Dave Parcells Madison Triathlon - Duathlon


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Dave Parcells Madison Triathlon, Connecticut
United States
Madison Jaycees
82F / 28C
Precipitation
Total Time = 1h 20m 26s
Overall Rank = 138/272
Age Group = M45-49
Age Group Rank = 17/24
Pre-race routine:

Had the night mare about missing my start time. Woke up VERY ubruptly and agitated, but then I realized it was dur to the lightning. Woke up right on time the second time, had my coffee and granola and drove down to Madison. On the way, it was pouring rain and some lightening. I had no idea what kind of race we'd have. The flyer said that they could modify the style or even cancel w/o rescheduling or refunds, but I've DNS'ed two times already this year. Weather wasn't an excuse. As I drove in, the greeter at the parking lot explained they went to a duo format and cancelled the swim. I was disappointed, but fully understood the reasoning since they made the call while it was stormy.
Event warmup:

Re-arranged my transition "boxes" (rubbermaid containers) since I only needed T1 and would start the race wearing my T2 stuff. Got a great end spot right near the exit. Jogged a bit; stretched a lot and chatted while waiting for my wave (W2).
Run
  • 07m 54s
  • 1.5 miles
  • 05m 16s  min/mile
Comments:

I went a bit quick, but realized that I probably shouldn't lay back. I knew the expendature might catch up with me, but still, I'd go all out if I were swimmng, right? So, I was pretty stoked with this.
What would you do differently?:

Not much. Swim would be better, but that wasn't my decision.
Transition 1
  • 01m 13s
Comments:

Not too bad using the big rubbermaid box. I actually took my shoes out and put the helmet on. That way, after pulling off the running shoes, I could step inside the box where it was dry and swap for cycling shoes w/o soaking my feet on the muddy wet grass!
What would you do differently?:

Not much. I loved having the box to use.
Bike
  • 41m 15s
  • 15 miles
  • 21.82 mile/hr
Comments:

I felt great out there. Two big obstacles though:
1.) Some woman out for her S-BUX or something decided she didn't need to listen to the volunteers and "hit" a rider. I'm not sure if he went down, but she was irate that she needed to wait at an intersection and from what I could tell, decided to proceed anyway. I had to come to a full stop to get through it (it had just happened) and waited about a minute after realizing the rider was OK and the volunteers would get it straightened out.
2.) With about 3 miles to go, the rian opened up with one huge downpour. The kind that stings while you ride. Not a huge deal because with the overnight rain, the course (and me) were already wet.
What would you do differently?:

Not much: I'm not a fan of this bike course (long gradual hills and choppy turns), but it's not up to me to change it either. Suck it up buttercup!
Transition 2
  • 00m 59s
Comments:

Again with the box idea. Take running shoes out, peel 1 cycling shoe off, step in the box and replace. Repeat w/ second foot. I guess my sockes were already wet, but still, I didn't completely immerse them in the freshly moistened grass either. Grab the number belt, a drink on the way out and hit it.
What would you do differently?:

Not much.
Run
  • 28m 35s
  • 3 miles
  • 09m 32s  min/mile
Comments:

It was really hot by this time. The humidity was near 100% and it was misty on the verge of tropical storm Hanna. I'm pretty happy considering how my running has taken most of the brunt of this season's setbacks. I'll take it.
What would you do differently?:

Maybe try to learn pacing better. I have been going on RPE and don't know miles versus time except for how I'm feeling. I could do with some analytical training here.
Post race
Warm down:

Rinse with a water bottle and towel down. Clean up transition, go read results and socialize fro a bit. I didn't stay for awards instead option to go shop road bikes.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

All the training setbacks I encountered.

Event comments:

I now realize duo's aren't nrealy as good for my style as are tri's. Since my strong suits are biking followed by swimming and I'm a lousy runner, I'm not set up to do well in the duo format.

Race results at: http://www.plattsys.com/results/res2008/madtri.htm




Last updated: 2008-09-07 12:00 AM
Running
00:07:54 | 01.5 miles | 05m 16s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/24
Overall: 226/272
Performance: Good
Course: Winding out and around the soccer and football practice field on the adjacent propoerty. Very flat, but through very soggy grass. No way this was 1.5; likely only 1 mile. One guy did a 4:59 aking Usain Bolt jealous if that was really his pace.
Keeping cool Drinking
T1
Time: 01:13
Overall: Good
Run with bike? Good
Jump on bike? Average
Getting up to speed and into shoes: Average
Biking
00:41:15 | 15 miles | 21.82 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/24
Overall: 108/272
Performance: Good
Wind: Little
Course: Lots of choppy turns at the beginning and end. Longer stretches of open road through most of the course north of I-95. Uphill on the way out and downhill on the way in.
Road: Smooth Wet Cadence:
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 00:59
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:28:35 | 03 miles | 09m 32s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/24
Overall: 197/272
Performance: Average
Course: Out and back paralleling the bike course for the first and last 3/4 mile. Flat, along the waterfront and pretty nice calm area. One section where you have outgoing and incoming runners along with cyclists is a bit dicey, but the volunteers set up human traffic lanes to keep it segregated.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 3
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 3