saw the Belgian sitting on a rock drinking water. I asked him if he was already on his way down. He smiled, shook his head and said "No, I havent made it yet". This gave me an extra little push.
We stayed at the top, had some pasta. Maria and the kids made it to the top a little later, and we could talk about our experiences. Dad could unfortunately not make it to the top this year because his shoes were so painful. I was incredibly tired. People all around looked like zombies. One guy passed out as he was leaving. Others simply sat in a chair in a sleep state. Luckily we could take a lift down this year. It was carved out of the mountain in 1959 and is over 1000 meters long. Very impressive. We made it to our hotel at Gaustablikk, had a nice long hot shower, and went to get some more to eat and get my Finisher 2004 shirt! I made it! And I couldnt have made it without my fabulous team of Dad and Inger Johanne who was fast and ready with all that I needed at every pitstop. They were incredible and had been driving all day just to be at my service. I could not have made it to the top without your help!!!  And to Maria, Gabriel and Linnea I want to thank as well. They were there beside me up the long steep boring mountain, all the way to the top.
Most of these photos are taken by Erik Hicks and used here by permission from him. Please check out his site and enjoy the many incredible photos from this years Norseman! http://hicksnett.com/multi/2004/nxtri/ And as always check out www.nxtri.com for all the official stuff! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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