David's American Zofingen-Short Course
Signed up back in August after Chris telling me I had to do it. I wussed out and signed up for the Short Course. I wanted no part of the F1 this early in the season, but this year I've already done a half-marathon, two marathons and San Juan 70.3. The reason I did't switch to the F1 is that I'm a candy-ass.
The race is in New Paltz, about 90 minutes south of Albany, so I just drove in the morning of the race. Got my bib and shirt and got my transition area ready. It had been dry for the past few days and Murphy's Law told me there was only one boggy area, so I planned on just using one pair of running shoes (last year, in the mud, the F1 guys all used four pairs). My transition area consisted of my bike, bike shoes and helmet. Two bottles of Infinit on the bike as well as two CO2, tire iron, a few patches and one tube. Took about two minutes to set up, but with my OCD, I had to go back and check at least four more times.
Met up with Cary, and met the rest of the EN crew. Had plenty of time to hang out (two hours until my race start). Talked with a number of acquaintances, almost all of whom I met through Chris. Talked with Jennyfer G. a bit too. Soon enough, it was time to go.
I had planned on taking the first run super easy, as I had ridden the bike course before. Two words: BRU...TAL! Started at the back with the rest of the EN'ers, and slowly moved up. The run is a mix of singletrack and dirt roads. Much more change of elevation than I had expected, I just power-walked the ups, and ran the flats and descents. Got back into T1 without too much issue, changed shoes, put on helmet, and was off.
The bike course starts with about a half mile of dirt and gravel. I just stuck to the hard dirt of the tire tracks, and got to the main road without injury. A quick left, and it's a mile of 8-10% grade, according to the Joule. I had decided on 0.8 IF before the race, and that first part was more like 0.93 IF. The Mohonk descent comes after that. Over 2 miles of technical descent, I averaged 34.5mph. Sounds pretty good until I found out ML averaged 42.1mph. 3.5 miles of rollers, then back to more climbing. Five and a half miles with over 1000 feet of elevation and switchbacks. Averaged 10mph, not too bad. A nice long descent, and then about 5.5 miles of rollers. Here I just settled in to my goal watts, and tried to stay aero. One last climb (2-ish miles), but I pushed a bit too hard. IF was 0.87. Back onto dirt road and then into T2. Quick shoe change, and back to the run course.
At the start of the run, it was hot. Also, my legs did not have much. At one point I could smell a very distinct odor. A quarter mile later, I passed a family with a young child (we are near Woodstock). Luckily, the munchies didn't set in for the next 45 minutes. Tried to run the flats and power-walk the ascents, but my power-walk was more like a pitilful shuffle. I ended up running with another guy, and we were able to push each other. He had cramping issues, I had a "no speed" issue. About one mile from the end, I saw Bruce and J.T. coming from behind, and they gave me the push I needed to finish strong (ish). Almost two and a half minutes per mile slower than my first "easy" loop, I couldn't have done better.
Run #1 0:46:26
T1 0:01:25
Bike 1:59:36
T2 0:01:24
Run #2 0:58:14
Total 3:47:05
Time to enjoy the day. I started rehydrating and eating (good eats from a local restaurant), and soon after the awards ceremony (for Short Course) began. They started announcing names and places, but I wasn't paying much attention. Heard my name, and went up to ask about it, maybe I got third place. The announcer gives me the biggest mug I have ever seen. Says "1st Place." I ask him if he has the right guy. He looks at me funny and says "Yes." I make him recheck, and he says, "Yup, you won your age group. Won it by 5:17."
I guess it's time for a drink seeing as I've got the mug. Great local beer from Rhinebeck Brewery. Started with the Ale, then went onto the Hefeweizen. Really enjoyed myself. Hung out for a few hours, and saw Jennyfer finish the Chris G. relay. He had signed up, and his wife and friends had split up the F1 race with his entry slot. Not a dry eye around when she crossed the finish line.
Time to head home for dinner with the family. I can't wait for this race next year. Hopefully, we will have another large EN contingent. I've already talked my brother into doing the Short Course next year (he lives twenty minutes from the start).
Comments
Oh crap, where is that smiley that hides behind the wall when you need him!!!!
Yes - as painful as it might look, I do have it on my list to move up out of the Canadian Women's group and hit the Chris G distance as soon as I can... and I'm sure I'll ask myself why numerous times when I'm out there...
Great meeting you and look forward to more races...