I raced Boulder Peak Triathlon on Sunday with the word "raced" being used loosely. My first big race for the year is coming up this Saturday. I've come to learn that, at least for me, training for an Xterra and in particular one with a lot of climbing transfers over some to road tris but not as much as I thought it would. That being said, this was my last road tri of the year. I will be handing my triathlon bike over to Adam to use in time trials and will be selling my zipps/power tap to buy a cyclocross bike that I can ride to work a couple days a week.
Something else I learned-I don't want to sign up for races that are an hour or so from home that don't allow packet pickup on race morning. I'm too cheap to pay for a hotel that is 1 hour from my house and I like sleeping in my own bed, but I don't like driving to Boulder and back 2 times in days.
I got up super early at 3am so I could drive up to the race and get there when transition opened. I lucked out and was in the third wave so my start was a 6:40. Between 2 long waits for the bathroom, setting up my transition area, warming up by running, inquiring about the swim cap that was not in my packet, putting on my wetsuit and testing out the water, I easily filled the time.
The volunteers to hold up the signs for the waves were very clearly members of some high school cross country or track team. You can always spot a runner :)
Swim: 1500m, 26:50, 293/1293 overall; 8/85 age group, 72/493 female (the 493 and the 1293 include the pros)
We had 7 mins between us and the wave ahead so I didn't expect to catch up to too many people. It was the men's and women's 50+ (or 55+ I'm not sure). We waited our turn while the announcer made the mistake of telling some girl that she couldn't zip her suit because of the winter weight. I know it was a joke, but probably not too funny to her.
The swim headed out right into the sun, and while there were plenty of buoys it was pretty hard to see. My wave was women 30-34 only and started our a little rough. Once we reached the first buoy it opened up a bit and there were less people to follow. With the sun in my eyes, I found myself sighting less, and before I knew it I was swimming way off to the left. I swam back in closer to the buoys and made sure to sight more.
Before the first turn buoy I started to catch people from the wave ahead of me. Was I really swimming 700 meters or so 7 minutes faster than some people? Once around the buoy there were a lot of orange caps from the previous wave. I never understand why race directors use some colors--buoy colored orange is confusing, and navy blue (my wave) is hard to see. So other than a couple girls around me from my wave, I only saw lots and lots of orange caps...or were they buoys?
I felt like I was swimming well, moving steadily, working hard but not too hard. I was surprised when I reached the swim finish that my time said 26:50. Really? I know I zig zagged some in the beginning, but I didn't think I went off course that much. So, I was a little disappointed and confused with my swim.
We had 7 mins between us and the wave ahead so I didn't expect to catch up to too many people. It was the men's and women's 50+ (or 55+ I'm not sure). We waited our turn while the announcer made the mistake of telling some girl that she couldn't zip her suit because of the winter weight. I know it was a joke, but probably not too funny to her.
The swim headed out right into the sun, and while there were plenty of buoys it was pretty hard to see. My wave was women 30-34 only and started our a little rough. Once we reached the first buoy it opened up a bit and there were less people to follow. With the sun in my eyes, I found myself sighting less, and before I knew it I was swimming way off to the left. I swam back in closer to the buoys and made sure to sight more.
Before the first turn buoy I started to catch people from the wave ahead of me. Was I really swimming 700 meters or so 7 minutes faster than some people? Once around the buoy there were a lot of orange caps from the previous wave. I never understand why race directors use some colors--buoy colored orange is confusing, and navy blue (my wave) is hard to see. So other than a couple girls around me from my wave, I only saw lots and lots of orange caps...or were they buoys?
I felt like I was swimming well, moving steadily, working hard but not too hard. I was surprised when I reached the swim finish that my time said 26:50. Really? I know I zig zagged some in the beginning, but I didn't think I went off course that much. So, I was a little disappointed and confused with my swim.
T1: 1:57, 4/85 AG everything about my transition was good except taking my wetsuit legs off. I keep struggling with this.
Bike: 42k, 1:19:58; 455/1293 overall; 6/85 age group, 60/493 female
Onto the bike a girl I was near in the swim immediately pulled away. I didn't panic, just kept my pace and relaxed. I passed a few people, got passed by some others. I have never been on the course and had not really looked at the course profile much. I only knew there was a big hill in there somewhere that people had built up.
I'm pretty sure I didn't see my speed go over 19 mph for the first 10 miles. Basically until after the "big" hill. For a while I was starting to wonder how on earth people could average 22-23 mph on this course.
Then I finally got to the hill which was my favorite part of the ride. I immediately started picking people off and rode comfortably up the hill. It certainly wasn't easy, it was a mile or so long with a steep section in there, but I don't know if it was worth all the hype/concern. I passed several girls from my age group on the hill and was feeling pretty good. Up towards the top of the hill there was an amazing view I just had to point it out to the guy I was passing. He didn't respond or look. Then onto the long downhill where there was first a radar enforced speed limit of 35 mph--the first time I've had that in a race. I had to touch the brakes quite a bit to keep my speed down under 35. I know that people have been in accidents with cars on this hill, but it seemed like it was not that technical and that speeds of 40-45 would not be unreasonably safe. I suppose they have to make the rules based on the fact that some people will not handle their bikes well and will be riding all over the road.
Since I was in an early wave and there were not as many people to pass I spent much more time in my aerobars. Which is not something I have done a lot of recently. My hamstrings and calves were getting really tight even though I was not pushing it too hard on the downhills and flats. Once we got back to the flats several of the people I passed on the hill passed me back. Darn it.
After 20 miles my hamstrings and calves were starting to revolt. I really wanted off my bike. I got passed by a girl that passed me on the bike at Loveland Lake to Lake and later on got passed by a 58 year old woman that I had passed at the base of the climb. Seriously. That was a good kick in the pants for the last couple miles to focus and try to maintain a reasonable pace. My goal going into the race was to maintain 21 mph+ on the bike. I averaged high 19's. I had to remind myself that this is just a workout and this is not what I am training for.
T2: :41, 2/85 in AG, pretty good would have been faster but the girl next to me racked her bike on top of my stuff so I needed to move it.
Onto the bike a girl I was near in the swim immediately pulled away. I didn't panic, just kept my pace and relaxed. I passed a few people, got passed by some others. I have never been on the course and had not really looked at the course profile much. I only knew there was a big hill in there somewhere that people had built up.
I'm pretty sure I didn't see my speed go over 19 mph for the first 10 miles. Basically until after the "big" hill. For a while I was starting to wonder how on earth people could average 22-23 mph on this course.
Then I finally got to the hill which was my favorite part of the ride. I immediately started picking people off and rode comfortably up the hill. It certainly wasn't easy, it was a mile or so long with a steep section in there, but I don't know if it was worth all the hype/concern. I passed several girls from my age group on the hill and was feeling pretty good. Up towards the top of the hill there was an amazing view I just had to point it out to the guy I was passing. He didn't respond or look. Then onto the long downhill where there was first a radar enforced speed limit of 35 mph--the first time I've had that in a race. I had to touch the brakes quite a bit to keep my speed down under 35. I know that people have been in accidents with cars on this hill, but it seemed like it was not that technical and that speeds of 40-45 would not be unreasonably safe. I suppose they have to make the rules based on the fact that some people will not handle their bikes well and will be riding all over the road.
Since I was in an early wave and there were not as many people to pass I spent much more time in my aerobars. Which is not something I have done a lot of recently. My hamstrings and calves were getting really tight even though I was not pushing it too hard on the downhills and flats. Once we got back to the flats several of the people I passed on the hill passed me back. Darn it.
After 20 miles my hamstrings and calves were starting to revolt. I really wanted off my bike. I got passed by a girl that passed me on the bike at Loveland Lake to Lake and later on got passed by a 58 year old woman that I had passed at the base of the climb. Seriously. That was a good kick in the pants for the last couple miles to focus and try to maintain a reasonable pace. My goal going into the race was to maintain 21 mph+ on the bike. I averaged high 19's. I had to remind myself that this is just a workout and this is not what I am training for.
T2: :41, 2/85 in AG, pretty good would have been faster but the girl next to me racked her bike on top of my stuff so I needed to move it.
Run: 10k, 44:01, 3/85 AG, 190/1293 overall, 33/493 female
The run--usually where I make up some time. I started off and quickly heard foot steps behind me. The person was breathing heavy and their foot steps were loud so they sounded tired, but a woman from the 35-39 AG passed me. I knew I was in trouble. I don't get passed much on the run. Not long after another woman form 35-39 passed me. It seems these two were in a battle for their age group win. I was passing some people, but also getting passed by men from later waves. I was running a steady 7 min pace, which felt slow, but I didn't feel like I could go any faster. I tried to focus on people ahead of me, cheer for racers coming in the other direction, and enjoyed my surroundings.
My favorite part of the course was running by a field of goats. There were dozens of goats, a farmer and 3 herding dogs. I watched the dogs and thought of how much fun mickey would have herding some goats.
Each mile ticked off at around 7 min pace and once I approached the turn around I tried to start looking to see what place I was in for my AG. My estimate was 5th or 6th. I located a girl that I thought I could catch and after the turnaround I had a bit more of a purpose. I didn't start running any faster. In fact I maintained almost the exact same pace. But I didn't slow down either. Always good not to prolong a bad day.
At the last aid station she was close enough that I knew I could catch her. I mustered up enough speed to put in a solid pass and kept a solid pace without looking back. Never look back no matter how tired you are. It shows that you are weak and tired and that it will be easy to pass you. At least that is what I think when I see someone look back. I kept my pace into the finish, listening for the sound of feet or breathing behind me.
Overall: 5/85 AG, 47/493 females, 265/1293 overall
This was one of those race where nothing was absolutely horrible, but nothing was very good either. I just felt tired and a little out of my element. This year has been a bit of an adjustment. Learning how to train for off road races, trying all new races to see which ones I like, racing on the road without specifically preparing for it and seeing how I feel. I hasn't been an easy change but as I learn, I'm sure things will get better. Once I race Beaver Creek, the first half of my season will be over. 3 off road tris, 2 road tris. The second half will be solely focused off road with 5 off road tris. I think I wanted to try to keep one foot in what I was comfortable with on the road tri side but I think it will be better for me to forget about road tris for awhile. I need to continue to gain the mountain biking skills and experience I need, without feeling like I need to throw in training on my tri bike and other training to stay sharp for road tris. It is just too much and it is competing priorities.
The run--usually where I make up some time. I started off and quickly heard foot steps behind me. The person was breathing heavy and their foot steps were loud so they sounded tired, but a woman from the 35-39 AG passed me. I knew I was in trouble. I don't get passed much on the run. Not long after another woman form 35-39 passed me. It seems these two were in a battle for their age group win. I was passing some people, but also getting passed by men from later waves. I was running a steady 7 min pace, which felt slow, but I didn't feel like I could go any faster. I tried to focus on people ahead of me, cheer for racers coming in the other direction, and enjoyed my surroundings.
My favorite part of the course was running by a field of goats. There were dozens of goats, a farmer and 3 herding dogs. I watched the dogs and thought of how much fun mickey would have herding some goats.
Each mile ticked off at around 7 min pace and once I approached the turn around I tried to start looking to see what place I was in for my AG. My estimate was 5th or 6th. I located a girl that I thought I could catch and after the turnaround I had a bit more of a purpose. I didn't start running any faster. In fact I maintained almost the exact same pace. But I didn't slow down either. Always good not to prolong a bad day.
At the last aid station she was close enough that I knew I could catch her. I mustered up enough speed to put in a solid pass and kept a solid pace without looking back. Never look back no matter how tired you are. It shows that you are weak and tired and that it will be easy to pass you. At least that is what I think when I see someone look back. I kept my pace into the finish, listening for the sound of feet or breathing behind me.
Overall: 5/85 AG, 47/493 females, 265/1293 overall
This was one of those race where nothing was absolutely horrible, but nothing was very good either. I just felt tired and a little out of my element. This year has been a bit of an adjustment. Learning how to train for off road races, trying all new races to see which ones I like, racing on the road without specifically preparing for it and seeing how I feel. I hasn't been an easy change but as I learn, I'm sure things will get better. Once I race Beaver Creek, the first half of my season will be over. 3 off road tris, 2 road tris. The second half will be solely focused off road with 5 off road tris. I think I wanted to try to keep one foot in what I was comfortable with on the road tri side but I think it will be better for me to forget about road tris for awhile. I need to continue to gain the mountain biking skills and experience I need, without feeling like I need to throw in training on my tri bike and other training to stay sharp for road tris. It is just too much and it is competing priorities.
2 comments:
Solid race Maija!! Especially because it's not really your focus. I'm laughing about the goat story. I find myself doing that in races too! :)
Best of luck this weekend in your off road tri! I'll be thinking of you!!
i think you are being too hard on yourself! looks like solid times to me... i don't like wasting all that money either-such a waste! i like that you are sticking to the dark side. i think if i could train where you are i might take the plunge too :)
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