70.3 California - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Not a great swim for me, in terms of speed, but given the amount of swim volume I have in lately, (0), nothing to complain about here. Literally my first swim since I exited the water at IMAZ in November and my lack of training was reflected in my time.

Actually get a few practice swims in.

Once again, my volume has been pathetic on the bike of late, due mostly to an insane work schedule and the relatively cool weather here in SoCal all winter. I've only put in about 500 miles since IMAZ in November and it showed in my finish time for this ride. I was wayyyy off my best time on this course. Front half felt decent, but once we turned onto Basilone and the back half of the course, my legs just felt "flat" and "dead" once we got into the grinding rollers. Wind didn't seem too bad until a few miles before Vandegrift, at which point it became apparent that there was indeed a headwind taking away some energy, but had I put in my usual training, it would not have been a problem.

More training...

A decent run for me. Run was really the only segment where I'd put in any appreciable training volume since IMAZ, and especially given all the foot problems I've had in the last year, I can't say much negative about this run.

- lack of training


I knew coming into this race that I had no business expecting much more than a finish. Work has been crazy for me all winter (16-20 hr days) and I've been a total wuss on my bike and swim training. This was my first swim of the year, and I've put relatively little bike volume in since IMAZ...as far as run training, I kept my run training pretty consistent over the last 6 weeks or so. Given the obvious lack of preparation and targeted build for this race, I don't think I have anything to complain about here - like everything, I got out of it, what I put into it. This was really more of a long training day for me and an initial baseline to let me know what I need to focus on for IMCDA in June (everything!! :) ). I'm actually somewhat amazed that I only missed my PB (5:10:01) by 23 mins with so little training - at least I know I have enough base to carry me as a MOP AGer.

Lots of fast people at this race and an incredibly strong field on a truly honest course, which is what I love about this race.