Didn't go out too hard, but kept the leaders at a distance I felt I could bridge on the bike. Schubert was leading the race and absolutely flying. He had a gap on a group of a few runners and then I was about 10-15 seconds back of them.

Nothing.

Not much to say... got in and got out without any problems.

Nothing

Got on the bike and my HR was hovering in the low 170's. Passed some people and got into a rhythm, and let it come down some. Nearing the end of the first lap, both of my calves cramped something fierce. No idea why, but if felt like knives being stuck in them. I was seated the entire race so I got outta the saddle for a second and tried to pump through 'em. Didn't work. Reached down with my hand and shook the piss out of them. Here's where things went awry. Just as I did that I hit some major potholes and the lid to my aero helmet flew off (Spiuk). I just let it go. I thought if it gets crushed I got the same one at home in a different color. Just kept my fingers crossed that a ref would'nt see me and DQ. But seriously it was a mechanical failure. At this point I was getting angry and pushed the pace harder. My second lap was faster and my HR was about 5 beats higher than the first. Talking to Kevin Weed after the race, he claimed I put a massive surge in, but I felt like I just lifted the pace a little. I was also trying to shake another rider who'd been behind me for a little too long.

Not cramp and race the whole race with an intact helmet.

Same as the first.

Nothing

This next statement will describe every run leg of every duathlon I've ever completed. JUST HANG ON!!! Charged outta T2 and I thought I saw Uli Bromme . Running down the trail and came up behind her (turns out it wasn't her, but another female elite). Went around and put in a decent effort just in case there was any guys from my wave behind. Kept checking my six to see if I could get a glimpse, but there was no one back there. Focused on a fast powerful cadence and kept it there until the hills leading back into the parking area. Wanted to ease up so bad, but I knew if I did someone would be on me quick. Turns out I had over a minute gap to 3rd place. Makes me happy that I was able to dig though.

Nothing.

Went out and jogged for about 10 minutes while drinking an Ultragen.


Running hard off the bike. But that always gets me in the pre-season.


Racing Underground always puts on a good race. I didn't do this last year, so I was happy be out there again in excellent Colorado weather.