Chisago Half Ironman (3rd ever) 7/24/11

I'm taking a new approach with the posts now, instead of just blabbing about everything I'm only including things that stuck out.

The SWIM: Wow I've never been in such a messy swim before. When I say messy I mean crazy fog with people running into each other.

The BIKE: Super windy this day, head wind and side wind. First time using Greta's race wheels, 808 front and 1080 back, lots of movement from the wind, and hard to control the bike. Also big mistake getting aero bars tightened and slightly adjusted the night before.

The RUN: Not much here, just bonking at mile 10.

Results:
1.2 swim 37:39
56 Bike 2:39 21.6 average
13.1 run 1:39 7:35 pace

Total 5:00.13 13th overall, 3rd AG.

Key Takeaway: I really well eating on the bike, two gels, half salter nut roll, bottle of Gatorade, and some PB. PB did not work out, it's too dry and wasn't very good.

Graniteman Race Report 7/9/2011

This race was a bit far away but I was excited to do yet another sprint race in between all the volume work I've been doing. My friend Amanda came with me which was nice because Gabe couldn't come to this one.

The drive there was pretty smooth, but I was feeling pretty tired. I wasn't sure if it was just the long drive or just the tiredness from the week.

When I warmed up with Amanda I told her that my legs didn't feel too fresh. I guess that's expected, but I still was hoping to do well and have some energy like I did at Minneman.

The swim was a bit different because instead of having bouys we swam from one beach to the next. I actually didn't feel too bad in the swim. And coming out of the water Amanda told me that I was about a min behind Sarah Mercer, TCMC Elite Team member.

The bike was a different story, right away when I got on I felt tired. No energy...I even took a gel and that didn't help. I was really trying to push but I just knew I was too tired and weak today. From mile 10 to 15, there was an incredible head and side wind which didn't help. Coming off the bike I was feeling pretty exhausted.

The run was a similar story. I even felt like I wanted to walk a bit. Of course I didn't, I just tried to keep at it. Finished somewhat strong with the little energy I had.

Finished 2nd overall behind Sarah, a whole 4min away.

I guess this was a good training day and I was a bit upset, but I know I've been doing a lot of training and I am trying to keep an eye on the big goal. So with that I guess I wasn't too hard on myself.

RESULTS:

1:17:16
Total
11:55 (.46 distance) 1:29 pace (fastest swim split)
41:19 (15miles) 21.9 pace
21:40 (3.1 miles) 7min pace

Key Takaways: None really here, just plain tired. Best part was the swim split, my fastest to date!

Next up: Chisago Half, hopefully more rested for that one.

Minneman Race Report 7/2/11

Fast, short, no 6 hour workout, I was excited to get some speed work in! I've also noticed the sprint in between all the volume I am doing are a nice break mentally and physically for me.

Gabe was also doing the race so we packed up pretty early and were in the car at 5:30 am to get to the race an hour before to set up and warm up.

This race was a bit different because we got our race tattoos as body markings so it was nice not to have to worry about anything besides a quick chip pick up at the race. I love it when everything is given the day before and all you have to do the day of the race is set up, figure out the bike in, out and such and then just warm up. I was feeling pretty relaxed at this race which was nice. I set out for my regular 30min warm up before the race, with a bit of knee pain. The knee pain has been nagging me for a while now about a month. Seems like the issue is that for some reason the lateral part of my quad is super tight pulling up on the patelar tendon. Essentially creating a lot of unwanted stress and discomfort in my knee.

The race was also a bit different because usually I was able to set up my bike anywhere but this race had a "special" rack for the elites. Here I was around all these disc wheels, hehe! Good times, it was very tight with both men and women elites on the same bike rack.

The swim started out pretty well except that I thought I had almost missed it and then half way into the swim my watch came off my wrist. Instead of letting the watch go, I decided to hang on to it, and fist the swim with one arm. BIG MISTAKE!!!

Transition was super long, felt like I was running forever to get to my bike. Bike went pretty well, no major stories, I felt strong.

Then came the run, I wanted to start out very fast and strong. I did just that except I think i was a bit too excited so I had to pace myself a bit. Pam Neilson I saw was in front of me and I kept her in sight the whole run. I really really wanted to catch her but she ahead enough where I just couldn't. I had one of my best runs because of the push to try to catch her! Run maped to be 3.1 miles but results said 3 miles. I'm going with 3.1 per map guide!

Finished in 4th place...happy with the run effort!
Swim (.3miles) 8:42 (1:39) (13 miles) 35:08 (22.2mph) 5K (race said 3 mile) 20:09 (6:43) pace = 1:06:48 Total

Key takeaway: Do not first and swim!

Next up Graniteman Sprint.