| Multi-Sport Racing Triathalons and Adventure Racing have been sweeping the nation at a phenomenal rate. Multi-Sport Racing is one of the few sports where just completing a race is often considered a victory. Learn all about this sport, post photos, meet potential teammates or brag about your performance in a race. |
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08-07-2005, 07:58 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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supermoderating hos
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: A Place With A NASCAR Track
Posts: 10,514
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But I did horrible.
My goal was two hours for the sprint tri (0.6 swim/12 bike/4 run).
I went to the orientation meeting for first timers Saturday, and it helped calm my fears somewhat. However, the jitters returned Sunday morning.
We got to the lake about an hour before start time, so I had plenty of time to psych myself out. I did pretty well, until I actually got into the water.
My gameplan was to start near the back because I didn't want to get jostled, and if I sprinted out to a lead, it would be gone in a flash anyway.
I stuck to it, but did get hit pretty good for the first 200 meters. That's when the doubts set in. I freaked out, and started realizing that I may not make it. I calmed myself down and after the first turn, settled into a groove that carried me through to the end of the race. I swam the course in 26:18, which was at/better than what I was hoping for.
Then came my downfall. I was near the back, and I figured I could pick some people off during the run and the bike; however, I SEVERELY underestimated the fatigue/cluelessness that I would experience after the swim. The first two miles of the course were hills, and due to my own fatigue and bike shittiness (There's a pic of it, please don't make fun of it. It was easily the crappiest one there) I could never get going. By the time I looked at my watch, I had been going for 45 minutes total, and I wasn't out of the lake park yet.
After walking up a huge hill, I hopped on the bike and never got off, finally finding a pace I could cruise at. However, I lost waaaaaay too much time in the first 1/6 to make up any ground whatsoever on anyone. Time: 1:12 something. Really, really, really awful. I was looking for something in the 45 minute range.
Then came the run, where I expected to make up the most ground. I did, but by the time I was out of the Speedway, it was 1:45, and my hopes of finishing under two hours were gone. I ran at about a 9 minute mile pace, which was what I was looking for. I passed four people on the run, and combined with the one I passed on the bike (scary, I know) made 5. Not bad for the day, and there were some people that finished behind me in the water that didn't catch me too. Run time: 36ish. Overall time: 2:21 something.
I want to do this again next year, and now that I know what to expect, my goal is to drop 30 minutes. Not out of the question, because if I get a better bike, and actually train for more than a month, I can do a lot better. My friend Alex, who I work with, kicked my ass. She did it in 1:47, and along with me has caught the race fever.
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"If you can't have a photo with the real thing, you can always fantasize with a cardboard cutout."
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08-07-2005, 08:09 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Has Pretty Lips
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,722
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way to go buddy, you're freakin awesome!
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08-07-2005, 08:11 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Future SUV Owner
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 4,753
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congrats and way to go!
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“Life is a headlong rush into the unknown. We can hunker down and hope nothing hits us or we can stand tall, lean into the wind and say, 'Bring it on, darlin', and don't be stingy with the jalapeños.'"
-J.M. “Red” Spicer
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08-07-2005, 08:11 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Baking Sugar & Spice Bun!
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Little Torontorock
Posts: 4,501
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That's awesome Nick. So now you know what to expect next time....and from the pic, I get the impression a different bike could save you some serious time!
I'm inspired...not quite there myself, but eventually, maybe, I'll try one too!
Congrats! And glad it make you catch the race fever.
You look great, btw!!
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08-07-2005, 08:15 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Back in the Desert
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Diego, CA via Yuma, AZ
Posts: 2,751
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You're disappointed with yourself, but like Cappy said, now you know how to improve next time.
I like the old-school bike. And I suggest trying to hook up with Alex [img]smile.gif[/img]  .
__________________
"If it felt good, you didn't push hard enough. It's supposed to hurt like hell." - Dean Karnazes' track coach, Ultramarathon Man
Somebody said they saw me
Swingin' the world by the tail
Bouncing over a white cloud.
Killing the Blues
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08-07-2005, 08:19 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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I think, therefore I post
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 14,399
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Great going Ninja! The first race is always hard, but hopefully the bug bit you. I agree with Cappy that you need to get a better bike and you will see a big improvement in your bike leg time. Good going. We're all very proud of you!
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Jean-Paul Francoeur
www.jpfitness.com
http://forums.jpfitness.com
"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-Mark Twain
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08-07-2005, 08:20 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,004
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Congratulations Nick! If I was into athleticism and stuff you'd be my new Hero! I still love you though. By the way, how was the PWO?
Bobby
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08-07-2005, 08:49 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Jumpman Jr.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 2,901
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Awesome job man. Hearing all these race reports is about to get me back into some road races, adventures, and maybe a tri if I could ever learn how to swim that far without sinking. You should definately be proud.
__________________
Low expectations yield insignificant results
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08-07-2005, 09:26 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Fit Chick
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PA
Posts: 4,131
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Congratulations Nick!! You may have just inspired me to do this one day...hmmmm. Great job!!
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08-08-2005, 02:13 AM
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#10 (permalink)
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Ben. Just Ben.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: CLT
Posts: 6,860
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Way to go, Nick. You may've motivated me to try a triathlon myself. Now, about this "friend"... 
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"If you do not find time to become and remain healthy, you will be obliged to find time to be ill." --George Hackenschmidt
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08-08-2005, 06:23 AM
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#11 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Jersey, Channel Islands
Posts: 2,514
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Only your first and already a Gatorade endorsement!?!?
Whose your agent?
Well done mate!
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Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. -- Sidney J. Harris
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08-08-2005, 06:50 AM
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#12 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Baltimore
Posts: 1,480
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Great Job, Nick! You did better than I could on my best day!
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08-08-2005, 07:31 AM
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#13 (permalink)
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Prime Motivator
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Stewartstown, PA
Posts: 9,531
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Nick,
Strategy for next year. Have Alex waiting at the finish line.
I would seriously want to get there as fast as I could with her waiting there.
The first time at anything is a benchmark, a place to start from and improve. Now you know what to expect and you will prepare to kick ass on the next one. Great first effort.
In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler
__________________
In Fitness & Friendship,
MAHLER
______________________________ __________________________
There is no light at the end of the tunnel. You carry the light with you.
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08-08-2005, 08:18 AM
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#14 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 3,620
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Nick- Great job, man. It looks like you had a good time. That bike is awesome.
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08-08-2005, 08:24 AM
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#15 (permalink)
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Human Pogo
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chambersburg, PA
Posts: 3,959
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Congratulations! You now have times to beat and you know what you have to do.
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08-08-2005, 08:26 AM
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#16 (permalink)
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Master of my domain
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Posts: 3,974
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Quote:
Originally posted by Mahler:
Nick,
Strategy for next year. Have Alex waiting at the finish line.
I would seriously want to get there as fast as I could with her waiting there.
The first time at anything is a benchmark, a place to start from and improve. Now you know what to expect and you will prepare to kick ass on the next one. Great first effort.
In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler
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I had Mahler's exact same thought. Great job, Nick. I think entering and finishing an event like that is a great accomplishment. Just this morning, I was reading about a local triathlon held this past weekend. I thought, "Maybe someday . . ." realizing I'd have to start running more, start cycling (period) and learn to swim. Oh well, something to do after I turn 50. By then, you could be competing in Hawaii! Again, super news to hear.
Link to the story of our local event, in case anyone is interested:
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/du...s/12328753.htm |
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08-08-2005, 08:30 AM
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#17 (permalink)
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Not a Doper
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 3,182
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Way to go man! I'm sure it's an awesome feeling. My first one is in 3 weeks! I'm nervous!!!
Congrats again. That's a great accomplishment!
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"It's what you've got inside that matters. The details and technological things will take you only so far. You still have to pedal the bike. Some people are always looking for the magic secret. There's no secret. Just bust your ass." -Dave Zabriskie
Don't let your meatloaf.
26.2
2008 Half Ironman Training Log
2008 Training Blog
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08-08-2005, 08:31 AM
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#18 (permalink)
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I see banned people
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Northeast
Posts: 3,187
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Nice work Nick. I'd still be doggie-paddling in the lake when you finished. As Mahler said, now you've got a benchmark to work from and I'm sure you'll only get better (assuming you get a decent bike . [img]tongue.gif[/img] )
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"I'm growing older but not up. My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck. So let the winds of change blow over my head. I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead."
