an addition to the fleet...

March 2012

October 2012

February 2016

Fast N Furious Du 2016

2.14.16

this would be the 5th time that I raced this course.  As a result, I know what to expect:

• small field
• some seriously fast athletes
• I'll end up near the bottom of my AG  :/

But...I show up every time.  

While my training picked up a bit in January, February has been tough due to my schedule.  While I've raced a little, I've had no training over the past few weeks. Additionally, I'd only been on the bike once in 2016.  As a result, I kept my expectations in check going into today. 

Each time I do this race, I know I will be towards the bottom of my AG.  I'm simply not fast enough in either of the disciplines to compete...so...it is my goal to get a little faster each time.  

The temps were coolish, but, comfortable this morning.  Comfortable enough for a tri kit with arm and leg warmers.  Nothing more.

There were a few FW Tri Club buddies there today and a few other familiar faces.  I was able to visit with a few folks pre-race.  

When the gun sounded and the mass start began, I got out to too quick of a start.  I finally settled into a nice rhythm and felt good for the 1st mile.  I slowed a bit for the 2nd mile, but, still felt good.  8:25, 9:07 per Strava, but, the results showed me a little faster.  

An uneventful T1, and off to the bike.  I was afraid that I might struggle on the bike due to saddle time.  The 1st 1/4 of the 5 mile loop was into a headwind.  A tough way to get started.  I felt a little better after I got out of the wind, and, picked up some speed.  My 1st 2 loops were almost identical, although, I slowed slightly for loop 3.  Just like always, I was a slow cyclist compared to those on better equipment, etc.  However, for having not ridden recently, I didn't feel too bad.  17.2 mph per Strava.  Results showed a bit slower.  

Another uneventful T2, and, off to the run.  I was pretty stiff getting off the bike, and had a little trouble finding a good running rhythm.  

I got a little faster on lap 2.  

I would like to finish one of these in about 1:30, but, have yet to do so.  I realized that today would be no different...however, 1:35 was still in play.  

Final time:  1:35:57.  14 of 17 in my AG, and 94 of 139 overall.  sigh.  

However, I'm getting slightly faster:

11.2013:  1:40:28

02.2014:  1:37:03

11.2014:  1:44:50

02.2015:  1:39:23

11.2015 (USAT Long Course Du)

02.2016:  1:35:57

I am getting slightly faster in both disciplines.  With a little training, that will improve more.

Fort Worth Mardi Gras Run

2.6.16

I wasn't planning on racing this weekend, but, after a week of no exercise, I was ready to race again.

I had two options: the Hot Chocolate 15k in Dallas, or, this event in FW.

This event, in its inaugural year, had two options, a 2 or 4 mile run, with the option to do both. Coordinated by Mellew, I kept my expectations in check. That, coupled with the themed nature of the run, made me a bit skeptical about the event, but, it was close and easy, so, I went.

I rolled out of bed early and got to Panther Island Pavilion quickly.  The temps were in the low 30's.  It would be a cold day.

I planned on pushing hard on the 2 miler, with hopes of a sub 16 minute time, and, then, based on how I felt, determining a pace for the 4 miler.

The 2 miler went off at 8. I pushed hard for the 1st mile and booked a 7:48. I slowed for mile 2, and booked a 8:18. I simply don't have my legs back yet.  Total time for the 2 miler: 16:05. I just missed my target.

15 minutes later, the 4 miler started.  I'd rubbed a bad blister on my left heel during the 2 miler, so changed my socks pre race.  I saw a few buddies before the 4 miler...we visited briefly.

When the race started, I tried to keep a moderate pace, and booked a 9:13 1st mile.  I slowed slightly for mile 2, and booked a 9:34. I was beginning to feel fatigued.  I walked through a water stop just before mile 3, and booked a 9:58 that mile.  I picked the pace back up for mile 4 and booked a 9:35.  Total Time: 37:51.  A pretty slow 4 miler for me.

The post party had a DJ and free beer. I hung out with several running buddies for a bit.

There were major issues with the timing, but, once all was resolved, I took 3rd in my AG in each race.  I'll take it.

Not a bad day, but, I'm ready to be back in racing shape.