RR #2 for IMTX

cinco_the_dog · April 30, 2011 9:14PM

RR #1 was not the best (FTP = 235):

Ride stats: 6:01, 108 miles (18 MPH), Avg Power = 153, NP = 178, IF = .75, TSS = 344 (not a misprint), VI = 1.11.

RR #2, was better (FTP = 237):

Ride stats: 6:01, 107 miles (17.8 MPH), Avg Power = 152, NP = 170, IF = .71, TSS = 312, VI = 1.12.

Observations:

NP was spot on. TSS was too high due to the high VI. It's hard to control the surges into this wind. Something to keep working on.
The two courses I rode for the RRs are much, much harder than IMTX. Lots of hills, rough chip seal roads, and lots of turns. I swear chip seal adds 10 watts for the same speed.
Both rides were in the heat with 20-30 MPH winds. Today's tailwind home died so there was not much free speed helping out.
Water over the head at every aid station will be a key at IMTX. Gotta keep the core cool. I could feel myself getting overheated on the bike and had to make a third stop just for more water.
Though TSS was high, I still ran great off the bike, started with 7:45 mile and told my self to keep slowing down. I averaged 8:15 for the 6 miles and when I finished the temps were well into the 90s. I could have keptthat pace up for a long time.

What else can be done to improve?

Tom Glynn · April 30, 2011 10:03PM

Don't pour water on your head. Drink the stuff and let it evaporate. Keep your shoes dry on the run if at all possible.

A great article about racing in the heat from the NYT a while ago is here.

tom

cinco_the_dog · May 1, 2011 1:33PM

Thanks. Water over the head on the bike was what I should have said. When running at hot races I also keep ice in my hands, that is the best trick.

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