So the Dimond arrived about 2 weeks ago. I must admit that I was nervous racing with only about 60miles of training on the new set up. Folsom long course aqua bike, a week out, was a good final prep to nail down the seat height, other small adjustments, and nutrition to make sure things were good for the race.
The decision to race Victoria half ironman was a bit last minute. Once I got the bike I got really motivated to get out and race. Victoria happened to be the only championship qualifying race that fit my work schedule prior to our trip to Spain in July. Having a sponsor is super cool but it also adds pressure to get out there and kick ass and race against the best.
Leading into the race I wasn't sure what to expect. My training this past spring was absolute rubbish. With getting sick multiple times, wife's family visit, and working way to much I wasn't able to build up the fitness I usually have going into a race. Last time I ran more than 10 miles before race day was in Arizona 7 months ago.
My goal was a top 5 in my age group(check) and to qualify for the half ironman championship(check). I knew I wasn't going to set any records which in a way helped keep me from going out way too fast in each leg of the race.
The Ruster Sport crew came up with an amazing bike case, The Hen House, for traveling so I can just fly with my bike rather than shipping it around. This is great because in the past I had to ship it out at least a week before and it usually cost $300. The Dimond packs better than any bike I have ever had, leaving tons of room for other gear in the Hen House.
So here we go…
Pre-race Nutrition
No salad and minimal fiber starting 48hrs out
No salad and minimal fiber starting 48hrs out
3hrs before race
Banana, Boost, 2 Rice cakes
2hrs before Starbucks double shot
1hr out sipped on Gatorade
Air horn sounds!!
Air horn sounds!!
Swim 27:36
The swim was my fastest to date and the new Roka wetsuit fit great! It really helps coming out of the water near the front. Based on my Garmin distance and pro times it looks like it wasn't a "short swim"
Bike 2:29:xx
NP 265, Avg HR 144
The Dimond bike is ridiculous! It is crazy fast but more importantly I feel really comfortable on it. Biking is my strength but I didn't want to over do it and have nothing left for the run. The course consisted of 2 hilly laps and being a beefcake (particular beefier than usual) I knew my weight would be a big limiter with all the climbing. I held back on the first lap, got in a groove then picked it up for lap 2. I passed tons of people on lap 2 that went out way to hard at the beginning.
Run 1:32:xx
The run was tough as expected but I tried to keep 6:50min miles which felt good till mile 10. I suffered through the last 3 miles and just missed out on 4th place.
Total 4:32:xx
Overall I am very happy with my day. Given my current fitness I couldn't have asked for more. It's kinda cool that smarts and experience helped make up for my less than ideal fitness.
Key Points
Swim Keys
Swim Keys
- good wetsuit fit
- training with sim shorts
- pull with paddles to keep arm muscular endurance up
- 100s for time to keep speed up
Overall my 2 HIM swims this past week we improved from priors despite considerably less pool time
Bike Keys
- comfortable fit
- drilling race power leading into the race
- holding back the first half (this will be super important going forward)
- nutrition: gel 20-15 min (start and end with less), 2.5 bottles water (go with feel. Don't take in to much)
Run Keys
- Newton Distance with Dust (lots) and Silk spray. No socks
- Coke sips. Nutrition wasn't a limiter this time around!
- drilling race intensity leading into race
- will add box jumps to try and improve last race leg fatigue/aching
Now time to get back to solid training. Pumped to bring the ruckus come 70.3 Worlds!!!
