SCOTT LANDERS - Short Course
So, Christina and I took our little vacation up to New Hampshire this weekend to take part in the 2nd annual Black Bear Duathlon. We made up there in record time (thanks to some expert driving) and found our hotel with no problems. Soon after that, though, things got interesting. The duathlon was being held in a ski resort, and for those of you who have never been to a winter ski resort in the summer....it's quite strange. There aren't many people, and the empty shops and hotels look just a bit too quaint and picturesque seeming too perfect. In our relaxed state of mind, we totally spun a screenplay of how we could be in the middle of a horror film...needless to say we had a good time.
Also, we met this guy at packet pick up who was...a bit too serious. He asked us if we were going to wear socks during the race and looked strangely perplexed when we told him we were. Anyhow, his car was parked next to ours and we managed to see that his license plate said "MOBSTA." I then made it my goal to put the beat down on a mobsta...ironic, no?
We got back to the hotel and had a craving for some ice cream. Of course in the ghost town there was nothing open, so we came back dejected, but the amazing hotel hosts happened to have some leftover desert, which we accepted with huge smiles. We got to eat it outside on the patio as we watched the sun set behind the mountains. It was finally bedtime.
---
I've never done a duathlon before, so I wasn't sure how to handle the first run. I went out with the lead pack of guys and just focused on running a smooth even race, trying not to push too hard and die on the bike. I clocked in at about 6:49 min/mi pace, which was a little faster than I thought I was running, but I felt strong at the end, which is what matters (I still have my goal of getting back down to 18:00 for a 5K).
T1 went fine and then I was off on the bike. After half a mile, we had to bike up this 2mi hill which wasn't easy in the least. It took me about 12min to climb it and then about 4 to get back down it. The rest of the ride was similar (just smaller hills) I got passed by a couple people, but managed to average 17mph for the whole 30km.
T2 was less efficient than T1, I almost ran out of the transition area with my helmet still on...lame, but I figured it out pretty quick, tossed the helmet and was off for the second 5K...this is where I really got to push myself. I immediately caught MOBSTA and managed to pick off two or three more over the next 4K. One guy even told me a run like a sprinter! (I'm still partial to my sprinting...=) Then came the last half mile and there was one guy about 50m ahead of me. I could see he wasn't going strong and I was exhausted, but I made the choice that I was going to catch him and launched into my final attack calling on my years of 400m/800m running (this is why). I started closing the gap and caught him going up a hill with 100m to go. I then proceeded to finish (with less of a sprint than my last race, but still strong) in 1:50:38 which is significantly faster than the 2hr I thought I was going to run.
All in all my splits were
5K run - 21:10....8/57
30K Bike - 1:04:56....28/57...one second slower than Christina!!!
5K run - 22:24...10/57
So, apparently I'd be top 10 with my running, but need to get my bike up to par!
This was good enough to get me 15/57 overall and 1/1 in my age group. I was the youngest male by almost 10 years! Those older guys are super fast (like Michael!).
All in all it was a great experience and I can't wait to go back again next year.
~Scott
CHRISTINA BIRCH - Short Course
Scott gave an excellent description of the race, so I'll keep my report short and sweet and share with you some of the Christina-specific incidents:
Pre-race: The duathlon was the final workout of my 13-hour base training week. My pre-race activities included a Saturday long run, free wine and cheese provided by the hotel, and (for once!) a good night's sleep.
Run 1: [Thought] "Oh, I actually do like swimming. I wonder how long it will take me to run a 5k." (Answer for R1, about 25 minutes.)
T1: I was ecstatic to be done with the first run.... I was so anxious and excited to get on the bike where I have my confidence. [Thought] "I have the sexiest running mount ever. People must think I'm so cool!" (Like I said, confidence on the bike!)
Bike: Big hill to the ski slopes right off the bat. I dig into the hill and pace myself, passing a female competitor on the way ("Yes!"). The downhill was safe, thrilling, and still had beautiful scenery, whizzing by at upwards of 38 mph. Not long after I hit the rolling hills that comprised the rest of the bike course's out-and-back loop, both my calves started cramping in a pattern that was suspiciously Morse code-esque. I made an effort to throw back the liquid calories I had with me, but ended up dumping about 4/5th of the sticky, cherry-flavored liquid all over my chin, chest, and thighs. [Thought] "Oh well, at least I'll smell nice."
T2: My dismount was not quite as impressive, but rather uneventful (in a good way). I was in and out super fast thanks to my Chris Carper Co. elastic laces. I passed several guys I was duking it out with on the bike while they were still bent over in transition lacing up (they later passed me on the run).
Run 2: Pain. Train. I added 3 minutes to my 5k time (Doh! Pushing my total finishing time just 19 seconds over the 2 hr mark!) What was worse (and ironic) was that I had Britney Spears' lyrics "Gimme gimme more, gimme more, gimme more" stuck in my head. I was ready to be done.
All in all, I was 4th woman overall (top 3 women were between 15 and 30 years older than me-- damn) and by virtue of being the only early-twenties female present, I happened to win my age category. (Hey, I'll take it.)
The short course taught me to have huge respect for the long course athletes who suffered through those hills -- twice.
MICHAEL SWANWICK
Pre: After my major calf cramp in the NE Season Opener Tri, my training has not gone that smoothly. I aggravated an old upper quad issue during a track workout before my calf had fully healed. I got a good long run and ride in last weekend but no fast training for the last 2 weeks. I was hoping this would be a perfect tune up for my HIM in mid-June. My mom and Sarah came up to cheer me on. We made it up in time to pick up numbers and drive the 5k run loop. I was off to ride one loop of the bike course (30k). Legs felt good with no quad issues that were bugging me all week.
Race morning:
Super small race with ~50 in the short coarse and ~27 starters (23 finishers) on the long coarse. Well organized race and transition area. The weather was nice and cool at 8am but no clouds and temps rising quickly. It was going to be hot. I get ~2mi warm up run. I wish Christina and Scott good luck on their race and get my transition area set and my final strides in. Quad is still feeling good.
Race: 10k run, 60k bike, 7.5k run
Run 1: (Goal ~6:00min/mi pace) A 5k loop with a couple short steep hills but mostly flat with ~1k on trails.
From the results last year, I figured I would be in the mix at least during the first run. I started leading the charge from the gun. I was quickly joined my 2 other runners with a couple a few steps behind. Mile 1 was at 5:50. A little fast but felt comfortable. The other two runners slowed a little so I back off too. We all seemed to know that it was going to be long day. Mile 2, 3 at 6:10, 6:13. I took the lead after trying to follow on the dirt trail. I forgot how hard it is to run at 6:00min/mi pace on trails without being able to see your footing. At the end of the 5k, I felt the pace was slowing so I took the lead again. I wanted to keep the pace honest in case we had some fast bikers hanging on. We dropped one runner so just the two of us. The second 5k was at ~6:10 pace. I take the lead going into the trail and into T1. The 2nd place guy is right on my heels.
10k - 38:00 (6:07 min/mi) 1/23
T1: Pretty quick. My new Giro is super tight to get on. I get out of T1 ahead of 2nd place guy and I am off.
Bike: (Goal - go hard and still have enough to run afterwards. My HIM goal is ~23mph but this coarse was hillier so ~21-22mph). One hill up to base of the ski area and then a long downhill off the base area and then down river. Turn around and back up the river. Almost no flats beside the start loop around the village.
The first 2-3k are flat/down hill. I try to get my legs back to normal and get some fluids in before the first hill. I hit the first hill pretty hard to separate myself from the chasers. On the downhill, I catch the lead car!!! I have to wave to get them ahead. I do not think they were expecting some one to go from 14mph uphill to 45mph downhill in about 1/4mile. I relax and go easy on the long downhill. I focus on keeping as aero as possible. Trying to drink all of my HEED before the bottom of the hill so I can exchange bottles. My stomach is not liking all the sugar. As I was not pushing too hard on the downhill, I was waiting for people to pass me but nobody came. Hit the bottom of the hill, grab a bottle of water and start pushing again. ~28mph on the downhill (down river) and ~17-18mph on the uphill (up river). Still feeling good. At the end of loop one, a little confusion on which way to go but luckily I pick the right way. (A kid at the intersection just waving his flag but in no direction!!!). I hit the hill to ski area hill hard again knowing that this is my last chance to put a lot of time on the others. I start feeling a little tired on the way down to the turn around. I am just in cruise mode and waiting to get passed. At the turnaround a see someone right behind me! Not sure where he came from. He motors away from me and try to keep close for the next mile but have nothing left. I am now starting to bonk! Crap. I have 10k more to bike (mostly up hill) and then 7.5k to run. Not good. I shift into an easy gear on start spinning. Another Gu and water to get the body going again. The next few miles hurt. No shade/temp rising and I kept thinking about how hard the run was going to be. Limp into T2 with no one passing me.
60k - 1:45:11 (21.3mph) 2/23
T2: Grab my water bottle. Shoes on and I am off.
Run2: (Goal - ~6:15 pace) Two laps of shortened 5k
I hit the run and my legs are actually moving but I know there is not that much left. I hit M1 6:42 and see the leader coming the other way. Only a min or 2 ahead! He yells across that he is in the relay and I am still in the lead. Sweet! M2 6:31 and baking in the sun and energy leaving me quickly. I see I have a good gap on 2nd/3rd place guys so try and hold steady pace. The wheels start to come off and I shuffle to M3 7:11. I only have under 2miles to go and a solid gap so hopefully my shuffle is fast enough. If they come then there is nothing I can do anyway! M4 7:05 and the last mile was just putting one foot in front of the other. It actually felt like my last 10k of my marathon where I went from 2:45 marathon pace to finishing in 3:01. I hit the finishing shoot with nobody behind me and break the tape for the win. They actually had a tape across the finish line. Pretty cool! I was completely dead.
7.5k - 31:58 (6:52) 3/23
Overall - 2:56:47 1/23 (win by a little over 2.5min)
Post race: Great to have Sarah and Mom cheering me on. Congrats to Christina and Scott on great results on the short coarse and thanks for cheering for me on the coarse and at the finish. No warm down at the race because I was so out of it but I did drag myself on the trainer at home for very very easy 45min.
Lesson learned:
Winning is great!
I need to either pace better on the bike or eat more food for my HIM
~Christina
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
New England Season Opener Sprint
Elizabeth Santorella
Triathlons seem to be rather complex and confusing things. I knew I would have no trouble completing any of the distances, so I shot a little higher than “I just want to finish” to “I just want to do things right and not fall off my bike.”**
Summary:
4:20 am – 8 am: Cold.
8 am - ~8:40 am: Cold. Feet cold. Swimmers struggling. Police boat flipped?
Beginning of race: Swim canceled for last three waves. Run to transition area on numb feet. Try to do things with numb feet and numb hands. Let wetsuit get bunched up around ankle, get stuck, watch everyone leave transition area while tugging at ankle.
I think I biked a bit slower than I should have, but my goal wasn’t to race super-fast, so whatever. Since I started at the back, I spent nearly the entire race passing – I barely was on the right side of the road – but four years of high school running taught me that if I was passing people, I was probably going too fast, so I didn’t push as hard as I could have.
I had a 2:21 T2, which was probably the best I could’ve hoped for since I’m… slow.
The run was quite interesting. I didn’t suffer the infamous “jelly legs” or feel particularly tired, but I was frozen from the knee down. I couldn’t feel my feet, and they worsened from numb to feeling oddly lumpen as I ran.
I should probably put a nice conclusion here, but… I crossed the finish, and my feet were cold.
Next up: Something longer! With swimming!
Lessons learned: I think learning how it works was pretty valuable. Many thanks to Andrea and Rachel for going over everything with me in minute detail.
You all are amazing as athletes and as people and I’m proud to be a part of this team. :)
*I don’t sleep well if I don’t expend my energy. I had to keep ramping up my mileage just to sleep. Ask me if you want funny/concerning stories or elaboration.
**This has been a problem and is a running joke in my living group.
Seniovio Shish
The most exciting part of the season opener, from the "Newbie wave" perspective, happened before our part of the race even began. First off, we noticed that the splashes from the first wave of swimmers became sprays that the wind carried 20-30 feet. Second, the buoy marking the swim course was actually a moving target, pushed 30+ yards down the shoreline by the wind. Third, the high winds caused a safety boat to capsize and a kayak to smash into the rocks. At that point, the race director decided that we had a serious problem and the swimming portion of the race would be cancelled. So I'm 0/2 on completing a triathlon with an official length swim.
Despite these nuisances, my rivalry with Scott Landers would continue. We began the race on the beach as if we were just exiting the water from the swim. The transition area was less hectic than we thought it would be with such a mass start, but before I was able to get my bike shoes on Scott was already out of transition. It took me a couple of miles before I could see him, and a few more before I was within passing distance. Distractions included numerous bumps/imperfections in the road (at one point I was almost jolted out of my handlebars) awkward turns, and winds as strong as Nationals, but less predictable due to hills/trees. When my front wheel finally overtook Scott's about half way through the course, he actually didn't drop back but pedaled harder! This was clearly a cutthroat race. I managed to pass. In the mix of people going about the same speed were some serious-looking bikers with fancy frames and aero wheels, some of whom we BOTH passed. Scott passed me again, but when we got back to the hills near the finish, I was able to prevail on that segment of the course. (I think my hill climbing abilities improved thanks to some 'training' on the monster hills of the ECCC road race two weeks ago, and a no-nonsense spin session with Katie Quinn).
During my Bike-Run transition I tried two things that improved my T2 time from nationals: 1) removed feet from shoes prior to dismount (I practiced the night before) 2) put my running shoes on with no socks (I had planned to put on new ones, but they were wet due to some spillage near my transition are). The run felt strong, and I saw that Scott was only 20 meters or so behind at the first turnaround at mile 1. He was able to catch up by mile 2 and I could tell he had no intention of sticking around and chatting. I was pretty happy with my performance so far and decided not to pursue right away - maybe I would just sprint and catch up at the end. That was a FAIL. As you can tell from the pictures, Scott was definitely hucking it in the last 100m and there was no catching him at that point. I congratulate him on a race well won (for a Newbie)!! I strode in 5 seconds later.
In all, great race, despite the disappointment of not swimming after so many months of training (and I figure it might have given me a >>5 second lead on Scott). However, I think I'm in great shape to build up to the half-iron distance in Syracuse this September. Watch out, Scott!
Katie Quinn
As my first triathlon in 16 months, the NE Season Opener was a great re-introduction to the sport and reminded me why I love racing triathlons! …
Previously, my race would invariably follow a storyline of getting out of the water near the lead (I was a swimmer until I was 15, so it’s nothing to be too proud of); pedaling along while getting overtaken by all the stronger riders and hoping that they didn’t get too far ahead (I could never work much above zone 2 on a bike); and then bounding off the bike and chasing my competitors down in the run … but not so anymore!
The swim went about as well as I expected, though for different reasons. I was really worried about the cold – last weekend I could barely keep my face in the water but, the sole advantage of the race day weather was making it warmer in the water than out! Unfortunately, it also meant that the swim was shortened even further (as it all too often is!) and was no longer in flat water! Nonetheless, I managed to get the swim over with and before I knew it, my wetsuit was off and I was riding up the first hill …
The bike was quite uneventful. I love that I’ve finally learnt how to work on a bike, so the longest leg is no longer my weakest (thanks to MIT cycling!). But I know that I was much lazier than I would have been in a pack race and was sad when the 10 miles was over so soon …
The run … left great room for improvement! T2 was the low point of my race: After overcoming my jealously of Alex R (who pulled off an amazing T2, placing 2nd out of 208), I was so excited that I’d been able to get my elastic-laced shoes on despite lack of feeling in my hands and feet that I started running without my number belt. I’d run out of transition and a good 50m up the hill before I realized that I’d forgotten it, and proceeded to say (loudly, and not just once) a particular word that seems to become a part of my vocabulary in and only in races … before running back into transition to get my belt. I don’t know why I thought that the officials of the NE Season Opener would be so strict as to disqualify me for running without my race belt. Perhaps it was just that I didn’t want to waste all the effort of bringing and pinning my number on it. At any rate, I could have avoided forgetting it if only I'd kept my transition area tidier so that I could see it! Anyway, I finally started running up the hill again (keeping my head as low as possible while running past the spectators who’d heard my earlier exclamations!) only to find that, like most other competitors, I couldn’t feel my feet! This, and the fact that I simply couldn’t find my running legs (anyone for brick sessions?!), occupied my thoughts for the rest of the race. The good part of the run, however, was getting to call out, or wave, or feebly gesture to each of the other MIT racers on the track – definitely my favorite moments during triathlons!
The finish was rather anticlimactic. I guess this is common of triathlons, since they rarely have exciting sprint finishes (unless you’re Scott Landers and haven’t quite yet transitioned into an endurance athlete!). It’s probably also one of the main reasons that I prefer longer races – where, after pushing and doubting and pleading with myself for hours, simply finishing is satiating enough!
Nonetheless, any race finish has a great feeling and I loved having so many teammates around to debrief with! This was my first win in a triathlon, and it was great to share good results with so many other MIT racers (e.g. we were 4 of the top 9 females)!
Next up: More work on the bike (especially individual time trialing), more work on running (and not just long jogs along the river!) and more work on running after biking … Only 27 days ‘til the Mooseman Half Ironman – crikey!!
Lars Imsdahl
While deciding if I should participate in the NE Opener, I went for a run to cough up parts of my lung so I didn't have to do that during the race. I noticed I wasn't quite in shape as I only got some speed after about 5 miles of my 6mile run. Fortunately, my knees weren't in pain as they had been in the last weeks when I had wanted to train.
After IronMan (II), I got about 5hrs of sleep before Chris and Gordon picked me up and gave me advice on the race. It was so cold and windy that I put all of my spandex and Chris' wetsuit on. Luckily, I got a lot of practice in taking off my wetsuit as I couldn't decide how many layers to wear.
Twenty minutes before the race started, I found stickers in an envelope that will remain on my bike and helmet until my next triathlon.
Once they announced that we were only swimming in a triangle rather than a square, I thought this would mean there is less of chance for me to fall behind. This was not the case. I swam a less acute angle than most people and had the desire to punch each wave that came my way...which seemed to be all of them. The water was warmer than it looked (~60F) but I probably would have died without a wetsuit (Thank you Chris). I wasn't able to crawl through the waves as desired so I had to quit swallowing nasty brown water and revert to breast stroke, which is when I saw a bunch of orange caps pass me...if Walden Pond had a jacuzzi near by I'd practice swimming in the open waters.
T1: Much slower than I had hoped. I got dizzy and had to sit down to change.
My bike started quite slowly but then I picked it up once I saw a sweet Cervelo. My right hand was frozen white, so I had difficulties switching gears. We passed each other about four times and then I decided to push ahead and was pass only by a dad-age guy with a seemingly cheap bike. On the last hill I felt sorry for a dude with his $5k aero, all carbon Orbea, who was in his lowest gear peddling at 120bpm taking the hill inch by inch. Right before I finished the race a BU dude decided it was cool to do a double 360 with a twist to put some manly scrape marks in his all carbon ride. I wish the bike had been longer and with fewer hills.
T2: My feet were so cold and white, it felt like I was putting socks on a stranger. Again, this took too long.
During my run it took a while to get started. This first mile was painful. The second I almost got lost in a parking lot and the third I kicked ass (nobody passed me on the run).
It was disappointing that I fell so far behind in the swim and have none of the fast people there in the bike and the run.
When finishing, I wish I had powered my way through the race more than I had...kinda like Michael who gained at least 7min. on me.
All in all I felt like I was quite distracted by all of the different kinds of bikes I wish I had and that I didn't know the terrain as well as I should have to have done well.
Hoping to get my see my finishing time soon.
I enjoyed the race and was glad that you guys and gals made it possible for me to complete my first real Sprint Triathlon (the IronNerd was my first Ultra Sprint ;-) ).
Thanks for the picture with Mr. Centerfold: Scott Brown.
Thank you again for the great experience. I'm sure it won't be my last triathlon. I hope you guys did as well as you wanted and I think it's amazing that some of you are going to do a half or an entire iron-man.
Cheers,
~Lars
Christina Birch
Pre-race (4:30am): Spend 15 minutes repeating the following action: reversing a Zipcar two inches, cranking the wheel, pulling forward two inches, cranking the wheel... Finally free our transportation from it's traffic jam. Breakfast was apple oatmeal and instant coffee (yuck). Cold. Put the wetsuit on in the car (very difficult!! Sorry if I kicked you in the head, Scott). And ran around in the suit for a warmup.
Swim: Chaotic, fun, too busy trying to sight to really work hard... Swells were moving us huge vertical distances while the wind caused the waves to break over my natural breathing side. Two failed breath attempts and breathing on the left side became very desirable. (I now practice breath control, thanks Coach Bill!)
T1: A little disoriented-- made decisions about clothing ("Brave the cold, save the time, skip the LS cycling jersey") while jumping around on one foot trying to put socks on.... SOCKS?? I never wear socks in a Sprint tri. My feet were just too cold after the swim. It ended up being a blessing in T2.
Bike: I had a fantastic mount... ran through the mount line past two stopped athletes, pushed my bike extra hard, jumped up, and swung my leg over and was off... I didn't see those athletes again, and being able to get on the bike fast was an advantage. Then: Strength on hills! I felt fairly comfortable... which means I should have been pushing harder. Of all the people I passed, nearly all of it happened on the bike.
T2: Blazing fast. Racked the bike, slipped the shoes off fast (thanks to socks), and yanked on my newly-elastic-laced shoes (Thanks Chris!) while running toward the transition exit with my race # belt in my teeth. This was the only point of the run where I was in front of Kristin!
Run: Better than I was expecting given my recent plague of knee pains. I kept a constant pace, high heart rate, but should have really tried to open up my stride... Knee didn't hurt too badly.
Finish: 4th in my age group, not quite making the Top-Three-Who-Get-Pint-Glasses list, much to my displeasure. With the exception of the rough swim, this will be a good starting point in the season to gauge my progress over the upcoming months.
Enchiladas y piña coladas,
--Christina
Triathlons seem to be rather complex and confusing things. I knew I would have no trouble completing any of the distances, so I shot a little higher than “I just want to finish” to “I just want to do things right and not fall off my bike.”**
Summary:
4:20 am – 8 am: Cold.
8 am - ~8:40 am: Cold. Feet cold. Swimmers struggling. Police boat flipped?
Beginning of race: Swim canceled for last three waves. Run to transition area on numb feet. Try to do things with numb feet and numb hands. Let wetsuit get bunched up around ankle, get stuck, watch everyone leave transition area while tugging at ankle.
I think I biked a bit slower than I should have, but my goal wasn’t to race super-fast, so whatever. Since I started at the back, I spent nearly the entire race passing – I barely was on the right side of the road – but four years of high school running taught me that if I was passing people, I was probably going too fast, so I didn’t push as hard as I could have.
I had a 2:21 T2, which was probably the best I could’ve hoped for since I’m… slow.
The run was quite interesting. I didn’t suffer the infamous “jelly legs” or feel particularly tired, but I was frozen from the knee down. I couldn’t feel my feet, and they worsened from numb to feeling oddly lumpen as I ran.
I should probably put a nice conclusion here, but… I crossed the finish, and my feet were cold.
Next up: Something longer! With swimming!
Lessons learned: I think learning how it works was pretty valuable. Many thanks to Andrea and Rachel for going over everything with me in minute detail.
You all are amazing as athletes and as people and I’m proud to be a part of this team. :)
*I don’t sleep well if I don’t expend my energy. I had to keep ramping up my mileage just to sleep. Ask me if you want funny/concerning stories or elaboration.
**This has been a problem and is a running joke in my living group.
Seniovio Shish
The most exciting part of the season opener, from the "Newbie wave" perspective, happened before our part of the race even began. First off, we noticed that the splashes from the first wave of swimmers became sprays that the wind carried 20-30 feet. Second, the buoy marking the swim course was actually a moving target, pushed 30+ yards down the shoreline by the wind. Third, the high winds caused a safety boat to capsize and a kayak to smash into the rocks. At that point, the race director decided that we had a serious problem and the swimming portion of the race would be cancelled. So I'm 0/2 on completing a triathlon with an official length swim.
Despite these nuisances, my rivalry with Scott Landers would continue. We began the race on the beach as if we were just exiting the water from the swim. The transition area was less hectic than we thought it would be with such a mass start, but before I was able to get my bike shoes on Scott was already out of transition. It took me a couple of miles before I could see him, and a few more before I was within passing distance. Distractions included numerous bumps/imperfections in the road (at one point I was almost jolted out of my handlebars) awkward turns, and winds as strong as Nationals, but less predictable due to hills/trees. When my front wheel finally overtook Scott's about half way through the course, he actually didn't drop back but pedaled harder! This was clearly a cutthroat race. I managed to pass. In the mix of people going about the same speed were some serious-looking bikers with fancy frames and aero wheels, some of whom we BOTH passed. Scott passed me again, but when we got back to the hills near the finish, I was able to prevail on that segment of the course. (I think my hill climbing abilities improved thanks to some 'training' on the monster hills of the ECCC road race two weeks ago, and a no-nonsense spin session with Katie Quinn).
During my Bike-Run transition I tried two things that improved my T2 time from nationals: 1) removed feet from shoes prior to dismount (I practiced the night before) 2) put my running shoes on with no socks (I had planned to put on new ones, but they were wet due to some spillage near my transition are). The run felt strong, and I saw that Scott was only 20 meters or so behind at the first turnaround at mile 1. He was able to catch up by mile 2 and I could tell he had no intention of sticking around and chatting. I was pretty happy with my performance so far and decided not to pursue right away - maybe I would just sprint and catch up at the end. That was a FAIL. As you can tell from the pictures, Scott was definitely hucking it in the last 100m and there was no catching him at that point. I congratulate him on a race well won (for a Newbie)!! I strode in 5 seconds later.
In all, great race, despite the disappointment of not swimming after so many months of training (and I figure it might have given me a >>5 second lead on Scott). However, I think I'm in great shape to build up to the half-iron distance in Syracuse this September. Watch out, Scott!
Katie Quinn
As my first triathlon in 16 months, the NE Season Opener was a great re-introduction to the sport and reminded me why I love racing triathlons! …
Previously, my race would invariably follow a storyline of getting out of the water near the lead (I was a swimmer until I was 15, so it’s nothing to be too proud of); pedaling along while getting overtaken by all the stronger riders and hoping that they didn’t get too far ahead (I could never work much above zone 2 on a bike); and then bounding off the bike and chasing my competitors down in the run … but not so anymore!
The swim went about as well as I expected, though for different reasons. I was really worried about the cold – last weekend I could barely keep my face in the water but, the sole advantage of the race day weather was making it warmer in the water than out! Unfortunately, it also meant that the swim was shortened even further (as it all too often is!) and was no longer in flat water! Nonetheless, I managed to get the swim over with and before I knew it, my wetsuit was off and I was riding up the first hill …
The bike was quite uneventful. I love that I’ve finally learnt how to work on a bike, so the longest leg is no longer my weakest (thanks to MIT cycling!). But I know that I was much lazier than I would have been in a pack race and was sad when the 10 miles was over so soon …
The run … left great room for improvement! T2 was the low point of my race: After overcoming my jealously of Alex R (who pulled off an amazing T2, placing 2nd out of 208), I was so excited that I’d been able to get my elastic-laced shoes on despite lack of feeling in my hands and feet that I started running without my number belt. I’d run out of transition and a good 50m up the hill before I realized that I’d forgotten it, and proceeded to say (loudly, and not just once) a particular word that seems to become a part of my vocabulary in and only in races … before running back into transition to get my belt. I don’t know why I thought that the officials of the NE Season Opener would be so strict as to disqualify me for running without my race belt. Perhaps it was just that I didn’t want to waste all the effort of bringing and pinning my number on it. At any rate, I could have avoided forgetting it if only I'd kept my transition area tidier so that I could see it! Anyway, I finally started running up the hill again (keeping my head as low as possible while running past the spectators who’d heard my earlier exclamations!) only to find that, like most other competitors, I couldn’t feel my feet! This, and the fact that I simply couldn’t find my running legs (anyone for brick sessions?!), occupied my thoughts for the rest of the race. The good part of the run, however, was getting to call out, or wave, or feebly gesture to each of the other MIT racers on the track – definitely my favorite moments during triathlons!
The finish was rather anticlimactic. I guess this is common of triathlons, since they rarely have exciting sprint finishes (unless you’re Scott Landers and haven’t quite yet transitioned into an endurance athlete!). It’s probably also one of the main reasons that I prefer longer races – where, after pushing and doubting and pleading with myself for hours, simply finishing is satiating enough!
Nonetheless, any race finish has a great feeling and I loved having so many teammates around to debrief with! This was my first win in a triathlon, and it was great to share good results with so many other MIT racers (e.g. we were 4 of the top 9 females)!
Next up: More work on the bike (especially individual time trialing), more work on running (and not just long jogs along the river!) and more work on running after biking … Only 27 days ‘til the Mooseman Half Ironman – crikey!!
Lars Imsdahl
While deciding if I should participate in the NE Opener, I went for a run to cough up parts of my lung so I didn't have to do that during the race. I noticed I wasn't quite in shape as I only got some speed after about 5 miles of my 6mile run. Fortunately, my knees weren't in pain as they had been in the last weeks when I had wanted to train.
After IronMan (II), I got about 5hrs of sleep before Chris and Gordon picked me up and gave me advice on the race. It was so cold and windy that I put all of my spandex and Chris' wetsuit on. Luckily, I got a lot of practice in taking off my wetsuit as I couldn't decide how many layers to wear.
Twenty minutes before the race started, I found stickers in an envelope that will remain on my bike and helmet until my next triathlon.
Once they announced that we were only swimming in a triangle rather than a square, I thought this would mean there is less of chance for me to fall behind. This was not the case. I swam a less acute angle than most people and had the desire to punch each wave that came my way...which seemed to be all of them. The water was warmer than it looked (~60F) but I probably would have died without a wetsuit (Thank you Chris). I wasn't able to crawl through the waves as desired so I had to quit swallowing nasty brown water and revert to breast stroke, which is when I saw a bunch of orange caps pass me...if Walden Pond had a jacuzzi near by I'd practice swimming in the open waters.
T1: Much slower than I had hoped. I got dizzy and had to sit down to change.
My bike started quite slowly but then I picked it up once I saw a sweet Cervelo. My right hand was frozen white, so I had difficulties switching gears. We passed each other about four times and then I decided to push ahead and was pass only by a dad-age guy with a seemingly cheap bike. On the last hill I felt sorry for a dude with his $5k aero, all carbon Orbea, who was in his lowest gear peddling at 120bpm taking the hill inch by inch. Right before I finished the race a BU dude decided it was cool to do a double 360 with a twist to put some manly scrape marks in his all carbon ride. I wish the bike had been longer and with fewer hills.
T2: My feet were so cold and white, it felt like I was putting socks on a stranger. Again, this took too long.
During my run it took a while to get started. This first mile was painful. The second I almost got lost in a parking lot and the third I kicked ass (nobody passed me on the run).
It was disappointing that I fell so far behind in the swim and have none of the fast people there in the bike and the run.
When finishing, I wish I had powered my way through the race more than I had...kinda like Michael who gained at least 7min. on me.
All in all I felt like I was quite distracted by all of the different kinds of bikes I wish I had and that I didn't know the terrain as well as I should have to have done well.
Hoping to get my see my finishing time soon.
I enjoyed the race and was glad that you guys and gals made it possible for me to complete my first real Sprint Triathlon (the IronNerd was my first Ultra Sprint ;-) ).
Thanks for the picture with Mr. Centerfold: Scott Brown.
Thank you again for the great experience. I'm sure it won't be my last triathlon. I hope you guys did as well as you wanted and I think it's amazing that some of you are going to do a half or an entire iron-man.
Cheers,
~Lars
Christina Birch
Pre-race (4:30am): Spend 15 minutes repeating the following action: reversing a Zipcar two inches, cranking the wheel, pulling forward two inches, cranking the wheel... Finally free our transportation from it's traffic jam. Breakfast was apple oatmeal and instant coffee (yuck). Cold. Put the wetsuit on in the car (very difficult!! Sorry if I kicked you in the head, Scott). And ran around in the suit for a warmup.
Swim: Chaotic, fun, too busy trying to sight to really work hard... Swells were moving us huge vertical distances while the wind caused the waves to break over my natural breathing side. Two failed breath attempts and breathing on the left side became very desirable. (I now practice breath control, thanks Coach Bill!)
T1: A little disoriented-- made decisions about clothing ("Brave the cold, save the time, skip the LS cycling jersey") while jumping around on one foot trying to put socks on.... SOCKS?? I never wear socks in a Sprint tri. My feet were just too cold after the swim. It ended up being a blessing in T2.
Bike: I had a fantastic mount... ran through the mount line past two stopped athletes, pushed my bike extra hard, jumped up, and swung my leg over and was off... I didn't see those athletes again, and being able to get on the bike fast was an advantage. Then: Strength on hills! I felt fairly comfortable... which means I should have been pushing harder. Of all the people I passed, nearly all of it happened on the bike.
T2: Blazing fast. Racked the bike, slipped the shoes off fast (thanks to socks), and yanked on my newly-elastic-laced shoes (Thanks Chris!) while running toward the transition exit with my race # belt in my teeth. This was the only point of the run where I was in front of Kristin!
Run: Better than I was expecting given my recent plague of knee pains. I kept a constant pace, high heart rate, but should have really tried to open up my stride... Knee didn't hurt too badly.
Finish: 4th in my age group, not quite making the Top-Three-Who-Get-Pint-Glasses list, much to my displeasure. With the exception of the rough swim, this will be a good starting point in the season to gauge my progress over the upcoming months.
Enchiladas y piña coladas,
--Christina
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