Tri for Real - Race Report

September 19, 2010.  This would be my 7th triathlon of the year.  I was excited for the race, but admittedly was glad that this was going to be the last time of the year I'd have to get up at 5:00 a.m. (or earlier) ! ! !  In addition to getting up early, the forecast was for rain to start Saturday night and continue through Sunday.  Ugh.  I've done tri's in the rain once or twice before and it ain't fun.
Plenty dark at 5:00.  But no rain.  Got to Shadow Cliffs and got one of the prime spots.  As it got a bit lighter, the skies were actually looking pretty good.  Somewhat overcast, but no rain.  Yeah ! !!

The Tri for Real is a 700 yard swim, 16 mile bike, and 4 mile run.  In the Tri for Fun series, the benchmark is to try to break 1 hour.  But in the Tri for Real, the benchmark is to break 1:30, which I've done a couple times.

I was to be in Wave #1, along with my fellow Forward Motion Race Club members, and men 29 and under.  The gun sounds and we're off.  I was able to do more drafting in this swim than during any swim I can remember.  That was nice.  Minimal contact.  I was hoping to finish in under 12:00.  I recognized Jan's voice yelling as I exited the water but couldn't see her as I ran by her.

Swim time:  12:26.

T1:  1:13.

Bike:  This is a 2-loop course, flat with some rollers.  I was going to "work it" and was hoping to average over 20 mph.  Last year, I got a flat and was looking for some redemption.  It was fairly windy out there.  No real problems.  Stayed focused and picked off a few riders here and there during loop #1.  The second loop can be very dangerous since all the slower athletes have now started loop #1 of their ride and you have to be careful when trying to pass them.

Bike time:  46:18.  Av Speed = 21.5 ! ! !  Av Watts = 203 ! ! !

T2:  26 seconds.

Run:  At this point, I didn't know what my swim time was, but figured I was definitely flirting with going sub-1:30.  My legs felt pretty good right from the start and I was keeping a good pace and picking off a couple runners in front of me.
7:23
7:22
7:26
7:06.

Run time: 30:09.  (7:17 per/mi. pace)

Total time:  1:30:54.   8th place in Age Group (out of 39).

Although I was hoping to go sub-1:30, I think the swim may have been a skosh long, so I don't feel bad.
It was a good end to a good season !

The Big Kahuna - 2010 ! ! !

September 13, 2010.  I seem to recall that the forecast for Santa Cruz was that it was going to be just perfect.  Hmmm.  Well, it was awefully foggy when I got there at just after 5:00 a.m.  That's ok, as I'm used to the fog burning off.

First things first.  Get set up in transition.  I was pretty psyched as I got a spot right next to the bike exit on the second rack, about mid-way back.  Some people were on racks about 40-50 yards back so I'm in much better shape.  Then, this guy who had the absolutely best spot --outside spot on the first rack next to the exit-- asks me if I want to switch since he feels guilty taking it. Uh, yeah.  Good omen for the day.

Unlike most triathlons, the swim exit is several block away from the transition area.  Having done this race 5 times, I am prepared and leave some water shoes to slip on at the edge of the sand to allow me to run faster to transition.  I make my way to the swim start.

Except for the Tri for Fun races, ALL triathlons start on time.  Period.  Uh -- well, I guess they had some problems getting the buoys in place, perhaps having to do with the 2 sailbots being anchored directly in our path.  After 20-30 minutes, they announce we'll be swimming in between the boats. I make a mental note not to get strangeled by the roaps holding the anchors in place.

The swim.

That water is COLD ! ! !  I swear I got an ice cream "brain freeze" as I was warming up (?).  Fortunately, the water I allowed into my wetsuit warmed up before the actual swim start.  It didn't seem so bad once I reentered the water when the race started.  Another good omen.  The swim was fairly non-contact.  My goal was to finish the 1.2 miles swim in sub-40:00 (2004 = 37:52; 2005 = 39:53; 2007 = 35:26; and 2008 = 38:30)

Time:  37:42 ! ! !  Yeah, baby.  (40th in age group, out of 54)

T1:  Given how far the transition area is, it normally takes a couple minutes just to get there.  My T1 times have ranged from 3:42 - 5:01.

Time:  3:54.  (4th place)

 

Bike:

Even though it was still overcast, I wasn't cold.  So I decided to forego putting on arm warmers.  I figured it would feel nice once the sun comes out.  Uh, what sun.  Went the entire ride and still no sun.  Unbelievable.  But at least it wasn't cold.  So that was ok.

Goal was to definitely break 3:00 and, preferably, finish in the 2:40's.  I just stayed focused the entire time.  Passed tons of people and hardly anyone passed me.  Reached the turnaround at 1:23; Av speed = 20.2 mph ! ! !  Yeah !

Unfortunately, I soon realized that I had a bit of a tailwind on the way north on Highway 1 which soon became a bit of a headwind coming back.  Ugh.

Still - not bad though.  

So here's some kharma. Everyone knows --"no drafting". And here's this guy who passes me and is blatantly drafting. I think I'll be able to reel him in and say something. Just as I'm getting close to him (no, not drafting), I hear psssssss. He gets a flat. Hee hee.

Time: 2:52. Av = 19.5. Not bad for 56 miles. (24th place)

T2: 1:00.8 seconds ! ! !  3rd place (in my AG, about 12th overall).  Smokin'.  And that includes putting the bike away, taking off the helmet, putting on socks and shoes, grabbing my hat and fuel belt.

Run:

Ok, by now I realize I still have a chance to break my PR of 5:19.  I just need to put the hammer down for a mere 13.1 miles.  Surely the sun will be coming out at some point which might make it tough in the heat.  Uh, nope.  No sun.

As soon as I leave transition, there's a little hill and Tom Gardin is waiting for me on his bike at the top.  Tom's riding next to me and he's chatting away and asking me all kinds of questions.  I didn't want to seem rude, but I figured he'd get the message from my gasping for air and only muttering 1-word answers that I'm, you know, in the middle of a "race".  Those IT guys; go figure.

My goal was to average 8:23 per/mi. or better, which would give me a 1:49 half marathon time.
So Tom stays with me for about 4 miles and I am just flying.  Clicking off each mile at 8:04, 7:59, 7:52, 8:16, 8:29, 8:16. 

The toughest part of the run course is near the turnaround (miles 6-7) because you're on a narrow dirt trail.  But I reach the turnaround and am feeling just great.  In the groove.


Click off another 8:22 mile and have only half a mile left on the dirt trail when, all-of-a-sudden, I catch my shoe on a rock and go flying.  One of those things where you know what you've done, seem to have plenty of time to contemplate the fact that you're flying, you know that you're going down and that it's going to hurt when you do.  And then, "thud".  No rolling.  No great slide like going into second base.  Just crash and stop.  A few triathletes stop to see if I'm ok and to offer assistance.  I'm kind of dazed and confused (more than normal).  Hands bloody.  Knees and legs bloody.  I start walking and taking inventory.  All parts seem functional.  Within 250 yards is a water stop and I have them dump water on my hands and legs to clean things off.  Then I take off.  Hey man, this is a race.  And I'm a &%$()!* Ironman.  No reason I can't cry and run at the same time.
Remember that great pace --uh, gone.  9:18, 9:12, 8:42, 9:22, 9:45, and 9:24.  I was diggin' down deep, let me tell you.  Those were some tough miles.
(I'm reminded of the times running on the ridge when I've told others "your legs may be getting tired so make sure you pick your feet up so you don't trip.  Doh.)

Time: 1:57.  (23rd place)  I was averaging 8:11 per/mi. before the fall (which would've given me a 1:47 half. . . and would've given me a PR by over 2:00)  Not bad to break 2:00, all things considered.  


Final time:  5:32.   21st in age group.


Went straight to the med tent and had them clean up the wounds and bandage me up.  Basically felt fine.
Got some most-excellent food, and plenty of it ! ! !  Pretty much been eating ever since.

Tri For Fun - Race Report

August 21, 2010. Time for another fun race in my own backyard. Got up a bit before 5:00 and out the door. I knew the weather was going to be great -- not too hot; not too cold. Got there early enough to get the primo rack in transition. Got things laid out and here comes Tom Hall -- doing his first triathlon.


I helped Tom get a transition spot and get him oriented for what's about to follow. He was like a little kid.

Waiting to start. That's me in middle with the yellow cap.

Did a little warmup run, put on the wetsuit, and headed out to the start area. I always make sure to go in the "competitive wave", the first wave with 100 of my closest friends.

The horn blows and we're off. Arms flailing and nervous energy all over the place. I went wide left and had a pretty good line to the first buoy. There before I know it. After rounding it, I'm surrounded on all sides. Great. Hardly any contact though. Round the last buoy and head back to the beach. Feeling quick and steady. Below is a picture of me mid-swim. You can see me on the far left (not middle) wearing a yellow swim cap (not the guy with his head up).

Exit the water and am taking off the wetsuit while running and hear Jim and Pam Ott yelling to me. I don't know how they recognized me in all the commotion, but that was great.

Swim exit, heading towards bike rack.

Swim: 7:16 (by the time I hit the lap button anyway). Pretty good.

T1: No problems. 53 seconds. Nice. Jim made his way up to just outside my rack and took some pictures.

Heading out to start the bike

A bit windy on the bike. What a surprise. Not. At the turnaround on Vineyard, I was surprised at how many riders there were in front of me, especially since I'd had a decent swim and quick T1. I guess the competition is always getting tougher and tougher. And they all seemed to be much, much younger. Anyway, everything was going smoothly until I was at the small hill and shift the front chainring and the chain pops off. Had to get off the bike to fix it. Quick fix but had to wait till about 4 riders passed me before I could get going again. I probably lost 45+ seconds. Got back into the right state of mind and finished the bike quickly.

Bike: 27:20 Av speed: 21.1 mph.

Quick T2: 31 seconds.

The legs loostened up pretty quickly for the run. Just focused on trying to pass one person at a time, and flying on each downhill roller. This is a slow 5k course because of all the rollers and turns and being on trails. Saw Tom on the last straight-away and we high-fived each other. He yelled a time out to me (something like 40:41) and I couldn't figure out what he was talking about. And it's just impossible to do math while your racing.

Run: 22:51 Av pace 7:07 (7:09, 7:22, and 7:03 mile splits)

Total: 58:47. So I figure I might have broken 58:00 if not for the chain popping off. Next year I'll definitely be looking at going sub-58, or maybe faster . . .

It was great hanging out with Jim, Pam, and Kelsey and watching Tom finish strong. He had so much fun. Me too.

Folsom Olympic Distance Triathlon Race Report

 August 15, 2010 - I did the Folsom Olympic distance tri yesterday (near Sacramento).  (1 mi. swim, 25 mi. bike, 10k run).  I did this race in 2007 and had a great performance, breaking 2:30.  (2:25).  As with all the races I do, I was looking to break my prior time. 

Jan and I got up early (3:45 a.m. !! ) to drive from Pleasanton, and, what a surprise, hit no traffic. 

Getting wetsuit on to test out the water.

The sun was out and the weather was great. Not too hot.

Lots of other races from the Forward Motion Race Club, and we had 3 reserved racks. Set up my transition area.  Got my wetsuit on and made my way to the water.  No prob.  Get in the water for my warmup and WHOA ! ! !  Man, that water was COLD.  What's up with that?  I guess the water continually enters the lake from the Sierra.  Oh.  Well, I certainly did not recall the water being so cold last time.  And I'd remember that. . .

Anyway, the horn blows and we're off.  No prob.  Hardly any bumping.  Tough to see squat as we're heading right into the sun. According to my Garmin 310xt (under my swim cap to maintain the GPS signal), I swam pretty straight. (http://connect.garmin.com/player/44686065) .  Unfortunately, my swim was really, really slow.  Minutes slower not only compared to my time from 2007, but also from other Oly distance tris I've done this year.  Swim time: 32:19.  27th out of 40.

Fairly fast T1.  5th out of 40.  (I always say I can change clothes fast!).

Chilly water. Ugh. Legs crampy as I stand.

Starting the ride; heading out of the park.

The bike course is quite nice.  Basically an out and back with lots of rollers through nice countryside.  This year -- very windy.  Strong headwinds during the 1st half of the ride.  Ugh.  I don't think I was even avering 16 mph on the first 1/2.  After the turn-around, I was flying, at times going 30 or 31 mph.  That helped pick up the Av but I still ended up sub-20 mph for the first time in a long time. 

Bike time:  1:15.  (Av = 19.85) (27th in AG)

The run is mostly rollers on an out and back along a paved path through the park.  Nice shade so no real overheating problem.  The good news is that I was more consistent than my last couple of races where I faded or melted down during the last 2-3 miles.  Here, my splits were 7:20, 7:27, 7:31, 7:19, 7:40, and 7:38.

Holding form heading uphill.

Run time: 47:47.  (21st in AG)

Total time: 2:37 (23rd in AG)

Upon review, I think the very cold water affected my swim and delayed my legs from getting in the groove on the bike for a bit.  And the wind would slowed me up no matter what.  Still bummed that my run was 3:00 slower than last time.  Hmmm.  Could it be a getting older issue??? 

Flying over the rollers!

Running steady.

Devil Mountain Double (DMD) Ride Report

April 24, 2010 - The “Devil Mountain Double” (The “DMD”) – a double century- 206 miles – with 20,000 feet of climbing !

It took longer than expected, but I finished and actually felt strong through the end.

The day started with me get up just before 4:00 a.m. Picked up my friend Bryan who lives a couple blocks away and headed over to the San Ramon Marriott.

Ideally, my other friend, Jim Ott, and I to ride the entire course together. But we both knew that many things can happen over the period of a day to alter that.

Jim and I were pleasantly surprised when Jerry Pentin, another friend who had NOT entered the event, showed up to ride the first 9 miles with us. He had done tons of training rides with Jim, Bryan, and me, and felt part of our “team”.

We started at 5:00. Pitch black. But we’ve got great headlights to light the way, and great taillights to make sure any cars coming from behind see us clearly, and generally give us a very wide birth.

We were unpleasantly surprised when Jim quickly announced he realized he forgot his water bottle – not in his car, but AT HOME. Water bottles, and drinking in general, are – um – important for cycling events. Quick adjustment – Jerry gives him one of his which had Gatorade, and I give him an extra one since I had actually been carrying 3. First problem of the day solved.

9 miles in we start the Mt. Diablo ascent. No prob. We pass a lady who we saw on one of our training rides up Sierra Rd (a ***** of a hill) who had been signing some Indian or Hawaiian chant. We would end up seeing her at different times throughout the entire ride. The sun came up as we were going up. Nice way to catch a sunrise. Fortunately, it seemed a bit warmer than the 47 degrees. Anyway, it generally takes about 1:30. We made it to the top right on schedule. The event was totally supported. 99 volunteers for only 200 riders. At the top volunteers refill our water bottles for us! We put on some extra clothes we brought with us since the descent is freezing with the wind chill. This time – it wasn’t miserable, but it still sucked. GET ME OFF THIS !?*$%! HILL !

At the bottom we meet 2 guys riding together and end up spending darn near the entire ride either riding together or leap frogging. Before I know it (ok, a slight exaggeration since nothing really happens fast on this sort of ride), we’re climbing up Morgan Territory. No prob.

There’s a check point at the 91 mile mark that they said you had to be at BEFORE 1:00 or else you’re basically out. With all the hills, etc. we were a bit nervous about making it since our plan was to go very conservatively the entire day. Last year, Jim rode to hard (and had issues with nutrition) and had to stop after 165 miles. Anyway, I did some rough math and realized on the way up Morgan Territory that we were going to make the cutoff with no problem.


Go over the Altamonte. No prob.

Coming back over the Altamonte up Patterson pass was when Jim had his first problem of the day as he started bonking. About ½ mile from the top is a water stop. I made it there a few minutes before Jim which is unusual since he’s generally either in front or right with me. While waiting, I reapply sunscreen.

We get to the top literally at EXACTLY the same time as Jan who had been riding in the opposite direction! ! She had been tracking me by my GPS but that was unbelievable. We rode with her to the Mines Rd. stop/cutoff. We got there at 12:30 – ahead of schedule and with 30:00 minutes to spare! Couple bites of solid food.

On the way to Mines Rd. we see our friend, Tom Gardin, who was coincidentally riding the “Mt. Hamilton Challenge” that morning – a 100 mile ride which goes along the same stretch in the opposite direction. He turns around and starts riding with us. I ask, “aren’t you just adding to your ride?”. He says, “yeah, but how often do I come across a friend riding the DMD?” (Never, of course).

Jan leaves us just as we are starting the ascent. Jim and I make it up Mines Rd. and to the Junction. No prob. Quick pit stop with a couple bites of solid food.

We head out towards Mt. Hamilton. We rode up this a bit ago as part of our training. Tough but no prob. Yesterday – BIG PROBLEM. The weather was hotter than it’s been all year. So we had not acclimated to it. To make matters worse, because of the slight breeze we were really unaware of exactly how much we were sweating. By the time I was ½ way up the 5-mile ascent, I realized I wasn’t sweating as much – a clear sign of the beginning of dehydration – something I know about all too well. And Jim – I had no idea what was going on since he was so far behind me I couldn’t see him. But I knew he was in the same boat. About 1 mile from the top was another water stop. I waited, and waited, and waited. But no Jim. Finally, he shows up and not looking good. Turns out he literally got off his bike since he was feeling noxious, and eventually was actually walking his bike up the hill. He was ready to pack it in.

He’s ready to go again but by now I had been there so long that my entire body had stiffened up. Big prob. I’m literally grunting and groaning to get up the last 1 mile. All my energy was gone.

At the top, I start feeling “the chills” – another sign of dehydration. I was miserable, mentally and physically. My feet were hurting so badly that it even hurt if I was just coasting. Jim and I didn’t say a word. We didn’t need to. We were both suffering and having nothing but negative thoughts. We put on some extra clothes and start the descent. As if things weren’t bad enough, the descent sucks. It’s so curvy and bumpy you have to ride your breaks the entire time. No relaxation or “recovery”.

Towards the bottom, there’s a rest stop at someone’s house. I take off my shoes since my feet are killing me. Intolerable. I know how critical it is for us to take in plenty of liquids and we do. I had some nice soup. Ahhhh. That helped warm me up. Had some Gatorade too, and took a few Advil. We were there for a while. Just as I’m ready to climb on my bike, Jan calls. “Where are you??? ! ! !” The gps tracking didn’t work at all on Mt. Hamilton. No surprise since it’s out in the boonies. Anyway, I tell her about Jim’s problems coming up Mt. Hamilton and tell her to call Pam, his wife, to let her know.

I had wanted to finish so badly, in large part because I didn’t EVER want to have to think about doing another 200 mile ride again. And I didn’t want the guilt of having not completed it and then doing it again just for redemption. But at this point, there was probably a 95% chance that I would NOT be finishing.

About 6 miles from there is the base of Sierra Rd. On the way there, all the liquid we took in made its way through our system and we felt totally rejuvenated ! ! ! Jan had driven there (3 hours earlier ! ! !) and was waiting for us with some fresh supplies. More chamois butter ! Ahhhhh !! ! We were smiling, joking, etc. 155 miles and we actually felt really good. We say goodbye and start up. It’s only 3 ½ miles, but it is the steepest, toughest mother. No prob. I mean, it was work, but this time it was not as tough as Mt. Hamilton. Even though it’s only 3 ½ miles, it usually takes 50:00 to climb. Yesterday, I made it up in 49:00. We started the climb at 7:30 p.m., and say a beautiful sunset. I thought it was kind of funny that I was riding and saw the sunrise, and now I’m riding and seeing the sunset. It’s now pitch dark – again. Jim is a ways behind me but I know he’s doing well and am not worried. After cresting the hill I go to the famous “pet the goat” water stop. Pick up my bag with the warmer clothes I know I’m going to need. More soup. Jim has already arrived as well. We take some pictures with the actual goats and then head out.

Very nice descent and we’re flying. At the bottom we turn onto Calaveras Cyn where there is a short, steep hill appropriately called “The Wall”. Waiting for us in the total blackness is – Jerry – again, with his wife, Josine, and daughter, Joi (a freshman at Cal). Jerry rides with us and with Jim and me drafting off him as much as possible all the way to Sunol. That stretch just flew by.

At the Sunol rest stop we are greeted with a cheering crowd. Jan, Kevin, another friend named Tom Hall, Pam, her dad, and Josine. We were pretty excited by the crowd and we were feeling good. Really. We had about 23 miles to go and I told them it was “in the bag”. We thank everyone for coming out to support us as I wolf down more soup and pretzels and Jim eats his infamous hot dog. We head out to complete the last 2 hillclimbs.

We make our way out the treacherous few miles of Niles Cyn and finally turn onto Palomares Cyn. It’s work but we climb it pretty steadily. Super nice descent ! Flying. Make our way over to Crow Cyn and hook up with a couple other riders. Then turn onto Norris Cyn – THE LAST CLIMB ! ! ! These other 2 guys start to pull ahead. Are you kidding me ??? NOT IN MY HOUSE ! It’s a 206 mile ride, but I don’t have to worry about saving my energy anymore since it’s all downhill and flat to the finish. So I real these guys in and pass them. I dropped them like a bad habit. At the top I pull over to wait for Jim. One of the other guys compliments me for the uphill and we chat while waiting for Jim. We head down and make our way over to the Marriott hotel where Jan and Brian are waiting for me and Pam is waiting for Jim – at 1:15 A.M. ! ! ! ! I was soooooo glad to get of that god dam bike. A quick change of clothes and eat some dinner. Yes, the race volunteers were still there waiting inside with hot lasagna, salad, and drinks! Great support from beginning to end. Jim and I were soooo happy that we set a goal, and achieved it. And we were able to ride with each other the entire way. And – other than the “rough patch” up Mt. Hamilton to the rest stop at the bottom, the ride really went according to our “A” plan.

I drive home, take a quick HOT shower and fall into bed.


As for Jan, her “day” (night?) was not over. I mentioned earlier that our friend Bryan was doing the DMD as well. But Bryan’s plan was to keep on riding for another 100 miles ! To do so, he had lined up a “crew’ of his own. And Jan was one of the crew members who would be driving the van behind him to help light up the road, provide him with supplies and food, and monitor his health. The crew had authority to yank him at any time if they assessed any health issues, etc. (I guess that did not include checking his mental sanity for even thinking up a 300 mile ride). Jan’s shift was from 3:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. And Bryan accomplished his goal too finishing at 5:40 a.m.


Steve