HHH 2014

8.23.14

For the second year in a row, I, like 13,000 other cyclists, headed to Wichita Falls for Hotter N Hell. The plan, like last year, was to compete the 100 mile route.  I felt much better prepared this year, as I had a better understanding of the event, the course, the nutritional needs, etc.  Additionally, I'd been pacing much better on the bike of late, so was hopeful that I would drastically improve my time over last year.  

I bit the bullet and got a hotel room this year. $200 a night...minimum 2 nights.  Yikes. 

I arrived later than hoped on Friday, due to some Friday afternoon commitments that I could not miss.  I went directly to the expo, picked up my packet, bought a New Jersey and pump, and headed to the hotel to get checked in.  After getting everything unloaded, I headed out for a bite to eat.  

When I returned, I got everything ready for the morning and hit the sack. 

I arrived at the event at a little after 6 for the 7:05 start. It was the perfect amount of time to get ready etc. 

When my corral was released, we began our very slow ride.  Like last year, the number of cyclists makes it difficult to move quickly through the 1st 20 miles or so.  

Just at the point I began to find some speed (at about the 18.5 mile mark), I realized the my back tire felt soft.  This tire has been due for a change, but, I was hopeful I could get through HHH. I changed the tube, but, was unsuccessful in airing the tire up with my co2 cartridges.  So...I waited.  SAG finally came by. He had a pump, so, I aired up the tire and was on my way. I stopped at rest stop number 2 to check the tire pressure, and, it seemed as if it had decreased slightly.  I added a little more air. I headed out. I found a cyclist that was pacing well and he encouraged me to draft off of him.  We were averaging 23 - 25 mph for the next 5 miles, and, then, I realized the tire was soft again.  I pulled over and waited for a LONG time for SAG.  At this point, I figured my day was over...after only 25 miles. When sag finally picked me up, he was headed back to rest stop 2.  When we got there, the rest stop crew was packing up, but, the bicycles plus mechanics were still there.  I asked if they had a tire, and, they had 1 left.  They changed my tube and tire, and, I was good to go.  By this point, I'd lost 2 hours of my day, and, it was starting to get hot. I made the decision to attempt to finish the 100k, as I'd lost too much time to make Hell's Gate on time and complete the 100.  I found a good pace and cranked hard for the next 20 miles or so.  I minimized my time at rest stops, and continued to push towards the finish.  I passed lots of cyclists along the way. I was a little surprised that after losing 2 hours, I was still not at the back of the 100k field.  Some of the folks had a LONG day.  

With about 20 miles to go, we hit a brutal headwind. I clocked several miles a 11-12 mph. It sucked.  

But, against the odds, I finished.  67 miles total for me (due to the additional 5 miles from rest stop 2 the 2nd time).  I'll be back next year to kick HHH's ass.  

FWRC Watermelon Run 5k 2014

8.17.14

Another FWRC event...much like the others. Light field, flat course.

I have not been running as much as I would like lately, as my cycling has picked up.  When I have run, it has been for distance, not speed, and the heat has made recent runs incredibly slow.  Additionally, I twisted my left knee slightly last Sunday and have felt a little pain ever since. 

I was curious to see how I would feel when trying to pick up the pace a bit.  

This run was fairly uneventful.  I got off to a 8:10 ish pace and maintained a pace under 9 the entire route.  This course was slightly different than the previous FWRC events, but, still flat and fast.  

I picked up the pace when I neared the finish line, and finished in 26:43. My 3rd fastest 5k to date and 2nd in my AG. I'll take it.  

Hot Rocks 2014

8.9.14

Year number 3!   This was my first organized event in 2012 when I began my wellness journey, aka "you're a fat ass, get your act together".

I really like this ride...especially with it being a week removed from blazin saddle.  There is nothing particularly remarkable about this ride, as the scenery is lacking, etc, but, it is a fast course, and it has some significance as it was my first ride and we have family in Rockwall. 

I remember the ride being fairly flat, but, it does have about 1600 feet of climbing over 59 miles.  I suspect it feels flat after blazin saddle the week before. 

I managed this ride much better than last year, when I bonked at the 50 mile mark. I was diligent about stopping periodically  to eat and drink.  And, I minimized time at rest stops, as I totalled only 14 minutes of time stopped. 

I jumped into a few pacelines on this one, which helped a little, but, rode much of it myself.  

I felt really good about this one, as I paced faster than any ride yet and still had plenty left at the end to finish strong.  

OWS take 1

Recognizing that most longer distance Tri events take place in open water, I have realized that eventually I would have to practice.  While my swimming has been increasing recently, I had not yet braved the open water. Mind you, I have been invited a number of times from different people and groups.  I had even gone as far as purchasing new polarized googles for outdoor swimming.  

Well, Wednesday night was the night.  I met a group from Trident at Lake Benbrook.  

OWS is a totally different experience from pool swimming in a number of ways:  

1.  Visibility through the water is zero.  It is a little weird. 

2. Because of zero visibility, sighting becomes important.  Swimmers must lift their heads periodically to "sight" their target, most often a buoy. This leads to a break in the traditional stroke, which can lead to a scissor kick and fatigue. 

3. Unlike a pool swim, swimmers are unable to push off the wall periodically.  This, too, can increase fatigue. 

4. The panic factor. Not being able to touch the bottom or grab the wall can lead to a bit of anxiety.  

But, I did it. Sorta. 

I suspect I swam about 300m with some breaks in between.  A lot of work to do prior to PK and Austin.  

Blazin Saddle 75 2014

8.2.14

Well, it's a good thing that I have a bad memory.  This ride is a beast, but, I'm back. 

I headed out to Granbury to complete this ride for the 2nd time yesterday.  This ride boasts 3 signature climbs and nearly 4000 of climbing.  Last year was tough. 

Fortunately, I arrived this year to temps in the mid 70's, which would make for a much more comfortable ride. The crowd seemed a little light, but, I did see Schwentker and Sheri pre-ride. I'm glad to see John connecting. 

The 1st hill is skulls crossing. This hill is much like Nice Hill at benbrook. It's a short, steep ascent. 18• or so.  Signage was a bit better this year, but, still a number of people walking their bikes up this one.  The 2nd hill is Mongos Mountain.  This is a 2.2 mile ascent. I struggled with this one last year.  This year, no problem. I suspect the cooler temps helped.  I felt great through the 1st 50 miles.  No real wind to speak of and great temperatures.  I was diligent about taking my endurolytes, and eating fruit and pickles at rest stops. Just after the 50 mile mark, we began to experience some headwinds, which slowed things a bit. I continued to push hard.  Along the way, I visited with a number of other cyclists.  Friendly bunch at this one.  I met a few of the folks from FWBA, including Wayne, a cancer survivor participating in the Livestrong program at the benbrook Y.  It was fun visiting with new friends along the way.  

At about the 65 mile mark, we had a long rise up a highway hill. I was cranking away and decided I would get out of the saddle near the end. MISTAKE.  My left quad locked up, causing me to unclip, walk the bike up the hill and stretch.  I got back in the saddle and continued. 

The bad news, we still had yet to reach "the peak", meaning more climbing to do. I tried to concentrate on pushing with my right leg every pedal stroke, and, finished in the saddle.  

I was worn out, but felt better than last year.  I was also about 10 minutes faster. I would have been even better had it not been for the cramping.  

Overall, good day. 75.95 miles in 5:03. 15 mph and 5162 calories burned per MMR.