Top of the Key

Another few days have passed since I last posted, let’s just say work has taken up most my time lately…which is a good thing for the self-employed.

Raced the Loveland Lake to Lake Triathlon on Saturday.  I’ve raced this once before in 2007, and immediately knew it was a course suited for me.  Longer bike, with rolling hills, and one large climb.  Tried to rest leading up the race, but with work, just couldn’t take it easy.  Didn’t sleep well either.  I’m glad though that all week intensity on the run was a big fat ZERO.  All low, comfortable mileage.  Needed to step back and recover from an early season of cycling and hammering.

Drove up to the race by myself, Jess was home with a wedding looming at 2pm in the afternoon, some yard work to be done, and she was racing early Sunday morning.  Warmed up early on the swim again…seems to be working.  Swam well, for me, and exited the water under 26 min (big PR for me), but by the time you run from the swim exit to T1, it’s added another 60-90 seconds at least.

Off on the bike to hammer hard, stayed around threshold mostly, going over at times.  Kept the pressure on too.  Didn’t get passed on the bike at all, well, I did once but quickly dropped back, and then pushed hard past him again and that was it.  Didn’t see him for the rest of the race.  Small victory for me.

Off the bike my transition was quick, and I was out in about 45 sec I think.  Off on the run, again, just wanted to start pushing it from the start.  Had defizzed Red Bull duing the first mile, that might have helped me out a ton.  Not sure yet, still replaying it in my mind.  But every now and then i had small stomach issues, but quickly they were gone.  I’ve really excelled in this area as of late, just know my body more.  Ran hard, and then harder.  I passed so many people.  We are also the last wave to go, so keep that in mind.  I wanted to break 40 on the 10k, and came close.  Finished in 40:43, new PR on the run.

So in comparison to the 2007 race, I PR’d overall by 11 min, on the swim by 2 min, the bike by 5 min, and the run by 4 min.  That’s being well-rounded I’d say.  I’m super happy with the results.  5th in my age group, 21st overall.  I continue to improve, and that’s what I hang my hat on each race.  Plus, learned a TON about myself during this race, pushed the limits where before I would hold back. Still lots to learn and improve upon, but I can chalk this race up as a ‘keeper’ for building my mental strength.

Next up: 5430 Long Course