I know its been a while since I last posted, and with good reason. One, I was suffering from that absolutely horrid flu that was running around the city like flies at a picnic, and two, I was focusing on training for some upcoming races. So, I finally got to race outside this past weekend, in the great state of Tennessee. Ah, the South. where else can you find an adult book store, about 40 feet from a 4 story illuminated cross? You can't even make stuff like that up.
The best part about being a duathlete is that, you can almost be guaranteed you will be leaving bad weather, only to race in worse. And, true to form, that's exactly what happened. I drove through rain all of Friday, trained in rain and cold on Saturday on the course, and race in 48 degrees and damp. Of course, back home, here in Chicago, it was the nicest weekend in months. Another reason you triathletes don't realize how good you have it.
Anyway, on to the race. I was a bit nervous about the course, considering we were near the foothills of the Smokey Mountains, and, I have logged more computrainer time than I would like to remember, but, after riding it, I felt good. Yeah, it was hilly, but, my winter work had paid off. Actually, as I ran the course, I felt good. Really good. I went to bed feeling confiident and excited.
The next day, I got to the race site, set up and warmed up. I talked thru my game plan with my coach at least twice, to make sure we had it down. I kept quietly repeating my splits to myself as I warmed up. I knew I could do it. So, we lined up for the start, and the gun went off. I don't know if it was 10 or 20 seocnds into the first run, but, I took that beautiful game plan I had laid out, and framed in my head, ripped it up and tossed it in the trash. For whatever reason, and I really think it was b/c I was finally racing outside and felt good, I decided today would be a good day to open with a 4:30 opening mile, as if I hit the mile marker in that time, the race would end and I would be declared the winner. Like the other 3o miles of racing would be declared a nullity. Needless to say, I have had brighter moments in my life, but this day was not to be one of them. By the half way point of the opening run, I felt like I had cinder blocks for quads. And then my idiocy sank in, as guys who I had marked to stick with, including last year's winner, went past me.
So, I hung on, running 2 minutes slower than I had planned, and then proceeded to hit that hilly bike course which seemed a lot hillier with fried legs. I finished the race off with a mediocre second run, that saw me do no more than pass a few athletes for an AG win, but, not the Overall place I hoped for. When I saw the splits, I realized, had I stuck to my plan, I would have been fighting for the win, or a top 3 finish at worst. Instead, I barely rounded out the top 10.
So, as I try to with this blog, is impart some knowledge of my errors on to others - when feeling good, DON'T DITCH YOUR PLAN - STAY CONTROLLED. For triathletes its the equivalent of having the fastest 400 meters in the swim in the mile swim, with the rest of the race to go. It gets you nothing, except tired and burnt out. Whatever you planned on proving, you didn't, but you did prove you are an idiot. I was talking with the top 3 guys after the race, and they all couldn't help but ask, "what the hell were you doing?" You looked like you were in a sprint." Indeed, a sprint apparently only I was the only one racing that sprint. The other athletes realized there was more racing to be done. Yes, I learned a very valuable lesson.
But more importantly, I had hoped to learn more from this race exactly where my fitness is. And because I raced like a moron, I didn't get that info. Early season races, need to be treated with as much care as your A races, b/c they are your gauge - they will help you determine where you are either lacking or excelling, and help you build from there. But, you need to race smart to get that info. My coach can still use my results to make changes, but, the biggest change has to be to my head, the one muscle athletes sometimes neglect until its too late. I have always been a big believer of racing from the gut, but, if you aren't careful, you too will be giving gifts like the one I did this weekend. And for those who read this and know me, I hate giving gifts, particularly at races.
So, be smart out there. Use your head, not just your gut when you race. It can definitely save you the same aggrevating experience I had. And to that guy from Indy who pimped me in the last 400 meters of the run, I'll see you again at Short Course Nationals, and trust me, I won't be giving gifts that day. To the rest of you, pay close attention to my dumb move. It could save your next race.
