2014 Recap

12.26.14

This year has been good in some ways, bad in others.  I set out this year to accomplish a few things:

5000 total miles, a 15k, 13.1, 70.3, 26.2. All of this distances would be my 1st attempt at the distance.   

As evidenced by my mileage (2067 as of 12.25), my training regiment has been poor, as this will be the lowest mileage total for me in 3 years.  

Additionally, my diet has been poor, and my alcohol intake (specifically beer), has been far too high. 

My current weight (~205) is proof.  

Twice this year I set out to begin training for a 70.3, only to be derailed by poor training, lack of swim time, injuries, or, simply, life in general.  

While my training sucked, my racing schedule was somewhat impressive. 

I've completed 43 events to date, including several at distances I'd never competed until this year.  

They include: 

6 50+ mile bike rallies

7 5ks

1 6k

1 4 miler

6 10k's

2 15k's

3 10 milers

3 duathlons

9 triathlons

5 half marathons

I may get one more event in by the end of the year.

http://2014story.strava.com/video/1092388

For 2015:

Quality over quantity. Fewer events, longer distances.  

Commit to training diligently.  Including in the water. 

Be mindful of my diet.  It went to shit this year. 

The year of less beer.  Nuff said. 

I'm targeting longer distance races early in the year.  The kind of distances that I will have to train for. 

Ready, set, go. 

Dallas Jingle Bell Run 2014

12.21.14

take 3. 

This event will remain on our annual calendar, as we really enjoy the run,  the friends we are able to see, and the afterparty.  

This year, Griffin was registered to run the 1 miler, but, alas, time with his cousins proved to be more appealing.  

Kirk and Dinah, Lisa and Craig, and Melody and Bill joined us for this one.  

As per usual, Lindsi and I checked into the hotel for a night away from home.

I had completed the Some Like It cold 10k the previous day, and was interested to see how my legs would react to another race.  Going into this one, I believed  I would feel good about a 26:30 or better.  

When it was time to stage for the race, I moved up towards the front, so as to avoid strollers and dogs on my run.  However, my late(ish) arrival to the start line, kept me from stretching much.  When the horn went off, I got out to a good pace.  I was pacing at about 8:00/mile.  I continued to pace fairly well, and, surprisingly, found myself with lots of room to run, as I'd separated from some of the traffic.  With my pace, I believed I could finish in the "25's".   At the 3 mile mark, I felt a little pull in my right hamstring.  This is the 1st time that I've ever felt an injury occur in a race setting.  Cramping and blisters, yes, but, a pull, no.   I slowed just a bit as I didn't want it to worsen.  I continued to run, and crossed the line at 25:58.  I'm pleased with the time, especially considering the hamstring issue.  

While I'd considered another race next week, I need to see how a few of these nagging injuries feel in the next few days (I'm still feeling the effects of Dallas 13.1 as well).  

My time in these events has improved significantly over the past few years:

2012: 33:41

2013: 27:11

2014: 25:58

The afterparty moved this year to another ballroom.  It was set up to be an incredibly kid friendly, and it's a no brainer to bring the kids next year.  

This event was my 43rd of the year.  yikes.  I may get one more in next week.  However, I need to "buckle down" on my 70.3 training, so the racing may have to stop for a bit.

Some Like it Cold 10k 2014

12.20.14

take 2.

I participated in this event last year.  In 2013, it was a cold, rainy, miserable day.  Of the 300+ registered, only 128 showed up.  The small field led to a 1st place AG finish for me, even with a fairly slow time.

Fast forward a year.

My 10k times have been much better in 2014, with a PR of 56:04 mid-year, and average times between 56:20 - and 57:30.

I have not felt great this week.  I have some foot and calf soreness from last weekend's 13.1, my sleep has been inconsistent, and my training continues to be shit.

However, I was up and at em this morning.  As I was pulling into the race site, I realized that today's race would be much better attended than a year ago.

As we lined up, even though they were instructed otherwise, we had lots of kids towards the front.  frustrating.  I knew that the 1st mile or so would be tough, as I would be dodging kids and working through traffic.  I was right.  Until we got onto the trail (about a mile), the roads were narrow, kids were everywhere, etc.  If there was anything good about the congestion, it kept me from getting out at too fast of a pace.

I finally settled into a 9 minute / mile pace and was comfortable.  As I watched my Garmin, I thought about the potential of a PR, but, knew I would need to quicken my pace after the turn.

I kept a fairly steady pace, and realized that my lack of training would keep me from speeding up much.  As I turned the corner towards the finish line, I sped up a bit, and ended with a 57:23.  A fairly standard time these days.   I was a bit disappointed, as this is a flat course, and I had higher expectations.  But,  I was a full 6 minutes faster than a year ago.  That's significant.

Fortunately, I had no issues with my foot or calf, so should be good to go for the Dallas Jingle Bell 5k tomorrow night.

Dallas Marathon 13.1 2014

12.14.14

Having been a long time resident of Dallas, this is an event that I have been aware of for quite some time.  This event hosts about 20,000 runners, including some of the best in the world.

Earlier in the year, I thought that I might target this run as my 1st 26.2, but, sporadic training and, perhaps, a little sanity set in a few months ago.

This event, like The Cowtown, has the feel of a "big" event, with a big expo, elite runners, lots of sponsors, etc.  I suspect this will remain a constant on my racing schedule.

As mentioned in several of my previous posts, my training had been inconsistent over the past few months, but, I was excited about this race, as I knew I could complete the distance, and, I needed a trigger event to jumpstart my 70.3 training, as I am a few weeks behind.

I fought some insomnia on Saturday night, but, was up and moving early, as I wanted to arrive in plenty of time to find parking, get settled, etc.  While the forecast throughout the week called for rain all day,  I arrived to an unseasonably warm day.  There was a bit of humidity in the air, but, otherwise fairly comfortable.  Short sleeves and shorts comfortable.

I knew several folks participating in this one, and saw several more either participating or cheering along the way.

My plan was to pace with the 2:10 pacer, with hopes of a PR.

I got off to a steady start, and once I warmed up, found good rhythm.  I was ultimately passed by the 2:10 pace group, and reset my sights on 2:15.

Early on I realized that I was extending my distance.  As early as mile 1, I was over the posted distance per my Garmin.

I continued with a steady pace until about the 10k mark, when I knew I needed to stop and pee.  The lines for the toilets added 3-4 minutes to my time, I suspect.  just after leaving the rest stop, I felt a tug on my shirt...there was Hider.  Hider was running his 1st 26.2.  We ran together for the next 3-4 miles, until the 13.1 / 26.2 split.  It was fun to run with a buddy and visit along the way.

This was just before the split, at about 15k:

I had a 1st ever experience on this one, as there was a group of people handing out beer at about mile 8.  Needless to say, I had one. 

I continued with a consistent pace for the duration of the race.  I did notice that I was getting pretty sore and achy by the end.  I suspect that my lack of training has led to some of that.

with only about .2 miles to go, I felt a bad cramp in my right calf.  It made the finish tough, but, there was no way I was going to stop.

All in all, a good day.  I suspect I may have PR'd had it not been for the bathroom stop and longer route.

13.3 in 2:18:05 total time per Strava.  http://www.strava.com/activities/229401666.

An added bonus for this one is the "dallas duo" medal for those that completed the RNR half in march and the Dallas half in December.

I'll definitely be back for this one.   It may make some sense to consider a room at the Omni or Hyatt next year.

FW Jingle Bell Run 2014

12.6.14

I'd planned to take this weekend off, as Lindsi is gearing up for the GRE, so, I am on dad duty.  However, some of the HCY crew mentioned this event, and handed me a bib, as they were not all going to be able to make it.  Also, Griffin really wanted to run another race.

We arrived at Burnett Park and I asked about transferring my race bib, to which I was told no.  So, I registered Griffin for the 1 miler and myself for the 5k.  Griffin really wanted to run alone, but, I asked one of the race officials, and she advised against it, as the race ran through downtown.  So, I ran with him.  He is a little inconsistent in his pacing, but, ran the whole time and finished in about 9 minutes. the little guy is hooked!  We are already looking at events for him for next weekend.

When it was time for the 5k, I moved towards the front, but, had pretty low expectations for this one.  I got off to a good start, and kept a fast pace for the 1st 2 miles.  Then it got ugly. A little after the 2 mile mark, we hit the hills on 5th that lead from the river back to DT.

I got to the top of the 1st hill and stopped to walk briefly.  As I headed up the 2nd hill, again, I walked briefly.  It has been years since I've walked in a race.  My beer drinking, poor diet and lack of training are catching up to me.

I managed to finish fairly strong, and posted a 27:41...my slowest 5k this year.  Per Strava, I clocked 3.3 miles, which makes me feel slightly better.  Even with the poor showing, a small field led me to a 2nd place AG finish.

Lot's of work to do to get back into racing shape...

FW Turkey Trot 10k 2014

11.27.14

Once again, we supported this event.  With Butler coordinating it, we will continue to.  Both Lindsi and I helped with different aspects of packet pick up and race set up for several days leading up to the event.  

The weather was forecasted to be much better than 2013, and we had several days of great weather prior to the event. 

We learned from our challenges the past two years that attempting to run with the boys would be unwise.  Griffin wanted to race in the gobbler trot...by himself.  He and I "trained" a couple of days leading up to the event:

When time for the gobbler trot arrived, I walked him up to the front of the corral, and, per his request, left.  I must admit I was a bit nervous, as there were hundreds of people, including adults, in the corral. When the horn blew to start the race, I headed towards the finish line. We watched as the first few "big kids" ran through the finish line.  I expected to wait a bit before we saw Griffin. However, he was with the 2nd wave!  I couldn't believe how quickly he'd finished! It was awesome.  Life had come full circle, as I got to pick him up and hug him after completing his 1st race:

2 years ago, at that very race, he hugged me after I completed the trot:

I sent him over to Lindsi, and, I was off to the corral to get ready for the 10k.  I hoped for a 56:30 day. As usual with big races, the 1st mile or two can be frustrating, as the crowds make it tough to get going. I finally found some space to run, and found a good pace.  I was pacing close to my target time.  As I discovered last year, this course is incredibly hilly. However, I was prepared for it, and the weather was great. As I got closer to the end of the run, I realized that I would miss my target time, due to the fact hat I extended my run by 1/10 of a mile. I turned the corner towards the finish line, and picked up the pace. 

57:25 for 6.3 miles per Strava. http://www.strava.com/activities/223743920. 

7 minutes faster than last year. 

All in all, a great day, as Griffin was awesome in his 1st race, I had a good run, and, most importantly, it was a great day for the Y.  

Chocolate Chip 10 mile and 20 mile run November 2014

11.22.14

Well, it seems that FW Running Company will hold this event 3 weeks before every "big" marathon, as they held this event in February prior to the Cowtown as well.  Today's event fell 3 weeks before the Dallas Marathon.

I had not planned on racing this weekend, as there was not much on the calendar, and, it was going to be nice to take a week off.  However, I needed to get a long run in, as I have 2 13.1's in the next 3 weeks.

Today's weather was forecasted to be rainy, so I waited until this morning to register.  I arrived to a cool, misty morning.  If the hard rain held off, and it remained a drizzle, it would be a great day for a run.  It looked as if only about 60-75 total participants were there, with some doing 10 miles and others doing 20.

I got off to a nice pace, and found good rhythm, pacing at about 10:15 a mile.

About, 3 miles in, the hard rain hit.  I looked back to see where the other runners were, and many turned back due to the rain.  I was bound and determined to finish my run, so, I continued.  The hard rain (with lightning and thunder) came down for about 20 minutes or so, and then it settled back to a light drizzle.

I took my sunglasses off, would wring out my shirt occasionally, and continued.  My pace was slow due to lack of training and the poor conditions, but, I ran the entire time.  I found myself running alone most of this race, as it was a small field to begin with, and many bailed out due to the rain.  I suspect I would have paced a little faster had there been other runners close.

I finished in 1:47:13, slower than my previous 10 mile efforts, but, I know I can complete the 13.1's coming up, and will likely pace a little better.

Glad I got this one in.  see the very fancy timing system below.

http://www.strava.com/activities/221939077

Bronda's Duathlon 2014

11.16.14

Miserable.

That's how the weather was today.  39 with high winds and a steady cold rain all morning.  Miserable.

I was aiming for 1:35 or faster on this one.  It wasn't going to happen.

uneventful, albeit somewhat slow opening run.

The ride was a mess.  Cold, wet and windy.  My glasses continued to fog, and, the headwind was at the worst possible place on the loop, the area with the slow, steady rise.  The conditions made it difficult to get a good rhythm going.

As I headed into the tunnel towards transition, I removed my glasses to see, and one of the arms came off.  I hastily shoved all the pieces in my pocket, and headed back to transition.

Transition was slow, as I removed my gloves (I knew enough to not try to get them back on), and headed out sans gloves and shades.

The last run was miserable, as my hands hurt, and the weather still sucked.

I clocked a slow 1:44:50.  yuck.  Im looking forward to shelving the bike for a bit and concentrating on running.  I'll get back to multi-sport in the Spring.

Best of the Best Tri 2014

11.9.14

Last Tri of the season...thank goodness.

Each year, DAR has an invitational tri at the end of the season.  In order to qualify, you have to have finished in the top 10 of your AG in an event in the last 2 racing seasons.  So, therein lies the mystery...I'm one of the slower guys, and, typically don't finish near the top.  As I looked back on my race reports from the past 2 years, the only DAR event where I finished in the top 10 was the depot day run in 13.  A small field led to a 3rd place finish in my 1st 5 miler ever.

I was a little torn about competing in this event, as my last few races had been slow, tri season was wrapping up, and, it fell on the same day as the FW Marathon, which I had been targeting for most of the year.

However, I was unsure as to when I might qualify again, so, I used my invitation code and registered.

This course was familiar, as the swim and bike were identical to the Monster Tri Denton (2 weeks ago), and the run was the same as the Old College Tri.

I'd been struggling with insomnia much of the week, my training had been crap, and, to add additional stress, I'd had a few beers on Saturday.  But, after a sleepless night, I rolled out of bed and headed to Denton on this cold Sunday morning.

I arrived to temps in the 40's.  I added a cycling jacket and arm warmers to transition, and headed to the pool.

My swim, although slightly slower than last time, felt good.  Freestyle the whole way and not the kind of traffic I'd encountered 2 weeks prior.  Off to T1.  Painfully slow.  I tried, unsuccessfully, to put on the arm warmers, but my wet arms kept me from it.  I did add my jacket, and, off  I went.  Like the last 2 times I rode this route, I felt good on the way out, with splits of 20 mph or so.  However, on the way back, I struggled.  The cold, wind, lack of sleep and hills made the ride suck. My bike average was 15.9 mph...the worst in any tri I've done and 1.6mph slower than 2 weeks ago.

My run was "normal".  About 10 minute splits.  Overall, I was 6 and a half minutes slower than the same course 2 weeks earlier.

At the end, I'd finished last in my AG.  150 of 260ish overall.  Glad I did this one?  Not so sure.  But, definitely glad that Tri season is over.  Bronda's Du for me next week then all running until Spring.

Toro Dash 10k 2014

11.1.14

In 2013, this event was my 1st 10k ever.  I had been increasing my mileage at the time, in preparation for Turkey Trot, etc.

Having never completed the distance before, I ran slow and steady.  I clocked a 1:03:02 that day.  That time was a consistent time for me over my next several 10k's.

While my training has been crap over the past few months, I have completed a few longer runs over the past 60 days, and, am much smarter about how to manage my races and pace than I was a year ago.

While I'd considered skipping this event this year, I had a colleague that wanted to run this one "together" (he ultimately backed out), and, it does hold a bit of significance, as it was my 1st 10k.

I wanted to manage this race well, potentially run negative splits, and, see if I could get close to my previous PR (56:04).  As I looked back on my race results in preparation for this race, I was surprised to find that I had not run a 10k race since June.

The temperature  dropped drastically last night, and, I arrived to 40 degree temps this morning...it would be the 1st cold run of the year.

As planned,  I managed my race perfectly.  Perhaps the 1st time ever.  My splits were "just right" and, I had enough left at the end to speed up down the stretch.  While I missed my PR (by 16 seconds), I felt really good about this race.  Had I been training at all, I suspect today would have been a 55 minute day.

Even though this was a good day, I don't know that I like this event enough to return.  Time will tell.

http://www.strava.com/activities/214242257

Monster Tri Denton 2014

10.26.14

Back to back weekends, back to back Monster Tri's.  This one in Denton.  For the 3rd year in a row, I would compete on my birthday (or birthday weekend).

This would be a familiar course, as it was basically the same course as The Old College Tri, but, with a slightly longer bike route.

One of my old buddies, Chris Rapp, was participating in his 1st Tri.  It was fun to give him some encouragement along the way.

The pool looked "small" compared to last week's 50m pool.  I got in, got off to a good start, but, got hemmed in behind a slow swimmer.  Even with the slow swim, I bested my last swim in that pool by 11 seconds.

Off to the bike...like last time, I was fast on the way out, with my splits north of 20 mph.  And again, like last time, I was slower on the way back.  Strava showed 17.8mph for the ride, but the chip time showed 17.3mph.

The run was slow and steady at about 10 minutes per mile.

All in all, a 1:36:13.  28th of 35.  frustrating.

However, I completed my 8th tri of the year.  I may hit "best of the best" in two weeks, and then focus on running season.

Friends of the River 6k 2014

10.23.14

This event was brought to my attention by Brian Smith during my recent eye exam.  Apparently, this event has taken place for several years, but, until Brian mentioned it, I was not familiar with it.

The race benefits "Streams and Valleys", a local non profit that supports recreation enhancements and beautification effort for the Trinity River.

The run is followed by a huge party with lots of GREAT food vendors, craft beer, a band, etc.

The route was a 6k (3k option was also available).  It began in Montgomery Plaza, between Boomer Jacks and Gloria's, crossed 7th, and headed south on the roads through Trinity Park before turning back north, crossing the pedestrian bridge, going under 7th, up the big hill on 5th, and, ultimately, turning back onto 7th for a finish just shy of Montgomery Plaza.

I had some difficulty setting a target time for this one, as I had not completed a 6k before, but, set my sights on 8:30 / mile, which would bring me in at about 31 minutes.

I had not had a good day of nutrition, as I skipped lunch.  I had a gel about an hour before the race, but, felt pretty hungry before we started.  

When the horn sounded, I got off to a fast start. I was pacing at just over 7 minutes a mile.  I passed Sheri and knew I was moving too fast. I held about a 7:40 pace for the 1st mile, and then ran out of gas.  My lack of fuel was showing.  I slowed drastically for mile 2, and watched Sheri slowly increase the distance between us.  By mile 2, I was wiped.  Several times I actually considered walking.  

Once we crossed over the river in the pedestrian bridge, I felt like I could finish, but, it sucked.  As we headed up the 5th street hill, again, I considered walking, but, pushed through. 

I finished in 33:59 (per Strava).  A little over 9 minutes a mile based on a 6k distance, but, I booked 3.82 miles, which changed my pace to under 9 minute miles.  

The after party was great.  Good food and beer.  This one will be a staple on the calendar.

Monster Tri Keller 2014

10.19.14

For the 2nd year in a row, I participated in this event.  Much like last year, my training had slowed prior to this event, but, this would be my 7th Tri of the year, and, while still a painfully slow swimmer, I have improved a bit over the past 12 months.

This event is huge (for a local sprint), as almost 700 athletes attend.

I had a few issues going into this one:

• I was somewhat ambitious on my swim time.  I registered at 6:45, when I was over 9 minutes a year ago.
• My back bike tire was not holding air for long.  I aired it up (from flat) last night, to find it soft again this morning.  I changed the tube, only to have the new tube explode while I was inflating  it.  Back to the old tube.  I was concerned that the tire may go soft prior to the bike leg.
• lack of training.  I had not been in the water in a month, and on the bike in 18 days.  

when my time came, I hit the water.  I quickly found traffic, so found myself breast stroking much of the time.  frustrating.

Off to the bike.  not much to report here, but, I certainly felt my lack of saddle time.  This course has a few hills, so can be somewhat fatiguing.

The run was about the same as a year ago.  I did get to visit with someone that had a few mutual friends, and saw several familiar faces and "tri friends".  

When it was all said and done, I improved by 5 minutes over last year, and, was faster in every leg.  not too shabby.

I will need to replace tires and tubes this week, and, I'm kinda glad that Tri season is coming to a close.  I'll hit another Tri or 2 in the next few weeks, plus Bronda's Du.  After that, it's all running for a bit.  

Next up, Monster Tri Denton.  

Texas 10 Series Ft. Worth 2014

10.12.14

The Texas 10 series is a series of 10 mile races across the state.  Apparently, points can be earned for those that participate in multiple events.  In addition to the 10 mile distance, a 5 mile and kids' 1 mile distances are also offered.  I stumbled upon this event on a running website, and, decide to give this one a go.

While I'd invited a few friends to participate, only Melody opted in, and chose the 5 mile route.

The race started and ended at Farrington Field, with most of the course taking place on the Trinity Trails.  A simple 5 mile loop for the 5 mile race, and, 2 loops for the 10 milers.

I'd been fighting a terrible back pain for several days leading up to this one, but, knew I wouldn't miss.  Additionally, it had been an incredibly lazy week workout-wise.

I arrived to a very small crowd.  A shame, as this was a well coordinated event.  The results showed only 99 total for the 10 miler, and 18 total for the 5 miler.

I got off to a painful start.  each step sent shockwaves up my back and hurt like hell.  I wondered if I'd made a mistake in showing up.  by mile 2 - 3, I'd loosened up a bit, and found a slow, steady pace.  The route itself was familiar and easy.  I stripped my long sleeved running shirt by mile 3, and carried it until the end of the 1st loop, where I tossed it aside.  I also experienced some foot numbness through the 1st lap, which caused me to stop just shy of the 1st lap to re-tie my shoe.

The second lap, like the 1st was slow and steady. One of the challenges with a small event is that there are times that it feels like you are running alone.  That can make one feel really slow!   While I'd hoped for a sub 1:40 time (10 minute miles), my slow pace took me just over.

The results, 10.1 miles in 1:44:30.  Slow, but, done.

A few cool things about this one:  they had good options for post race food, they have random drawings for cash ($50 for 5 milers and $100 for 10 milers), they offer pint glasses for those that place.  All in all, a good event.  I suspect I'll be back.

Clark Gardens Half Marathon 2014

10.4.14

This weekend was a light weekend for racing options.  There was the Paluxy Pedal in Glen Rose, the DRC 15k in Dallas, the CALF 5k in FW, and the Clark Gardens Half and 5k in Weatherford.

While I'd considered passing on this weekend, I had a good week of workouts, and wanted to finish the week strong.  I finally made the decision to register on Thursday, but, alas, the online registration had ended.  After a quick call to the venue, I felt fairly confident that I would go and register on race day.

I went into this one a little concerned, as I had not competed this distance since early April, and, my recent 15k had been ugly.  But, the alarm went off this morning and off I went.

This event caps at 200 runners, so, not quite the congestion of the other half marathons I'd run.  I arrived to temps in the high 40's...a little cold, but, I knew it would warm up quickly.

My plan was to go out easy, and try to maintain 10:15 - 10:30  mile, with hopes of speeding up during the last 5k.

This run was different in that much of the run was on trails.  Not a bad thing,  just different.


A few complaints on this one:

• after seeing a water stop at 1.5 miles with a portalet, there was not another water stop until 5.5 miles, and, no portalet.  I didn't find a portalet until about mile 7.  That sucked, as I needed to pee.
• Loose dogs.  On a few occasions, dogs came out and harassed runners, nipping at heels, etc.  I was one of the runners that had to deal with it.  I guess that will happen when you run out in the middle of nowhere. 

Other than that, not a bad event.  I fought through a heel blister for the last 5 miles or so, but, ran the whole way.

I was actually somewhat pleased, as my time was about the same as my 13.1 times in the spring, and I had not trained at all for this distance this fall.  

Per Strava (garmin) 13.2 in 2:18:52.  10:26 per mile.

At this distance, I'll never be competitive, but I'm always pleased to complete the longer races.  

 

Rahr 5k 2014

9.27.14

in 2012, my 1st 5k post knee surgeries was the Rahr 5k.  I had to walk a bit, and finished in a slow 32:51.   In 2013, I improved to 27:50.

Lindsi and I quickly realized that this event would be an annual event for us, as it was our 1st 5k together, its a great atmosphere and party, etc.

Although I had not been running a lot as of late (certainly not for speed), my times in races had been improving.  I set my mind to PR this one, with hopes of finishing in under 25 minutes.

I'd struggled with insomnia all week, including the night before the race, but, still intended to push hard for my PR.

My plan was to get out at a mild pace (8:30), and increase my speed in miles 2 and 3.  Well, as you might expect, that plan dissolved as soon as the horn sounded.  I got out to a 7:35 pace (my fastest mile to date), and slowed a little as the race progressed.  This course is a bit hilly, so, not necessarily the easiest course for a PR, but, I felt good.

I slowed to an 8:12 mile for mile 2,  and 8:22 for mile 3.  I picked it up as I turned the corner towards the finish, and clocked a 25:02.  While I just missed my 25 minute target, I know that I can do it on the next 5k.

lots of PRs on this one: http://www.strava.com/activities/200158436

3.13 in 25:02.  26th of 96 in my AG.

And, as always, good fun and beer at the end.

Trifecta Triathlon 2014

9.14.14

Today marked and new day as I participated in my 1st open water event.  I'd planned on participating in this event for some time, as it was held at Camp Grady Spruce, which would allow for lodging options, a quick family getaway, and a familiar venue.

There were 2 distance options:  Olympic (1500m, 40k, 10k), or Sprint (500m, 17, 4.5).  Being new to open water and still lacking confidence in my swimming, I opted for the shorter route.  Leading up to the event, I thought that I might be frustrated by the shorter bike and run distances.  However, the distances were not all that much shorter for the sprint, so, I took some comfort in that.

Griffin and I headed up Saturday afternoon, with Gage and Lindsi following later in the day.  The CGS staff took good care of us, by supplying us a clinic for lodging at no cost.

I knew a handful of folks participating in this event, and saw several more while there.

A few new experiences for me on this one:

1. open water swim
2. floating open water start
3. long distance to transition from swim to bike 
4. rough terrain during transitions
5. different areas for T1 and T2 
6. "clean" transition areas with bags

Chris and I headed out for a swim on saturday night to allow me to get a feel for the open water.  It sucked.  However, I'm glad we did it, as I suspect it lessened my anxiety this morning.  

The pros and olympic distance racers headed out in waves starting at 7:30, with the sprint distance racers beginning about 8:20.

I received a little counsel from a few folks on how to best position myself in the swim to avoid traffic.

When it was our turn, I headed out.  I swam freestyle briefly, but, quickly found myself alternating strokes to breaststroke, sidestroke, and even a little backstroke.  I got left behind by most other swimmers, so had plenty of room to myself.  Other than having to adjust my goggles to release some water, the swim was fairly uneventful.  But, it sucked.  It was quite the wakeup call for me on my inability to swim.  However, I finished...in a pitiful 15:48...my worst swim splits ever.

I made the long jog to transition and suited up for the bike.  The rough terrain made it necessary to carry the bike much of the way to the mounting line.  I mounted and took off.  It took some time to get my breath back after the swim etc, and we started the bike route on a steady climb.  Once I got out of camp and found some rhythm, I felt pretty good.  I passed several cyclists.  However, just like every race, my pace will keep me from being terribly competitive.  17.5mph over the 17 miles.  I really need to get that north of 19mph.  

I racked the bike in T2 and headed out for a slow, steady run.  I was hoping for something a little better than 10 minute miles, and, was aiming for 2 hours overall.  I realized during the run that 2hrs was out of reach (some due to long transitions), but, I knew I could beat 2:10.  I picked it up down the  stretch and finished strong.  2:07:43.  8th of 9 in my AG and 66th out of 128.  

I will have to rethink my upcoming 70.3.  Im nowhere close to being ready.  I may consider a relay for that and some more sprints this season.  The good news is that, although ugly, I know I can finish 500m in open water.  That will open up some options next season.  Lots of work to do in the water...

Trifecta was a great event.  I suspect it will be an annual event.  

Old College Tri 2014

9.7.14

yet another Dallas Athletes Racing event this weekend. this one in Denton at the Denton Natatorium.

I arrived to a cool morning, with temps in the mid-70's.  the format on this one:  250m pool swim, 12(ish) on the bike, and 3.1 on foot.

Lindsi and I had just come back from a mini vacay with the Butler's.  I was hopeful that my diet and beer intake over the past few days would not prove to be problematic.

I entered the swim and realized quickly that it would be crowded.  I passed a few people, but, also found myself stuck behind swimmers swimming 2 wide.  As a result, the swim felt a little slow and frustrating.

Off to the bike.  I felt pretty good on the way out and passed several cyclists.  I turned around and headed back, and found a few hills on the way back in.  About 75% of the way through the ride, I heard the official blow his horn near me.  I had no idea what had occurred.  I began to "do the math" on my target finish time, and, realized that I need to be running by the 50' mark to make my 1:20 target.

I made it back in time and headed out on the run.  The transition was a little slow, as I was a bit stiff getting off the bike, so got off to a slow start.  Additionally, I had a little toe and heel soreness, as I was in new shoes.  I was pacing pretty slowly, and realized, as I got closer, that I would just miss my target.  Despite that, I picked it up a bit down the stretch.  Per by Garmin, I clocked a 1:21 and change, but, sure enough, was given a 2 minute penalty for "unfair advantage".  I have an email into the race director asking for some clarification on the infraction.

All in all, just an "ok" day.  But, I'm feeling good about Trifecta next weekend.

FWRC Labor Day 15k 2014

9.1.14

As mentioned before, I have found myself participating in many of the FWRC events lately.  As a result, I receive all of their promotional email about upcoming events.

It just so happened that I had two opportunities for a 15k this weekend.  Cox running was hosting a 15k challenge at Martin House on Saturday, and, FWRC was hosting this event on Monday.

I contemplated both events, as there were pros and cons to both.  The Cox event was Saturday, and was at Martin House, both appealing factors.  However, they were not offering finisher medals, and, it was truly 2 separate races, a 5k and 10k, with the challenge being to do both.  The FWRC event was Monday, which presented a challenge, as my fantasy football draft was on Sunday night in Dallas.  typically, the FF draft leads to beer drinking.  Ultimately, I chose the FWRC event due to format, location (Lukes), tech shirt, medal, etc.

I'd been dealing with significant back pain since Thursday, so, was a bit anxious about the run.

It had been quite some time since I had completed this distance.  although my training had been calling for longer runs, the heat and my schedule had prevented me from completing anything longer than 6 miles.  I was curious to see how I would hold up.

This is clearly FWRC's signature event, as it is priced a bit higher, packet pick up was a Lukes, it offered tech shirts, 15k finisher medals, and hosted about 900 runners between the 5k and 15k.

I arrived to a warm, but not overwhelmingly hot morning.  However, it was quite humid.  I got out to about a 9:30 pace, and, after about a mile or 2 of warm up, felt pretty good.  I was hoping for a sub 1:30 finish time.

I realized a few miles in that today might not be the day.  The humidity was causing many runners to sweat through their shirts early on.  I could tell that it had been quite some time since I'd run this far.  I held a decent pace through about 6 miles, and hoped to speed up a bit for the last 5k.  However, it wasn't going to happen.  Miles 7-9 for me were painfully slow.  The sun, humidity and increasing heat were taking a toll.

This course fed us from Lukes to the Duck Pond, onto the trail, with a turnaround near 30 / University, down the trail to Panther Island, out towards White Settlement, with a turnaround at about 6 miles, then back down the trail to 7th and back to Lukes.  This course was mostly flat until we headed out towards White Settlement Rd., where we had 5 hills to deal with.

While I missed my target time of 1:30, I was pleased to finish the distance.  I have some work to do as I get closer to the 70.3 and half marathons coming up.  I may target the Tour des Fleurs 20k in a few weeks as a test.

The final stats:  9.3 in 1:37:57.  Slow, but, done.