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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Clearwater Race Report

Well its done! and I broke 5 hours. 4:48:27.

I woke up early and totally relaxed. I was almost to relaxed for this race. I was not on a mission to kill I was enjoying every moment. I arrived early, watched the pros start. I was cool to see the tv chopper up there. Hard to believe I am actually here. I was there 2 hrs early but we know how that goes by and feels like 30 mins. Before I knew it I was suited up and in my gate waiting to start. There was a pretty goof vibe between the guys in my section, lots of people talking. Quick warm up in the water and BANG the gun went off.

The Swim:

The swim went well. It was my first time swimming a race in the ocean. I though it would be worse. The salt water and the current's didnt really bother me it was that I was always fighting someone. This made it really hard to lock down a rythem. I tried my best to stay on course and look for gaps. the end result was a 32:09. Decent.

The Bike:

As I was aware the bike course was going to be fast. And it was. It was not totally as fast as I though originally there was a decent amount of wind. True prarie conditions, I felt right at home. Thanks to Graeme Mather for borrowing me his 808's I fit in with the rest of the bikes there. Since the 18-29 year olds started last I spent my whole bike ride passing people I was only passed by 2 major 15-20 person packs. This didn't bother me I really wanted to race clean and I was happy I did. In T1 I managed to forget my watch I realized it while still in transition but there was no turning back. So the whole cycle was based on percieved effort and nutrition was taken according to mile markers. Having the watch may have helped but it could have also been desctuctive. Without it I was more present in the moment and really enjoyed the experiance of riding with some of the best athletes in the world.

The Run:

When I transitioned to the run I was able to grab my watch because I knew I was going to need it to keep my HR under control. By the time I got on the run course it was HOT. I took sponges from evey aid station for 13 miles. Which in the end I think paid off I never reached a point of totally over heating. My first lap was strong, but after the turn around it was like being hit with a sack of bricks. The second lap was a total grind and I really needed all the electrolytes I could get. I just really focused on keeping the core temp down because I know for me once that goes up its game over. Coming in on the last mile usually I start to really hammer down. But on this time I hammered for about 1500m and the last 100m I looked back there was no one there. I am going to enjoy this I slapped high fives all the way down the line with the biggest genuine smile I have had on my face for a long time.

Once I crossed the line Phil K promptely handed me a beer and I was able to get my finishing picture beer in hand.

Overall I would have like to put up a better run performance so that will be my focus next year. That being said this was one of the most enjoyable races I have ever done. I was smiling and totally happy the entire race. I felt really alive something I havent felt in a long time, and it felt really good.

Swim: 32:09
Bike: 2:26:37
Run: 1:43:23

Total: 4:48:27

1 comment:

  1. Chief, loved the race report. Again congrats. The swim was an amazing time. Breaking 5 hours is tough, breaking 4:50 in windy conditions is amazing. well done.

    uncle b

    ReplyDelete