Y Rock Tri 2016

6.26.16

Foe many years, the Rockwall Y has hosted the "Dirty Rock" Tri, an off-road Tri.  I've skipped, as I don't really do the mountain bike thing.  This year, they switched their race to a road race that would start and end at the Y.

I'd planned to ride in the Cow Creek Classic on Saturday and perhaps run in the Jalapeño Half on Sunday, but, we opted for a fun family weekend.  The family plans would allow for me to race in Rockwall on Sunday.

Lindsi and I took Friday as a PTO day and played golf at WhiteStone in Benbrook.  After golf, we picked up the boys from camp and headed to The Hilton Lincoln Center in Dallas.  A little pool time and room service, and we were ready for bed.  Room service again on Saturday morning, then a trip to Lil Ninjas for the boys.  From there we headed to Rockwall.  We hung out at the Bailey's for a bit, but went to the Johnson's for the night to sleep.

On Sunday, I was up at 5 to allow for me to eat, prep gear, and get to transition that opened at 6.  I left the house just after 6, rode the bike to the Y, and began to set up transition.  I appeared that it would be a smallish race, and, from the research I had done the night before, that I would have a small AG.  Thoughts of the podium began to creep into my head.

The format:  300 yard pool swim, 9.5 mile 2 loop bike course, 5k run.  My race plan was to target 1:10.  I planned to finish the swim in under 6 minutes, keep my transitions under 2 minutes each, average 19 mph on the bike (30 minutes),  and finish the 5k in under 30 minutes.

I saw a few folks that I knew before we started, and found my pace in line for the swim.

Swim:  no issues here.   The volunteer did a nice job of keeping enough space between swimmers.  I encountered no traffic, and passed a few people at the wall that were catching their breath.  300 yards in 5:53.  Less than 2:00 per 100 yards.  I'll take it.

T1:  1:23.  This would be the 1st time in a race setting with new, upgraded bike and new giro air attack shield helmet.  With no socks, and new helmet, T1 was fast.

Bike:  I wanted to average 19 mph on the bike.  I got off to a fast start, but, found myself sucking air on the 1st small climb.  I dialed back a bit to get my HR down, and finally began to push again when I turned onto John King Blvd.  I found some speed on the straights, but, there were several turns on this route, making it difficult to hold speed for long. Heading into the 2nd loop, I passed the parking lot turn-in (why the hell were we being routed back through the parking lot?!?), and had to stop and double back.  2nd loop was much the same as the 1st.   When it was all over, I was only 17.6 mph on the bike.  I'd lost 2:16 of my planned race time.

T2: 1:22.  I went sockless for the run, and used "hickies" in my shoes to avoid having to lace them up.  I was curious to see how they would feel.

Run:  I needed to be under 30 minutes.  Much like the bike, it took me a few minutes to find rhythm, but, I booked a 9:32 mile 1, and felt good.  9:33 for mile 2.  I slowed to a 9:58 for mile 3, as it was getting hot.  It was looking like I might miss my 1:10 race goal.  I pushed the pace down the stretch and finished the run in 29:46.  Total race time:  1:10:38.  Not bad. What  I lost on the bike, I'd made up in transitions, and on the run.

My time was only good for 4th in my AG, and, it appeared, based on results, that there were some fast folks out there.  I was 32 of 91 overall.

Not a bad day.  I need to continue to work on my cycling,  My run speed will improve throughout the summer.

I suspect I'll be back for this race in '17.

2016 Trinity 5000 Summer Series Week 4

6.23.16

week 4.

I've really enjoyed the time Griffin and I get every week for this event.  The little guy is hooked.

We arrived to temps in the mid 90's.

Griffin wanted me to run the 1k with him, so I did.  It was a good warm up for the 5k.

I felt heavy legged and tired at the start of the 5k, and knew it might be a slow night.  I posted a slow 8:58 mile 1.  That would have been fine had I sped up for miles 2 and 3, but...not so much.  Just after the turn I saw Griffin.  The little guy looked strong and was having a great run.  I posted an embarrassingly slow 9:15 for mile 2.  at about 2.25, I began to gain on Duane and Jason, both running clydesdale.  I passed Jason, but, couldn't catch Duane.  I took 2nd in the Clydesdale group for the 2nd straight week.

I headed back to get Griffin and found him running at a good pace.  He finished strong and set a new 5k PR at 34:26.  A great run!!

Griffin:
week 1:  37:31
week 2:  47:16
week 3:  42:27

Week 4:  34:26

Derek:
week 1:  27:40
week 2:  27:24
week 3:  27:34

week 4:  27:42
We stuck around and socialized until the fireworks at 9:30.  Griffin is making some friends at the race series.  Fun night. 

FWRC Three Amigos 4 Miler 2016

6.19.16

take 3.

Griffin agreed to run this one with me today, as it would be a good day to begin Fathers Day.  It would be his longest race to date, and, on a new course.

We were up and out the door by a little after 7 to allow for us to pick up race bibs, stretch, etc, before the 8 a.m. start time.  We visited with several of our running buddies prior to the race.  HB told us he would get a photo of us running together early in the race.  This would likely be a good thing, as it would keep either of us from starting too fast.

When the horn blew, we were off.  Griffin and I ran together for the 1st 1/4 mile or so.  HB captured this photo:

Soon after this photo, Griffin and I split off, as per usual.

As for me, I ran my 1st mile in 9:03, and felt pretty good.  Especially after riding 50 miles yesterday. My goal was to come in under 36 minutes.  I slowed slightly for mile 2, booking a 9:20.  It was getting hot and I found myself settling into a pace that was too slow.  Miles 3 and 4 were 9:08 and 9:12.  36:18 total.  I missed my goal time, but, not a bad day.

After I finished, I went back to the route to look for Griffin, but, didn't see him.  I started to get a bit concerned, as this was his longest race to date, and, he didn't know the course well.  I turned around just as he was finishing up...in 47:17!  He killed it!  less than 12 minute miles for the little guy!!

We hung around for a bit and visited with friends.  A great way to start fathers day!

Tour d'Italia 2016

6.18.16

the 2.

I didn't like this ride much last year, and, debated whether or not I would return.  However, in an attempt to continue the increase in saddle time, I was up early today on way way to Italy...Texas.

I left the house at 6, hoping to arrive just after 7 for a 8 a.m. start.  No problems getting there until we got near the high school.  The line of cars was long.  Once we were able to get to he HS, we were routed into fields for parking.  The field I was in had not been mowed and the long grass / weeds were wet.  Seems like a miss on the ride organizers part to not mow.

I picked up my packet, prepped the bike, and jumped in the back of the line waiting for the ride to start.  I arrived too late to get to the front of the line, so, I would have to wait.

We rolled slowly to the start, and, finally, we were off.  The 1st couple of  miles were congested.  It was hard to build any speed.  Finally I found some room to ride, and, began to push the pace a bit.  The bike was rolling great.  I stopped at the 1st rest stop, as I had not eaten yet. After some fruit and gatorade, I was off again.

I spent more time in the aero bars today, and, felt far more comfortable.   The route was fair, the surfaces were ok, and, overall, it was a good day.  I stopped at rest stops at miles 10, 30, 40.  A total of 30 minutes worth of stops.  I'm getting stronger and more comfortable on the bike.

I'd decided early to ride only the 50 miler (rather than the 63), as I wanted to get home at a decent hour, and, 50 would be plenty.  I'll get back to longer distances soon.

Good day...

2016 Trinity 5000 Summer Series Week 3

6.16.16

The streak continues.  Griffin and I were out the door tonight a little after 6:30 for week number 3.

I was feeling tired and achy this afternoon, and was not feeling much like running.   As a matter of fact, I skipped my afternoon swim.  I was hoping  I would find a little energy for the 5k.  The temps were in the mid 90's, and felt hot.  However the humidity seemed to be lower than it has been over the past several days.

After a short warm up, we moved towards the start of the pack, and took off when the race started.  Griffin got out way too fast, and, but about .1 mile, was slowing drastically.  I ran a 8:29 mile 1, and felt decent.  We were running into a headwind, so, I hoped I would benefit from the tailwind on the way back.  I felt good through the turnaround, but, was slowing.  I saw Griffin not too long after the turn.  He seemed to be doing a little better than last week.   I found myself pacing with a woman that was running a 9 minute pace.  I should have passed her and pushed a little harder.  9 minutes even for mile 2.  8:57 for mile 3.  27:34 total time.  About the same as the last 2 weeks.  I'm simply not improving yet.

I took 2nd in Clydesdale, behind George.  I'm hoping to get into the 26's or lower in the next few weeks, and, drop enough weight to no longer qualify for clydesdale.

My overall training has improved the past 2 weeks.  Hopefully I'll see some results soon.

Like last week, I walked back to find Griffin and finished up with him.  He was about 5 minutes better than last week.   I appreciate his persistence and commitment.

Griffin:
week 1:  37:31
week 2:  47:16
week 3:  42:27

Derek: 
week 1:  27:40
week 2:  27:24
week 3:  27:34

Collin Classic 2016

6.11.16

year #4 from me for this one.  Previous ride reports here:

2013: http://riderunrepeat.blogspot.com/2013/06/collin-classic.html
2014: http://riderunrepeat.blogspot.com/2014/06/collin-classic-2014.html
2015: http://riderunrepeat.blogspot.com/2015/06/collin-classic-2015.html

Hider introduced me to this event in 2013, and, every year, we return.  This ride, in its 25th year, draws almost 3000 riders each year.

While the ride had been staged in Mckinney the last few years, it was moved to Plano this year, and would start and end at Oak Point Park.  I was curious to see how the new venue and route would work out.

After all of the repairs and upgrades to my new bike, I was eager to see how it would do on a long ride.

I struggled with insomnia let night, and was awake a 3.  I hung around the house until about 6 and headed to Plano to prep and make the 8 a.m. start time.  I hd no trouble connecting with Hider, picking up my packet, and prepping the bike before start time.  We headed to the 62 mile start and waited.  The 1st wave of riders were sent.  The police stopped us just before the start line in order to let the cars go through the intersection.  Hider and I would be at the front of the 2nd wave.    We took off and immediately I lost a water bottle.  I stopped and went back for it, putting me way behind the pack.  I wouldn't see Hider again until the end.

The 1st 10 miles were dicey.  There were several vertical seams in the roads and lots of potholes.  I saw 2 significant crashes early on.  While bad roads are difficult to avoid, there were no markings to identify trouble spots.  Shame on you, ride organizers.

Things improved after 10 miles or so, the pack thinned out and the roads seemed to be a little better.  I was able to build up some speed miles 10-25.  The route took us east for about 22 miles and then began a big 18 mile loop, putting us back on the original roads to head back to the start line.

The portion over Lake Levon dam was fast and long.  I made a stop at the 15.5 mile rest stop for some nutrition and headed back out.  Just after leaving, I went over a lip on a bridge and launched both of my rear water bottles.  Another stop was needed to retrieve them.

The bike was rolling great, and I found myself getting aero far more than in previous rides.

As we began the loop, It seemed that around each corner there was another hill to climb.  The loop was challenging.  I stopped at the 32.5 rest stop, fueled up, and headed back out.

The temps were heating up, and it was incredibly humid.  The last half of the ride would be hot.  As I was headed up a couple of hills at around mile 43,  my bike was clicking and squeaking a bit.  I hit the rest stop at 45.5 and had the mechanic take a quick look.  It seems that he chain is rubbing the front derailleur.  I'll have Brandon at Bicycles Inc take a look this week.  

I pushed the pace over the dam again, and finished up about 45 minutes later.  

While my pace was about the same as it was in Burleson a few weeks ago, I felt much better today.  I spent more time in the aero position, pushed the pace several times, and, left knowing I will get stronger over the summer.

Hider and I connected for burgers, beers, and a Journey cover band at the finish line.  Good day!  

2016 Trinity 5000 Summer Series Week 2

6.9.16

week 2.  Griffin is hooked.

temps were warmer tonight, but, humidity was low and the mud and puddles had dried up nicely since last week's run.

I learned last week that the threshold for the Clydesdale category is 200 lbs.  As long as I'm carrying too much weight, I might as well race against other big guys...so...tonight, I raced Clydesdale.  I'll continue to do do until my weight drops.

I got off to a good start and felt much better about my mile 1 pace, booking a 8:47.  I began to pass some running buddies, including Duane and Leon as I approached the turnaround.  I was hoping to see Griffin soon after the turnaround, but, he was still way back on the route.  The little guy was having a tough night.  I sped to a 8:40 mile 2 and a 8:35 mile 3.  Strava had me at 26:56, but the results show me at 27:24.  I'm sure they are incorrect.  I felt much better about my pacing and endurance this week.

After finishing, I walked back about 3/4 mile and found Griffin.  He and I walked and ran to the end.  He had a slower night than last week, posting a 47:16.  Last week he posted a 37:31.

Even with my 27:24, I improved over last week, and, was good enough to take 1st in Clydesdale.

Still lots of work to do...

week 1:  27:40
week 2:  27:24

from Griffin:  "It was fun and it took a REALLY long time.  It took me like 47 minutes.  I felt pretty good.  At least I finished.  I was 6th in my age group.  and, I got a yellow jacket sting."

Joe's Run 2016

6.4.16

3rd time for this event.

New course - starting at pavilion #1, heading south on the trail past trinity park, the food truck park, woodshed, with a turn around at about 3.6 miles.  back on the trail and, finally, back to the pavilion.  While a flatter course, there were some issues...more on that later.

I ran a 58:21 at the buffalo boogie about a month ago, and didn't feel good about it.  I hoped that I would manage my race better today.

That being said, I haven't been running constantly, and, as evidenced by my 5k performance on Thursday, I have some work to do to get back in shape.

I had a little trouble sleeping last night, and, was fighting a bit of a sour stomach this morning.  I awoke at 5 and had a couple of cups of coffee before leaving about 6:30.  The race began at 7:30.  I had no trouble finding parking and getting settled prior to race time.

I ran into several folks that I knew prior to the start, and visited for a bit before the race began.

I wanted to start slow and steady, with hopes of increasing my pace later in the race.  I ran mile 1 in 9:38.  perfect.  I realized quickly that the humidity level was high.  In checking the weather stats post race, the humidity was over 90% at race time.  yuck.

I remained relatively steady through miles 2 and 3, booking 9:55 and 9:46, respectively.  Mile 4 was a bit slower as I walked up an incline, and I ran my only 10 min mile of the day at 10:04.  We merged with the 5k "runners" at about 4.5 miles, and, that was a trainwreck.  lots of casual walkers strolling 4 and 5 wide on the trail.  Poor route planning...

I sped up slightly for miles 5 and 6, booking 9:55 and 9:48.  I was beginning to realize that I would be north of 1 hour  for the 1st time in years in a 10k.  While the race was managed fairly well, my pace was too slow throughout.  I pushed a little for the .2, but, it was too late to save the race.

Final time:  1:01:21.  yuck.

The afterparty was lame, which is a shame, as, historically, it has been good.  The decision to move the location and reroute the course was a poor one, in my opinion.  I'll have to think about whether or not I do this one again.

7 of 10 in my AG, 56 of 84 for males, and, 95 of 194 overall.  MEH.

2016 Trinity 5000 Summer Series Week 1

6.2.16

I'm back. 

This race series was important for my training last year, and led to a series of PR's at various distances, as it forced me into some speed work each week. 

I met several new racing fiends last year, and, overall, really enjoyed the Thursday night outings.  

I've been running far less over the past few months, but, had a decent 5k a few weeks ago.  

We have experienced significant rainfall over the past several days, and today was no different. 

I've had a decent week of training, with a long bike rally on Saturday, swims on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and, a run on Wednesday.   My legs are not yet used to the increased training, thus, I felt a little heavy legged this afternoon.  

Griffin was adamant about running the 5k, and, after some convincing, I allowed it.  

We arrived to the race site at about 6:50 and got griffin registered.  He and I talked about safety and course etiquette.  He seemed ready to go.  I saw some of the "usuals" before the race, and visited briefly.   

I hoped to run in the low to mid 8's.  I knew that. The lack of running and sloppy conditions could lead to a slower time.  

I got out to a decent start, and, even though I was dodging puddles and people, ran a 8:12 mile one. I was not sure I could maintain the pace, and, sure enough, slowed to a 8:41 for mile 2.  I saw Griffin shortly after the turnaround and gave him a high five. He was doing great.  I slowed again slightly for mile 3 and booked a 8:52. My stamina is simply not there yet.  That will improve as the series progresses.  Final time: 27:45. Pretty slow, and, 15 seconds slower than my 1st Trinity 5000 last year. Per Strava, I ran an additional .1 miles.  5 of 6 in my AG.  Lots of work to do to get back to my 2015 form.

Griffin finished in 37:31. I'm proud of the little guy!

per Griffin:

"I started off running...jogging a little.  And then I had a few walk breaks.  And then I saw my friend about to be around the cone, and then he started beating me.  I had a few more walk breaks.  And then my friend was running by the finish line.  And then I finished strong and got to the finish line."

We will be back next week with hopes of improving.