Sunday, July 10, 2011

Record heat, record time at Mudwater

On a day that started out already at 85 degrees and saw a new record high in Wichita of 112 we were pretty much doomed to sweat it out at this years Mudwater. This is the Kansas River Valley Triathlon Club's annual race which I must say does a tremendous job putting it on each year.
Myself and two other competitors made our way around the 2 lap, 1500yd, swim course in just over 19min. I moved into first through transition and headed out for the rectangular, 39k bike loop. Although it was warming up quickly it was a pretty calm day and I decided to push the bike despite potentially putting myself in a state of bother during the run. I came back into T2 with a 55min bike split and a 5min lead over second. On the run I handled the heat fairly well thanks to being fairly well acclimated by this point in our unusually hot summer. However, less than a mile in, I developed  a stomach cramp that would last for the remainder of the race. I'm not sure the cause but will hope that never happens again. I cruised it around limiting the damage with a 40min final leg for a 1.55.53 course record time. Congrats to all my fellow KSRVTC club members.
This week begins my peak training for Des Moines. Next race is Rock N' Route Sprint in Derby first weekend in August.
Another week ahead in the triple digits...stay cool out there.

Monday, July 4, 2011

First at El Dorado Triathlon

I really enjoyed this race venue last year in its first year but I was on the fence all the way up until 2 days before the race. A text from a friend of mine brought to my attention the appearance of a competitor from Chile who raced the pro wave at Kansas Half a couple weeks prior. Obviously I didn't want the title to be taken out of state, let alone out of country, so...put me in coach.
Leading from the get go I put in the two laps for the swim and began working on the bike course. Onto the second lap I was greeted by a late challenger. The train tracks parallel the course and a freight train thought he would get the jump on me. Try as I might to keep pace it wasn't a fair fight and I had to yield before completely blowing up.
The primary competition for the day actually came from Lee Walther who paced just behind me through the swim and bike entering about a minute back heading into T2. The 51 year old from OK said he was just getting back into racing...I'd say he's back.
My run legs are feeling stronger each week that goes by and this was the first race I felt some ability to stride out. They still have a ways to go to regain fitness but its still 9 weeks to Des Moines so I'm feeling confident I can get them in shape by then.
This weekend's race is our club (KSRVTC) race at Lake Afton which is always a lot of fun. Hope to see you there.