So, I headed out to do my first really big Pro event - Powerman AL, which also served as the Pro LC Champs for Duathlon. I was nervous, but excited to be racing against a truly top notch field. Got in Friday late, so Saturday, went through my usual routine, and tried to check out the course. They changed it 4 times in 4 weeks leading up to the race, so, figuring it out was really hard. Even the RD wasn't sure at the pro meeting.
But this much I knew - 3 loops on the bike, with 27 turns, and 3 180 degree turns on roads that rival Chicago's southside. But we all had to deal, so, ready to race. Sunday, I was warming up under light rain and gusting winds. The wind advisory was calling for 50 mph+ gusts, and it didn't disappoint. But I stayed calm, and just got ready. Gun went off, and I stayed with the leaders for the first loop of the run, We were sitting around 5:20 pace, which wasn't bad until I realized, I was getting the chills. I was getting dehydrated and that's not good. So, I backed off, figuring to make up some on the bike. Hit T1, a little dizzy, but got on my helmet and went. Bike was hard, going from 25 mph, to 5 mph in less than 2 blocks to turn. Couldn't get into a groove until halfway thru lap 2, then started to hammer. Passed 2 male pros, and didn't look back. Every time I could put it down I did. Got into T2, and my poor nutrition and hydration caught up to me. I was starving and still had the chills. I took a gel and water at the first 2 aid stations, and it helped for my second loop, but not enough to hold off the pro from Kenya in the last half mile. I ended up 6th, and exhausted.
I'd be happier, if it wasn't for one key thing - I talked myself out of the race before it even started. I had a bad week at work, let it get to me, and I didn't focus. So, I let my nutrition suffer, along with hydration and boom, I was already out of the running before the gun went off. We all have our moments, the key thing I will take away is this - I can still grind out a decent race, but, when my head is in it, I know there is better racing in my legs. We all have those moments, they aren't always sharp peircing events that draw away our focus, they can be a long, slow burn, that leads us to go through workouts without the same kick, and without our heads where they should be. The competition was tough Sunday, but, so am I. Lesson learned, and as always, the hard way. I will be sure to deal with life better as it comes, instead of letting it build to this point. I can't point out, only back at myself. So, learn from my mistake - stay focused, and don't defeat yourself - we are all better than that.
