First true Olympic race in a while! My last was the Nations Tri in DC, but the swim was cancelled, so that race became a Bike, Run—a theme for me and qualifying races, ha.
This past weekend, the XP Multisport Team and I went up to Madison, Florida (basically freaking Georgia) to do this race on Saturday. It was about 3-4 hour drive, but the venue was nice and the town was countryyy—but those make for the best places to race—no cars!
Transition
The race began at 7:30 and the water was wetsuit legal—barely—by .01 degrees. I opted to wear the wetsuit, and at 7:33, the age group men dove into the water. This was my first opportunity to try and work on the swim work I’ve been in—anything better than previous races would be an improvement! The swim was a simple enough “rectangle” and the water was perfect. I also had a pair of new goggles that were amazing compared to my old ones! They didn’t fog up at all and remained clear the entire race! The swim went ok and I exited the water in a little over 32 minutes. Not good, but improving. I definitely pushed it more on this swim than I have in the past!
After a quick change it was on to the bike. I was expecting a flatter course, but it was actually surprisingly hilly with some rollers, but nothing major by any means. I really focused on pushing hard, knowing it was only a 40k and to work through the burn in my quads. I realize this wasn’t my full potential though and will push even more next time. It’s a race damnit! Thinking back, though, I don’t recall being passed at any point.. Well one chick passed me after I passed her, but then I caught here and she never got close again.
My final time on the bike was a 1:09:00—which is possibly a PR for me, although I want to break 1:08 (and then 1:05, and then 1:00 haha). That came out to an average of 21.5 miles per hour which I think is fairly solid.
The race director quoted the run, before the race, as being “fast and flat”. He was a liar. It was hilly.
I started the run in 11th and knew I had a little work to do as I didn’t catch the fastest riders on the bike, and certainly had ground to gain on the swim. My coach had me racing this run portion very specifically—“run till it hurts. Then run harder. And then run even harder.” I also wasn’t allowed to look at my Garmin to know my pace at all. I put it on the HR screen, which wasn’t working, and never thought about it again. And then ran hard.
“Chuck, run hard.” “Yes sir.”
I caught all the people in front of me that I could see pretty quickly, and moved up to 6th by mile 4. Unfortunately, the 6 ahead of me had a far enough lead that I couldn’t catch them, but only 2 of them ran faster than I did. I definitely made this run hurt and finished the 10k in 39:09, resulting in a 6:18 min/mile pace. I’m happy with this being that it was such a hilly course and I still broke 40 minutes easily.
My final finish time was 2:24:43.5. 6th OA, 1st Male 25-29
After the race we hung out for a while before getting our awards and heading back. The XP Multisport racers took 2nd overall male, and 3rd overall woman which was awesome! I was the only Wattie Ink Athlete at this race, as well, and took 6th overall in first in my age group. Props to all the Watties from north Florida who were in Texas for the Ironman! DRC Sports put on a fun event and after awards there was a push up contest… which I was obligated to participate in, of course. I got second here, but my push ups were damnnnnn good, but I can’t say what the winner’s looked like.
“4001, 4002…”
After the long drive back, it was good to have that feeling of being spent! I was surprised on Sunday not being more sore in my legs as I was anticipating, however, my arms and back were feeling that swim! I think that says good things about my form! I’ve also been using Xteme Endurance supplements and have noticed a reduction in soreness from that. I think using a drink during the bike that had protein and carbs, made by UR, prevented some of that muscle breakdown as well.
Overall I’m proud of the effort I gave in this race and can’t wait to go again! Next Saturday I am doing a sprint, another race put on by DRC, called Crystal River and am stoked to absolutely obliterate the pain haha! Then the week after that is Duathlon Nationals in Maryland! Then another big training block will commence!
Rock the W
Rock the W and have an awesome week.
- Any races coming up?
- What’s your favorite type of course? Urban, trails, hilly, flat, beach?
