Peasantman Steel Distance Triathlon - Half Course - Triathlon

Ehh. I havent been getting the fast swimming in and I was pretty weak out there. On the way out, the breezy chop was working against us, so I was at least hoping I'd get the benefit on the way back. But on the way back I performed pretty poorly. The wind was sort of helping, but moving me right, so I zigzagged all the way back. Plus my form was going to hell halfway through. Could use some more upper body strength.

I am definitely treating myself to a short sleeve wetsuit. With a low neckline. If IMLP is wetsuit legal, it will be worth it just for that day. Plus I really need to work on sighting without stopping. I think that after every race but never do it.

Mostly uneventful. I dont freak out in transitions any more, just keep forward motion and it seems to be getting better.

Leave the garmin on the bike until I get a short sleeve suity. I got all discombobulated trying to take the suit off with the watch on. It doesn't do me any good on the swim anyway.

As soon as the bike started i realized i was going to have technology withdrawal. The Garmin wasn't picking up cadence, hence, no power readings. After the race I saw that the magnet that picks up the Quarq fell off some time between last ride and this. That probably lead to my pushing it harder than I should have. The ride was nice and overcast the whole way, just like I like it. I started loosing some steam at about mile 40 and had less luck avoiding horse droppings (Mennonites!!!! :-))

Get stronger. As it turns out, I went too hard for my bike fitness and paid for it on the run. But wouldn't change a thing on race day. This is the pace I want to hold for IMLP so I better get right with the idea of living on the trainer over the off season.

Went smooth. I was wearing socks, so didnt get fancy for the dismount.

Nada

Well, here's where it went downhill some. I've gotten overconfident with the run and figured I should be able to go under 1:45 even with a moderately hard bike effort. I was looking forward to the run for the last 15 miles of the bike.

But as soon as I started I was in a world of pain from the left shin. I went to walk 10, run 1 almost right away. Then as the shin pain lessened, slowly increased the run ratio (11/12/13 min). By the end of the first half, the shin splint was gone and I realized i was just tired, so the best thing to do would be to keep running, slowly, till the end. With 1.5 miles left, someone came knocking at the door and i tried to hold her off. I gave up on that strategy since the heart was pumping clear outta my chest with about .8 mi to go and got passed by a 25yo young lady who was cruising. Bless her speedy heart. While she took me by a minute, while trying to hold her off, i had to pass 5-6 people that I would not have otherwise.

Keep taking it as it comes

Had a bite, cleaned up baby-wipe style and headed to my run aid station. Got to be impressed by the few, proud, brave souls toughing it out for the full 144.6. With the multi-loop course, got to meet some great racers and their peoples. It got me inspired to be serious about going long next year.


Lack of long bikes this year.


This was there first race and a good day. I've got some small comments to send to the RDs that are easy fixes but overall a great scene and they are trying to differentiate themselves in a fun way.