First off, major props to Julie and Karalyn at Buckeye yesterday. Taking down their first half on a rough day was quite the accomplishment. Congrats to both of you! Congrats also to my usual partners in crime, the Triple T crew, Matt G., Pete and Hayes, on their strong days. Hayes rolled out of bed after very little training for months and still kicked ass!
The weather conditions at Buckeye were the story to say the least. From overcast and windy at the start, to scorching and calm at the end, it took us through some extremes. As Matt mentioned in his report, the swim was choppy which was bad news for the entire field, especially for those of us not so gifted in the water. The overcast skies and choppy water made seeing the buoys a challenge as spotting off of our fellow athletes was nearly impossible because everyone was hidden in the waves. It was a pretty discouraging way to start the day but I finally got out of the water near the 1:04 mark, 19 minutes slower than planned.
The bike went much better on a pretty smooth and flat course. We had a decent headwind at certain points but thankfully it was only for 4 or 5 miles. The entire ride for me was a mental battle to erase the horrible swim which is something I really hadn’t dealt with up until this point in my short time racing. The voices in my head (and my lower back) started telling me to give it up around mile 36 and I really struggled to quiet them down before finally pushing on. I’ve been told about experiences like this but those of you that know me well know that the word “quit” isn’t in my vocabulary. Something was making me question my motivation and it was scary. All of this made for an interesting last 20 miles but I ended up hitting my target at 2:48 which got my head back in the game.
The sun and heat were in full effect by the time I got off the bike. I saw Matt G. in T2 where he told me about his crazy swim and tire issues which both shocked and motivated me at the same time. Team ER was going to have a strong day if I had anything to say about it so I slapped on my shoes, grabbed my nutrition and set off into the oven. The first 5K of the run went according to plan with no complaints aside from the heat and some tight quads. The last 15K on the other hand was more challenging. The voices in my head returned and asked me again what the hell I was doing and they just wouldn’t quit. Well, neither did I. 15K later, with Pete and Hayes pushing me the last hundred yards, I finished at 6:28:42 which was 28:42 slower than my target of 6:00. I still PR’d by 1:10:06 but my only other half was at the Triple T which is a completely different story. I actually think this race was harder for me than the Triple T which sounds crazy but it’s true. I never once had doubts or thoughts of quitting at the Triple T, not even when I was a frozen block of ice floating slowly towards the shore. It’s amazing how many highs and lows I had in one day but they provided me with a ton of invaluable lessons to learn from. I’ll never again go into a race not understanding the dark side that lurks in the shadows, waiting to beat me into submission. For that, I am thankful.
I’d like to thank everyone for your guidance and motivation in my rookie season as it has been one of the best years of my life. Special thanks to Matt G., Hayes and Pete for pushing me and pointing me in the right direction. That and for tackling the Triple T with me, even though you pushed me to do it and told me I was crazy in the same breath! This was my last race for this season as I’m in need of some serious off-time to get my mind and body prepared for 2011 which is already promising to be a huge year if Matt G. and I have anything to say about it.
Finish the season strong Team ER