Well this blog is a little behind, but better late than never. I don't have any pictures for this race because I traveled alone and it was pretty much raining the whole time, and I don't have a waterproof camera.
I decided to switch up my race schedule and go back to Mooseman the first weekend in June. I really loved this race last year. Love the challenge of the bike and the run, and the cold clear waters of Newfound Lake. Since this was a last minute decision I ended up driving to New Hampshire, a 13 hour drive...alone. I've got to say, though, I am one heck of a road tripper and can really haul ass and just go forever....sorta like Ironman, right?!?!
Well it rained the entire weekend before the race. All day Friday, and All day Saturday. The temperatures were only in the low 50's and it was an little scary to think we were going to race in this cold of weather. I am one that is all for racing in cool weather normally, but this was a little cooler than I had hoped. Race morning it was still raining, but not pouring. It was bearable for the most part. Transition was a huge mud puddle. Some people even had to move their bike rack because it was under flooded areas. I've got to say that I love when conditions get a little unpredictable because it brings some excitement to the day for me.
The water was cold but not as cold as last year. I was low 60's and perfect for me. I like being in cold water with my Blue Seventy Helix wetsuit. The new Helix gives me a lot more freedom with my arms with thinner flexible sleeves. Really like the fit a lot. I thought that I had the best swim of the season so far for me this year. I kept focused and just moved forward and tagged on to feet the best I could. However, my times reflected that my swim has at this point has not gotten any faster. I am always bummed when I think it was the best swim ever, and it's not, but I keep working and know it will come some day soon.
I flew through transition as it is pretty short. I knew the bike was going to be cold so I wore arm warmers under my wetsuit, and also my Blue Seventy neoprene tow covers for my cycling shoes. Although the arm warmers are a little wet at first, they dry off and protect your arms. It is much more difficult to pull arm warmers over wet arms. I stayed warm enough on the bike course and it really helped me stay focused and push hard. I set up my bike with my HED Jet 6 and Jet 9 wheel pair. I used it last year and knew it was the right set up for me. There are some steep grade climbs and I prefer to not use a Jet disc on courses that have difficult climbing.
I really stayed pretty consistent on this bike course. I love the beauty and the challenge. Since there are lots of hills the competitors spread out easily which makes for a fair and safe ride. Up until the last 10 miles I was feeling strong and present. I lost a little steam at the end and started to worry a little if I had saved enough energy for the run.
I went in T2 with the attitude of, I've gotta give myself a fighting chance at this point. If I go and I'm dead Ill push the best I can. I was just coming off of Ironman St George and not sure how my speed would be. I did not wear a watch or Garmin, just went by feel. Surprisingly, I felt great! I took the first mile a little easier to get my legs under me. It was sprinkling a little and the sun still had not come out. Perfect running conditions in my book. Cool, rainy, no wind....I mean it doesn't get much better than that when you are maxing yourself out, right!!! So I got into a pretty good groove. I was able to push up the hills and really stay present. On the second loop I was so surprised, as well, that I was able to pick it up ever faster. I had no idea of my pace, but I knew it was challenging enough, but not where I would flatline. It was energizing. I was really happy with my run.
In the end my run was a 1:31, which isn't may fastest ever, but was a good effort and solid for me. I may have not be in the top 5 finishing, but I really executed a great race day and stuck with my plan. My fitness is coming and I am learning every race more about myself and how to play out the long days to my advantage. The most important part is I am figuring out what works for me. The season started out a little rough, but the more I race this year and continue to follow my coaching plan, I am seeing things evolve.
Thanks to Blue Seventy for keeping me warm and dry this race. Rudy Project for keeping me safe and aero on my bike, and HED for a wheel set with wider rims for the wet roads and keeping me super fast.
Additional thanks to Fuel Belt, Power Bar, and Derick Williamson at Durata Training. I could not get through any day without all of them. This race was a step in the right direction. Looking forward to the next races.
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