Swim
Comments: I am not a good at OWS. I am putting it in writing. Pool, yes, OWS, average at best. I can't seem to find the zen. I lost all confidence within 50 yards and started to fall behind the leaders. I almost stopped (like the last 2 years). I focused and kept going. The sun was very bright at the end. I lost some time trying to get out. I misjudged it and was still in too deep of water, so I had to swim a few more strokes and get out. I ran like a bat out of hell to T1. What would you do differently?: It seems at least the first race of every year is rough. I have been slacking on the swimming this year and it showed up. I need to not take it for granted as a OLY distance swim is going to show the "emperor has no clothes". Transition 1
Comments: 3rd fastest in AG and 4th fastest in the 40s. Transitions continue to be a strength, which is funny because I have NEVER practiced them. I forgot my rubber bands so I did not mount my shoes. Since I was middle rack, I was slow getting out to the bike mount. What would you do differently?: I could have taken 10 second or more off with shoes mounted on the bike. I am going to buy a package of rubber bands and put them in my race bag! Bike
Comments: I was so pumped up over rockin the bike to hold off Slayer that I over cooked the bike. I was making good time until mile 8. The legs revolted up a hill and I was not so good for the last 5. I still was moving, but I hit some hills and slowed down way too much. I yo-yo'ed with some guys, but generally was on my own. This average was slower than last year. While the course was a little different I did not find it much different. So, i am a little frustrated with my bike split. What would you do differently?: I was missing that snap in the legs. I simply had no high end. My training has lacked consistent interval work or hill repeats. I have to put a priority into doing them in the next block of work. Transition 2
Comments: I was 5th in the AG and I did not take my feet out of the shoes! If would have pulled the feet out, I would have been the fastest. I left them in because I felt I would lose time on the road into the park by slowing down and pulling them. Otherwise, I got the bike shoes off, run shoes on, then ran with my hat and number belt. It was very smooth given the time off and no practice. What would you do differently?: I need to practice getting my feet out of the shoes while still on the bike. If i can get that down without slowing down, I can lower my T2 times. There is not excuse for not doing it. Run
Comments: This was a weird run. I basically ran 8 min pace for the first mile, 8:20 for the hilly second mile. I tried like hell to pick it up. Focused on form and picked someone out ahead and the legs simply would not give me more speed. Now for the funny part. I am headed back in and down the last hill before the climb up the dirt road. I hear this loud voice ahead. As I reach the bottom, I realize it is Slayer yelling at me...."I am coming for you...I own you..." This was not just a passing comment, but loud yelling. BAM! I picked it up and really made it hurt from that point forward. I found a little speed on the final stretch up to the line. I finished and did not feel bad. I could have held the pace for much longer. I think the increase volume in the last 4 months has built some endurance, just not speed. What would you do differently?: Lots of volume and no consistent LT or speed work. Like the other two, I need to get some serious LT work in and run more hills. I have to dump my Valley Rd. 7 miler. Also, i was able to pick it up when Slayer shamed me. Am I weak mentally when it comes to running? I think there is a factor in there. I need to spend some time on the mental side. Post race
Warm down: I did not feel bad when I was done. I hung out with ATC people and a few other friends. I stayed close to the line because I knew Slayer beat me, but I was hoping it would be close. I started to get hopeful as I waited, but I spotted him started up the hill to the line and it was over. I gave him a high 5 on the way to the line. Slayer was very good about the bet. It was fun to create a little motivation for the race and make it more interesting. He did a great race and earned the win. I owe him for kick starting the season and pushing me more than I would have otherwise done. Event comments: Love Tanner...great kick in the head to start the season. it will tell you your weak spots. I am not completely surprised my my performance. I have been in base mode for an extended time and with little intensity, I knew I would be some what flat. I was hoping I could dig a little deeper, but it was not there. Spending the day with Chris (alltom1) made me realize what a great friend I have in him. One of the best things about tri has been the new friends I have made along the way. Last updated: 2010-12-08 12:00 AM
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United States
Blue Sky Sports
72F / 22C
Sunny
Overall Rank = /
Age Group = 45-49
Age Group Rank = 13/31
This race was was dominated by the friendly bet with Slayer. I got a 5 min. handy cap. Loser buys beer and donates $20 to the organ donation fund. As the first race of the year, I normally just do Tanner to get back in the flow without care. I decided to care this year.
Woke up at 3:30 AM. Not good. Everything was packed and I headed out at 5 AM. I picked up a buddy and Chris (alltom1). We got to the park at 6:30 sharp and the place was full. Lots of pre-race energy. I ran into people all over the place. Since I have never met Slayer, I was wondering how I was going to find him before the race. I looked up and he was parked on the other side of my car! Really nice to meet him. Slayer is a good man. I love his energy and swagger. I could use a little more of what he got...
Setup transition which seems to get more and more simple with every Sprint race. The guy across for me was setting up to moving in and live in his transition area. i had to tell him to move some stuff out in order to get my bike in and have a little room for my transition mat. LOL I did not bring rubber bands again (sitting on the island at home), so I could not do the shoes in the clips. My bike was a fair distance from the bike entrance. I was a little disappointed in myself.
Swam out the far marker and back. I froze waiting for the race to start. I was shivering uncontrollably. I did figure out my leaking goggle issue from last year. I had pulled my cap down to far and an edge of the goggle was not sealing. I love those moments when you realize something that should be obvious! How many years have I been swimming?