Caveman Tri 2016

4.17.16

1st time for this one.  This is one of the few DAR sprint tris that I had not done.

This event takes place at the Flower Mound Community Activity Center.  The format: 250M swim, 10.8 mile bike, 5k.  A short course, and touted to be great for beginners.

There had been a threat of rain for the weekend, but, as I left the house this morning at 4:45, he rain had yet to begin.  That would change...

I arrived at about 5:15, as I needed to p/u my packet.  No issues in doing so, so, I found a spot at the end of the rack in transition and set up my gear.

This would be my 1st race on the new bike, and, having had some adjustments done on Thursday, I was eager to see how it felt.  I have been struggling on the bike, but, was hopeful that the adjustments would make a difference.

I went inside to get my chip and use the restroom, and ran into a few friends, including Rapp.  We visited for a bit pre-race.  I headed back out to transition to make final preparations, and went back inside to get staged in the gym.  About that time, the rain came in.

As we stood in the gym with heavy rain outside, we continued to get updates from the DAR reps.  At one point, it looked as if it may turn into a swim / run only event, but, finally, at about 7:45, we were informed that the race was on, and that we would finally begin (race was scheduled to begin at 7).

Swim:  No real issues on the swim, but, I was passed by  few people.  Weird, as I didn't think that my time reported time for registration was too ambitious.  I did find myself needing to breath every 2 strokes by the end, but, not a big deal.  total time: 6:08.  I expected to be about 40 seconds faster, but, a crowded pool can make speed difficult.

Off to T1:  my stuff was soaked.  I emptied the water out for my cycling shoes and put them and my helmet on to head out on the bike.

Bike:  it would be tough to really push the pace, as it was rain hard, was windy, and there would be a need to slow for the corners and turnarounds.  However, i felt pretty good.  I didn't spend much time in the aero-bars, as the rain made things difficult enough.  The route was fair, and, on a dry day, would be fast, I suspect.  The driving rain and wet roads made for a slower bike pace.  I finished at a 16.6 mph pace.  about 2 mph slower than I would have liked.

T2:  I put on my soaked socks and shoes and headed out.

Run: The run actually felt pretty good due to the rain and cooler temps.  I was slower than I would have liked, but, increased speed will come as my season progresses.  9:39 pace on the run.

I finished in 1:20:40. About 5 minutes slower than I would have liked, but, due to conditions, I'll take it.

This was a fun event.  I'll be back next year.

Big D Half 2016

4.10.16

Note to my future self:  Stop signing up for this event.  It sucks!

year 3 for this one...I can't understand why I keep coming back.

arrived at fair park with no issue.  got into the mass of humanity and waited.  No corrals, just a cluster of a start.  shitty course...just like last year.

I felt good through 8 miles, and, other than a pee stop at about mile 3, was making good time.  slowed considerably for miles 9-13, and took lots of walk breaks.

time to get back in racing shape.  I've cancelled hotel for OKC.  No more long races until my training improves.

Disco 15k 2016

4.3.16

It looks like I may race very weekend in April.   After a poor training regiment and a streaky racing schedule, I'm hoping to jumpstart my training and racing for the year.

This event is coordinated by Dallas Athletes Racing.  I've raced with DAR many times in the past.  They do a great job.  This is the 4th year for the event, but, the 1st year that a 15k would be offered.

I was out the door by 6:30 this morning, to allow for the drive to Dallas and packet pick up before the 8 a.m. start time for the 15k.  The event was staged on the Continental Pedestrian Bridge near the Trinity Groves Area, and, the actual run would take place on the trail system below the bridge.  This is the same trail that was utilized for the Hottest Half last summer.

I'm out of sorts as it relates to pacing etc, as my running has been inconsistent.  That being sad, I got out to a good start, and felt good for the 1st couple of miles.  I stopped around mile 2 to shed a layer of clothing, and resumed my pace.   I felt good through the turnaround, and, other than a few quick walk breaks through water stops, was making good time.

It seemed that the course measurements were a little short, as I found myself hitting mile markers before my Garmin reached the mile.  I slowed for mile 6, and, even more so for mile 7 due to a big bridge.  I picked the pace back up and aimed for a sub 1:33, which represents under 10 minutes a mile.  (shorter course helped...).

I kicked for the last 1/4 mile or so, and booked a 1:32:49, or, 9:59 per mile.  However, the course was only 8.95 miles, so, I truly paced at abut 10:22.  Pretty slow...

It felt good to get this one done.  I have the Big D Half next week, the Caveman Tri in 2 weeks, likely the OKC Half in 3 weeks, and the Mayest Run in 4 weeks.  I'm ready to work my way back into shape.