So since racing IM 70.3 World Championships at Lake Las Vegas last year, I have been a fan of racing in this area. Also, having family that lives in Henderson reduces the cost, as the only cost is gas and food. However, again, I do love racing in this area, the heat, the hills, everything makes this race extremely challenging, yet extremely rewarding.
The night before any race is always stressful for me. This time was a little different, I ensured my transition bag was packed, made sure my nutrition was on the bike, and everything in the car by dusk. The transition opened at 5:30 and I always try to be there as close to opening as possible, as I like to ensure I get where I want, get my transition set up, and just sit back and relax. I was able to eat around 5:30pm, drank water/gatorade, got breakfast set up for the am, and was in bed by 9:00pm, and asleep soon after, as I was exhausted from the night before (gotta love Vegas right).
Alarm went off at 5:00am, checked the temperature (which was 68 that early in the AM) quickly got up, dressed, brushed teeth, made breakfast, grabbed water bottles (which I froze the night before) and out the door I went. Arriving close to 5:30, I was one of the first people in transition that was doing the Olympic distance race, quickly setting up my transition, getting my body marked, applying sunblock (much needed, still got burned), now had time to relax.
As 7:45 approached (my wave start - 39 & under men) I got my wetsuit out, reapplied sunscreen, put "Triglide" on, slipped my bottom half of my wetsuit on, placed all my nonessential items back in my bag and down to the swim start I went. Getting into the water, it was not as cold as expected, especially since the website said mid 50's. The announcer went over the swim course one last time, and it was off we went. Starting in the back of the field, due to lack of swim training, however, I quickly moved up thru the field. About two thirds of the way thru the swim I looked up and realized that I was swimming with Knight (another service member from San Diego area, and eventual 2nd OA place winner). Knight and I were making decent work of the swim, it felt as though we were thriving off of each other, rounding the final buoy, I guess I cut it short and as soon as I did, I took an accidental solid heel to my chin (which caused me to see stars, first time that has ever happened while swimming), compliments of Knight. Out of the water and up to my bike, I took off my wetsuit and tried putting on my top, as I figured it would be better to have the dry clothes. I quickly realized this was a mistake as I tried putting it on twice and couldn't get it on, eventually having to ask for help from one of the volunteers, thanks by the way. Ultimately, T1 took over 4 mins, 4:23 to be exact, and normal T time is around 1:00 to 1:30.
Heading out on the bike, and knowing this course is extremely hilly, I knew that I had to save my legs for the last half of the bike. In my attempt to do this, I believe I went out to slowly (as evident by my AVG speed for the first 10 miles) it was at the turn around I decided it would be time to get after it a bit. As I got to about mile 15 I realized that I was quickly gaining ground, and passing athletes in front of me, and still being able to maintain my speed without tiring (I averaged over 20mph for the last 4.8 miles) which is unusual for me as I usually gas before the end of the bike. Coming into transition, (entire downhill) I came off the bike, quickly found my transition, racked my bike, changed my shirt, put my shoes on, and off I went.
Coming out of transition to the run, I quickly realized it was going to be extremely hot and long run. The first mile, I was able to maintain just over a 7:00 min mile, getting to the first aid station (mile 1) I took water, while still running, and it was off for mile 2. It was at this point I realized that I was passing people pretty quickly, different age groups, even some sprint athletes, but definitely felt like all the running I did, paid off. About 400 meters from the second aid station, I felt a "twinge" in my left quad. Knowing that feeling, I made it a point to walk thru aid station 2 and took 2 Gatorade, a water, and dumped another water on my head, as the temp now was well into the upper 80's lower 90's. Still being able to keep a sub 8:00 min pace, I continued to take 2 Gatorade, and a water at every aid station. I was also able to keep passing runners pretty much at will. Rounding the last turn, and having about 400 meters left, I seen some athletes that were easily 100 meters in front of me. I quickly decided I would give it everything I had, and within about 25 meters of the finish I was able to pass the only athlete I could see, who also happened to be a Male 30-34. Placing me 5th in AG, and 33rd OA. All in all, good early season race for me.
Splits were as follows: Swim - 27:29, T1 - 4:56, Bike - 1:22:08, T2 - 2:22, Run - 46:53.....
Look forward to seeing you next year.....Definitely a race that comes with the highest of recommendations !!!!
