Tuesday, May 22, 2012

JCC Race Report

So, My first tri of the season went well.  I was feeling pretty good going into the race and felt that I had a good opportunity to put up some good numbers.  The day went off without a hitch.  Up at 05 and systems were a go.  Bike was ready and had my bag packed for the tough commute of 1.5 miles to Marblehead. 

The set up was basic and standard.  I was seeded 8th in the start for the swim.  I had out in a time 3:15.  I had not done much training but felt that I was comfortable enough to hold my pace time.  I went off and felt good in the H2O.  There was a 15 sec delay between swimmers and there were a lot of younger athletes in the top 5 who swam for the local clubs.  After 50 yards I caught the guy in front of me and he slowed me up til the end of the 3rd length.  I then had good clear H2o b/c the next racer was 50 yards ahead of me.  I wound up catching her at the last 50 and we got out together.  I exited the water at 3:19.  I think that if I was seeded 7 I may have been able to get out of the water with about 5 or 6 extra seconds. 

T1 was quick and different this year.  The bike mount was about 50 yards down the hill and added a bit more running space to mount before taking off. I was able to get up to speed quickly and went off with out a hitch.  I was holding around 260 watts and didn't feel like I was pushing to hard.  I passed the early leaders before the neck and and was able to get through the first lap rather well. Laps 2 and 3 were a bit more congested but still maintained good speed and entered T2 in around 25 mins.

T2 was longer as well,  this was tough. I dismounted and started my run up the hill to turn around and back out.  Shoes on and off I went.  I didn't have the run legs I thought I would have had?  My thighs were tight and was trying to get my cadence to turn over.  This is a tough and deceptive run because of false hills. Mile 1 was about a 6:20 which is rather slow for me.  I have held 6 flats before on the course but oh well.  Mile 2 was a bit better at 6:05 and 3 was then a 6:20 again because of the nasty hill on Seaview Ave.  At the turn on Seaview the relay runner for Team Karhu went flying by me.  I did my best to hang with him but he was just way to fast.  He ran an 18:10 for 3.5  (Not on my best day!)  I was eyeing  my watch and looking to get as close to 52:15 as possible.  I crossed at 53:12 instead.  I was thrilled to take the top spot and retain my title for the 4th year.  The competition is getting tough. Kristen Lamb OA female came in at 55:44.  It was a great day, Mother's Day too! 

I have some work to do on my running off the bike and I would like to build my power and speed on the bike to.  We are moving on 06/01so I will be busy but want to focus on some speed workouts and long bikes to get ready for the MS ride on 06/24  till then!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

getting ready for 2012

This Sunday will be my 10th JCC Sprint in Marblehead.  I was looking at my last few posts on this race and have noticed something.  I have been getting PF every MAY! I am gunning to do well in the Age Group Nationals this August and with the hope that I may qualify for Worlds, London 2013. 

I have maintained fitness and feel strong, Time to stretch and mentally prepare for another race,  I am pretty sure that is will be my last JCC.  It is tough having it land on Mother's and I might opt to start my race year another moth out. 

New NEWS! I will be getting my Crossfit certification and will be working at the box of Crossfit IronSpider in Salem.  we landed the the North Shore Navigators for the primary location of the strength and conditioning for them this year.  Really looking forward to work with Dennis Floyd on this. Well, I will let you know how the JCC goes,