Oceanside 70.3 was my 1st race of this season, the 1st since Ironman Arizona. I didn't take a very long break after IM, but definitely approached the winter training conservatively. I think Cliff was careful not to overdue things too early, make it through the winter healthy and ready for a long season. That said, I went into our big camp in Tucson with Cliff, and had a very good camp. It definitely made me feel better about racing this early. In addition, Jesse Kropelnicki of QT2 systems, had me do some careful weight loss during this off season, trying to lose a little mass. It definitely seemed to work, as my weight is down from traditional early season, and some mass in my arms and chest seem to be smaller. That said, there's still weight to lose, and I could have gone into this race lighter than I was.
Never sure what to expect from the 1st race, which is generally a disaster each year, this was a more solid outing. Starting the swim far right, with only Andy Potts, Matt Reed, and myself, I had a great start and a chance to get into a rhythm without fighting it out with the rest of the guys. That said, as I moved into the pack, which I thought had thinned out, was still too crowded and hadn't broken up. I got in a pack that I really was trying to be ahead of, but at some point you just find a set of feet and ride it in. Pretty uneventful and tried to get into transition aggressively, something I didn't do great last year.
Solid, but not blazing transition, and then onto the bike. This was the big problem of the race, the 1st 10-15 minutes of the bike. I had 3 (or more) guys that made it into the main pack on the bike (Mcdonald, Thompson, Kilshaw) all with me at the beginning of the bike. And I just couldn't go. It's a feeling I've experienced before, and it's extremely frustrating. The legs just won't go. That said, it's something I can work on and improve. I just haven't been doing any quick swim to hard bike transitions, but it's time.
In the pro race, things like this completely change the race. I can put together a solid, decent effort, and do OK. but to get in the money, to really put yourself up there, you have to be w/the leaders.
A few other groups of guys went past, and I was pretty frustrated. With that, my bento-style nutrition was flopping around, and seriously messing up my riding. I had to soft pedal, sit up, pull off the velcro, and toss it. Not acceptable, I tried something I'm used to, but not on this bike. All wasting time. I got in with a few other riders, and tried to make the best of the situaton. Karl Bordine (strong cyclist) came by, and I went with him. Got dropped on the hilly section, and was later caught by my training partner Chris Bagg. We rode the rest of the ride together, and seemed to close in on a few guys coming into transition 2.
At this point, I was pretty frustrated, but thought that if I could put together a solid run, I could gain something from the day. Legs felt pretty off, and I didn't think I "had it", but looking at my Garmin, it had me averaging just under 6 min miles, so I knew it wasn't that bad. Got passed by Chris Bagg, but seemed to be able to match pace with him after that. Passed a few guys, ran 1:19, and finished 24th OA. Met the base requirements of being a male pro (not getting beat by any females or amateurs), but even with a big pro field (51 men)...that result is just not good enough.
It's early, the 1st race, etc...but I have a higher expectation level for myself, and I feel like a better result at this point was possible. But it is a race, it was an honest effort, and it's something to start from.
Support... I'm really appreciative of all the support I have, and I definitely owe it to you all to keep improving. My whole team at Athletes Lounge, having the comfort of being able to race and train like this, while they make this vision we had for our shop a reality. Sean at Quietly Fierce, who is unbelievably supportive and in my corner, thanks for all your hard work on a very busy weekend. Everyone at Blue Seventy, the wetsuit and race kit were great, and Mike got me a new pair of Nero goggles for the race (I lost mine en route). Brian, Brooke, Pete, the whole crew at Rolf. They sent me a set of 58's to use until my new race wheels are ready. They go out of their way to be helpful and supportive, and the wheels are great. Loved the helmet, glasses, and travel bag from Rudy Project, everything worked flawlessly. And thanks for the continued support from Justin and Scott at Ameriprise Financial.
Thanks for reading...
No comments:
Post a Comment