There was no question after my last race I needed to do something to get the DNF monkey off the back, and to regain some confidence from Zofingen. So a couple weeks ago, I headed out to the Spooky Du, a shorter du with 2 majot perks - close to home and a late start for elites. By late I mean 2 pm. For someone who does his workouts at lunch and after work, the timing of the race was perfect.
Although I still was feeling the physical effects of Zofingen in my legs, I had enough confidence that I could muscle through the 2 mile/20.8 mile/4 mile race in Central Illinois. Even though this is technically "off season" duathletes are a hard bunch, and usually strive in cooler tempsand less than perfect weather. With howling winds, and no where to hide in the decaying corn fields, it was shaping up to be a good race.
The race started with a little sun and high winds. The run took us around a state park, and was a rolling course, which gave me an opportunity to use all the hill work from Zofingen training. I settled in, almost forgetting the pain that comes with short course racing. I got into T1 10 seconds behind the leader, feeling pretty good. Got on the bike, and took off, feeling the bite of the wind in my legs, and the chipped asphalt rattling my bones. So, I dropped into a bigger gear and just held on for those long stretches of bad road, until we turned away from the wind, and had some help at our backs. I had lost 2 spots to a couple of cycling hammers, but I felt good about my run, and got into T2 down about a couple minutes from the lead, but no less motivated to chase.
And chase I did. I used my strength to muscle through the hillier portions of the run and found myself back into third, closing on second. He must have heard me though, b/c he turned it on just enough to keep me away. Wishing I had another mile or so to run, I crossed 3rd and felt good. It was tough, I was spent, but I hung tough, never quit and most importantly, had fun. Knowing that my legs were still fresh, that mentally I was still focused, it all was a huge boost for my confidence heading into Powerman Florida.
As always, big thanks to my coach Jen Garrison, my sponsors and the crew at the Bike Shop in Glen Ellyn who always keep my bike riding perfect. Thanks to them, I can never use the excuse of a "mechanical" as a reason I don't perform well. Also thanks to my close friends who are always there for support.
The Monday after the race I was also informed my pro card was renewed for 2010, so, although I've had an up and down season so far, I still have the goods to race at the highest level. Without the people mentioned above, it wouldn't be the case.
Stay strong,
Guy
