Boulder Peak Triathlon

Results:

Place overall: 502/1344
Place men: 392/812
Place Age 30-34: 63/129
Swim rank overall: 517/1344
Swim: 30:07
T1: 2:18
Bike Rank overall: 694
Bike: 1:25:34
Bike Pace: 18.4mph
T2: :54
Run Rank overall: 439/1344
Run: 50:31
Run Pace: 8:09 (7:21, 15:32, 24,…)
Total: 2:49:23
Preparations:
I moved out to Boulder in Jan. to begin my training at altitude; however Tri training started in early Dec when I was determined to gain 10 lbs of muscle to prepare for the endurance training ahead. That then led to seven months of training, 10.5 miles swam, 367 miles biked, 262 miles ran, blue bathing suit faded to gray due to Chlorine, 7 flat tires, going through one pair of shoes and 6 pairs of socks, and 3 cans of 2.6lb Muscle milk powder. More than that, I met/made some really great friends and training partners along the way. In particular was Kylee, one of the first people I've ever ran/trained with (during previous tri training cycles for sprint Tri's I had such a crazy work schedule and travel that I would do it alone). It has been a really great pairing, as both of us feed off each other’s energy and can help but inspire whomever we meet to get out there and show their best. There are few people in your life that you have that connection with but she definitely fills the void of previous training partners that I no longer have access to (not that there is anything wrong with my long distance, nor YouTube partners).

Besides that I got my bike tuned up and the bars re-gripped in flashy tape that demands notification, because let’s face it, part of being good is looking good. I picked my bike up on Friday after work and got home in time for a wonderful home cooked meal of chicken and pasta. The week leading up to this night of rest was in a sense a taper. I would work out one day including some technical aspects and then take the next day off or really easy.
Saturday, I rested for most of the day other then riding my bike up to the Expo 3 miles to pick up my race packet and attend the pre-race rule meeting. My bike up was sluggish, my legs felt heavy and it really felt like I was dragging a piano behind me (not knowing why at the time but I found out, continue reading). With 1800 competitors expected I thought that Ironman did an amazing job with organizing the event. Everything went pretty smoothly and answers to all questions were available on the spot. It was a good chance for people to check out the transition zone and the swim course. I was expecting the water to be as warm as my last swim but I got word that the deeper waters were much colder so I planned on wearing my wetsuit.
After the meeting and checking out some sweet gear I biked home to pack everything up.
Race Morning:
I went to bed at 9pm just after sunset and had a full nights rest. Not really all that nervous. I got up at 4:40 and had a little breakfast, thinking that I could pretty much eat anything since my race start wasn’t for a few hours. Having packed everything up the night before, I was confident that I didn’t forget anything and drove up to the race site Boulder Res. I got my timing chip and found my transition area (which was at the end of the row and 3 rows from the bike out gates) which was a great spot.
They closed the TA at 6:20 and I had a little over an hour to wait around before my wave (wave 13, the last wave).

Race:
At 7:20 I was found by my fans Chris and Kylee just off their morning runs and began to put on my wetsuit. This was the first time I wore a tank top under it and it was semi loose fitting so I tucked it in neatly. I also wore wax ear plugs for this swim and it really works out for me (best 2$s spent). I wore my watch under the suit so that I wouldn’t have to waste time later on trying to put it on when my hands are shaking from the adrenaline.
I lined up toward the front and in the middle and we were sent off right on time (or about). It was a crazy start, there were people everywhere and I had to fight to keep a position, I know I kicked at least one person and just about drown 2 more with my arms flailing. It wasn’t long and after about 200m my goggles had already fogged up, limiting my view to about 6 feet. There were a few times I got lost on the course and began zig zaging around and I cut a few people off from their line. Over all though it was a smart leg and there was no point where my arms got so tired that they couldn’t press on. I just found it hard to get into a rhythm with people so close around me and having to overtake members of the previous wave. Also, the sweet taste of gasoline and exhaust from a jet ski was a nice touch as I neared the shore.
I got out of the water in a time that was almost 10 mins. better then my goal, still stumbled around though and I was having a little trouble regaining my breath. I had good run pace into the TA where I got the rest of my suit off and prepared to bike. I had a little trouble getting socks on my wet feet even though I had loaded them with baby powder.
I had a great flying mount onto the bike and we headed out of the park and hit the streets (uphill for the first 7 miles). At about the 2 mile mark I began to hear a rubbing from my back tire and started to fixate on it. I had to make some decisions: A) get off the bike and check it out, B) reach back and try to adjust the brake bracket, C) reach back and disengage the brake. I settled on B and C being my best options, however both were unsuccessful in correcting the noise and its associated drag. At mile 5 and just before my turn onto Lee Hill road (the big hill) I had accepted the fact that I was going to have a slow bike, it was going to be a battle and I was going to be dragging that piano I felt the day before for 26 miles and up over a massive hill. So I refocused on taking the hill. My composure actually did help and I began to pass a few people on the hill. Seeing a few people that had gotten off and walk was less then inspiring but I knew how much slower I would be even if I ran with the bike, so I stayed on and fought. I fought hard, not really getting out of breath but feeling the effects of my swim more and more. My legs were draining so I knew that after the summit I was going to have to have a very smart ride from then on (coasting and resting on the downhill portions). At about 100m from the top it was a much welcomed party including cowbells, air horns, 4 men dressed in devil costumes and other onlookers.
At the summit I grabbed the complimentary G2 pro formula and stashed it after a few sips. I reengaged my brakes hoping that some surface area would burn off and thus remedy my drag. The down slope was steep with the potential of a 40mph coast easily, however with a 35mph max limit or a DQ rule, I stayed around 31mph to play it safe (the speed limit section was only about a half mile). I was very familiar with the rest of the course and was in great spirits by my turn on Nelson Rd. even though I still had drag from the brakes. On 63rd and with less than 10 miles to go I didn’t really pick up my pace I just road strong and steady (even over the rolling hills) and must have passed 30 other bikers taking into consideration that the next turn could bring a hindering head wind. By this time however my feet were numb and no amount of resting, or wiggling was going to bring them back to life. I needed to get off that bike.
I arrived at the dismount 20mins. Later than anticipated but relieved to have the chance to get back on the ground for the leg that I had previously though I was most prepared for. I had a great T2, racked my bike, turned my number around and trotted on with my numb feet. I noticed that the rack was already filled with bikes, meaning that I was behind a lot of my age group (even though very few had passed me during my ride).
I got through the first mile in a smart 7:21 pace, again distracted by competitors that had given into walking. I grabbed sips of water at mile 1, 3, and 5 combining both water and Gatorade and doing the best I ever have with the grab and go method. At the turn around I was 4 mins past my pace and knew I had to stay within myself and gather a strong finish. It just wasn’t in me, I couldn’t find it even though there were a few inspiring downhill sections. The last 800m I looked and felt like death, like a truck had run over me and I was hating every second. The last 400m, I hit the crowds, they announced my name and I finished with a proud stride out, crossed the line and just about collapsed from pure exertion and dehydration. I donned a cold wet towel on my head and downed 2 bottles of water and found the nearest shady spot. I finished!
Aftermath and lessons learned:
It took me around 20 mins. to settle down and start the celebrating and savor the moment. The race left me with sore shoulders, abs, lats, triceps, and hamstrings but more then that I learned a lot about being a Triathlete as well as redefined my limitations. I learned that even after you get a professional tune up to always thoroughly check your bike and equipment. In all it was a great test for the 70.3 and pointed out my weak areas that Ill need to focus on for these last 2 training cycles. Stay tuned and thank you for the support, It truly means a lot to me knowing that im not out on the course or during training alone.