Monday, July 28, 2014

2014 Heart of the Lakes Triathlon Race Report

By a very narrow margin, 42 seconds, I had my fastest time on this course, of my 4 attempts.  I did this race in 2008, my previous fastest, and then 2012-2014.
As always, this is tough race, but, I think, very rewarding.  Also, the race consistently has some of the toughest competition at it.  Always some of the best elites and AG show up.
I did not have my fastest bike or run, but combined with my fastest swim here, and ok transitions, I was able to knock some time off my previous fastest time.
This race can be difficult because of the heat.  The run has almost no shade, and the first half, or more, seems mostly up hill.  The last portion is basically flat, and there is absolutely no shade.  So, if it is sunny, it seems hot, even if it is pleasant outside.
Anyway, this year it the humidity and temp were not that bad.  The swim went good, did not seem particularly fast, and felt ok.  I was not super energetic getting out at the start, it started to feel better about half way through.
I got out on the bike without issue.  The wind was tough on the bike.  The night before I noticed my disc wheel tire was flat, so I just used my 808.  I think it was helpful with the crosswind to not have a disc.  I think it was about mile 14 or 15, not exactly sure, that you turned right into the wind and it was like hitting a wall.  Literally, turned a corner and felt like I was coming to a stop.  The headwind was a killer.  The last bit in was tough.  I was afraid my legs were going to be really toast on the run.
I didn't feel too bad getting off the bike to start the run.  As expected, it felt warm.
Thankfully, they have frequent water stops, with actual cold water, and cold sponges, on this run course.  It is really nice that they have, I think, more than 4 water stops on a 5.3 mile course.  Some recognizes the need for it on this course.  The run was a struggle.  It just felt difficult. 
In the end, I went under 8 minute miles, which was my goal.  The last two races I had not gone under  that and it was a little disappointing.  I am keeping a great average run pace in races this year and I want to keep it up.
This race had a number of people I know at it, so it was nice to chat with people.
This race is very well run, great organization.  Packet pickup in the morning is fast and easy. 
As long as I am racing, I hope I can do this race every year.  Great course and well run, why would you not want to do it?


2014 Heart of the Lakes Triathlon Results
Swim (880yards)  = 14:27 (1:38/100 yds)
T1 = 3:05
Bike (21miles) = 55:18 (22.78MPH, fastest average bike speed, so far, this year)
T2 = 1:32
Run (5.3miles) = 41:46 (7:53/mi)
Total = 1:56:08
Overall = 56/254
AG = 10/27
Pace = 4:20

2013 Heart of the Lakes Triathlon Results
Swim (880yards) - 15:23 (1:44/100yds)
T1 - 3:09
Bike (21miles) - 55:58 (22.5MPH)
T2 - 1:28
Run (5.3miles) - 41:03 (7:45/mi, see my run from '12, this was MUCH better.  Close to '08!)
Total - 1:57:01
Overall - 75/260
AG - 5/12
Pace - 4:22/mi

2012 Heart of the Lakes Triathlon Results
Swim (880yards) - 14:42 (1:40/100yds)
T1 - 3:00
Bike (21miles) - 55:37 (22.7MPH)
T2 - 1:40
Run (5.3miles) - 46:07 (8:42/mi, see my run from '08.  This run was slow.)
Total - 2:01:03
Overall - 102/292
AG - 7/17
Pace - 4:31/mi

2008 Heart of the Lakes Triathlon Results
Swim (880yards) - 16:42 (1:54/100yds)
T1 - 2:57
Bike (21miles) - 54:13 (23.2MPH, fastest average in a triathlon)
T2 - 2:02
Run (5.3miles) - 40:58 (7:44/mi)
Total - 1:56:50
Overall - 151/460
AG - 14/39
Pace - 4:22/mi










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