SBR "U" (Page 88)

That's just a little over a half marathon!

Were you finding a hole in the flat tires? If you kept the tubes that is.

I know, how hard could it be right?  

I've got a buddy that is a 2:50 marathon runner (so a 4:04/km pace) that did the 25k  trail run in 1:58 (a 4:44/km pace).  That scares me a bit.  

That actually makes it sound more fun.

Alrighty, here is my Pikes Peak Ascent Race Report

You probably forgot to add an additional 3 minutes for every pound that you are overweight...LOL.

Oh gawd could you imagine the effect a statement like that in the race info would do to a bunch of type A, obsessive runners?

Let's see, I want to improve my time by 45 minutes. That's just 15 lb!

Think of the restroom problems that would create on the way up. Or maybe not.

Kept the tubes, but haven't had a chance to investigate.  Just found a tear in the sidewall, with the current tube sticking out a bit - feeling pretty lucky I didn't end up in the SAG wagon during the race.

Indeed, good thing you caught that!

Can a tear in the sidewall be repaired?  It's not big, but I assume it just won't have the strength as the rest of the tire and may be suceptible to another puncture.  Haven't looked at the 2 latex tubes, but would you repair and race on those? 

I have a tire with a sidewall tear from a few weeks ago.  It's going to be my trainer tire for the winter as I don't think I could trust it on the road.

As for the latex tubes, I tried repairing one once and while it worked, when I looked at it I could see that right around the patch the tube had stretched quite a bit and would likely have failed at some point.  I've read of people using a chunk of one latex tube to patch a hole in another one.  I might try that.

Tires with even the smallest hole in the sidewall go in the trash for me.  It's just not worth it unless you ride on flat empty bike paths.  Sidewall failures tend to result in "explosion" type flats where all the air is lost at once.  The one fear I have with a sidewalk blowout is that the tire also blows off the rim and jams in the brake caliper.  I've seen it happen, and the result is not pretty if it's your front wheel. 

Had a feeling those were going to be the responses.  That just became a very expensive race morning.

So I think I mentioned I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my third metatarsal a couple weeks ago.  When I went to to doctor, I heard, "wear the boot for two weeks, and then you'll be all fixed and will be able to start running again."  I'm pretty sure he didn't actually state that!  I went back earlier this week and he said another week in the boot (maybe two if I can't walk pain-free) and 4-5 weeks before I can start introducing running back into my training.  Obviously a big bummer.

I'm registered to race Miami 70.3 at the end of October.  If I can't even start running until the middle/end of September, even after having done a lot of aqua jogging, I'm really concerned about being able to build my run volume up in time without hurting myself again.  Racing Miami was never about "completing" -- I actually wanted to race hard and see what I'm capable of.  That's basically out the window now.

The most disappointing part is that my work schedule is going to be very unpredictable and busy from February through at least June of next year, so I won't be racing and have no idea how much time I'll have to train.  

Anyways, all that to say I'm considering finding a January race to do instead.  This time right now can be my off season, and should give me plenty of time to heal and build up again.  I was all ready to sign up for Pucon 70.3 because I've wanted to do the race for years, but could never psych myself up for a January race....turns out it's very popular and is sold out!  Going to Australia or South Africa would be prohibitively expensive, but there's a race in Panama City, Panama -- it happens to be the Pan American Pro Championship race and is still open for registration.  Has anyone done that race or heard anything about it?

Tab knows a friend of a friend that did Panama.  She doesn't know the details but didn't hear any complaints!

I did a sprint tri this morning, finished in 10th OA, 5th AG.  Swim wasn't wetsuit legal, only the second time that has happened at a race I've done around here.  Swim was just fair for me, I was swimming with the lead group of 4 when I decided to tuck in behind them and then poof, they were gone.  In about 15 seconds I went from easily swimming beside them to being unable to stay on their feet, it was really weird.

Bike went awesome, felt strong and smooth the whole way and worked my way up to 2nd by the end with the 3rd fastest split behind a pro and a KQ guy.

Then the run.  I had nothing.  I don't think I over biked as that's a different feeling in the legs.  I just had nothing to give.  Had I run what I think I should have been able to I would have finished 4th or 5th.  Gotta get that run fixed up for a HM in October.

Tomorrow a 60k bike race (if the weather cooperates) with 3500-4000 feet of elevation.    #sometimesIdodumbthings

Probably a hard case to win when you consider the cheater can claim ignorance.  I didn't know I cut the course, or I didn't know that my supplements were on the banned list.  If the cheating violation was not found in a timely manner to properly award the Kona spot, then maybe you sue the race director?  Not sure how that would turn out or if that is the desired result.

Well...from my little knowledge of the law...nothing prevents you from suing anyone for anything.

Usually the biggest hurdle though is ensuring the end result (verdict or settlement) is worth more than the legal cost as well as your personal time and effort.  How much is a KQ spot worth in the eyes of the court, and will you see a dime of it even if the ruling is in your favor?

Ok so Tab actually talked to her about it yesterday and in fact she said she wouldn't recommend it.  It was really hot (you knew that) but she also said the city was pretty dirty and gross where they ran.  The bike was pretty boring, I think she said 3 laps on a causeway?  Not sure on that.  Anyway, she said it wasn't one she would ever do again.