Indy Triathlon and Duathlon -- 2 Weeks Out

Jason, Matt, and Me (My Ultra-Fast Adventure Race Teamates)

This race was a tune up race and is exactly 2 weeks out from Ironman. Coach put this on the schedule and I said, hell...there is no way I am swimming in that canal , GROSS. They offered a duathlon division and I got excited. I have always had a curiosity about duathlons. I have done a few of them in the past, and I am actually much better at duathlons than triathlons. I think it is that whole swimming thing.

One of my friends Lisa was doing the race and she is a strong runner. I made a commitment to try to stay with her on the opening 2 mile run. That worked for all of about 1 1/2 miles. I couldn't hang anymore and I finished the segment averaging 6:35s. I was pretty happy with that. I hopped on my bike ready to make up ground and the course was a mess. It was a mess of people. They were in packs, drafting, blocking...you name it, it was happening. I couldn't get away from the age group men. They would not let me freak'n stay in front of them. I would accelerate to get in front of them and they would attack right back. When that happens, I must drop back. So after this cycle happening about 10 times, I got really frustrated. I did horrible on the bike and never got into a rhythm.

Without being full throttle, I couldn't get enough of a gap built and Lisa was only about 30seconds back. I held her off on the final 5k until the 2 mile mark and she went flying by me. Damn. Oh well, I was maxed out and couldn't challenge her. She is fast! Anyhow, I finished 2nd and I felt like I got in a great run workout despite the sucky bike.

I chit chatted for 2 hours post race and caught up with lots of my friends. I love post race activity. There is so much going on and it is really a celebration!

My Citgo teammates did awesome as well. Jason Smith won the duathlon, Katie won the Olympic Distance Triathlon, Matt would have done well but he did an extra loop on the bike and got a drafting penalty. The Mideast Team Elite was in full representation as well. Guy did great in the duathlon (he got a drafting penalty), Kevin and Josh did great in the Olympic Distance Triathlon.

Afterwards, I went to watch Jason kick ass in the Village of West Clay Crit. He is amazing and it really made me want to road race. Maybe I'll do some of that next year. Right now, I've got to focus on the here and now...Ironman.