Training has been going very well since I raced in Montreal in the Half Marathon. The weather has been getting a little better, which has helped me with my riding. Coach Phil and I have been working hard on the shorter distance runs and really trying to increase my threshold. The race that we are training for is the Cumberland Long Duathlon which is 5k run, 40k bike followed by another 5k run. As you can see running a couple fast 5ks was essential. My bike has never felt so strong in my racing career. Coach is really pushing me with the workouts and increasing my tolerance for pushing high watts and sustaining it. The last 2-3 weeks have been geared towards shorter distance training but at very high intensity. This proved to be the key for the race. Something that I am starting to realize is to stay as consistent as possible with the training. When its time to go easy, GO EASY, and when its time to go hard, GO HARD!!! Also the days where im feeling good and feel like going for a short run, not to go unless its on the schedule. Always had a hard time with that!Race day and results
The day was now for the Cumberland Long Duathlon. In the past this race always had the faster athletes showing up from both Triathlon and Duathlons. Its the first race of the season and everyone wants to show off what they have been working towards. The course is a good one but can be very windy at times and the climbs sure can smash your legs before you know it. The run is pretty much flat only for a few exceptions and the turn-around point.
My strategy for the first run was to stick to the same pacing that we have been training for and to not worry about the other guys who pushed it and seemed to get a lead. I know where my strengths were and when i would use them to push the pace. After the first run I was 4th heading onto the bike course. By that time the winds were picking up, good thing. Right from the start of the bike leg I started pushing the pace as hard as possible for the first 5k. After about 3k I had passed the one who was in 3rd and started created a good gap on him. At the half way point of lap 2 of 4, I passed the guys who were in 2nd and 1st, who were working together (non-drafting event). Doing that pass gave me an extra push and from there kept the pace and create a gap from them. At the end of the 4 laps i had created a lead of 2min30secs on second place. Head into T2 get the kicks on and from there only concentrated on my leg turnover and controlled my breathing. Got in the zone and had a great pace going. At the turn-around point I spotted 2nd place not that far behind. From then dug a little deeper and found the gear i needed to hold off the surge and grab my first win of the year. Race went to plan and wouldn't have changed a thing. I utilized my strengths to grab the win. As soon as i was back home the Recovery Pumps were on the legs to help with the recovery. Feeling great this morning and heading out for an easy run! Seriously one of the best tools i have ever used.
This race was also very important to me simply because I wanted to know that taking the chance to head off to Tucson was beneficial for my career. It showed that it was and i know without a doubt that I will be there next year!
Next race is Rev3 Quassy on June 5. Now its time to really work hard on the swimming and continue with the progress on the bike and run.
Lou
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