Ironman Wisconsin 2016 Race Report

September 11, 2016

Madison Wisconsin

Ten years ago, with the sponsorship and encouragement of GU Energy, I entered into my first ever triathlon. I (barely) survived the half mile swim, was middle of the pack on the 18 mile bike course, and ran the 4 mile run.  Who would have thought that 10 years later I would have more than 50 races including 2 IRONMAN finishes on my resume?!

Last September, I stood in line the morning after IRONMAN Wisconsin with two friends/teammates to register for the 2016 event.  For both Marc and Mike, it would be their first IM.  Both had completed their first triathlons the year before.  This was the beginning of our journey together toward one huge personal challenge.  Throughout the year, we followed similar training plans each with our own goals for the big day.These guys always kept me in check!

As we pulled into Madison on Thursday afternoon, the excitement started to hit. I felt ready for this. The training was done. It was time to celebrate!  We completed all of then check-ins at the hotel and race. Let me tell you how much nicer it is to check in to the race on Thursday! After dinner, it was back to the room to start getting things organized.

On Friday, I woke up and was checking Facebook when a post came from a friend (who was the registration captain). She was frustrated by volunteers canceling at the last minute.  What was I doing on Friday morning? Weather wasn’t great outside, so a bike ride was not a top priority. A few quick messages back and forth & I was volunteering for the morning shift!  When I arrived, Kitty gave me my assignment.  I was the first person people came to in the check-in process.  My “job” was to greet athletes as they came in, verify their name & birthday off their license, write their race number on a piece of paper, and send them to the next station.  I got to meet so many athletes!  From first timers to very experienced, nervous to excited. The “Hey, I know you!” from people I have met or trained with along the journey. I will have to say though, my favorite was checking in Eric Duda.  While I had never met him before (and no, we are not related), it was great to talk to him for the few moments I was able.  That’s right, there were two Duda’s in the same division!  Glad I had the opportunity to meet him!

After my shift, lunch, the athlete briefing, and catching up with a couple friends, it was time for a quick shake out ride….or at least that was the plan!  What would Ironman be without a little mechanical excitement? Fortunately, Machinery Row Bicycles was just a couple blocks from where I had issues, they had the part in stock, and had me back up and riding in less than 30 minutes! Huge thank you to them for keeping me in the game!  Unfortunately, due to this hiccup, we missed the athlete dinner, but we had a great dinner at the Great Dane and met up with some our support crew that was in town. 

Saturday is a lay low and rest type of day.  After breakfast, it was off to the IronKids race with my son.  It was so much fun to run with him and see him get a high five from Mike Reilly as he crossed the finish line! The rest of the day was very low key! The biggest effort of the day was taking a drive around the bike loop to introduce my family to it.   Now they knew I was crazy!

Race day was an early morning, but I was ready.  I was in my zone! Bag drop offs, check my bike and put all my nutrition, etc on board, walk through my transitions, then found a quiet area to “relax” and get ready. Mike, Marc, and I started to make our way down to the water.  As we hit the water, I got in a quick warm up in, then headed to claim my start spot. 

In the last 30 seconds before the start, my previous front row seat was closed in on.  I found myself in the second row as the cannon shot off.  In 2014, my swim was fairly “clean.” This year, I started closer to the buoy line expecting a little rougher (and faster) swim, but I got more than I bargained for!   The first part of the swim was a lot of bumping as the crowd spread out and settled in. I was far enough forward that I was mostly clean around the first corner through the Mooo! Then things started to get rough!  At corner 2, I took a solid whip kick to the jaw!  On the back stretch, I was grabbed and pulled more times than I could count!  I expected taps, slaps, bumps, and brushes.  A few times I just sat up, looked for clear water (or where the best place to get away from a couple of jerks).  The last couple corners came and went and I was pulling myself up on the mats and out of the swim. I finished in the top 10% of the field with a swim with a few minutes faster swim than before.

Transition 1 was as advertised! I went to see the strippers to pull off my wetsuit. The run up the helix was just as I remembered!  The energy is phenomenal!  I quickly grabbed my T1 bag, changed, and ran out toward the bikes.  This year, I stopped to see the sun screen station on my way out.  As I ran down the long rows of bikes, a volunteer was getting mine off the rack and ready for me.  A quick grab and keep running.  Just before the mount line, a volunteer grabbed my bike so I could put my bike shoes on.  Away I went.

The first loop of the bike was great!  I held my own window and focused on staying on my goals.  As I turned onto the new course at Barlow, I saw a pair of LAMS shorts ride by.  It took me a second to recognize Nate Waech and give a shout on the way by.  Being on the front end to the crowd, there were only a few people walking up the big hill as I went through.  I tried to pay attention to as many of the costumes and signs as I could during the ride.  As I came into Verona, I heard and saw our LAMS Crew out cheering. After the aid station heading into town, I saw my Dad and sister enjoying the party.  I made a quick stop at special needs to grab my second half nutrition and headed out on my way.  The wind had definitely picked up for the second loop!  Loop 2, we didn’t get to do the big climb up Barlow, but Emery’s Midtown Party did not disappoint! Looking at my data afterward, I had my two best times on record up the Midtown hill on race day! As I came back into Verona, the constant headwind/quartering wind was taking its toll. The good news was it would be a tail wind the rest of the way home! As I spun up the last hill at about mile 100, Kitty was giving me a swift kick in the butt to get home.  I came into the helix in a crowd.  The ride up was not bad at all.  As I approached the line, the volunteers grabbed my bike and I ran inside.

T2 was uneventful for me.  A quick change and I was on my way.  Again, I stopped for sunscreen. As a note to everyone, spray sunscreen and sunglasses are not a good combination! After trying to clean my glasses off, having a volunteer try to clean them on his shirt, and a couple other attempts, I found out after a few aid stations that the sponges worked really well at cleaning the grease off!

My run started with a quick stop with my wife and son, then I was on my way.  Around the first mile, a stabbing sensation started in my lower abdomen.  I kept going.  As I hit State Street, I saw my family  and got a slight boost.  As I came to the end of the street, My Ironfriends Michelle and Sara were there pushing me on! I can’t wait to watch them in Kona (wish I could be there)!  As I was hitting the end of the bike trail, the pain became unbearable!  I cut back to mostly a walk. I saw Mike at about his mile 5/my mile 8 and he was looking great! As I kept adjusting my intake at aid stations, I was playing a balancing act, but headed in the right direction. I found Marc around my Mile 11/ his Mile 2. He too was having GI issues, but still looking strong!

As I came back on Dayton around mile 12, I found the LAMS crew. Jan, Sherry, Mark, and Jacqueline were out pushing us along! As I hit the 13.1 mile turn, I still wasn’t feeling great, but felt better than I did in 2014. Only 13 miles to go!  As I was coming back on Dayton, I again came up to the cheers from the LAMS crew.  I was able to grab Michelle’s ear for a little advice and encouragement. What would I do without such great friends? I had been leapfrogging with my friend Ben since Mile 3 and continued to do so the entire second loop.  Push and pull!  Each time we switched spots, words of encouragement were exchanged.

After my last turn on State Street, my family let me know that Dell was just about 2 blocks ahead. He was way ahead of his previous paces!  I finally caught up near the marina.  I gave a few words of encouragement on my way by.  Just in front of him was Eric.  We talked a little as I came by. Eric’s actions that day truly embody the spirit that I love in the triathlon and IRONMAN Family.  Eric is one of the admins of a Facebook group that has helped bring together many in the IMWI family.  I had the privilege to ride with him on the WIBA training weekend in July.  He is a really cool and humble guy.  On this day, he was pacing, pushing, encouraging (sometimes a little tough love), and guiding Dell to the finish line.  Dell had two previous DNF’s in this race and Eric was keeping him in line to make the finish line!

As I came into about mile 21 (about his 17), I saw Mike headed the other way.  Just hundred yards later, Marc was at about mile 9 with his family.  I was feeling much better by this point. I had figured out the issues and had (mostly) corrected them.  I was about a mile behind Marc on the loop.  If I could push it, I could run with him into his 13.1 turn as I ran for the finish.  How awesome would that be? I pushed forward.  I had constant calculations in my head. I had to keep pushing!  The aide stations kept clicking by.  The run up Dayton was much more crowded with both athletes and spectators than it had been in previous years.  On that stretch I got my final LAMS shout out to the finish.  I started floating up State Street.  As I finished my last shot of nutrition from the Capitol aide station, I saw Marc headed out on his last loop.  He was looking strong.  It was the final push I needed.  I started to stride out a little to give myself room from the group I was in.  As we were going through the special needs station it started to hit home.  The final turn to the finish was no less spectacular than it was in 2014.  The crowd is amazing! 

“Josh Duda, You are an IRONMAN!”

 What an amazing sound!  As I crossed under the arch, I hear my name to my left.  Shawn is outstretched for a huge “high 10.”  Under my arms I had Kitty on my left and Ilissa on my right there to “catch” me.  In 2014, I said it was great to have a friend catch you at the finish line. Well, two is pretty amazing! Learning from experience, I kept moving this time.  No Medical Tent for me!  I was able to celebrate with my family as I exited the chute.  We headed back to the hotel.  After a quick shower and change of clothes, it was back to the finish line.  I still had work to do!

As I waited, I cheered my friend Susan in to her second finish.  A few minutes later, Mike made his way in!  We celebrated his finish, then Mike’s wife Dayle, my Dad, and I went to collect all of our stuff.  With our bikes and transition bags in hand, we all headed back to the hotel.  My family had been great and had done an Ian’s Pizza run and had it waiting for us in the room! (My son’s new favorite pizza is Ian’s Mac & Cheese!)

A quick check of my tracker showed Marc approaching State Street.  As I was sprinting downstairs and down the street, I fired off a quick text to Mike to let him know.  I was able to slide into a spot just before the chute narrows down.  It was not very long before Marc rounded the corner.  All three of us had started this journey a year ago, and all three had made it to the finish line!  I'm so proud of these two!

Rather than head back to the hotel, Mike, Dayle, and I stayed at the finish.  The emotions of the last hour were incredible.  We saw the Team Triumph crews cross.  We saw the soldier carrying his ruck and an American Flag cross.  We saw Eric and Dell round that final corner and Eric sprint ahead.  This was Dell’s moment.  I have not heard the finish line crowd that loud! The last hour is something I am glad I stuck around for!

Thank you to all of my family and friends that made this day possible!  I am truly blessed to have such an amazing group of support.  

Ironman Eve

As I sit on the eve of racing IRONMAN Wisconsin, I have a mix of emotions. I am ready to race. I am excited to cheer on my teammates Mike and Marc to their first IM. I am anxious to see the results of my past year of training.  This week has been a flashback of highs and lows.  My Facebook feed has been showing me all of the "On This Day" posts ranging from my 2014 IMWI prep and finish to the 7 year anniversary of my arm injury.....the same injury that led me to that IM finish.

While one would think that that would be enough of a roller coaster, tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary of September 11th. 15 years ago, I worked until Midnight, then fell asleep with the TV on at home. My wife was a Flight Attendant spending (tonight) in Milwaukee. I awoke to reports of a plane into the WTC, an action movie on TV of course.......until a phone call woke me up right!  My wife called asking what was going on. They had been forced to land in Minneapolis. Guess that was live news and not a movie!

Our lives were changed instantly. She was laid off, recalled, repeat multiple times the following several years. I saw a change in how Emergency Responders (Police, Fire, EMS) were treated. I fought to go to New York to help, but was unable to make it work.  In 2006, we were able to make a trip to Ground Zero to pay our respects.

In 2014, I raced IRONMAN Wisconsin for me. It was for everything that I had overcome.  In 2016, I am racing for those who can not.  Our Police, Fire, EMS, and Military who are no longer able to. Tomorrow is for them!

Graniteman Big Lake Oly/ Series Finals

Graniteman Big Lake Olympic
August 7, 2016

This season, I have been carrying my grandfather with me.  He passed away just before Thanksgiving last year. I draw on his memory to push me through. Today was no different.

This was my last race heading into IMWI. The weekend before was the WI Brick Adventure training hard on the IM Course.  Graniteman was just a train through race for me. After looking at the GM Series standings, I was sitting in 4th place. I was only 7 seconds off the podium. Looking at the results, I had split races with the guy in 3rd. I had trained right through Clearwater. Coming off WIBA, my body was fatigued. Well, plans changed! I had to go for it!    The week leading in,was used as a recovery/pseudo taper week.

Race morning was an easy commute to the venue. We stayed at my sister's the night before, so I had a long 2 mile bike ride to transition! The normal pre race walk throughs and warm up, catch up with some other athletes, and race brief. After looking at all of the race details, the guy in 3rd started in the wave behind me. I had to go all in, and hope it was enough!

The swim was rough for me! The start was right into the sun. My out leg (like many others) was a zig zag as you found the buoys. After the first turn, it was straight to turn 2. After turn 2, I couldn't sight a buoy. There was a big inflatable Graniteman on the shore, but I couldn't make him out. I swam toward a kayak. Once close to the kayak, I could finally make out the target on shore.  As we rejoined the sprint course, I  started weaving around sprinters. I knew it was not my best swim, but it wasn't a bad one either. It was the 8th fastest on the day.


T1 was fast and uneventful. 56 seconds was the second fastest of the day.



I had to go all in for the bike.  Once the legs were back underneath me, I started to fly.  I needed as much lead into the run as I could.  Casey Miller shouted some encouragement as he flew by on the sprint course around mile 6. I still felt good. As I approached the turn, I started counting those in front of me. Five! Just keep pedaling! I held on for the return trip and came in holding my position.

T2 was fast and uneventful. I decided going in to go back to my Zoot racing flats. What that really meant is I wasn't wasting precious seconds trying to put on socks. At 47 seconds, it was good for the 3rd fastest of the day.


I had to stay on the gas to go for my goal.  I ran as hard as my body would allow.  I am not a fast runner, but I had to remain consistent and not let my mind take over. At 2.5 miles, Sheena Dauer caught and passed me. I laughed! That is where she "always" catches me at UMM's Tinman....except this year. I was the 8th to hit the run turn (understanding there was a heat 3 minutes behind that I had no idea of how they were doing). A quick GU Salted Caramel and headed for home. Michelle Andres' voice was in my head yelling "No Regrets!"  As I entered the park, I got a high five from my son. He was disappointed he couldn't run with me, but I was on a mission. I heard footsteps and hit my redline. I crossed shoulder to shoulder with the guy. After we caught our breath, I congratulated him on a great finish and introduced myself. Darn it, it was Richard Geisen, the the guy just ahead of me in the series! I raced my race, but today, he raced better. I had no regrets on my performance.




As the results were posted and the awards
were announced, I had won my age division and ended up 15th overall. I can't complain about that! Then onto the Graniteman Series awards. In 3rd place, from Pillager, Josh Duda! Because of his race, Richard had moved up to first.  The series was figured by the average time of the three GM Oly races. When it was all said and done, 1:04
separated the 3 of us! It was a great series!

I was 10 seconds faster than my goal time. It was an Olympic Distance PR by 6:33! 6 races, 6 PR's!  Now it's time to focus on the big race!

Never give up!

Graniteman Clearwater Olympic

Graniteman Clearwater Olympic Race Report
July 10, 2016

Well, a major detour on my road to IMWI this year.  Just after Liberty's Long Course, my training plan took a turn. I ended up sick and in bed for a week. I managed a 45 minute run in a full 7 days.  The weeks between races were spent trying to get back up to speed. I told my father before Clearwater that I was not sure about my swim as every training session found me coughing uncontrollably mid swim.

LAMS Graniteman Crew

On race morning, I awoke to thunderstorms. The weather radar did not look favorable in Clearwater, but the forecast called for it to let up by 8am. Oh well! Can't control the weather!  I got my stuff together and met Mike and Marc to head down the road. We arrived right at 7 am when transition opened, but had a long walk from our parking spot. During my warm up, my power meter was giving me issues. Unable to rectify them before the 8:15 racer meeting, I went to plan "b".

Photo by Phreelance Fotography

After a long hike to the swim, I got in a quick warm up and headed to the start.  I was in Heat 2 with Mike and Travis.  As we got underway, it was a mostly clean start. I had a little contact, but headed left to the buoy line and had clear water to the first turn. As we were closing in on the turn, a swimmer was closing in from my right. After the corner I slid back into his draft. On the back stretch I pulled ahead and took the pull into the finish. Thanks for the push/pull Travis! We were 7th and 8th respectively for the swim on the day(one person from our heat ahead of us).

T1 was uneventful and I was able to slide out with the 3rd fastest transition for the day!

Photo by Phreelance Fotography

As I headed out on the bike, Travis caught up to me and passed in the first mile. No power (I knew I wasn't pushing 2000W!) and no cadence data meant I just went by feel on the bike. I still was in sight of the "big boys" as we headed out on the second loop. I focused on keeping myself on my goals. Things felt great coming into T2!

T2 was mostly clean, but had some issues with spectators in the transition zone.

As I headed out on the run, my legs felt great! The trail had 2 way traffic with those headed back to the finish.  Thankfully I was only seeing yellow wristbands for the sprint!!!  At 2 miles, I saw Travis at his Mile 4...he was chasing hard for position!  Just after the turn, I saw Mike...I knew I was caught! A minute or two later, Marc care running by.  Mike finally caught me around mile 4 and ran a short distance with me before pulling away. I fought hard to stay close, but didn't have it in the legs. A final push into the finish and another Jerry MacNeil shout out and I was done!  9:02 course PR!!!


After heading back to push Marc to his finish and packing gear up, we headed to the awards. We caught up to Travis and congratulated him on his 4th overall! As we were waiting, Marc got called up for 3rd in his age group. Way to go Marc! The next thing I knew, I was being called up as 3rd in my age group! Travis was first! After returning home and analyzing my race, I  made improvements in every stage of this race! It is always great to see hard work paying off!

Enjoy the journey!

Photo by Phreelance Fotography

Next finish line is IMWI for this trio!

Liberty Long Course 2016

2016 Liberty Long Course
June 11, 2016
Race Report

One of the best lessons to learn in triathlon is to control the things you can & just roll with the things you can’t.  This lesson is one I kept repeating at this year’s event.  Coming into race day, weather was one of those out of my control.  Forecast was for temps in the 90’s with high humidity.

I arrived early to the race site to grab a prime transition spot. After getting things set up, walking through transitions, and grabbing a LAMS Long Course picture, I was off for a quick warm up ride. On the ride, I started to hear a rattle.  As I got back to the park, I headed straight to the mechanic.  A HUGE THANKS to the guys from Gear West! With a little work, they were able to get my cassette tightened, rattle taken care of, and shifting adjusted.  As I am hearing the calls for transition to close, I rushed back to my spot only to find someone had moved my stuff and taken my spot! Deep Breath!  I quickly got my bike set, transition adjusted, grabbed my wetsuit & headed to the start.  My swim warm up was now cut to a 50 yard quick swim.

  

3 minutes after the elite start, we were under way.  Right off the start I took a foot to the face & knocked my goggles loose.  I was able to stand up, reset the goggles, and dolphin dive back into the swim.  The first few hundred were nothing but feet and elbows. After the initial battle, I pulled out of the crowd and spent most of the swim picking off blue swim caps. The water was warm & I needed to flood my suit a handful of times to try to stay cool.

T1 was uneventful with one of the faster transition times of the day.

The bike felt great. Things were a little sketchy off the start. With the rush trying to get my bike fixed and then get out of transition before it closed, my rear brake didn't get closed. A quick fix I was able to fix on the fly! I stayed hydrated with water and GU Roctane.  Nutrition was accomplished with GU Energy Gels and Chomps.  My plan was to hold a cadence and power range and not care about anything else. That also meant ignoring the guy drafting me for about 10 miles.  It also meant ignoring the guy who kept riding to the left side of the lane. Control what you can!  I came off the bike with a PR time (21.2 mph), but feeling strong at the same time.

T2 was uneventful, but took a little longer as I put on socks for the run and debated carrying a water bottle for the run. I decided not to. I also made a last minute decision to apply Tri Slide to my arms to prevent any rubbing.

I started the run pulling back hard on the reigns. A couple guys tried to get me to go off the start, but I knew with the conditions, I had to play it smart!  My plan was to hold steady through mile 8/9, then start letting it all go. It was starting to get hot! The shade on the trail helped, the sunny areas were HOT. The first shot at ice was mile 6 and boy was that needed! Salted Caramel GU and BASE Salt were my nutrition saviors on the run. I was able to get a boost seeing Mike and Marc on the run course. They were both competing in their first half. I’m looking forward to sharing the course with them in September for Ironman!  The last 4 miles were a battle of heat, hydration, hills, and fatigue. As I ran to the chute, my son reached out for a high five at the finish. I grabbed his hand and told him to run with me. We crossed the finish line together. As we crossed the line, Jerry MacNeil gave a shout out for the season I have been having. Thanks Jerry! 4 races, 4 PR’s!  Even with the tough conditions, I was able to top my previous best here by 7:26! 

After catching my breath, a quick swim felt amazing!  Then off to cheer Mike and Marc into their first 70.3 finishes.  A tough, but rewarding day on course for all!  

Marc, Mike, & I post race - Photo by Sarah Marshall

Buffalo Olympic

Buffalo Triathlon Race Report

June 5, 2016

Today was event 1 of 3 of the Graniteman Olympic Distance Race Series.

The first few hundred of the swim was parallel to shore. I fought waves from my left taking on water with about every other breath on that side. With a triangular shape counter clockwise swim, the first two legs were the worst, and the home stretch was not bad, but the sun made it difficult to sight the swim exit. From swim exit to the bike racks was a longer uphill run with the timing mat about half way to the sprint transition area.

T1 was uneventful until I pulled a "McConkey" and hit the ground with my bike (lost style points for not drawing much blood). As I ran out, my front wheel turned with a change in the road and I couldn't react. Down I went! After collecting my shoe and dusting myself off, I hit the mount line and away I went.  Time to refocus!

The first half of the bike, I fought the wind and hills. It seemed like no matter what way I turned, it was into the wind.  Sufferfest's Power Station probably wasn't the ideal workout yesterday!  After the turn around I finally started to find my rhythm. I did notice that my shifting was not as smooth as it was in the warm up. When we rejoined                                                        the sprint course, I felt like I was flying....and dodging around others!

T2 Everything went smooth racking my bike & transitioning to the run.

The run course was the same as last year & followed the same course (and hills) of the first 3 miles of the bike. The 1st 2 miles didn't feel horrible, but I also couldn't hold the pace I wanted. I settled in and just maintained my rhythm. Once we were clear of the sprint turn, traffic lightened up and it felt like I could pace better. Thankfully the wind kept things feeling cooler out there! As I turned toward the park, I saw the guy just ahead was in my division. I picked up the pace a little. As the downhill leveled out, I made my move. I kicked it a little to early & he was able to react and beat me at the line. 1 second.....but a great way to finish!  It's always great to receive a shout out at the finish when Jerry is announcing!

After finishing, I knew I had a new course PR (by 9:16), but later realized I also have a new Olympic Distance PR (by 4 seconds)!    Analyzing the numbers, I was 1:30 slower on the bike this year (most of that came with the fumble exiting T1), but faster in every other stage.  Don't stop pushing forward!!!

Now on to recover, fix my bike, and rest up! There is a 70.3 in a few days to focus on!!!

Chain of Lakes Tri 2016

Chain of Lakes Triathlon
May 7, 2016

This was my first sprint race since Tri for A Cause in 2014.  Did I still know how to go fast?  Everything since then has been Olympic Distance or longer! My expectation for this race was to push my speed and have some fun.  Unlike the weekend before (and previous years here) it was a BEAUTIFUL day!

600yd Swim: 8:38
I took the lead for my lane of three.  I went out fast and held a 1:22/100 avg for the swim. I found myself tied for the 5th/6th fastest swim.

T1: 1:00
Uneventful transition

12 Mile Bike: 42:29 (Stopped by a train)
This was a sprint, so my plan was to hammer!  I held a good clip until the turn in Nelson back toward Alex. As I turned back toward the school, I heard the train.  Two of us got caught caught right as the arms were coming down.  As we sat there for almost 7 minutes, the crowd of racers built (volunteers were taking times and numbers).  Unfortunately, there was a mass rush for the last few hundred yards into transition.  I opted for a small gear and spun hard and fast into Bike In.

T2: 0:24
Flying mount was uneventful.  I was frustrated with the stop and focused that energy.  I had the second fastest T2 of the day!

2.8 Mile Run 16:47 (Credited time for the train)
The run was fast!  There was more of a crowd than normal due to the train congestion.  Unfortunately, I broke a lace in my shoe, but decided not to slow down.  Before I knew it, I was running past the ball field on my way to the finish line.  It is funny how "short" 2.8 miles felt compared to what I have been doing.

Total: 1:09:17  A new course PR!

UMM Tinman 2016

UMM Tinman Race Report

April 30, 2016

Pre race: The first race of the season always finds me rifling through the house trying to find where I stored those last few items I haven't used in 6 months.  I put two fresh air fresheners in the car.  Like any "Type A" triathlete, I scoped out the list of registrations.  The crowd was not huge, but a few familiar names on the list.  Based on my best estimates, I should finish fifth or sixth overall. I should have one of the faster swims, should be able to hold or maybe even come off the bike first, then get passed a few miles into the run.  I have been swimming and biking, but had a total of 2 miles running in April due to a knee issue. It would be a fun day...If the knee was not good, I would live another day.

I arrived at the U of MN Morris at 07:00 to quickly grab a transition spot.  I got things set up, got checked in & body marked.  It was then time to catch up with some familiar faces! A quick warm up & bike check then off to the pre-race meeting.  The field was smaller than registered. In most races, it probably wouldn't have been noticeable, but with an already small field it was noticed! 

1100 Swim Time Estimated: 15:30  Actual: 15:55 (15:18 on my Garmin for actual swim)

We were seeded by estimated swim time with 2-3 per lane.  The entire Olympic field started in the first heat. It was a relaxed swim.  As I hopped out, I tried to pull the cord on my swim skin and had some issues. I wanted my jacket on before I headed outside! I sat on the pool deck for about 25 seconds before getting things undone, grabbed my jacket, and was on my way!  I was at least a lap ahead when I hit the pool deck!

T1 Time Estimated: 0:40  Actual: 0:36 (Fastest of the day)

I had my jacket on the starting block during the swim, so was putting it on as I ran out the door.  I had a great (fast & organized) T1.  As I was heading to bike out, the second competitor was getting to their transition spot.

19 Mile Bike Estimated Time: 1:00:00  Actual: 1:02:20 (Fastest of the day)

My flying mount was a little hindered by the slight uphill exit from transition, but it worked.  I fumbled getting my shoes on, but eventually got situated.  I had placed my gloves over the bar end shifters & got them on in the first mile or so.  The wind was direct out of the east/northeast at 20+ mph.  I tried to just grind it out, maintain my Power,HR & cadence, & not look at my speed on the out leg.  At the turn I was having a disappointing averaging around 13 mph!  Good news was that the return leg had a fantastic tailwind! Same thing on the way home, Power, Cadence & HR were what I focused on (I may have peeked at the speed to see 37mph). I was amazed that I was a mile into the return leg before I saw the next athlete! Mike McConkey and I had just had a conversation about blowing up the bike and see what happens.  When I saw the lead, I had to go for it!  I was going to get passed on the run anyway, might as well make them earn it!

T2 Time Estimated:  1:00   Actual: 0:56 (Third Fastest of the day)

There is a slight downhill into the transition, so I used caution coming in & had a great flying dismount!  Before the race, I decided to wear socks during the run (something I usually haven't done). I struggled with the socks with gloves on.  Once I lost the gloves, things went fine!   

6.2 Mile Run Estimated: 57:00   Actual: 55:10

Wind was again just a “light breeze” from the east (put your head down & grind).  I was in uncharted territory for me.  I was about 3/4 mile out  before I saw #2. I was feeling good, but was just waiting for the knee pain to kick in. My knee was taped and I was prepared to back off as needed.
Sheena has caught me the past few years around mile 2, so I was just waiting for the footsteps! Mile 3, I was still on my own. I just wanted to stop and puke, but I remembered a picture of Michelle's feet after her IMWI victory followed by World's the following week.  Her voice was echoing in my head.  I couldn't stop! As I was coming into 4.5 miles, I looked back and saw someone closing fast.  When they passed, it was a relay team.  As the course rejoined the sprint course, I started picking off runners. Entering the track for the final 300 meters, I glanced back and only saw the sprinters I had just passed. As I came around the corner, there were footsteps. As Paul came beside me, I recognized the number as an Olympic distance.  Less than 150 meters to go and this was now going to be a race!  I tried to hold on to make a final sprint surge.  I had nothing left! 4 seconds separated me from the top of the podium! I do not say that disappointed.  I was that close to the top step, I ran MY race...and I "knew" was going to finish 5th (by all of my calculations).

Finish Time Estimated: 2:15:00  Actual: 2:14:55   (A New PR!)

Recap: - This was a good early season race.
-I was able to pull off a 2nd OA, 2nd Male, 1st AG
-Fastest Swim, T1, Bike of the day
-Always question what you "know"
-The only thing that you can control in a race is you!  When you set your goals, don't set them based of other competitors, base them off of you.