Burleson Honey Tour Bike Rally

5.28.16

1st time for this one.

This ride is its 18th year, has route options of 7, 22, 30, 46 and 67 miles.  I was registered for 67.

Lots of factors leading up to this rally that could make it a mess:

• I had not had a long ride since HHH in August of 15.
• My ongoing bike challenges.  My Tri bike, that I purchased in February, was returned on April 21 to Bicycles Inc due to a crack in the top tube.  After 5 weeks, I finally got it back Friday night at 6.  Needless to say I'd had not time on it.  But, I felt as if it needed to be the bike for the rally.
• Between the road and tri bikes, I'd only ridden twice in May, and 14 times in 2016, with the longest ride being 37 miles in April.  Most of my rides had been between 10 and 22 miles.  Saddle time has been lacking.  
• Overall, my training has been inconsistent.  

All that said, I was hopeful that today would jumpstart my training for the year.  

As mentioned above, I picked up my bike last night at 6.  Specialized replaced the frame, but, the bike needed to be rebuilt.  Brandon at Bicycles Inc was kind enough to build my bike back to the original measurements that Tarp had worked on with me back in March.  Additionally, he gave me some demo wheels to try out (https://www.specialized.com/us/en/components/roval-clx-40-rear/106084).  He is willing to cut me a sweet deal on the 60mm version of these if I want them.  So, the bike was built to be fast and looked great.  The question would be with the motor.  

I knew several people that were participating in this ride, including several from Trident, FWTri Club, and Hider.  

I was out the door by 6:30 for an 8 am start.  I arrived at the site by a little after 7, prepped the bike, saw several friends, and, was ready to go. 

I got out to a comfortable start, but, was passed early by several of my FWTri Club buddies.  Hider and I departed by mile 2.  

The bike was rolling great, and I felt good in the saddle.  I took advantage of the 1st rest stop, skipped the 2nd one. Having not been on the bike in awhile, I wanted to have a comfortable ride, and, wanted to manage it appropriately with nutrition, etc.  

I felt good for the 1st 30 miles.  I was using the aerobars on long flat stretches, and was finding some speed in doing so.  

By mile 40 my lack of training was showing.  My legs were tired, and my pace was slowing.  I continued to utilize rest stops, and started the psychological game of checking off 5 mile increments.

At mile 55.5, when I was about to head up a hill over a bridge, I threw my chain.  I had trouble getting it back on, and, honestly, had SAG come by at that point, I likely would have sagged back.  I finally got it back on and continued.  I stopped at the next rest stop and cleaned up my hands and bike.  I saw couple of my Trident friends at about mile 60, and talked to them briefly.  Soon after, on a rough patch of road, I lost a water bottle.  I stopped and picked it up, but, soon thereafter, lost the other one.  I didn't bother to go back for it.  I was ready to be done.  

Finally, I finished. Rough day...good bike, weak motor.  67.29 miles in 4:12:58 (5:11:40 with stops)  16 mph moving time.  slow.  

I look forward to getting back in the saddle.  I have the following bike rallies on my radar over the next few months:

6.11     Collin Classic

6.18     Tour d' Italia

6.25     Cow Creek Classic

7.9       Peach Pedal

7.30     Goatneck

8.6       Blazin' Saddle
8.13     Hot Rocks

8.27     HHH

I won't be able to hit all of these, but, hope to hit most.  I had a good season of cycling last summer, and hope to do the same this year as I prep for Austin 70.3.  

TexasMan Sprint 2016

5.22.16

3 weeks ago, after finishing the PlayTri Festival Sprint, and, more specifically, my 2nd OWS ever, I signed up for this race.  I'm hoping to force myself to become more comfortable with OWS.

I opted for the sprint distance, as I plan to increase OWS distances late in the summer as I prep for Auston 70.3.  Turns out the sprint distance would be a good thing.  More on that in a minute.

My training over the past 3 weeks has sucked.  I had a week of sickness, a week where Lindsi was out of town, and a busy week at work.  Additionally, my diet has continued to be poor.  I did ramp up my swimming last week, swimming 3 days.  Outside of that, only a 5k last Sunday and a slow 4 miler on Thursday.  No bike time since PlayTri, 3 weeks ago.  My weight is averaging 202 - 205.  about 10 lbs. over my comfortable racing weight.  I'm in much the same position that  I was this time last year. Last year, the cleanse and increased racing schedule really helped.

My Tri Bike issue, while close to being resolved, it appears, is still not done, so, I would be on the road bike again today.

This event, in its 15th year, is coordinate by Dallas Athletes Racing.  It takes place at Lake Ray Roberts, about an hour and 10 minute drive from home.  It hosts about 700 athletes and has the following distances:  Sprint (500Y OWS, 16.1 mile bike, 5k run), Olympic (1 mile OWS,  24.1 mile bike, 10k run), and, X50 (1 mile OWS, 40 mile bike, 9 mile run).  They also added  a X50 aquabike option this year.

I woke up at 4 this morning, ate some oatmeal, showered, loaded up gear, and left by 5.  Transition was to be open 5:45 - 6:45, with the race starting at 7.  Packet pick up was allowed on race day for FW residents, so, I needed to get that done as well.

I made it to the race site by 6, and waited in a LONG line of cars to get parked.  I picked up my packet and got my gear together to get transition set up.  The clock was, and I was feeling anxious, as I was running out of time to get everything done by the 6:45 cutoff. I noticed that the parking lot that housed transition was made of SHARP gravel.  It would be an uncomfortable surface heading into T1.  By the time I finished setting up, It was 6:40, I had my wetsuit on, etc, and was unable to stop for a bathroom break pre-race.  This would lead to an uncomfortable day.

I headed down to the beach to check out the swim start.  While the sprint distance looked short enough to be comfortable, the water was incredibly choppy.  Nothing like the clam water at PlayTri.  I heard some people commenting on it before the race, but, I didn't have much of a frame of reference, as this was only my 3rd OWS to date.

The sprint distance men were the 1st waves, with 39 and under going 1st, and 40 and up going 2nd.  Each wave would have a beach mass start.  My 1st time for that.  When the horn sounded for our wave, I headed into the water, walked as long as I could, and finally started swimming.  The waves sucked.  each breath would lead to a face full of lake water.  I was drinking lake water most breaths.  That, coupled with the bumping, kicking, etc, would lead to tough swim.  I made it to the 1st buoy, finally, and made the turn.  the crowd thinned a little at that point, and I continued the combination of freestyle, breaststroke, and sidestroke.  I finally made the 2nd turn and headed back towards the shore.  the waves continued to be a challenge, but, finally, I reached a point where I could stand.  I unzipped my wetsuit, and, pulled it down to my waist.  The wetsuit strippers did the rest.  Even with the tough conditions, I wasn't terrible in the water.  Official results show me at 11:37, or, 2:19 HM.

Off to T1.  I walked much of the path to catch my breath and to take it easy on the sharp gravel.  I got my cycling shoes, helmet, and sunglasses on and headed out on the bike.  I felt ok on the bike, but, it was clear that I had not been riding enough lately.  I passed several cyclists, but, also got passed by several of the fast girls, whose wave started just after ours.  This course had a few tough hills. I pushed to the end.  I certainly wasn't fast, but, I was 1 mph faster tan at PlayTri.  Getting the Tri Bike back, getting it dialed in, and increasing my saddle time should help.

Off to T2.  A quick change of shoes and hat, and off for the run.  My legs felt dead as I headed out.  I was hoping for a good run pace, but, I was tired.  I walked a few water stops, and tried to push at the end.  But, still slow.  9:54 a mile per Strava due to 2.9 miles booked, but 9:35 in official results.  I need to be in the mid to upper 8's as the season progresses.

I finished up and finally got to have a restroom break.

Glad to have this one done.  As expected, I'm still one of the slower guys in my AG.  I ended 14 of 18 in the AG and, 82 of 131 for all Male Sprint Athletes.

I stayed for a few hours after my race to visit with some FWTri club buddies and cheer for those completing longer distances.

A good event.  I'll definitely be back.

FWRC Michelob Ultra 5k 2016

5.15.16

1st 5k of the year...

no training in 2 weeks...

no idea what to expect...

I registered for this even last year, but, when, due to weather,  the cox 13.1 was postponed a week, I skipped the 5k for the longer run.

I arrived this morning to 60 degree temps.  Unseasonably cool, but, perfect for a run,  The course was familiar, a fast, flat, out and back on the streets through trinity park.  We actually never ran on the trail itself.

I got there early to stretch and run a .5 mile warm up.  I saw several friends at the starting line, including a couple that are in my AG.

My plan was to run mile 1 in the mid 8's, with hopes of speeding up for miles 2 and 3.  I would be happy with anything in the low 26's, but, hoped to do better.  With my lack of training, current diet and weight, etc., I wanted to keep my expectations in check.

When the horn sounded, I got out to a good start.  I found good rhythm, and booked a 8:03 first mile. A little quicker than I planned, but, I felt pretty good.  I slowed a little going into mile 2, but, continued to push.  A little before the 2 mile mark, Andy, one of my running buddies (and, in my AG), caught up to me.  It was just the nudge I needed to push.  I paced with him for a while, until he pulled slightly ahead.  We reached a small hill at about 2.25, and he walked a short distance.  I passed him and continued to push until he caught me.  We ran side by side for the last .75 or so, with me out kicking him down the stretch to edge him by less that 1 second.  Miles 2 and 3, while slower, were 8:22 and 8:25.  Still not too bad.  The .1 at the end was at a 6:59 pace.

Total time 25:45.  a 8:17 pace for the 5k.  Considering the lack of training of late, I'll take it.  I am heading into the summer faster than a year ago.  With a little speed and hill work, a new PR is in sight this year.  The Trinity 5000 series starts in a few weeks.  That should help.

The initial results showed me 2nd in AG, but, alas, they didn't stick.

Buffalo Boogie 10k 2016

5.7.16

I've been sick all week...like don't go to work for 4 days sick.

I registered for this race before getting sick.

All that said, I had not idea what to expect today, as I had not worked out since the tri last Sunday.

But, up and at em this morning...

The Buffalo Boogie takes place at the Fort Worth Nature Center.  I ran the 5k in 2013, as 1 of my 1st races after my recommitment to wellness.  I haven't been back since.

I really wanted to ride in the Shiner GASP today, but, in an attempt to save some money and the health of my marriage (it is mother's day weekend, after all), I chose this event instead.

This is the 1st year that this event offered a 10k course.

I arrived this morning with plenty of time to get settled and get in a .9 mile warm up run before the event.  My plan was to run in the mid 9's to start and see how I felt at 5k.  I visited with a few buddies at the start line, and when the horn sounded, my plan, as always, went to shit.

The 1st mile is downhill.  I ran it in 8:17.  That's a problem.  I scaled back for miles 2 and 3, but, the damage was done.  I found myself wanting water at about mile 3, but, the water stops were scarce.  I finally got water at about mile 4, and my pace continued to slow.  Miles 4-6 were pretty slow.  I picked it up for the last .2, and booked a 58:24.  9:24 per mile.  Considering the lack of training and recent sickness, not too bad, I guess.

It felt good to run again.

In checking the results, it appears that AG's were grouped by 10 year ranges rather than 5.  Had they been 5, I would have placed.

revision:  AG's were changed to 5 year groups.  I took 3rd in AG.

Good to get this one done.

Michelob Ultra 5k next weekend,  TexasMan Sprint Tri the following weekend, and, finally, a 67 mile ride at the Burleson Honey Tour to round out May.

PlayTri Festival Sprint Tri 2016

5.1.16

My racing season has gotten off to a slow start, I'm 10 pounds heavy, and my diet has been poor.  Much like last year, I am now into May and need to jumpstart my training and better nutrition.  I missed Galveston 70.3, as my training was poor, and, it sold out early.  I am determined to complete a 70.3 this year, and believe that Austin will be it on 10.30.16.

While I feel good about my ability to be ready for the bike and run, I will have to get more comfortable in the open water to be ready.  I will need to practice OWS throughout the summer.  To that end, in an effort to force myself into the open water, I registered for this event.

This event offers three triathlon distances and an aqua bike.  The super sprint distance is 300M swim, 7 mile bike, 1.5 mile run, the sprint distance is 500M swim, 14 mile bike, 5k run, and, the Olympic distance is 1500M swim, 22 mile bike, 10k run.  I opted for the sprint, as today was all about getting used to the open water.

The event takes place just behind the Marriott Las Colinas, with the swim taking place in the man made canal.  The canal would allow for easy sighting, etc, as it is not too large.

I'd purchased a wetsuit a few months ago, but, had yet to wear it.  Last week, I wore it in the pool for a 1200M swim, and, realized it makes a big difference.  Today's event would be wetsuit legal, with a water temp of 74.

I've only completed 1 OWS swim event before - Trifecta (9.14).  It was a mess.  I simply could not commit to putting my face down and swimming freestyle.  A mix of sidestroke, breaststroke, and backstroke took me most of the way that day, and, I finished the 500M swim in a little over 15 minutes.  I wanted today to be much better.

I arrived around 6:15, and got my transition area ready.  Our rack was full, making for a difficult time with prep, but, I found space.

The olympic distance went off 1st.  Their swim looked long!!  Pshychologically (and, likely, physically), I'll have some work to do to be ready for that kind of distance.  The sprint swim looked much shorter, and, I felt good about it prior to getting in the water.

The start was time trial style, with 2 swimmers entering the water about every 10 seconds.  I moved towards the back of the line, and, when I reached the timing mat, hopped in and was off.  I felt pretty good early on, and was in my rhythm of breathing every 4 strokes.  The wetsuit felt a little tight, but, I suspect that was just nerves.  I actually passed a few swimmers before reaching the 1st buoy.   I was surprised how quickly I reached the buoy!  I passed it and made my right turn towards buoy number 2.  I switched to breathing every 2 strokes, which interrupted my swim rhythm, but, kept me from getting short of breath.  I veered slightly to the right and off course, but quickly adjusted.  After passing the 2nd buoy, I began to tire a bit, and breaststroked a bit to keep on course and get air.  I finally reached the steps and got out.  I'd done it.  11 minutes flat for the 500M swim.  2:12 per 100M (per official results).  Not bad.  My Garmin showed the swim being shorter (424M), but, I suspect that is just a GPS error, as I checked other athletes' distances on Strava, and they seemed to be correct.

I headed to T1, stripped my wetsuit with no problem (1st time ever!) and geared up for the bike.

My new tri bike is in the shop, as it has a crack in the top tube.  I am waiting to hear from Specialized on the resolution.  My hope is: new bike.  Specialized has a lifetime warranty on their frames, and, I'd only ridden the bike about 120 miles with no crashes.  So...The CAAD10 was the bike for the day.

The bike course was 14 miles (Strava showed 14.5 at the conclusion), with 2 loops.  We started into a bad headwind, and fought it for the 1st 2.5 miles of each loop.  A tough way to get started.  After the headwind died down, I was able to find some speed, getting up to over 20mph at several points, with a top speed of 29.5.  Other than the headwind each lap, the bike portion felt pretty good.  The result showed me 14 miles in 52:01, or, 16.1 mph, but, Strava shows me at 16.8 mph based on 14.5 miles.  Still about 2-3 mph slower than I need to be.  That will improve with training and once I get my tri bike back.

A slow, but, uneventful T2, and, off to the run.

We faced the same headwind at the beginning of each lap of the 2 lap run.  I keep a slow, steady pace, hoping to keep my run in the "9's".  I'll work that down to the 8's as the season progresses.  I saw a few friends on the run, and, achieved my goal of keeping my pace in the 9's.  9:53 per Strava, but, 9:36 per the official results.

All in all, a decent day.  I'm still incredibly slow compared to others, but, that will improve as the season progresses.  I've already signed up for my next OWS tri (in 3 weeks), and will continue to push towards Austin 70.3.