A couple weeks ago I did the BFAST race here in Jacksonville. It probably wasn't the best idea considering I needed some long miles and also since I was having some trouble with my foot...but, I won the series last year and couldn't pass up the chance to wear bib number 1 :-) I made a couple rookie (which I am) mistake's that cost me the race win. The sun was rising and I wore clear goggles instead of tinted ones. I used clear ones all last year, but it was a poor choice this time...mistake number 1. We were swimming out directly into the sun...and it was bright! The surf was REALLY rough, it was breaking in two different spots before the first buoy, and there was a really strong current to the North. I lined up to the right, but not far enough...and by the time I was past both breaks, and could see the first buoy, I was way to the left and had to swim back upstream to go around it...mistake number 2. I ended up coming out of the water with an almost 2 1/2 minute deficit to the guy who won...with whom I usually have a similar swim time. Long story short...I lost by 1 minute and 19 seconds and ended up 3rd. I lost the race before it even started...wow, I keep finding new and unusual ways to lose. Here are the results.
Yikes! It seems training time is running out before I do Ironman Coeur d'Alene (IMCDA). "Come on Mom, just 5 more minutes..."
This past Memorial Day weekend
I've had a few setbacks associated with a possible stress fracture in my foot, so am a bit behind in the run department. This was made all the more evident by this past holiday weekend's training block. I met up with Kevin "5 Ironman races in 1 year" Neal on Saturday for 110 rainy and humid miles on the bike...and then a 35 min run (my first one back). I was dreading the run a bit, but was really happy to get off the bike...so it wasn't so bad.
Sunday, due to extenuating circumstances, started my run at about noon on an out and back course. It was hot and very humid and my shoes were squishy by mile 8. I ran out of water, and luckily was able to stop for a refill at a park on the trail...and used up all that water before the end as well. Running on tired legs really gives you some perspective on pain, and that last 5+ miles put the hurt on me. The good and bad thing about an out and back course is that once your halfway...there's only one way home. The last 3-4 miles I was reduced to taking 1-2 min walk breaks each mile just to make it back...2:40+ minutes later I was done, in more ways than one! These type of days really give you a good lesson in humility.
Monday I did a group ride on the road bike, a good 60 mile effort...followed by a hamburger and fries from Five Guys! A couple hours later I did a long straight swim a little over 4000 yards...in an outdoor pool...in the hot sun...in a black wetsuit. I need to get used to swimming in the wetsuit, and there aren't that many options...especially on Memorial Day. A little overheated at the end, but I didn't puke up my burger...so I figured I was way ahead of the game.
I have one more hard block of training that lasts for about 10-12 days, and then the gradual taper begins. I know that my bike and run...especially the run, won't be where I would like...but, I'll just have to work with the fitness I have and pay extra attention to pacing during the race.
And yes, I'll work on updating this blog more often ;-) Thanks for all the encouraging emails and messages.
Sween
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment