Powerman Alabama

I Traveled to Birmingham, AL to compete in the first 2002 Duathlon World qualifier. I Competed in the 20-24 age group. The distances of the race were 8k run, 60k bike and then another 8k run. For those that only understand miles, 5 mile run, 37 mile bike and then another 5 mile run. I flew to Birmingham with my parents on the Friday before the race. Also on our plane was Jack Murray, a fellow ATC team member. Sat was spent putting the bike together and picking up my race packet and info. We drove the course to get a feel for things. The run was two loops around a dog race track. During the run there were two main climbs one at miles 1 and 3.5 and the other at miles 2 and 4.5. The bike was also two loops, however it did not have definite climbs. It was a long rollercoaster. The down hills last 1-5 miles and so did the up hills. It was possible to be going 27+ mphs for quite a time and then have to climb at 15-17 mph for twenty or so minutes. After the bike it was back out to the same run course. Race morning was great, the weather was upper 40’s, and very little humidity. My wave started 15 mins after the pro field. The first run went pretty smooth, I was feeling good, and went a little faster than I had planned, 31 mins vs. 32 mins. I hopped on my bike and began my 37 mile trek. The first loop wasn’t too bad, but the second lap started to hurt. I was definitely feeling that fast first run. I had the chain hop off once, a first so it was quite unusual. I finished the bike in 1hr and 45 mins, right around 21.5 mph. So on the second run came the tough part. I had now be at this for over two hours. I thought, man this is really a long race. My first two miles were pretty slow, I still haven’t conqured that bike to run transistion. My legs were pretty heavy. By the third mile I was in stride and my last two miles were flying, 5:40 mile pace. I finished in 2hrs, 52 mins and 23 secs. It was over. All in all I had a great race. That was the time I felt I was capable of doing and I did it! So now its on to Metroplex and then a nice break till late May when Triathlon season starts up. The Duathlon National Championship will be in July in Carlsbad, CA so that’s my next BIG race. It is also the final qualifier for the US World Duathlon Team. So I have some work ahead of me. Full results