Anyway, New Challenge race series put on a stellar race. It was the first time for this venue and it was run well. There were great volunteers out there, which is so awesome. I liked the venue-calm waters, rolling hills on the bike, and flat run that had turns to keep it quick and interesting. The run was 2 loops, which made it nice for spectators.
I enjoyed pre-race warm ups with Jill Peterson, Jen Spieldenner, Lauren Brandon, Erin Spitler, and Baily Hintz, It was great meeting Baily and Erin for the first time. Fun weekend with great competition.
So here is my race breakdown: First of all, I was excited yet nervous. I didn't quite know what to do with myself! So...I just went! I didn't have a great swim start for some reason. I just didn't feel that aggression like I normally do. I was really relaxed before the race, which was good, but maybe I didn't let out the aggression enough to get out on the swim. Hmm. I was pretty much by myself-I caught some guys towards the end. I actually felt really good on the swim-it felt like I was grabbing good water and I could keep surging. BUT, it didn't hurt! I am used to hurting in the swim so I'm wondering if I just settled in a bit too conservatively. Anyway, I came out about 5th-just behind 4th place. I talked to Ross in transition-that never happens! ha! He was like "good swim" and I said, "really? thanks! ok!" I am usually so out of breath that talking is not even hardly possible. Like I said, I was pretty chill.
I set off on the bike and it took some time to really settle in. I wasn't sure just how to handle the start. I had gotten good advice to hold back more than I think in the beginning. It was a little hard to do that as I saw 2 girls in front of me. I used them to help me gauge my effort along with checking my watts. Having a power meter was so helpful for this distance. I ended up settling in pretty well and felt ok overall. I had one point in the middle where I was getting really uncomfortable, but got out of saddle a bit and did what I could to adjust. I took my nutrition like clockwork (had Generation UCAN as my main fuel source aside from electrolytes, which was awesome. So simple-no gut issues and felt mentally focused for the entire thing from lack of blood sugar spikes). I actually missed the first aid station on the bike, but was ok because I had my back up bike bladder that fits inside my Specialized Shiv bike frame. I was so glad to have that. I learned I had to slow WAY down to grab bottles at the next 2 stations...then I was fine and got my bottles. Phew!
I came off the bike with Jill and we set off together on the run. I was so nervous about the run, but my legs were ready to go. I was shocked and I smiled pretty big. I was like, "oh yeah, I can do this!" Jill got around me quick and she took off. I was super impressed. I was tempted to push my pace, but I stuck to my plan and my pace. I just didn't know what I could do yet! The miles clicked off pretty quickly for the first 10K...that was surprising too. I am guessing that doesn't always feel that way. The 2nd loop of the run was starting to hurt. Ross told me to build the 2nd loop and I was like-ooo--do I have anything to build with? I sure tried. I was trying to be careful to not over push too soon. I ended up passing the 3rd woman, but unknowingly-she stuck close behind. Then I found Jill! I was super excited. We ran side by side for a mile or so I think. It was kinda cool, but I didn't know if she would keep pushing the pace and wasn't sure if I was going to be able to hold on. I focused on my own technique and we got split up at the next aid station. We both passed Lauren who was having some breathing issues at the time (we didn't know that). I was running on my own again and continued to push the pace. I think I was having a hard time building though. I was starting to feel the fatigue build. Mile 10 came and ooo-from then on it was just everything I had to fend off the 2 ladies right behind me (Jill and Emily). I kept the gas pedal on, but was fading. My core was so fatigued from keeping my technique together and I had blisters forming that I could feel. I had one right on the bottom of my big toe--that made landing and pushing off a bit painful! I sucked it up all while Emily was gaining on me in the last mile. She got around me in the last half mile and people were yelling to suck it up and get her. haha. I listened and tried, but she got me by about 20". I took 4th with 4:23 (fast course!) and I was stoked. I thanked God for the good result, experience, and focus I had. I was excited to give Ross a big hug-he was all over the course, which helped so much. He is so supportive!
I can say I will venture into some more halves in the future. :) I am excited about the merging of Rev3 with New Challenge for a new set of races next year.
I want to thank Barbara and Joe Gluvers for coming to see me at the race (swim friends from Calvin College). It was awesome seeing them!
Now for some recovery before one last race--Oceanside...the Lifetime Fitness Championship race! I have been taking Vector450 to help me recover and it is working really well. I have minimal soreness after the big race-even after a full day of travel. I was expecting much deeper fatigue and soreness, but since taking Vector450 consistently over the past month-I am recovering really well after intense training and racing. Awesome! Thanks V450! Check my fb page for deals on Vector450 so you can try it too! http://vector450.com/
Until next time, train smart
