Multi-Sport RacingTriathalons 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.
So I did it, I'm a triathlete, along with Fish and Nick. And it was freaking awesome.
I woke up at 5 am on Sunday morning to make sure I got some food in me. I have spent so much time reading and planning my nutrition for this race, and everything worked out perfectly. I couldn't be happier about the nutrition.
It was 34 degrees when we got to the race (it was in Steamboat Springs, CO). So I had my racing gear on, as well as basketball shorts, a long sleeved T-shirt, and then sweat pants and a hoodie on over that. Got marked, did a quick mile run, and on goes the wetsuit. We were afraid of the cold, so I used my quarterly bonus to buy a new wetsuit. And aero bars (I'll get to these). The water was about 65 degrees, and felt perfect. The swim was 3/4 mi. so a good distance. I was really worried about the swim, and I was very suprised. I told my girlfriend who was watching to look for me at about 30 minutes after my start. I was WAY off. I come running out of the water, and the clock says 22:02!! My GF almost missed me! It was the 46th fastest time in a race of about 450. I was STOKED! I beat my training partner, who is an incredible triathlete, by about 3 minutes.
So, I get to transistion, goes well, I'm cold, whatever. Jump on my bike, and I'm gone. I don't think my swim really registered with me until I started getting passed by the Pro Triathletes on the bike leg. And my training buddy passed me like I was on a tricycle with pink tassles. He ended up 14th overall on the bike - just incredible. So 20 mile bike, I averaged 19.8 mph on a rolling course, so I was happy with that. Could improve here though. I bought aero bars, but went out on a practice ride the night before, and just couldn't hold the aero position for the whole 20 miles. So I bailed on these for the race. This leads to my number one area to improve - flexibility! Oh, my bike split was 1:01:39. Very decent.
Transistion out of the bike. Good transistion. Off on the 4 mile run course. This started off on a downhill, and was an out and back. But what starts as a downhill, ends as an uphill. So the last mile was brutal. Again, I was happy with my run split - 33:01 - average of an 8:16 mile. Can't complain.
My goal was to finish in under 2 1/2 hours. I came in at 1:59:42! I sorely underestimated my time. But I'm very very happy. My training buddy placed 36th out of 450, 2nd in our age group (of 6). I placed 78th overall, 4th in our age group.
It was a perfect day, and I'm HOOKED!! I have already registered for 2 tris in Australia when I get there, and am looking at 2 more. I'm also looking at 6 in Colorado when I get back from Australia in April. I'm freakin stoked. I don't have pictures back yet - waiting for the professional photo company to put them up. I'll get them here STAT.
So I have joined the ranks of Fish and Nick, and would encourage anyone who has thought about doing a tri to do one. The Tri community is unbeleivably nice, I was getting encouragement throughout the day from EVERYONE. I think every picture that comes back will have me smiling like a 3 year old. I know both these guys, as well as myself, would be glad to offer any advice or suggestions, or lessons learned. Do it. So worth it.
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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
Man, that is sweet!!! 34 degrees, huh? I miss living near the mountains. Congratulations. Can't wait to see the pics.
jim
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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.'"
E, dude!!! That is awesome. Ahhhh and the tri minions grow! I was going to do a sprint tri in September but it looks like it will not happen due to other obligations this month. I do plan on a century at the end of the month and two adventure races in October.
Again, great job! You kicked ass!
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Today's mighty oak was once just some nut who held his ground!
E-You're a stud! And this from a guy who was writing about his first brick mere weeks ago. You should be extremely proud of your accomplishment. I think I'll buy you some tassles for your bike [img]tongue.gif[/img] I still want a honky horn for mine but Joe won't let me.
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The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'.
Aight, here's some pics. I think I look like I'm dying, since the run pics were taken at the finish.
Swim photos to come soon...
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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
Great pics E! It looks like I may be back on for a tri in September. It's a sprint 500yd swim, 14 mile bike, 3 mile run. I think ODBSGIRL is going to do it too. It will be her first!
and the minions grow...
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Today's mighty oak was once just some nut who held his ground!
Do it. I know you've done a ton before, but do it. I want to do another one this weekend, but I think common sense might kick in and tell my body to rest a bit.
Or go ride my new aero bars. Hmmmmm....
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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
I've got this nuts racing schedule about to happen:
Sept 9-10 - Work the Assault on the Spa Adventure Race.
Sept 18 - Sprint Tri
Sept 25 - Century Ride
Oct 8 - Adventure Race w/ODBSGIRL 8 hours
Oct 15 - Adventure Race Solo 12 hours
Oct 16 - Last Rites
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Today's mighty oak was once just some nut who held his ground!
LOLOL - wow! That's a busy few months. I'll be busy November - February I'm sure. Probably shoot for 3 or 4 tris down unda!
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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
Here's a few more pics of the scenery at the race:
This guy was really pretty cool too. I passed him on the bike and he was super nice. And he had raised a bunch of money to help out the troops. Cool guy:
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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
I know I know, I'm working on it! I have been really worried about the ankle injury issue but I ran on rough trail some on Saturday with only a little pain and I ran yesterday with none (on a treadmill so it was soft running) Now all I have to worry about is the fact that I am totally blind and don't want to buy prescription goggles! I'm going to have to find a red swimsuit and follow it! It probably won't be pretty but I'll be in the club
Now, who wants to join me in the adventure race club HMMMMM?
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The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'.
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