take 3.
race reports from previous 2 years here:
2013: http://riderunrepeat.blogspot.com/2013/08/hhh-2013.html
2014: http://riderunrepeat.blogspot.com/2014/08/hhh-2014.html
Hotter N Hell will be a staple on my calendar. This event is simply too big to miss.
I registered for the 100 miler and booked 2 nights at a hotel in Lawton. The hotel prices in Lawton are cheaper, and, give quite a bit of flexibility in canceling if needed. I was toying with the idea of running the 13.1 trail run on Sunday as well.
About a month prior to the event, Mike and Pam let us know that they were planning on a birthday celebration for the 29th in FW. That changed my plan to stay in Lawton Saturday night and run on Sunday. Additionally, I began to consider downgrading to the 100k, as I didn't want to be toast when I got back to FW.
My saddle time has been lacking of late. This summer has been difficult for good cycling time, as the flooding early in the summer left many low water crossings that I would typically utilize impassable.
I had a good month of cycling in June, as I had 3 long bike rallies that month, but the frequency of saddle time and the distances traveled had decreased for July and August.
However, I have felt strong on the bike in my recent rides, and, have seen better speed and endurance this summer.
Last week, I cancelled my Friday night hotel, in a cost savings move, so, I knew that today would be a long day with travel etc.
I set my alarm for 3:30, with hopes of leaving at 4 for a 7:05 start time.
My diet this week was the worst it has been in 90 days, and I could tell. I felt sluggish, and had some stomach discomfort last night.
I went to bed early, and awoke at 2:30 with no alarm. As planned, I was out the door at 4, and was Wichita Falls bound.
I arrived at 6 and had plenty of time to pick up my packet and prep prior to start time. I went to my assigned 100 mile corral, but, planned to take the 100k turnoff.
I planned to crank hard for the 100k and no-stop the ride. Because the weather was unseasonably mild, it would be a good day to push hard.
As per usual, the 1st several miles are a little dicey due to the heavy bike traffic.
Just as things were beginning to thin out, we were forced off of our bikes, as a cyclist needed attention from EMS. We were forced to dismount and carry our bikes around the ambulance. This happened at the 15.5 mile mark.
Once that cleared up, it was back on the bike and time to crank hard.
I continued to pass the rest stops, and soon came up on the 100k turnoff. I'd forgotten how quickly this decision has to be made. I took the 100k route and continued.
I found a couple of fast cyclists to pace with between miles 30 and 40, and had some fast miles during that time.
I finally had to stop for a pee break at the 40 mile rest stop. The line was long, and I lost about 6 minutes during the stop. Initially, I wanted to complete the ride in under 4 hours total, but, I'd shaved that down to 3:30 (17.71 mph for 62 miles) early in the ride. My 3:30 time was in jeopardy due to this stop.
I hopped back on the bike and continued, but, was met with the 1st real heat of the day, and a slow stretch on the highway access road for several miles.
I passed the 50 mile rest stop and headed into the AFB at the 57 - 58 mile mark. This, by far, is the best part of the ride. The experience is awesome. As I left the AFB, I realized that I would not make my 3:30 target time, but, some of that was due to extending my ride by 2.4 miles.
I pushed hard to the finish, and clocked an official (chip time) 3:47:25. Strava had me at 3:41.
Good day today. Lots of PR's on Strava segments:
https://www.strava.com/activities/380188741/overview
This was, by far, my best HHH.
2013: 100.57 miles in 6:38:59 (not including stops - total time 9:09:13) 15.1 mph moving time
2014: 71.31 miles in 4:41:46 (not including stops - total time 6:23:39) 16.8 mph moving time
2015: 64.54 miles in 3:41:04 (not including stops - total time 3:47:25) 17.5 mph moving time
I'm getting stronger and my endurance is improving.
I hung around briefly for a beer, and headed back to FW for the evening activities.
I'll plan on the 100 miler and the 13.1 next year.
Good work
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