Minneapolis Duathlon - Duathlon

Fast guys took off right away, and I tried to pace myself and not get too ambitious. At turn #2 I picked up speed down the hill, and blew past a few people who were taking it easy.

Listen to music before the start of the event to get pumped up..
I ended up with the "Double Rainbow" remix song going through my head most of the run. Blah!!

Very pleased with myself on my T1 transition.
Having practiced the T1 multiple times the evening before, I discovered some great tips that made me more comfortable (Physically and Mentally) for the race. Adjusted seat and rubber-banded my Right foot forward - not left.

Use a brighter colored towel to mark my bike. I stopped too early when I saw someone else with a yellow bike and white towel.

I used my new aerobars and noticed a big increase in speed on the flats. Did well on the downhill and passed a good number more people than last year, but lost a lot of my speed when I came to the hills.. smaller bikers would pass me with what seemed like no issues at all..
As a big guy, maybe it's something I'll have to live with.

Got pretty warm, so poured water down my neck and over my head. It caused problems later with shirt rub. Might avoid a wet chest.. ouchie.

Pretty pleased with this transition too.


Slowed down and removed feet from shoes far too soon.
Was a good amount of stretch time and for heart rate to relax.. There was a small backup at the bike-in area, so had to wait a couple seconds to enter transition.

Didn't expect to run that far on rough asphalt. My feet are sore two days later. I should walk around barefoot more and build up calluses next summer.

There was a chain fence hanging in the parking lot. Guessing the faster guys went under it, instead of around.

Had a hard time staying cool.

Legs were doing remarkably well, but side cramps and not getting enough oxygen were my biggest problems. Darn Asthma..
I slowed to walk in the shade 2-3 times, for ~ 20 seconds..
Just got too hot. Would have tied ovearall with my wife had I not walked.. just ran out of steam..

Ice bandanna?

had a decent kick across the finish line.. I was kinda wobbily, so had a little walk and a little sit-down for a bit.


Heat and lungs (Asthma) were my biggest limiting factors.



Great race!! Was a little confusing at first as there were multiple events - Duathlon/Fun/Time Trial going on at the same time, but volunteers and staff did a great job and directions and course marking were really clear!
I am really glad that the course was altered - I preferred the run course this year.