Planned: Actual:
Swim: 26 minutes 27 minutes
Bike: 2:16 2:15
Run: 1:25 1:25
Total: 4:10:30 4:10:30
Swim: 26 minutes 27 minutes
Bike: 2:16 2:15
Run: 1:25 1:25
Total: 4:10:30 4:10:30
Breakfast – cliff bar, PB, pedialyte, FRS, banana (~550 cals)
Pre-race – powerbar, gu (~320)
Bike – 4 bottles 2 gu brew/2 water/some Gatorade endurance; 4 gu’s, 1 powerbar (~930)
Run – 3-4 gu’s and 1 bottle of GU brew w/water at each aid station (~500)
Post race – veggie burger with pickles (LOTS of pickles), tecate beer, and blue bell ice cream (who knows)
Pre-race – powerbar, gu (~320)
Bike – 4 bottles 2 gu brew/2 water/some Gatorade endurance; 4 gu’s, 1 powerbar (~930)
Run – 3-4 gu’s and 1 bottle of GU brew w/water at each aid station (~500)
Post race – veggie burger with pickles (LOTS of pickles), tecate beer, and blue bell ice cream (who knows)
Race
Warm Up – This is why sometimes you need someone with you in the mornings. As I was getting ready to hop in the water for the swim warm up I realized that I was still wearing my wedding ring. I ran up to where the morning drop bag station was only to discover that they had taken my bag! So I asked one of the volunteers to please take my ring and put it with my bag. I had no idea if I would ever see my ring again, but the volunteer guaranteed me that he would find my bag. Sure enough, I could hardly believe it, but after the race I found my ring in my bag! What an amazing volunteer. Note to self: take off ring the night before.
Swim: There is nothing more intimidating than getting ready to start your first pro race when the announcer comes on and starts listing off some of the star athletes, which included the 70.3 World Champion, the WTC European Champion, the past winner of the Longhorn 70.3 race. Way to get the nerves going. Well, there was no avoiding the start, but it was actually a surprisingly clean start. I think it quickly split into 2 swim groups, and after the first turn, it split into 3. I found myself right in the middle of the third group, and stayed there until we finished.
T1: My legs felt like bricks were attached to them as I tried to run up the hill to T1. Luckily I was able to quickly strip out of the wetsuit and hop on the bike, gaining two spots in transition.
Bike: Right from the get go, it was fast. My legs still felt like they had some cobwebs in them, and I was having a hard time finding my rhythm. At mile 10, a group of riders bunched up and we rode in a semi-group ride for the next 40 miles. I don’t know if it’s always like this for a pro race, but I was a little shocked at how close some of the guys were riding.
T2: Uneventful
Run: I had my race plan in my head, and I was determined to nail it. The first loop, it was hard to hold back and not attempt to chase down the two runners 30 ft ahead of me. I gained confidence when at mile 3 I realized that they were not pulling away from me, and by the 4th mile I had passed one. As I came back to T2, the crowds and the cooler breeze refreshed and energized me. The second loop felt good as well, and I passed the second runner, but I also got passed by another runner. The third loop was where it got tough. I was tired of eating Gu’s, sick of my drink. All I wanted was to hold my pace and finish. I could feel my legs wanting to cramp up, but I kept pushing.
Finish: The finish for the race is so unique as it is in a stadium full of people. It was one of the most amazing experiences to hear the announcer shout my name as I crossed the line stating that I was 8th overall and the 2nd American to finish the race (later I found I was 9th and 3rd American to finish, but still). Afterwards I went to medical for some ice bags and then a massage to help with the cramps. Followed by a veggie burger w/pickles, coke, chips, and ice cream! Yumm. Makes it all worth it.
Warm Up – This is why sometimes you need someone with you in the mornings. As I was getting ready to hop in the water for the swim warm up I realized that I was still wearing my wedding ring. I ran up to where the morning drop bag station was only to discover that they had taken my bag! So I asked one of the volunteers to please take my ring and put it with my bag. I had no idea if I would ever see my ring again, but the volunteer guaranteed me that he would find my bag. Sure enough, I could hardly believe it, but after the race I found my ring in my bag! What an amazing volunteer. Note to self: take off ring the night before.
Swim: There is nothing more intimidating than getting ready to start your first pro race when the announcer comes on and starts listing off some of the star athletes, which included the 70.3 World Champion, the WTC European Champion, the past winner of the Longhorn 70.3 race. Way to get the nerves going. Well, there was no avoiding the start, but it was actually a surprisingly clean start. I think it quickly split into 2 swim groups, and after the first turn, it split into 3. I found myself right in the middle of the third group, and stayed there until we finished.
T1: My legs felt like bricks were attached to them as I tried to run up the hill to T1. Luckily I was able to quickly strip out of the wetsuit and hop on the bike, gaining two spots in transition.
Bike: Right from the get go, it was fast. My legs still felt like they had some cobwebs in them, and I was having a hard time finding my rhythm. At mile 10, a group of riders bunched up and we rode in a semi-group ride for the next 40 miles. I don’t know if it’s always like this for a pro race, but I was a little shocked at how close some of the guys were riding.
T2: Uneventful
Run: I had my race plan in my head, and I was determined to nail it. The first loop, it was hard to hold back and not attempt to chase down the two runners 30 ft ahead of me. I gained confidence when at mile 3 I realized that they were not pulling away from me, and by the 4th mile I had passed one. As I came back to T2, the crowds and the cooler breeze refreshed and energized me. The second loop felt good as well, and I passed the second runner, but I also got passed by another runner. The third loop was where it got tough. I was tired of eating Gu’s, sick of my drink. All I wanted was to hold my pace and finish. I could feel my legs wanting to cramp up, but I kept pushing.
Finish: The finish for the race is so unique as it is in a stadium full of people. It was one of the most amazing experiences to hear the announcer shout my name as I crossed the line stating that I was 8th overall and the 2nd American to finish the race (later I found I was 9th and 3rd American to finish, but still). Afterwards I went to medical for some ice bags and then a massage to help with the cramps. Followed by a veggie burger w/pickles, coke, chips, and ice cream! Yumm. Makes it all worth it.
Final Thoughts: Given my training, school, and expectations, I did everything I knew I was capable of out there. I just wanted to say thanks to my teammates at OnUrLeft, my awesome coach, and friends over at Austin Tricyclist that helped me put it all together for one great race. And a very big thanks to my wife for letting me live my dreams and being so supportive of all my endevors. Going forward, I know that with the right training, education, and support that I am still capable much more. But, for now, it’s time for some much needed RandR, time w/the wife, friends, and family, and start recharging my batteries for next season.
Cobwebs! Ahhh!
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