What worked..what didn't

I like to give myself some time after a race to think through the entire process a bit more. As I mentioned before, there is always a few pivotal moments in the race that make or break your day. I wanted to blog with some additional thoughts about did or did not go well that day. Some of it was in my control, some wasn't.

What worked:
1. The weather. A bit chilly in the morning, a bit hot in the afternoon but otherwise perfect for racing. The water was calm and the wind was subtle.

2. Nutrition--bike nutrition was dead on. I love Infinit. It is complicated to take a number of bottles on the bike but if consistency is the key, then Infinit is gold. I trained with Infinit and nothing else for the last month. Love it...just don't want to taste it again for a few months.

3. Race Strategy--I stuck to the plan (for the most part).

4. Being severely under trained. The motto is true that it is better to be 10% under trained than 1% over trained. There were a lot of over trained athletes out there.

5. Training. Particularly the Jacksonville-Valdosta ride. That was crucial not only for my ego but in an effort to learn how to ride on the flats.

6. My mental strength. I don't know where it came from. I don't know if I could do it again. It was there on 11/1 and that is all that matters

What didn't go well:

1. Starting way in the front on the swim. I didn't get out quick enough. I am looking for some good video footage from a particular POV. I think I have a different strategy for the next one.

2. Run training. I know I shouldn't bitch about it but it was a hindrance. I pulled off a great run on little volume. I am really concerned about the short-term damage.

3. Run nutrition. I kinda forgot about it. I needed more calories.

4. Not pushing the bike. This is probably where I am most upset with myself. There is such a thin line between pushing the pace and pushing it too hard. I was too scared to push it. I am willing to bet that I could have easily pulled a 5:15.

5. Losing a contact. Enough said.

What to change for the future:

1. More intensity training on the bike. I need to learn where that line is.

2. Racing a few more Half's as preparation (nothing I could do about it this year)

3. Making the full switch to power next year, hopefully ending the dependence on HR zones on the bike.