Race report 3/3/2012 07:30
Vitals-
Total time: 1:20:13
Swim: 750m , 17:23, avg HR 167bpm
T1: 3:02
Bike: 20km, 35:31, avgs: 201wts, 167bpm, 21.5 mph
T2: :22
Run: 5+km, 23:56, avgs: 7:22, 170bpm
How it went down-
Slight overcast in the AM and the temp as a mild 68-69 F. The first race of the day consisted of all non-draft legal participants. We stood on the shoreline and sang the National Anthem. Then we walked out about 50m into the water before the countdown of the start. 5..4..3..2..1..buzz. The group was about 60-70 and we all ran until the water level was decent enough to swim. I stayed slightly outward towards the right and focused on just getting going.
It wasn't quite so chaotic as you may have seen on tv with a Kona start. I worked on staying as comfortable as possible. However I found my head out of the water a lot for sighting and when my head was in the water, I was drinking. It's a feeling like no other that you can practice unless you just do it at a race. Hours and laps at the pool and practices in open water just doesn't fully prepare you. It was a little overwhelming and anxious. I never did find a rhythm and I don't even know if you an call what I did for ~17 mins as 'swimming.'
I was able to make it out of the water and had a long run ahead to get to transition area where I prepared for the bike.
While in the transition area, I had a difficult time getting my feet out of my wetsuit. Then, getting them into socks was another feet but eventually I managed. Next, I heard Clausen in the distance cheering me on and saying 'helmet.' Of course I kept the chin strap clipped and I fought to unclip my helmet. Bike shoes on. Helmet on. Then ourtof transition I went, pushing my bike before mounting onto the saddle.
I got into the groove quickly as the bike is my forte. I kept the cadance high and slowly picked off riders as I worked my way through the field to make up for lost time. 3 laps on the bike course and I worked to stay hydrated. I took in a gel with about 1.5 miles remaining before dismounting the bike and transitioning for the run.
This transition went by faster then the previous. However, I did run in my bike shoes to put my bike on the rack and switch into my running shoes, trade helmet for hat, and get my running on.
For the run, I stayed relaxed and didn't shoot out like a gun. Paced myself well and took on some water just after the start of the run, however I wasnt too successful with the water intake. Instead, I nearly choked as the water splashed in my face and only managing some into my month. Mental note for next time, water on the head to cool down instead of trying in the mouth and choke. The run was 2 laps, about 1.5 miles each. As I started my second lap, I was holding a good tempo but was slowly getting passed by a guy from Columbia. I decided to stay with him and have him pace me. At times, I would drift back from him just a little. He would encourage me, "come on". I stayed with him and we finished together. My mile pace dropped from a 07:35 pace for the first 2 miles down to 07:08 for the last mile. I wasn't gassed at the end but could feel that I worked hard and was a little fatigued in my legs.
Great race and then time for recovery. We grabbed some food at the participate tents and then headed to car. Onto the rollers at the parking lot inorder to flush the legs for tomorrow's half marathon. Desiree said that there were people staring and spectators watching me cool down while I was on the rollers. After about 30 minutes of cool down, we closed up shop and headed home to prepare for the next adventure in Tampa- the Gaspailla half marathon.
Thanks to all for the support at and during the race and those that were there in spirit.
Special thanks to josh for his help on transitions and the wifey for her love, support, and the PR.
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