WITCH CITY RACE REPORT

That last race of the season was everything and more. All got off to a good start. The weather was a bit overcast and very muggy in the early AM. This venue was one of my first tri's ever. Thinking of the last 9 years of racing and what has been some of the most daunting events makes wonder why we all do this. One of the things today was my new powertap. I had this put on last week and was really looking forward to racing with it. The guru of power training, Dean Phillips of Fit Werx, can read these numbers like a scientist! I really wanted to put out as much as I could on the bike and use the information to create my base training platform for the 2010 season. I know rushing it!

All was good in the warm up, bike was set, legs felt good and got ready in the water. I was going off in the first wave. 39 and under. Kind of a big group for a 1/2 mile swim but what are you going to do. Off we went and again I couldn't get into my groove. I felt like I was struggling and by the time I was heading back to shore I began to settle in. Anyway, out of the water and off with the wetsuit. We needed it b/c the water was cold! I thought I was about 10 or 12 back from the leader. I passed 2 or 3 in transition. Still can get faster there.

Out to the bike course. The powertap buzzing and I was starting to crank, The guys at Fit Werx stressed not ot focus on the the watts b/c I have to number to guide me. This was a good way to get that established. How could I not look! As I headed out the watts were through the roof! I was up over 500 for that first little hill. I had settled and got into where I wanted to hold my pace. I started catching riders and then I knew I was about 2 or 3 back from the leader heading into the first loop. Out on the "neck" I flew through the first loop. Legs were strong and I was by myself so I was trying just to keep my pace. On the second loop I met joined some of the other athletes and cruised along into loop 2. The 3rd loop was as uneventful. This time when heading back to town I wanted to catch the leaders. I knew that I had to be with them starting the run. I started to think that I might be able to pull of a top podium today. As I made it back to Salem I saw the lights of the Police escort with the leader. I figured I was in 2nd. He was about 500 yards away with about 2.5 miles to go. Caleen Brammer was leading the charge. I knew was a great swimmer and runner and if I wanted to take this I had to be to T2 first. So I started to push it. With about a mile left I passed him followed the Police motorbike into T2. Got on my shoes and Caleen was right behind me.

I let Caleen out of T2 and started to follow him on the run. He was about 3 secs ahead of me and wanted to see what he left. My legs transitioned w/out issue felt really good. The run was an out and back 3 mile stretch. I like this b/c you gage where everyone is. We were moving pretty good and the turn around was on a walking path. I was still right on his heels as we headed back. When we got onto the main road again I was thinking he wad going to take off but that wasn't the case. Now I was thinking when am I going to take off? There was a final climb with about a half mile to go and decided that was where I would make my move, if didn't. At the hill I was feeling good and started to pull away. I didn't hear him come and I went to push it a little more. On the final turn back into Forest River Park I looked over my shoulder and saw Caleen about 20 yrs behind. I knew that if I held this pace to the end I would take top spot. It was great b/c there was my wife and son just yards from the finish! the clock stopped at 1:01:42 I was shocked! My second 1st overall in a good field and great race! What away to end the season!