Wildflower Triathlon - Long Course - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The swim at WF is awesome. Very straight forward affair, but I heard from several folks that thought the swim was a bit long? Hmmm...

I had a great swim. Any time I can finish in the top 20% in my AG...I am STOKED! I went out fast...settled in, and got into a nice cadence on my stroke. As usual, the swim was the easiest part of the day...

I came out of the swim in 19th place, so I had some work to do to move up in the field

I moved quick through transition and had no issues at all.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/paso-robles/65312413...


Entire workout (189 watts):
Duration: 2:50:15
Work: 1926 kJ
TSS: 251.9 (intensity factor 0.942)
Norm Power: 207
VI: 1.1
Pw:HR: 6.14%
Pa:HR: 7.69%
Distance: 55.43 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 555 189 watts
Heart Rate: 117 170 158 bpm
Cadence: 38 191 86 rpm
Speed: 3.7 47.2 19.5 mph
Pace 1:16 16:06 3:05 min/mi
Crank Torque: 0 591 191 lb-in

I had a great ride, and felt that I spun up the hills to save my legs for the run, yet I still put in a heck of an effort..

My bike moved me up significantly in the ranks, but I was not sure how much, so I knew I needed to hammer the run to get on the podium

Nice and quick...got to running although I would have been ok with a nap

Weather was great (although still hot when you are working hard). I "did not" charge the hills like I did last year. This worked great and I started passing guys in my AG. I must have passed at least 4 guys on the run, and I thought I might be in first place. I was energized by the sheer number of people I was passing, and I was getting positive comments from other triathletes and spectators. I caught up with my training partner "Scooter", and he encouraged me all the more. He had a great day as well, I am proud as hell of him.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/4587562

This was my 2nd WF, and it was one of the best race experiences I have ever had. A lot of that had to do with the fact that my cousin Cory flew in from Minnesota to participate in his first ever 1/2 iron distance race. He is an amazing endurance athlete, and at age 57 was able to handle WF/no problem! He did his first ever wetsuit swim. He used my sons road bike. He may have set the record for the longest EVER T1/T2 times though! We had a blast!

As for me, I came in 3rd here last year, and I was able to knock 8' off last years time. A 5h7' WF is no small feat, and I am thrilled at how I executed my race in all aspects. We are all so blessed to be able to do these events, and we should be thankful every day for the gift of health and fitness, no matter what level we may be at!


Peace

Out

LAR DOG