There were many aspects of this race that were way cool.
The expo was next to transition and there was almost anything you wanted to buy or forgot and needed to replace – short of your bike! The on site bike support was well manned.
My bike was racked next to the pros and my bike spot was at the very end of the rack– what did that mean? Easy to find – easy out.
The weather was perfect!
My wave went off after the pros. So, I was in the water at 6:55.
It was a relatively calm ocean swim.
I came of the water and looked at my watch, looked at it again and looked at it again - did I just beat my swim of last year by 10 minutes??? That’s right!
Got a long way to go in getting into a good time range, however... things are looking UP for me in then swim department!
Out of the water, nice run up the beach to transition – through the spray, wetsuit yanked off and into the tent. Took Barry’s suggestion and lost the gloves (saved time) – I ran with my shoes in hand to the bike – another time saver (not ready for shoes already on bike yet)
Would have had a better swim to bike transition if I had not had to stop pay a visit to the port-O-p--y on the run to the bike.
Then bike leg was perfect. Perfect weather – not too hot – not too cold, perfect smooth roads and absolutely NO wind!!!!! And did I mention – it is a flat course.
Kept my watts in range and had a good ride with my best time ever on the bike!
Race was going well for me up to this point!!
Then came the run.
By mile one, I had walked one aid station. By mile 2, I was amazed at how long this run already seemed. By mile 4 nothing was improving and I just had to stop thinking about how I could be anymore miserable.
Mile 5 it got real hot – maybe if I passed out for a bit – I would get a rest, but that did not happen.
Somewhere on the bridge (that was the big hill of the race) I had a bout of walking – and really... that did not feel any better than the running – I was in the ultimate dammed if I do – dammed if I don’t – but I guess I was more dammed if I didn’t -- so started to run again.
Made it back to the turnaround and started out for the second loop. I was feeling somewhat better – probably because I only had one more loop of utter misery!
At about mile 8, I thought – CAFFINE... maybe some coke -- that was really appealing. Half cup of coke – and by mile 9 I was starting to come into the race!
Last 4 miles... much better than the previous 9 – but, not on fire, that was for sure.
Finally got close to the finish line... music blasting, you know what it is like coming into the finish line... it is like going to heaven!!! And ... depending on how much you have suffered – the streets can be line with GOLD!!!
I looked at my watch about 200 yards before the finish line and I was headed for a personal record on any 70.3 race I had done!
I could not believe it!!!!
The streets were lined with GOLD!!! A perfect end to the season!
Life is GOOOOOD!
More here
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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