So first lets discuss training and plans. After spending the winter training for the mile, I decided to get in a race workout. As I have aged I have decided racing in cold or wet weather isn't as fun any more. This year the Dirt in your shoe duathlon looked to be warm and dry. Ben puts this race on in his series, and this is my first time to try it with decent weather. Switching from a 5 min race to a 1 hr + race requires some mental flexibility and adaptability. As an athlete and human, its pretty hard to do it all, so you teach your body and mind along the way. Doing these races has also become a great family day. With the girls and dog in tow, they are my best cheerleaders and support. Its a great way to show our youngest about following your passions, working hard and how to work through tough days.
I decided the race would be a great way to support the even, and begin my next phase of endurance training for some summer events. This race also features unique racing Primes/Preems (awards for the fastest time at certain parts of the course). I decided to focus on those and then suffer through the rest of the event as hard threshold training.
The first run is a 2 mile loop around the lake. It starts our flat and then has a pretty good rise about 1/4 mile in . That is were the first preem was, about 1/4 sprint uphill. I took the race start easy and settled in about 1-2 lengths behind the leaders. As we hit the start of the preem, I took off and nobody went with me. I drove hard to the top and then eased off a bit early before the end of the segment. I got lucky and had the fastest time of the day, so I was 1/1. I race comfortably to the transition area with a good gap to the pack.
Out onto the bike I took a minute to get comfortable. Mountain bike events are difficult for me; I need to spend some time training on this bike in the woods, but that's for another day. The preem for the bike was about 1 minute into the ride and a steep uphill on gravel. I got the cranks spinning and went full gas. I am not usually very quick on the mtb so I knew I need to empty the tank to have a shot. After that effort I was pretty spent. My HR was sky high and I did everything over the next 8 miles to stay focused on survival. The bike course is 2 loops, so I had one more hard go at the hill and then finished up back in transition. Goal 2 of 2 completed with the fastest time of the day on the bike preem. For the girls they had a bit of worry that Ben had to reassure them that I was ok. I dropped from 1st to barely in the top 10 on the bike course. MTB racing is VERY different than on the road. There are technical skills needed and another level of endurance. Neither of which I had on this day.
Back on onto the run course was now just about finishing. I did run the hill hard again and settled into a decent rhythm. Now at 1 hr and 15 mins in zone4/5 I was toasted for the day, but had SOOO much fun. That is what this is all about. Having fun.
Overall I was satisfied with my result. I accomplished my goal of taking the 2 preems and still hung on to win my age group.
Great Pics from Dave Reynolds
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