Not that injuries and sickness should be used as an excuse for mediocre race performance, but in this case, it is exactly what prepped me for a mediocre race in Boulder. Missing almost three weeks of key workouts and run volume set me up for a subpar ½ marathon.
The swim started off OK. I was able to find a little room and get into a rhythm that made it OK. The refreshing Colorado reservoir water was a nice 71 degrees. About 200 yards into the swim, my body started to realize that there was a lack of oxygen going in due to the altitude. My every-third-stoke breath turned into an every-stroke routine and killed my momentum despite my best efforts. I started to sight each buoy and just break the swim into smaller sections. If I can just make it to the next buoy…. A painful and tiring 45 minutes later I exited the water. I had expected a 35-40 minute swim, but I was just happy to get out of the water.
The first transition went smooth, and I was out on the bike. I followed my coach’s advice and really dialed back the first ½ of the course. The altitude alone made it hard to generate the watts that I was used to, but the thin air made up for it in terms of speed. The course was really fast with just a few gradual climbs and rollers. I actually took it somewhat easy during the ride and looked around quite a bit at the amazing scenery. Having moved to San Diego from Boulder 10 years ago, I am still amazed at the beauty in Colorado. The scenery made the miles tick on by. I know I had quite a bit more in me when I finished the ride, but I was anticipating the difficult run ahead, and my lack of run base made me hold back (sorry coach). My average speed for the bike leg was 22.6MPH for a time of 2:28 and power output of 200W.
The second transition was a bit slower as I sprayed on some sunscreen and took in some water. Heading out on the unshaded dirt run course, I knew this would make or break the race.
I started out in a decent rhythm, running around an 8:20 pace. It actually felt easy at the time. I held this pace for a couple of miles before having to slow down a little for a big hill and refuel at the aid stations. This is where the routine began. Run 9:15 pace to the next station, walk the station, repeat. About mile 5, I began to get a cramp in my abdominals that would only go away if I walked for a second. I still don’t know if it was a nutrition problem or a pulled muscle, but either way it hurt. My pace between aid stations slowed to a 9:45 pace.
The second loop of the run, I was able to run a few miles with a guy from Colorado Springs that was helping me keep a decent pace. It was nice to pass the time as the temperature soared into the 90’s. The altitude made it really difficult to run as well, but I kept on pushing through to finish my ½ marathon in 2:13. Not at all stoked with the time, but looking back on my training, my run base was not where it needed to be due to my injury a month ago. I was fortunate to be able to run at all!
My total finish time was 5:32:48. Not a PR, but close to what I thought I’d get going in. I expect a lot from myself, but those expectations need to be grounded in training! I have no doubts that if I would not have crashed out of the International, my finish time would have been in the low 5 hour range.
The silver lining in all of this is the $5,000 I raised through this event for my mother’s battle with cancer. I gave her my medal at the finish line and we both wept in joy. It was pretty cool. In the end, it is all about the ability to live out life to the fullest. The clock does not matter.
Next up: Santa Barbara
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