The biggest difference going into this race versus Peterborough was in my daily hydration. I was determined to confirm the impact this had on my performance and was not going to allow for this issue to be a possibility on this day. IF I showed up flat again, then it was not going to be because of a lack of hydrating, and showing up under fueled.
Going in, the plan was simple: Swim smooth, to set up a strong bike and run combo. My expectations, were to feel strong on the bike and hopefully average something north of 37km/hr on this rolling moderate hilly course. On the run, I was cautious with expectations (with Peterborough still fresh on my mind), but I was hoping to be able to run sub 4:30/kms, but I was really more focused again on feeling strong throughout.
Mom and dad showed up to support, which is always special and I also had some other family members come out as they were in town that weekend for other reasons and made time to come check it out - thanks!
Before the gun went off at 8am for the deep water start of the 2km swim, it was clear I was hydrated... I peed 3 times within the hour leading up to the start! :) As planned, I eased into things on the swim, and was able to find a great line to the first buoy. The rest of the way was pretty uneventful. Waters in Lake Ontario were pretty calm and the temps were ideal for wetsuit swimming. I popped out of the water around 32 minutes - not blazing fast, but feeling like I had stuck to the 'swim smooth' plan. I would soon know whether or not the race was going to be on - because for me, it really starts on the bike!
After a quick transition, I was on to the 49.6km bike course. It did not take long to see, this race was going to be different. Within the first 10-15 minutes on the ride I had passed 10-20 riders... way more then I ever did over the 90km ride in Peterborough. I was rolling the pedals over and no one was passing me. In Peterborough, at every hill or slight incline, I felt like I was going backwards, but now, I was feeling like Packman - eating up every incline, and closing in on whatever rider was in front of me! I came off the bike averaging 37.4km/hr, and had only 2 guys pass me the whole way, and they were both on relay teams. It was a great ride, except I wished it was much longer!
Another quick transition into the running shoes, and again, I knew quickly - within 300 meters of this 15km run, that this day was definitely going to be different. The legs were turning over, and as I headed through the first km, in sub 4'/km pace, I thought - ok, be smart, keep fueling and stay strong. The run course is a mix of flats, with a few short steep and medium length hills. On some of the climbs I felt the muscles in my back tighten up a bit, but I just tried to relax and turn the feet over quickly.
By far the best part of the run, was that final 600 or so meters, when you come around onto the home stretch. You can see the growing crowds ahead, and the finish banner in the distance. I had paced it well, and started to lift my pace to empty the tank - I did not want someone passing me at this stage of the game. I was feeling strong and with 200 meters to go, my eyes were on the line, but my ears heard the voice of my dad yelling something like "Go Jon-boy, Go!". It really doesn't matter the exact words, but hearing him and closing a race strong, made me well up with emotion that you just can't replicate.
 |
| Driving home for the finish.. This was right about when Dad was yelling out, and the finish was nearing! |
When it was all over, I averaged around 4:18/km on the run course. Good enough for finishing 3rd in my age group and 19th overall out of 201 competitors. It was a wonderful feeling, and a needed boost to the psyche to put this race together. I am about 13 weeks away from Ironman Florida and the volume will be that much easier to "get up" for, on the heels of this result.
Moving forward I have the remainder of August to keep improving, before I get to test things out really good in Ottawa on a Half Ironman course with flat terrain, similar to that of Florida.
Thanks for following along, and to those of you who keep supporting me with words of encouragement - I really appreciate it!
Jon
No comments:
Post a Comment