AG Nats - Day 2

Despite racing the day before and dealing with a few stressful car issues, I was ready for the second day of racing. I gambled a bit on the race by racing the day before but I was fairly certain that given the small number of entries in the M30-34 age group that I could beat out a few people and secure a worlds slot. I basically just needed to finish the race.

I felt good when I got up that morning. On my drive to the race sight I worked hard on mentally dialing into the race. I was definitely in the zone. I made a few remarks to friends but I stuck to myself. I took the bike out for 15 minutes spin and the hamstrings were tired. I hoped it was just the body working out the kinks.

I racked my stuff and despite the rain, found myself ready to race. It has been a while since I have felt like that. This race was likely the last of the year and I was determined to go out on a high note. I walked through transition, not looking to make friends but to size up the competition and think to myself how I am going to destroy them all.

Swim: 750m

Different swim course than the day before. Only 4 waves of about 100 people. I didn't really find good feet to draft from. I did my best to remain aggressive. However, I had the same problem as the day before. Halfway through the swim, I felt beat. The swim was just taking it out of me in a way that I have never experienced. I popped out the water in the middle of the pack, checked my time and prepared for the long run up the hill

Swim Time: 14:09

T1 1:28

Same transition as the day before but a better racking position. Transition gave a HUGE advantage to some competitors over others. Need to write a blog about this.

Bike: 12.4 miles

Boy were the hammies tight. I pushed from the beginning and tried to hold on. The legs were pushing back. I was determined to not get worked over on the bike and was only passed a few times. I did my thing spinning up the hills and pushing it back down. I definitely was not as strong as the day before. With the wet roads, I decided to hold back a bit and not kill myself.

Time: 33:21 (22.4 mph)

Run: 3.1

I was ready to run when I got off the bike. Most of the time I dread it. Not today. And I was on a mission. Run my ass off. And for the first time in a while, I did. I was passed 3 times and probably caught 6-7 people. I was actually running. It started pouring around mile two and I barely noticed. I even had a guy on my tail and I out kicked him for the final 4-600m. I crossed the finish line trying to heave.

Time: 21:21 (6:52)

Total Time: 1:11:08

That was good enough for 7th in my age group. Secured my slot for worlds. And made me feel like I actually raced.

Now onto the off season