Well my first duathlon was a success. I was definitely the favorite going in and knew as long as I had a solid race and did not take any chances I should come away as the winner. Even though I increased my mileage the week before the race in prep for a half marathon in a couple of weeks.
I felt good off the bat and came into T1 right behind the leader who was on a team. I did not leave my shoes clipped in as the path we started off on was narrow and I did not know if anyone would come out of T1 with me. Again, this was the smart decision and made no difference in the end. I took the lead over the team cyclist a little over a mile into the bike but never felt like I could get into a groove or put any real power into my pedals. The course had a lot of sharper corners that were not swept so I took my time so I wouldn't wipe out around them. Again, race smart stupid. I came into T2 with about a two minute lead and had a great run to finish things up. I even felt like I could've put a little more into the 3 mile run but wanted to pace myself to see what kind of a pace I might be able to comfortably do for my half marathon. My 6:04 pace would be a bit ambitious but 6:10 is definitely a good goal to shoot for.
Super Mario Minelli came in a little over three minutes behind me and also had a great race. I read on his blog that he only puts in about half the training time per week I do. I must say he was no slouch and if he can do that on only 7 hours of training a week I'm glad he doesn't put in 14.
My dad was in town for this race and I was excited he got to see me get a win. Pops lives in Missouri so he doesn't get to see me race very often, I was glad he was there for such a nice day and a well run race. The ever smiling Randy Fulton was also there and helped out cheering me on. Randy owns and runs Vacation Sports and is one hell of a nice guy.
Next up is the Big Woods Half Marathon. I am looking forward to my first road running race since my marathon in Iraq in 2007.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
My First Duathlon
I plan on hitting up the Cannon Falls Duathlon this weekend. I had such a good season I don't want it to end. This will be my first duathlon and I'm a little excited to see how it goes. It is a short 14 mile bike course but a 1.75 mile run to start and another 3 miles to finish.
Last year I finished up the season and fell off the wagon eating everything in sight. As much as I loved gaining 15 pounds in a month and 20 pounds overall in the off season I want to try to maintain my weight this year. I think the best way to do this is to add some races in the fall that I consider to be fun races and won't put much pressure on. That being said I take every race seriously and have a hard time holding back if I have a race coming. I also plan on adding the Big Woods Half Marathon on the 17th. I haven't decided if I will add anything else.
Last week I signed up for Wisconsin Ironman. This will be my first attempt at an Ironman. My hope is to qualify for Kona but just finishing is a serious accomplishment. My mentor Jeremy Sartain was unable to finish this year due to illness but immediately signed up again for next year. I am super stoked to be doing the race with him next year. If you haven't followed his story Jeremy is a former professional cyclist who was making a breakthrough in triathlons only to have a serious motorcycle accident last year. Defying all odds Jeremy came back this year to have a great season and is only getting faster. Jeremy is an inspiration to many people including myself and to be there when he gets another Kona slot will be awesome.
Last year I finished up the season and fell off the wagon eating everything in sight. As much as I loved gaining 15 pounds in a month and 20 pounds overall in the off season I want to try to maintain my weight this year. I think the best way to do this is to add some races in the fall that I consider to be fun races and won't put much pressure on. That being said I take every race seriously and have a hard time holding back if I have a race coming. I also plan on adding the Big Woods Half Marathon on the 17th. I haven't decided if I will add anything else.
Last week I signed up for Wisconsin Ironman. This will be my first attempt at an Ironman. My hope is to qualify for Kona but just finishing is a serious accomplishment. My mentor Jeremy Sartain was unable to finish this year due to illness but immediately signed up again for next year. I am super stoked to be doing the race with him next year. If you haven't followed his story Jeremy is a former professional cyclist who was making a breakthrough in triathlons only to have a serious motorcycle accident last year. Defying all odds Jeremy came back this year to have a great season and is only getting faster. Jeremy is an inspiration to many people including myself and to be there when he gets another Kona slot will be awesome.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Half Ironman
As always found myself questioning myself before the race. Did I taper enough? Did I eat enough or too much? Did I train too much or not enough? Only this time if one of those answers was wrong it could mean more than having a bad race. It could determine if I finish the race.
After getting to the race site with little time to warm up last year I decided to stay in a hotel closer to Square Lake this year. It payed off as I had just enough time to prep this year only to forget to take my inhaler. With about ten minutes before my wave was supposed to hit the water I realized I needed to take a hit from both my prescription inhalers. I talked to Randy (the race director) and asked how long to the start he said about ten minutes. I asked if I had enough time to run up to my car and he said he would stall if he needed to. Luckily he didn't need to stall as I got back fast but the race did end up starting a little late.
As I hit the water I felt pretty good and was able to keep the swimmers within a reasonable distance. I wasn't able to catch a draft like last year but I still shaved a minute and a half off my time and had the 13th fastest swim overall. Not too shabby. My first transition was good and I took my time getting into my shoes so I could avoid any disasters. I made what would prove to be a crucial mistake early in the bike as I accidentally used a gel pack from my jersey that I had planned I to use for the run instead of one I had taped to my top tube. I hit the bike a little too hard at first but not bad. I overtook second place (Jose Rolsales) at mile 10. Jose got sick and had to call it quits after the first loop. I knew I may not catch Rhett on the bike but I hammered away as best I could without overdoing it and managed to just catch a glimpse of him as he was making a left turn just before making a right into the transition area. It gave me a little bit of hope as I believed I was a faster runner. As I got into transition Rhett was just leaving and had about a 30 second lead. I decide to take a chance and not grab the extra gel I had used up out of my bag thinking I could survive without it. While the decision probably didn't make the difference in beating Rhett it almost made the difference in finishing.
Leaving T2 I felt great and maybe a little over ambitious as I made up the 30 second gap in the first mile. As I caught up to Rhett I decided to draft off him and save some energy knowing there was still 12 miles ahead of us. As I starting nipping his heals he asked. "Is that you back there Steve"? I replied yes and he began chatting with me. I found this a bit peculiar but I enjoyed the conversation. I haven't been in this situation before and Rhett has been around for a while and probably had many conversations like this.
I had trouble getting the water or Gatorade in the first four miles because I was right behind Rhett and the volunteers were a little discombobulated. At mile four Rhett started to push the pace. I decided to let him go as I believed he would fade late. It didn't take long for him to slow down. Problem was, I was slowing down too and probably a little more. At mile seven I was questioning a walk run strategy as the heat was getting to me. I remember bonking in Iraq and knew if I did I would go from second to dead last. I decided to push through it and managed to keep Rhett just within two minutes and cross the line at 4:15:24. Third place was ten minutes behind me so I did have time to spare if I had needed it. However, I am not one to give up to be comfortable. I want to push myself to my absolute limit every time.
After the race I immediately went in the lake to cool off. I was numb similar to post marathon Iraq and knew I needed electrolytes and to cool down fast. It took about 15 minutes in the water and 30 minutes total for me to recover. Then I started to be able to talk with people coherently and met some awesome people. Bop Powers is one of ht oldest triathletes you will find. I hate to use the word old because I believe he is 85 years young. Bob was in the Marine Corp for WWII and Korea. Bob is a fascinating guy and maybe one of the nicest guys I have met. I enjoyed sharing stories with him for a good 15 minutes. I also talked with Rhett and Dan Fredricks about how awful the run was. Then Jose came over to me and told me how he had gotten sick on the bike and had to call it quits. I know he was disappointed but you could tell he was happy that he came out of the water first. Everyone I talked with was so nice. I have yet to meet anyone I didn't like in this sport. This sport seems to bring out the best in people. Maybe it's because most triathletes aren't trying to beat anyone, they are just trying to push themselves farther than they have ever gone before. It is a bond we share and a camaraderie that is hard to find.
This was my last triathlon of the season but I plan on doing a couple of duathlons and a half marathon. We'll see what happens though. Either way it has been an amazing season for me and hope I can continue to improve even more next year.
After getting to the race site with little time to warm up last year I decided to stay in a hotel closer to Square Lake this year. It payed off as I had just enough time to prep this year only to forget to take my inhaler. With about ten minutes before my wave was supposed to hit the water I realized I needed to take a hit from both my prescription inhalers. I talked to Randy (the race director) and asked how long to the start he said about ten minutes. I asked if I had enough time to run up to my car and he said he would stall if he needed to. Luckily he didn't need to stall as I got back fast but the race did end up starting a little late.
As I hit the water I felt pretty good and was able to keep the swimmers within a reasonable distance. I wasn't able to catch a draft like last year but I still shaved a minute and a half off my time and had the 13th fastest swim overall. Not too shabby. My first transition was good and I took my time getting into my shoes so I could avoid any disasters. I made what would prove to be a crucial mistake early in the bike as I accidentally used a gel pack from my jersey that I had planned I to use for the run instead of one I had taped to my top tube. I hit the bike a little too hard at first but not bad. I overtook second place (Jose Rolsales) at mile 10. Jose got sick and had to call it quits after the first loop. I knew I may not catch Rhett on the bike but I hammered away as best I could without overdoing it and managed to just catch a glimpse of him as he was making a left turn just before making a right into the transition area. It gave me a little bit of hope as I believed I was a faster runner. As I got into transition Rhett was just leaving and had about a 30 second lead. I decide to take a chance and not grab the extra gel I had used up out of my bag thinking I could survive without it. While the decision probably didn't make the difference in beating Rhett it almost made the difference in finishing.
Leaving T2 I felt great and maybe a little over ambitious as I made up the 30 second gap in the first mile. As I caught up to Rhett I decided to draft off him and save some energy knowing there was still 12 miles ahead of us. As I starting nipping his heals he asked. "Is that you back there Steve"? I replied yes and he began chatting with me. I found this a bit peculiar but I enjoyed the conversation. I haven't been in this situation before and Rhett has been around for a while and probably had many conversations like this.
I had trouble getting the water or Gatorade in the first four miles because I was right behind Rhett and the volunteers were a little discombobulated. At mile four Rhett started to push the pace. I decided to let him go as I believed he would fade late. It didn't take long for him to slow down. Problem was, I was slowing down too and probably a little more. At mile seven I was questioning a walk run strategy as the heat was getting to me. I remember bonking in Iraq and knew if I did I would go from second to dead last. I decided to push through it and managed to keep Rhett just within two minutes and cross the line at 4:15:24. Third place was ten minutes behind me so I did have time to spare if I had needed it. However, I am not one to give up to be comfortable. I want to push myself to my absolute limit every time.
After the race I immediately went in the lake to cool off. I was numb similar to post marathon Iraq and knew I needed electrolytes and to cool down fast. It took about 15 minutes in the water and 30 minutes total for me to recover. Then I started to be able to talk with people coherently and met some awesome people. Bop Powers is one of ht oldest triathletes you will find. I hate to use the word old because I believe he is 85 years young. Bob was in the Marine Corp for WWII and Korea. Bob is a fascinating guy and maybe one of the nicest guys I have met. I enjoyed sharing stories with him for a good 15 minutes. I also talked with Rhett and Dan Fredricks about how awful the run was. Then Jose came over to me and told me how he had gotten sick on the bike and had to call it quits. I know he was disappointed but you could tell he was happy that he came out of the water first. Everyone I talked with was so nice. I have yet to meet anyone I didn't like in this sport. This sport seems to bring out the best in people. Maybe it's because most triathletes aren't trying to beat anyone, they are just trying to push themselves farther than they have ever gone before. It is a bond we share and a camaraderie that is hard to find.
This was my last triathlon of the season but I plan on doing a couple of duathlons and a half marathon. We'll see what happens though. Either way it has been an amazing season for me and hope I can continue to improve even more next year.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Square Lake
Well it all comes down to Square Lake Half. I was hoping that Square Lake would be my first victory last year and was looking like it was going to be until I had an unfortunate bike accident. I was leading the race when I was coming up on the last place competitor. When I said on your left she "panicked" and went to the left so I went right. When she realized I said on your left she dove back right and cut me off. I was having a fantastic race and would have had around a 10 min lead off the bike if I would have continued at the pace I was going. But the past is past and I have managed to put it behind me with two wins this season. I would still like to have a little redemption and complete my first Half Ironman.
Earlier this year Jeremy Sartain tipped me off that Dan Arlandson was going to be at Square Lake as well. Dan is a stud and barring a flat or not putting everything into it he should have no problem taking this one. I also saw Rhett Bonner on the list who is the fastest 45-49 year old in the country. Rhett is in fantastic shape this year and will be fighting for second with myself and last years winner Chris Leiferman. I believe this will prove to be a very exciting race with 2-4 place up for grabs.
I have been training for this race now for two years and feel fantastic. That being said I don't know what is going to happen. Am I going to bring my A game like at Baxter? I believe the key to my success will actually be in the water rather than on the bike. I need to find a good rhythm early but not tire out. I plan on holding back on the bike some so that I can run like I did at Waseca. If I run like I did at Waseca I will consider the day a success. I don't know how my legs are going to react after biking for 54 hard miles. In training they have always come through but training and racing are two different beasts. All in all I think I can break 4:10 if conditions are right. I just need to race my own race and not worry about anyone else. Same as any other race.
Sounds like a standard Half Ironman plan but sticking to it is always the tough part. What will the weather be like? How will the swim go? Will someone push me or will I be pushing someone which will take me out of my game plan? All I can tell you is I'm looking forward to pushing myself father than I have gone in a triathlon.
Earlier this year Jeremy Sartain tipped me off that Dan Arlandson was going to be at Square Lake as well. Dan is a stud and barring a flat or not putting everything into it he should have no problem taking this one. I also saw Rhett Bonner on the list who is the fastest 45-49 year old in the country. Rhett is in fantastic shape this year and will be fighting for second with myself and last years winner Chris Leiferman. I believe this will prove to be a very exciting race with 2-4 place up for grabs.
I have been training for this race now for two years and feel fantastic. That being said I don't know what is going to happen. Am I going to bring my A game like at Baxter? I believe the key to my success will actually be in the water rather than on the bike. I need to find a good rhythm early but not tire out. I plan on holding back on the bike some so that I can run like I did at Waseca. If I run like I did at Waseca I will consider the day a success. I don't know how my legs are going to react after biking for 54 hard miles. In training they have always come through but training and racing are two different beasts. All in all I think I can break 4:10 if conditions are right. I just need to race my own race and not worry about anyone else. Same as any other race.
Sounds like a standard Half Ironman plan but sticking to it is always the tough part. What will the weather be like? How will the swim go? Will someone push me or will I be pushing someone which will take me out of my game plan? All I can tell you is I'm looking forward to pushing myself father than I have gone in a triathlon.
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