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