FWRC Three Amigos 4-Miler 2014

6.29.14

As mentioned in a previous post, Fort Worth Runners Club holds several events a year. Many of them are held at Trinity Park. Due to the location and low cost, these events are hard to ignore.  

I purchased a membership for the family a few months ago, so, races are only 8 bucks.  

My lack of training, alcohol consumption and poor nutrition over the past few months have led to me feeling heavy, lathargic, etc. 

Like most FWRC events, this one was smallish. But, a humid day and poor training and nutrition made me less than optimistic about my ability to place.  My target was a sub 36 minute time.  

I got off to a good start, but, quickly realized that this one would be tough.  I slowed drastically along the way, and posted a 37:23.  Missed my target, but, glad to finish.  

Detox and training begin in 3...2...1...

Summer Solstice Duathlon 2014

6.21.14

This would be my 1st event with White Rock Racing. I stumbled on the event on a local race website, and was intrigued by an event around the lake and the ability to get in another multisport event.  

I went to the WRR website and found little more than a political rant and poor race information.  It seems that the coordinator of WRR has had some issues with the City of Dallas, and was not shy about ranting about it on his site.  As a result, I was a bit nervous about registering.  I sent him a direct message on fb, posted on the WRR FB site, etc, but, no response...frustrating.  

A couple of days prior to the event, the website was updated with the Active.com link for registration.  That made me feel a bit better.  I registered.  

There was additional frustration brewing on the FB site, as no info had been sent for packet pick up either.  Finally, on Thursday, an email.  

On race day, I left early and arrived at Winfrey Point early.  Last minute arrangements were taking place.  It appeared that the race would, indeed, take place.  

In addition to the Du, a 5k was taking place.  As I looked around pre-race, I noticed only about 50 people overall, and, less that 25 bikes in transition.  Maybe if the guy had been a little more responsive, the races would be better attended.  I have to imagine that he lost his shirt on this one, as police presence, etc, is pricey.  

The format was: 2 mile run, 9.5 mile bike, 2 mile run. The 5kers and duathletes would start together, and we were to turn around earlier to head back to transition.  

I got off to a good start, and finished my 2 miles at an 8:43 pace.  Quickly thru transition, and on to the bike.  It was AWESOME to ride around White Rock Lake again.  I miss that ride.  I passed several people while riding and felt decent about my 17.7 mph pace. Back thru transition and on to a slower run, at a 9:43 pace.  I did realize that, due to a small field, I was not all that far off of the leaders, and, it appeared that I was pacing better than others that appeared to be in my AG. 

Sure enough, I took 1st in the Masters Division. A dubious distinction based on the small field, but, it's always nice to place.  

Now, here we are, 8 days later, and the official results have not yet posted ugh.  

While I'd like to race with WRR again, just based on the location of their races, they need to get their shit together.  

Results finally posted today, 8.8.  Unbelievable. 

Collin Classic 2014

6.14.14

For the second year in a row, I participated in the Collin Classic Bike Rally (http://www.cityhouse.org/Collin_Classic/).   Hider encouraged me to ride in this event last year, and, it was a good experience.  However, the location of the event is a little tough, as it is about an hour and 15 minutes from the house. 

Again, Hider participated, but due to a scheduled Saturday, chose a shorter route.  I didn't see him after the starting line. 

I purchased new cycling shoes just days before the event, and, had yet to wear them. I was hoping for the best. 

This event, in its 23rd year, is always well done. Volunteer support, the "rider village", police presence, and well coordinated rest stops make for a great bike rally.  

My lack of saddle time showed in this one, as I was 1.4 miles per hour slower than a year ago.  It was an incredibly windy day also, which didn't help.  

Due to a reroute, I clocked nearly 68 miles rather than the advertised 64. At the end, I was spent. However, a friendly cyclist offered me a cold beer. Awesome. 

To do list:  get a proper bike fitting, buy a new saddle, increase saddle time.  HHH is coming up! 

The stats:  67.8 miles in 4:32.  15 mph. Yikes.  I'll be back. 

Joe's Run 2014

6.7.14

Joe's Run is a popular, well publicized run held at Panther Island Pavilion each year. It has 5k and 10k distance options. (http://www.joesrunfw.com)

The race is themed to be "jimmy buffett" like.  

Due to several friends participating, and, needing to fill my June racing schedule,  I signed up.  

My lack of running and late night the night prior to the event caused me to keep my expectations low. I figured any time under 1 hour for the 10k would be acceptable.  

I got off to a good start, but, quickly felt the affects of the heat and lack of training.  While we had a tailwind on the way out, the heat and the few aggressive climbs made it a tough route.  On the way back, I was fighting fatigue and wind, and knew my hour target time was in jeopardy. 

Thankfully, I had a runner pick up the pace and pass me, causing me to chase and increase my pace.  It felt good to finish strong, and, finish in under an hour.  

The stats:  6.2 in 59:19. 

The after party was fun, with food, music, free beer and wine.  This one will see me again next year.