1 week removed from RNR NOLA...
While I always like kicking off the multisport season, this was likely a poor decision, as I will still feeling the effects of the marathon, and, I had not been on the bike since November. Additionally, I'd had my bike fitting just a few weeks prior, and, had yet to ride it after the adjustments.
But, I never claimed to be smart.
I had several friends racing in those one, including Jan, who I talked into participating just 1 day before the race.
I've raced on this course 7 times before, and, knew exactly what to expect:
- Small Field
- Some CRAZY fast athletes
- a windy bike course
Other than some right knee pain (residual from NOLA), I thought my runs would be ok and I would struggle on the bike.
Run 1:
I got off to a good, fast start, and was pacing sub 8 for the 1st 1/4 mile. But, as we made the tun on the practice track, we hit a brutal headwind. I scaled back a little, but, felt good on the run, 8:17, 8:28 per Strava. 17:03 per results. My fastest 2 mile run on this course in 13 attempts.
T1: Uneventful. 1:23
Bike:
heading out of the infield thru the tunnel was frustrating, as cyclists were struggling up the hill and riding 2 wide. I finally passed and hit the 5 mile loop for the 1st of 3 loops. I knew Ii'd be nowhere near my 18.7 mph pace from November's Du, but, wanted to push hard on the bike. As I made the turn to head down the southbound stretch, I could feel the big wind pushing me...it wouldn't last. As the course turned back west, and north, the headwind was brutal. Lap 1: 18:09 (16.5 mph). I was getting warmed up, but, the wind was brutal. Lap 2 was a little better at 17:21 (17.3 mph). Lap 3 was going "okay" until just after the last hill. My right calf locked up with a cramp, causing me to dismount the bike and stretch. Not good. I've never had that in a race setting before. I lost a minute or so before I was able to continue. Lap 3: 19:04 (15.7 mph). Overall, Strava had me 16.2 miles at 16.9 mph. meh.
T2: 1:29. too slow. I was stiff getting off the bike, and, my cap had blown away due to the wind. I tracked it down before heading out for the run.
Run 2:
I finally loosened up a bit. I booked a mediocre 9:15 1st mile, but, was able to speed up to 9:03 for mile 2.
Total Time: 1:36:36. Slow.
11.2013: 1:40:28
02.2014: 1:37:03
11.2014: 1:44:500
2.2015: 1:39:23
11.2015 (USAT Long Course Du)
02.2016: 1:35:57
11.2016: 1:31:20
02.2017: 1:36:36
The best part of the day...all the racing friends that raced or spectated that day. It feels great to be a part of a supportive community of endurance athletes.
I've got some work to do on the bike to get ready for the season...
