I got to South Haven, MI, just 20 minutes north of Benton Harbor, on Friday night. We have friends that live in this area and it was wonderful to mix in a visit on top of a race. The Saxe family were just a delight to stay with and really made both Rob and I at home and comfortable leading up the the race. The little towns on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan are just too cute. All with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and fun energy that lake towns have in the summer. We got to explore a bit and see this part of the state we had not experienced before. It was very laid back and stress free. Something I appreciated a lot. Everything just took its course and feel into place as it should pre race.
The Steelhead race is unique in that the swim is point to point, so in the morning everyone must walk the 1.2 miles in the dark from TI down the beach to the start. I had done this race a few years back as an amateur and remember seeing pros almost miss the start because it does take a long time to walk down the sandy beach. So, on Sunday I made sure I padded my pre race routine with plenty of time to make it to the start without an extra pressures. The water was calm as can be, a delight for me. I got off to a pretty good start in the swim. I hung on to the pack for longer than usual but I also ended up loosing them a bit down the line. It is nice that this swim is point to point so you can really sight the beach line when you breathe and look forward much less. I kept my head down as much as possible and gave it everything I had. I felt pretty solid, but the times are still about the same. I'm working really hard on my swim and have been doing some different things these days in practice. I know that this is going to take me a bit to see some results. However, I know it will come in time, and when it does, watch out! HA!!
Exiting the water there is a 75-100 meter stretch of deep sand to run though before you hit the pavement. We all know that deep sand is a pain when we are trying to get our legs underneath us and our wetsuits down. Once into T1, I could see the girl in front of me out of the water. I knew she would not be too far ahead, and I got through that transition as fast as possible. I caught up to her fairly quick on the bike. We swapped places back and forth a bit, but eventually I decided not to continue to hammer past her and just stay close behind (legally) her the rest of the way. I was really happy with my bike. I stuck with my plan to keep my wattage fairly high on this course, but I made sure not to go too much over. My bike felt the most comfortable on me this race than I have felt all year. It felt light and smooth and just right on. I love the set up I have with my HED Jet Disc and Jet 6 in front. There is such a difference in fluidity and weight with my race set up. I really fly! There was hardly any wind as well, so the wheel choice was spot on and perfect for just a few rolling hills. I was able to stay in my aero bars almost the entire ride.
I entered T2 with the other pro woman I was riding with. I got out of T2 before her and took off pretty fast. I knew she was close behind and had no idea what type of runner she was. I was able to hold her off and then settle into a fast but less labored pace for the rest of the run. I had a few goals for this run; 1) I needed to push and prove to myself that I can run as fast as I know I can. I tend to doubt myself a little when it comes to running off of the bike. I am heading into a full distance ironman and was really testing myself and gaining confidence at the same time. 2) I wanted to really nail my nutrition in the race, but especially on the run. I carry my own Power Gels because I prefer the consistency and flavors to the on course nutrition, plus this is what I train with at home. I got the nutrition and fluid thing down pat without any GI distress or slowing me down. Super happy with all of this.
I really enjoyed the run course. There were not too many spectators out there but the flow of it keeps athletes on their toes, as it is never down one long road for long. I do have to say though, I never saw any other of my competitors, let alone any athletes on the first loop. It was a little lonely out there, but that is also an obstacle I handled pretty well. I kept my head in the race , but my mind out. When you don't know where you are at, and its just you out there, the challenge becomes staying present and not letting the mind wander to the dark side.
There were many pluses to this race as I reflect back. I pushed myself, stayed present, nailed nutrition, and proved that when I choose to, I can show up for myself in many ways. I say it in many of my blogs but for me it always comes down to one thing in long course racing. STAY PRESENT. My best races are always when I relish in the unknown and remove pressure to figure it all out, but to let it play out. I am super stoked for my race performance at Steelhead. I am ready to keep this momentum going and keep in mind all of the things that made this race great for the next upcoming REV3 full ironman.
Have to shout out to my wonderful husband, Rob, for coming along when he can and being the best sherpa, photographer, and support team. I am very lucky to have the love and support that he gives. We really had a great weekend and post race relaxing by Lake Michigan. Thank you to HED Cycling and Power Bar who played a huge part in my race success this weekend. And of course, always, to Fuel Belt, Rudy Project, and Blue Seventy. Without all of their support I would not be where I am today. Great companies with great products to help make me and you be the best we can be. Ready to take on the next challenge.
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