I have been focusing on strength training with Running on a treadmill for the last month. So this race was a bit of a test to see if my hip is getting stronger so that I don't have so much pain in my calves. Oh I have been taking Total Immersion swim classes and I wish I had taken this a few years ago. Prescription goggles, new swim style, stronger hip... I better keep this up for July 8 at Stoney Plain Half Ironman www.gwntriathlon.com so your all invited now that I have announced this.
Ok to race. I tried a few different things so I want to remember the lessons learned because I think they worked. I wore shorts, Long + Short shirt, Run Hat, Sidewinder bottle holder with Noun in it and I drank 3/4 the bottle. The temperature was probably 8C and cooling as the sun went down. I also had a nap in the afternoon.
I went slow for the first km I actually kept behind this large guy that was speed walking. As the mass started to break into the usual groups as all races do, and what luck I was near the front of the slower group and I let a gap build and then I started to run at a comfortable pace and started picking off people for the second km. I did notice that the KM markers were off, the first one arrived way too quickly. I am so glad I don't pace myself using them anymore, Garmin is the King.
Looking back at the numbers I could figure out why K3 had an average of 7:30m/k.... until I looked at the map and realized I walked the bridge. I had been running with a lady and her 6year old daughter. I laughed with a volunteer saying "I will be so upset if that kid beats me"
But now that we have turned back and as you can see on the graph my HR just keeps going up. I ran with this lady I had seen at the start and she was overheating and expending a lot of energy to keep her pace. I was feeling very relaxed and I felt I could have a conversation if I choose too. Ok so it was a bit of an ego boost, I'll take it.
So I got to the last bridge and ran behind this BEAUTIFUL lady, it broke my heart to pass her. So I got myself across the bridge and realized that I pushing a bit harder and so I backed off just a hair so I wouldn't blow up before the final corner like I did for at Hypo Half
So I get to the final corner and increased my pace but then all of a sudden I heard all kinds of foot steps going on behind me. A quick shoulder check and I saw someone trying to pass me. SO KICK IT!!! I felt like the Tornado finishing a sprint stage of the TDF. The part that made me happy is that I was able not not let them pass me.
I felt great, my calves were aching but that I can handle it's when the scream and make me cry that is different. So I think my 5km test of my fitness went well and I am happy.
| 64 | 31:07 | 6:14 | 929 | Randy | MILLER | M | 64/161 |
