I really wanted to do the Welland Half. I have never raced a flat half IM distance, and I was itching to give it a go. So with the help from some of my friends at LPS, I was able to switch 3 of my shifts and get the weekend off. Pay back is never fun but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.
It was a last minute add on to the race schedule, but I am enjoying my injury free year of gains and my Hincapie tri suit wanted to come out of the closet. Injuries really make you appreciate the good times. I am thankful for everyday I can run without pain in my feet or otherwise. I paid the price last year but I got through it ... as everyone in this sport does.
Ken said he would come with me to the race and he said he would look after the boy for the day. I was happy to have them both with me. It is great to come into transitions and have the support of the people who are important to you. This decision was a bit costly though. We ended up staying at the "Pet Friendly" Four Points Sheridan in Thorold. I was glad to spend the extra $100 plus though to have everyone with me for the weekend.
SUPPORT CREW:
By now Ken understands me and puts up with the pre-race need for over-the-top analness (is that a word) and unreasonable punctuality. Thanks for always going with the flow Ken.
So we get to the race at a very respectable hour ... as always ... despite my constant remarks of "I have never been this late for a race in my life." What is wrong with me I wonder sometimes.
Anyhoots ....
The rain held off nicely and we made our way to the swim start. I loved seeing Ryder on the dock, kissing those who grabbed the dock's edge for a breather. The water was refreshing but clean, clear and comfortable with a wetsuit. Given previous swim times, I was thinking 33 minutes was doable. The race started and the usual suspects pulled away. After maybe 500m I was able to get on the feet of a decent swimmer. I probably drafted for 15 minutes give or take, but I kept hitting his feet. I wondered if maybe we weren't going fast enough. I tried for the pass and was very disappointed to pull away. I think maybe I picked the wrong guy. But in hindsight, I am sure I conserved some energy for what was to follow. I exited the water in 34:52. I heard Ken cheer but I was a little bit sickened. I didn't even look over as I didn't want to see his disappointment. In the end, the swim was 2km and not 1.9kms, so it wasn't the disaster I first thought it was. I think it fuelled my fire a bit as I knew I had some work to do.
The transition went smoothly. One of my elastics holding my shoes in proper position on the bike didn't break though so I had to rip it off on the move. No big deal. I clearly need to get some smaller elastics.
All went well on the bike. I did try to hammer it. I can't lie. I wasn't in Zone One let's put it that way. My only disappointment on the bike was that the race beverage seemed to be coconut flavoured of something similar. It tasted like ass ... whatever it was ... so maybe I need to suck up the extra weight and carry a bottle of the beverage I enjoy and train with. Oh the weight. It's hard to get my mind around that. No worries though. The beverage did the trick and provided the fuel I needed. I doubled up on my salt tabs throughout as it was a bit humid and I can usually tell when I am in need. Final bike split was 2:34:05 which was slightly over 35km/hr average. A huge success and beyond my expectations.
Onto the run. For 35 years I have run like a lunatic idiot. I was the one in high school track who would be carried away due to improper pacing and complete exhaustion. I have been running a ton with a great friend, Ann Frost. She is an IM running machine. Always negative splits. (How is that possible??) I also consulted with my old track coach, Mr. Chapman. I respect and admire him and have always valued his opinion as a coach and a friend. I decided to take the advice of my mentors and I wore my Garmin for the run. My goal was a 1:45 half marathon. I realized within the first KM the error of my ways. I had to really slow down to run 4:50's. I would hate to see my splits on every other half IM I have ever completed. I always feel great running off the bike and get sucked into "Time in the bank". That is just stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Never again. I am pleased with my splits overall. I did not negative split but ran an evenly paced half. It was nice to only suffer for the final 2kms and not the final 11. Final run split: 1:43:09. Thanks guys.
At the end of the race the announcers said I was third overall!! I was thrilled. I went to grab a chocolate milk when announcer stated that due to the wave starts, I actually won the whole damn thing!!! I have NEVER won the whole thing. What a great day and a great memory. I beat second place by 13 seconds. So for those of you who say it's gross to pee on the bike and to just pour water on your privates during the run????? I arrest my case.
Nonetheless, I will give credit where credit is due. Thank-you Angela Quick for having the emergency appendectomy. You always win. I never win. Everyone should get to feel what it's like just once in their life. I wish you a speedy recovery and will be happy to see you crush me at our next event. Alex VanderLinden, I know you missed Ang, but it was an honour to share the top step with you. Just this once.
Finally, thank-you to Hincapie Sportswear for selecting me as an Ambassador. I think it is no coincidence that I won my first race overall while wearing something with George's name on it. I am proud to represent you and to finally get on the podium for you.
THIS SUIT IS GREAT FROM ALL ANGLES:
THANKS TO EVERYONE IN MY CORNER:
