Callaway Gardens Duathlon - DuathlonOther

I wanted to go out faster than was probably wise, figuring that the temps were nice and I was fresh. Pretty decent run on an easier course than I typically run. Could've gone faster but I was hapy with a 7:27 pace.

Nothing, strategy proved correct.

There was no chip timing on this course so the time is approximate. I had to run only about 15 feet with the and that was huge because my riding shoes are definitely not meant for running. I did fumble just a bit but that was more nerves than anything.

I need bike shoes that are more geared towards multisports.

Uphills weren't terribly bad but I attacked a couple of them wrong. The course was two laps and I rode the second lap smarter as I knew what to expect. Actually passed a few folks on the second lap was passed myself only twice on the entire ride. I was very happy with my bike portion consider the 20mph avg with all the turns.

Ride the bike course before the race so I know better what to expect.

This transition went a little rougher than the first because of fatigue I guess. Fumbled with shoes a good bit, laces mainly.

I would invest 30 seconds in some serious stretching, and stretch more while on the bike towards the end of the ride.

A friend told me I was top-20 at that point and that definintely motivated me to go out fast, maybe too fast. I elected not to stretch and attempted to go out at a sub-8:00 pace. Bad idea! Both calfs started cramping and I was already running funny 30 seconds in. I knew that wouldn't work so I walked for a few seconds and stretched. During this time I got chicked, thought I could hang but let her go. The early part of the run was very dreary. I got passed by a guy in my AG and we both gave each other motivational comments. I'm glad I got passed because he was my rabbit. I was able to hang off him for 2 miles or so and I noticed his breathing grow heavy and the hills started slowing him down. My breathing and form were under control, so I put the hammer down as best I could. Passed him with a half mile left and put some distance between us. Saw a buddy with a quarter mile left and he inspired me to sprint, kind of.

Pretty happy with the end of the second run considering how it started. Unbelieveably I had an identical time as the first run, at least I'm consistent! Next time I would consciously run slower at the beginning to get blood flowing into the legs and stretch a bit. I would take more gatorade on the run as I seemed to bonk for almost the whole thing.

The second 5K was very much like the last 3 miles of my marathon, a deathmarch! Was completely gassed and nauseous at the end. I waited about 5 minutes to get drink and food for fear of throwing it all up.


I don't know enough to know what limited my performance. I'm actually pretty damned happy with it!


I was 15th overall so I figured I had to get an AG award. NOT! The overall winner was in my age group and I finished 4th AG. Still I'm extremely pleased with the race although I wonder how faster I could be with better transitions, more training, and a little more bike speed. Great race and I'll surely be back next year!