The train trestle on the run course. This race came at the end of a long training block. The week leading up to the race was filled with long rides, fast and tempo runs time trial swim efforts and a quick trip to Lysanne of Equinox Health to get some needed taping. The race was one last push for fitness before my next race (July 9, Eagleman 70.3). My one other competitor, Janet Nielson, past U23 National Team member and awesome athlete, had a different plan. She was going to push me to earn my win. I am so glad she did.
The day was not warm. My Garmin Edge 810 told me it was 8.5C and it was raining. I don't think it ever did warm up and the rain only stopped for brief moments. To stay warm I decided upon a polyethylene space blanket under my race kit and a rain jacket. I was perfectly warm although hardly aerodynamic. My toes on the other hand became ice-blocks.
It was a wetsuit swim and the water was actually perfect temperature. After the initial 200m push I settled into a nice rhythm with one other athlete who continued to help me push the pace. We swam side by side for almost the two whole laps. I ended up coming out of the water first with her just behind me. I ended up getting the course record of 24:55. A great start to the day.
The bike takes you around Lake Shawnigan four times. The first time around I played it safe getting to know the roads and possibly slippery sections and turns. The second time around Clint Lien (Coach, Mercury Rising) was able to give me a bike split letting me know where Janet was in the race. I had hoped to gain time on her so I could take it easier on the run. Three minutes. The third lap the rain actually stopped briefly and I purposely ran over some rough sections of road to wake up my frozen feet (did not work). Still only three minutes ahead. By this time I was thinking- really? Why is she not getting tired! I decided to pick up the pace to try to get some more time into her. It worked and by the time I had run through transition and out the other side I had about 5 minutes lead. I relaxed.
I started out easy and found a comfortable rhythm. I wanted to minimize the hurt factor so I could continue with training into the next week. When I turned around at 8km though I saw that Janet had gained on me and was only 4 minutes behind. Darn. I had to pick up the pace. And so I did. I brought my pace from a 4:30ish average to a 4:20ish average. Enough to keep the distance. I have this brilliant mental strategy going on too which helps. I constantly think I am going downhill. Maybe it is because I finally have learnt to lean forward in my position. On the out and back course when I turned around I was ready to hurt but then it was downhill again. It is like a super boost of energy!
Overall it was a great race, beautiful terrain and super well organized. The volunteers were brilliant and had the best attitudes on what ended up being not the most glorious days in May. I had to work much harder than I wanted thanks to Janet but am sure that I am better for it. I am back to work today and finishing off a few days of training before I really start to back off. Looking forward to seeing what I can do when my body is rested!
The day was not warm. My Garmin Edge 810 told me it was 8.5C and it was raining. I don't think it ever did warm up and the rain only stopped for brief moments. To stay warm I decided upon a polyethylene space blanket under my race kit and a rain jacket. I was perfectly warm although hardly aerodynamic. My toes on the other hand became ice-blocks.
It was a wetsuit swim and the water was actually perfect temperature. After the initial 200m push I settled into a nice rhythm with one other athlete who continued to help me push the pace. We swam side by side for almost the two whole laps. I ended up coming out of the water first with her just behind me. I ended up getting the course record of 24:55. A great start to the day.
The bike takes you around Lake Shawnigan four times. The first time around I played it safe getting to know the roads and possibly slippery sections and turns. The second time around Clint Lien (Coach, Mercury Rising) was able to give me a bike split letting me know where Janet was in the race. I had hoped to gain time on her so I could take it easier on the run. Three minutes. The third lap the rain actually stopped briefly and I purposely ran over some rough sections of road to wake up my frozen feet (did not work). Still only three minutes ahead. By this time I was thinking- really? Why is she not getting tired! I decided to pick up the pace to try to get some more time into her. It worked and by the time I had run through transition and out the other side I had about 5 minutes lead. I relaxed.
I started out easy and found a comfortable rhythm. I wanted to minimize the hurt factor so I could continue with training into the next week. When I turned around at 8km though I saw that Janet had gained on me and was only 4 minutes behind. Darn. I had to pick up the pace. And so I did. I brought my pace from a 4:30ish average to a 4:20ish average. Enough to keep the distance. I have this brilliant mental strategy going on too which helps. I constantly think I am going downhill. Maybe it is because I finally have learnt to lean forward in my position. On the out and back course when I turned around I was ready to hurt but then it was downhill again. It is like a super boost of energy!
Overall it was a great race, beautiful terrain and super well organized. The volunteers were brilliant and had the best attitudes on what ended up being not the most glorious days in May. I had to work much harder than I wanted thanks to Janet but am sure that I am better for it. I am back to work today and finishing off a few days of training before I really start to back off. Looking forward to seeing what I can do when my body is rested!
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