Lake Logan part 3

Lake Logan Triathlon part 3 So onto land again. It was a long run into TA and I had to pass other guys. As I ran I got my arms out of the wetsuit. At my bike I sat down and peeled my wetsuit off my legs. Not easy. Then I toweled off all the big grass clippings off my feet and put on my socks. Put my watch, sunglasses and helmet on. I decided to wear my bike jersey overtopping my Tri suit. The pockets were loaded with arm warmers leg warmers and rain jacket. A choice I would later regret ( was not needed due to no rain and not very cold). I drank a 11 oz weight loss shake ( think Chocolate milk ). All of this and finally I was running with the bike towards a distant bike mount line.  The bike went well and I was averaging 19 plus mph after about  half an hour. I had no idea where we were headed, but just kept following the riders ahead, the arrows and the police directing traffic.  Rolling hills until about mile 30 then there were some good climbs. Not real clear on that actually. But one set of climbs around mile 40 was the big one. In my 39 x 27 gear I had to stand and really work hard to do the climbing. After that a fast downhill on fresh chip and seal with loose chip stones. This was Stamey Cove Road. After that it was onto 215 back to the lake.  About 5 miles from the end, I could see in the distance a rider continue to draft. It took me several minutes to catch them and I let the drafter know it was not ok what he was doing.  Later I would report him (his number) to a USAT official but she said they have to see it firsthand.  A mile or so from the bike end was a tough little climb and I could feel some cramps coming on so I eased up and hoped they would pass.  So back at the lake and the dismount line. Run into TA and get on my shoes, racebelt, and hat pretty quick and run out. I found an unopened gel on the ground right as I ran over the timing mat and I picked it up.  I felt ok as I ran onto the road. I opened the gel (GU Roctane) and consumed it.  Near the middle or end of the first mile my luck began to change.  My right hip began to hurt and rapidly became worse. I was in shock.  I did the first mile in about 9-1/2 minutes. Kind of slow, but not terrible as a start. In mile two I tried using very short strides to limit the pain. I had to stop and walk. Tried to run very slow and the pain was excruciating. I stopped and squatted to stretch. The pain was specific to the trochanter and rearward. It hurt to even touch this area. I took many minutes stretching in various ways. I began to think of turning around and heading back to the TA. People asked if I was ok and I said yes (I didn't need medical help).  So anyway somehow I began to walk then jog slowly. An aid station at about 1.5 miles and I grabbed a gel and had some cola. Made it to the 2 mile marker and my split was 14 minutes. A terrible mile. I was running again as the pain diminished. Mile 3 was like 9 minutes. And so on it went. Back on track with the heart rate in the 150 to 160 range. The hip pain stayed manageable. Miles 3 to 6 were slightly downhill. Back into the TA area and run a loop in a big grassy field. Back onto the road and up the hill. Just under 9 minute miles going up.  Not bad considering my earlier thoughts of quiting. The sky got dark and a few drops of rain fell. Barely any rain really. Coming down the hill I was still feeling ok and even started to push harder after mile 10. Got an 8 minute mile then a 7:45.  The lap time on my watch for the last mile (1.1 mile) did not make sense at like 5 minutes but I was still charging to the finish. The clock showed 5:33 or so as I crossed the timing mats. So 5:33 minus 20 minute delay for my wave gives 5:13 or so overall time.  I got a medal put around my neck and my timing chip taken off. I went to the medical tent and sat on a cot and drank a bottle of water. After 5 minutes maybe more I got up and went into the TA. I got my bike and everything and headed to the truck. I was feeling a chill now.  Earlier on the run I imagined going into the lake to cool off. That was now a very bad idea. I got everything loaded into the vehicle ahead of any big rain that seemed imminent. Put my arm warmers and jersey back on and walked back to the site for some food.  Got a sub sandwich, 3bean salad, hummus and pita bread, chips. Also there were protein drinks. I had a feast. Sat at a picnic table and talked other finishers. Met some Greenville area acquaintances.  Then went to check the results being scrolled on a tv screen. I was 143rd.  Many 50 plus guys finished before me. I had no aspiration for this race other than to finish it. I was pleased with my time and very very happy to have finished at all due to the strange hip pain that crippled me for a bit.  The sun came out and it was suddenly very hot. Stayed for the ceremony and clapped for those getting awards. Near the end it got cloudy again and started to rain.  I was off to the truck and headed for home (as long as I could stay awake).