Well Pinehurst was the big showdown, Mark Kauffmen, Richard Puckett, and Mark "Lucky" Luckinbill were all there.
It was my first Olympic (or International) distance race and I had modest expectations. The swim is only 400 meters shorter (1500 meters total) than a Half, while the Bike is only 8 miles longer (24.8 miles) then a Sprint and, honestly, I do not need the extra 5k (10k total).
But even with distances that do not play to my biking strength I still had a good solid performace.
I started a bit shakey in the water. I was not swimming straight. My mind (or the wind) wanted to turn me, so I had to keep lifting my head to site my line, I felt really constricted in the wet suit and I could not find my rhythm. I started to get some anxiety and two or three times I had to pull up and breast stroke. I guess that I had such a positive swim in the Half that I expected this swim to be easy and when it wasn't, I freaked out. I even swore this would be my last race...ever. I was able to collect myself and pull it together. I still had problems tracking but after I turned the first of the two markers I was able to get into a rhythm and swim home strong. I was out of the water in 28:40 and at the mats, which were a ways up the hill, in 29 minutes and something seconds.
The Bike course really did not suit me. The hills were not steep but they were long enough that I could not use the Diesel Power to keep things rolling. In a few places I really had to grind, so I did. In the end I had a strong ride. I rode just under 23 mph (depends on how exact the distance was). At around mile 15 I caught Mark Kauffmen and encouragingly told him that I would see him on the run (which I did) and then with a mile or two left I caught Lucky who started in the wave three minutes ahead of me. I ruled neither of these guys out because of their running ability.
I made a quick tranistion (without socks) and was passed by Lucky before I even hit the transition exit mat. He wished me luck and then slowly disappeared ahead of me. Only a few miles later Richard Puckett offered me a high five on his way by and then Mark Kauffman followed. Mark was quickly out sight but I managed to keep in site of Richard and at Mile 5 I passed him back. He offered some encouragement and I stepped up the pace. I was very happy with run. I average 7:29 and did it with negative mile splits: 7:26, 7:54, 7:22, 7:39, 7:16, 7:00. This means I closed the last 5k in 22:37 which is not two much slower then my 5K time in a sprint. I really felt solid and in control during the run. I still want to get better. I would like to run sub 7's next year. But it was a strong run for where I am right now. Oh yeah, and without socks I got some really bad blisters.
In the end, it was close. Mark beat everyone. Lucky made up the 3 minutes and beat Richard and I. I held off richard to claim the bronze. I should see Richard and Mark again at the invitational.
When the results were posted I finished 78 overall man out of 474. I was 12 in my class. I finished the season 10 in my age group for the series. Here is the NCTS final series standings
It was my first Olympic (or International) distance race and I had modest expectations. The swim is only 400 meters shorter (1500 meters total) than a Half, while the Bike is only 8 miles longer (24.8 miles) then a Sprint and, honestly, I do not need the extra 5k (10k total).
But even with distances that do not play to my biking strength I still had a good solid performace.
I started a bit shakey in the water. I was not swimming straight. My mind (or the wind) wanted to turn me, so I had to keep lifting my head to site my line, I felt really constricted in the wet suit and I could not find my rhythm. I started to get some anxiety and two or three times I had to pull up and breast stroke. I guess that I had such a positive swim in the Half that I expected this swim to be easy and when it wasn't, I freaked out. I even swore this would be my last race...ever. I was able to collect myself and pull it together. I still had problems tracking but after I turned the first of the two markers I was able to get into a rhythm and swim home strong. I was out of the water in 28:40 and at the mats, which were a ways up the hill, in 29 minutes and something seconds.
The Bike course really did not suit me. The hills were not steep but they were long enough that I could not use the Diesel Power to keep things rolling. In a few places I really had to grind, so I did. In the end I had a strong ride. I rode just under 23 mph (depends on how exact the distance was). At around mile 15 I caught Mark Kauffmen and encouragingly told him that I would see him on the run (which I did) and then with a mile or two left I caught Lucky who started in the wave three minutes ahead of me. I ruled neither of these guys out because of their running ability.
I made a quick tranistion (without socks) and was passed by Lucky before I even hit the transition exit mat. He wished me luck and then slowly disappeared ahead of me. Only a few miles later Richard Puckett offered me a high five on his way by and then Mark Kauffman followed. Mark was quickly out sight but I managed to keep in site of Richard and at Mile 5 I passed him back. He offered some encouragement and I stepped up the pace. I was very happy with run. I average 7:29 and did it with negative mile splits: 7:26, 7:54, 7:22, 7:39, 7:16, 7:00. This means I closed the last 5k in 22:37 which is not two much slower then my 5K time in a sprint. I really felt solid and in control during the run. I still want to get better. I would like to run sub 7's next year. But it was a strong run for where I am right now. Oh yeah, and without socks I got some really bad blisters.
In the end, it was close. Mark beat everyone. Lucky made up the 3 minutes and beat Richard and I. I held off richard to claim the bronze. I should see Richard and Mark again at the invitational.
When the results were posted I finished 78 overall man out of 474. I was 12 in my class. I finished the season 10 in my age group for the series. Here is the NCTS final series standings
1 comment:
Nice job Big D. Good race. I had a great day and a fun time. Good write up. Keep the rivalry alive!!!!
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