IM70.3 Eagleman 70.3: Lucky #13??

 

TLDR: An 11-minute PR in my 13th 70.3!!  It definitely wasn't Lucky #13, though.  I did the work, collected the puzzle pieces, and was able to put them together on race day!!  

Pre-Race

I drove to Cambridge on Friday, which was the first day of my carb-loading plan.  Having taken the Carb-Loading Masterclass in The Triathlon Nutrition Academy and practicing/ramping it for several weeks.  I wrote my plan, packed a cooler, and got on the road!  I made it to town in time to check in, do my pre-race run, and swim familiarization.  On Saturday, I got up to do my pre-race safety check bike ride and then met up with fellow Team Zooters as they did their pre-race shake-out run.  

Race Morning

As usual, I set three goals for this race, but I needed to protect my mental game on the run.  So I only set the 3 goals for swim and bike.  Instead of a goal for the run, I made myself a promise.  At this race, I was also going to be testing the nutrition and hydration plans I had written based on what I have learned in 6 months' worth of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy.  I was not looking for a PR, I was looking for a confidence boost after a few rough races at the end of last year. 

Swim: 1.2 miles/37:23  6/59 AG, 91/434 Female,  439/1614 Overall

The Athlete's Guide said that we would be swimming with the current to start and then into the current on the way back.  Based on my pace drop in the last 500 yards, I definitely think that was the case.  

I seeded myself in the middle of the 34-37 minute group, which I was on track for until the last 500 yards.  I passed SO MANY swimmers early on and while it is frustrating, I have gotten used to it.  Especially with racing Aquabike this year - we generally start in the last wave in local races.  There was a little bit of chop, which made sighting a little tougher than usual.  

All in all, it was a good swim and a good start to the day.  

  

Bike: 56 miles/2:38:47  6/59 AG, 30/434 Female,  359/1614 Overall

I have had a great year on my bike and this flat course matches my training perfectly.  Living on an island, I do a lot of flat riding into the wind.  While I wanted to have a great bike ride that day, I also wanted to keep my power in check so that I could keep my promise to myself about running. 

The course was as flat as advertised.  We did have a bit of wind, but I was able to keep my speed above 20 mph with power around 170 watts going into the wind.  Once we made a turn at about mile 33, with the winds at our backs, it was smooth sailing!!  25 mph at only 150"ish" watts for about 15 miles.  Unfortunately, the wind was back at mile 48 for the last bit of the ride. 

I stuck to my bike nutrition and hydration plan to a tee and felt great the whole ride!  I really had fun on this bike course and was stoked to PR my bike by 13 minutes.  

 

Run: 13.1 miles/2:20:18  31/59 AG, 182/434 Female,  865/1614 Overall

If you have followed my journey, you know that running is never my favorite part of a triathlon.  I have never been a fast runner, but I used to be a bit faster.  My biggest downfall on race day is that I run as fast as I think I should be able to, and then I have to walk... a lot.   

About 8 months ago I started training with a Stryd Power Meter, taking pace out of the equation.  Just like my bike training, I can stick to my power zones without worrying about how fast (or slow) I am moving.  Based on assessments and training, I knew what power I should be able to hold for the entire 13.1, so I made that my top limit.  I did not let myself run at power over 253 watts.  I walked the aid stations and really stuck to my hydration and fuelling plan. 

It was HOT and very little shade.  I celebrated every aid station, not because I got to walk, but because I had run every step since the last one.  When I passed over the timing mats, I imagined how excited my friends were for me that I was still running.  It was hard to keep running in the heat - but I did not push past my abilities and kept myself as cool as I could with ice and two cups of water at every aid station.  

RaceX predicted I would finish the run in 2:19:32 with an average power of 232.  I finished at 2:20:18 with an average power of 241.  I am very proud of this run and I am excited to see how much improvement I can make before IMNC in October! 

 

13th Place at my 13th 70.3!!

Overall: 4:44:04  Rockstar Goal Achieved for the Swim + Bike and Promise Kept on the Run!  13/59 AG, 82/434 Female,  548/1614 Overall

Full Finisher Pix Photo File

Next up: USAT Nationals in Milwaukee, Olympic AND Sprint!