I'm back, I've still got a bit too much winter fat, and I'm (more or less) ready to go. After a couple of solid weeks of crash-training, I 'competed' in my first triathlon of the year. Long story short: worst....race....ever.
Before I blabber on about the horrors of my race, let me say Pacific Crest Long Course is a beautiful event and is run as well as any triathlon I've ever done. I'd highly recommend it to anyone, but with a warning that the weather can be a bit finicky. Unfortunately, the weather conspired against us and everyone who knows me will attest to my lack of fortitude when the temps begin to dip. What can I say...I like it hot. Race day saw 60 degree water temps with 40 degree air temps, and the bike was re-routed and shortened from 56 to 28 miles because of snow on the course. Yes...snow. In short, my race went like this:
1. Solid 200-300 meters in the swim before I began something between a heavy pant and hyperventilating. Not pretty, and much backstroke and breaststroke was involved in a vain attempt to regain my composure. I wanted to quit the whole time but didn't for reasons still unknown to me.
2. Somewhat strong 6-7 miles on the bike before I lost all feeling in my legs, feet, and hands. Paltry watts after that, though I tried my darndest!
3. At T2 I needed the help of a volunteer to unbuckle my helmet and the Velcro straps on my shoes.
4. Too embarrassed to ask for further assistance, I ran without tying my running shoes, because my hands were too cold to tighten my toggles. I was also too cold to pull dry arm warmers on.
5. At mile 2 on the run it began to hail, which turned to a heavy, freezing rain at mile 3.
6. By mile 6 the sun came out, and by mile 8 I began to feel my feet again, which was extremely painful. Did I mention this was the worst race ever?
The rest was pretty uneventful, although I did spend the first 4 miles of the run wondering how cold effects reaction time, and if I were to trip and fall if I'd have time to put out my arms or if I'd just land on my face. I didn't fall, and that fact alone was perhaps the highlight of the race.
Actually, the highlight was that I finished, and persevered through the toughest conditions I've ever experienced. At the end of the day, besides being really, really cold, I was really happy I stuck it out and didn't throw in the towel. I figure after last weekend, the rest of the season is all downhill from here, right? Next up...Rev3 Portland on 7/8.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Pacific Crest Long Course (Baby Got Back)
I'm back, I've still got a bit too much winter fat, and I'm (more or less) ready to go. After a couple of solid weeks of crash-training, I 'competed' in my first triathlon of the year. Long story short: worst....race....ever.
Before I blabber on about the horrors of my race, let me say Pacific Crest Long Course is a beautiful event and is run as well as any triathlon I've ever done. I'd highly recommend it to anyone, but with a warning that the weather can be a bit finicky. Unfortunately, the weather conspired against us and everyone who knows me will attest to my lack of fortitude when the temps begin to dip. What can I say...I like it hot. Race day saw 60 degree water temps with 40 degree air temps, and the bike was re-routed and shortened from 56 to 28 miles because of snow on the course. Yes...snow. In short, my race went like this:
1. Solid 200-300 meters in the swim before I began something between a heavy pant and hyperventilating. Not pretty, and much backstroke and breaststroke was involved in a vain attempt to regain my composure. I wanted to quit the whole time but didn't for reasons still unknown to me.
2. Somewhat strong 6-7 miles on the bike before I lost all feeling in my legs, feet, and hands. Paltry watts after that, though I tried my darndest!
3. At T2 I needed the help of a volunteer to unbuckle my helmet and the Velcro straps on my shoes.
4. Too embarrassed to ask for further assistance, I ran without tying my running shoes, because my hands were too cold to tighten my toggles. I was also too cold to pull dry arm warmers on.
5. At mile 2 on the run it began to hail, which turned to a heavy, freezing rain at mile 3.
6. By mile 6 the sun came out, and by mile 8 I began to feel my feet again, which was extremely painful. Did I mention this was the worst race ever?
The rest was pretty uneventful, although I did spend the first 4 miles of the run wondering how cold effects reaction time, and if I were to trip and fall if I'd have time to put out my arms or if I'd just land on my face. I didn't fall, and that fact alone was perhaps the highlight of the race.
Actually, the highlight was that I finished, and persevered through the toughest conditions I've ever experienced. At the end of the day, besides being really, really cold, I was really happy I stuck it out and didn't throw in the towel. I figure after last weekend, the rest of the season is all downhill from here, right? Next up...Rev3 Portland on 7/8.
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