Every season, it's always hard to get the mindset and focus going to be in race mode. After Rock and Roll AZ, the my successful age group win and new PR, I found it a little difficult to get on the bike and start the interval work and longer rides needed to be a Triathlete again.
The best way to shake the demons is to just get out there and race.
Since last year's Desert Classic Duathlon was rained out, we were given automatic registration to this year's version on March 1st. No swim and the Run/Bike/Run format is a perfect way to get out there and push it a little.
Race morning now always started with "Dan's Kona Blend" Oatmeal specially blended for me by our One Multisport sponsor, My Oatmeal www.myoatmeal.com. I am also trying out UCAN sports drink www.generationucan.com for race day nutrition. It's available at Destination Kona www.dktristore.com and is all natural. I have a sample of the Orange mix and added it to my aero bottle for the 25 mile bike ride. I also took three tablets of MDrive www.MDrive.com ATP for race day energy. I swear by the product along with my daily Elite Formula and the Joint formula for recovery post workout/race.
The run legs were set as bookends at 3.6 miles mostly single track trail. Not too technical but challenging. I was chasing Steve Rink and Paul Beckert who alhave now joined the USAT ranks of the 50-54 AG.
My settled into 3rd place of the second (old man's) wave getting on the bike. The ride and course was a time trial setting with the turn around at 3 miles up 9 Mile Hill. I was gaining on both of my age group rivals and caught my 6'2" 185 lbs peers actually on the downhill! I get strong and fast and came off the 25 mile bike leg with the best AG split of 1:05.
My first run split was at a 6:58 average pace and I didn't gain anytime on the guys but stayed consistent at a 7:05 pace average for run #2. I came in 3rd to podium with my buddies with a well fought race!
It was a great day and a good way to check in on my race fitness. I was especially happy with my bike with a 24 mph average since my bike fitness has been harder to dial in post marathon training and racing this winter.
A big boost was taking my bike for a complete tune up at Cyclologic www.cyclologic.com pre race. Ron is a great mechanic and with a new chain and a clean up, my Valdora PHX2 www.valdoracycles.com felt fast and fresh!
This past Sunday was my second Mountain to Fountain 15K. My ONE Elite Team put together a group to defend our beer win from last year in the Open Mixed Team competition. Nic, Maureen and I added Russell, Pat and John from our One Family to go for it! Team Zoot was out to get is and with their Ironman Champion Pro Jozsef Major wrapped up the win this time!
I know this course is extremely fast for the first 5 miles. I was amazed to see mile splits at 5:58, 6:00 and 6:01 before the 10K mark. Then...the hill. I focused on lifting my knees and keeping my short cadence and felt strong this year for a mile 7 split at just over 7:00. It was there that in came along side of my age group friend and rival, Todd Witten and was just steps behind Bryan Dunn. For miles 7-9, I held up strong very close to both men with splits under 6:30. Their kicks are better than my slow twitch body and I held on for 2nd in my AG with a 59:05 time. Almost 2 mins faster than last year! I just took in water and Gatorade at every aid station and pre run again, I took MDrive ATP Formula.
I am so pleased with these first races and results.
I am not going to race a whole lot this year due to training and preparation for Kona. Next up will be Marquee in April and Ironman St. George 70.3 in May.
I look forward to training and continuing my work in Crossfit at Power in Motipn to stay strong and explosive.
I want to thank One Multisport and my fellow ONE Elite Team for their support.
Also, major kudos to my bike sponsor, Valdora as well as Endurance Rehab.
Until next month and more racing!
Dan
