For the first time in a race, my chain came off the rings during the bike leg and almost put me out of action. Last weekend I participated in the Las Olas Triathlon competing in the Olympic Distance Duathlon. I have raced this event several times including triathlon and this time was a bit different. There was no wind and the bike course consisted of 40km (24.8 miles), of 4-10k loops.
I was excited to participate in this event and gage where my race fitness was, hoping building on my first two races of the season. My race consisted of a 1k run – 40k (24.8 mile) bike – 10k (6.2 mile) run. It was a warm morning around 75 degrees to start and about 80 degrees was what I was preparing for on the final run. These are not bad temperatures at all but I haven’t raced in warm weather like this in quite some time so I was preparing for that with special focus.
Curveball right from the start – the lead bike who escorts us on the out and back 1k run showed up out of nowhere and quickly blurted out, “50 seconds until start.” As he does that I look at my watch and it began to do an update or something where the original Fenix 7 logo appeared and was frozen. As I fiddle with it, it finally resets as he starts the race. For the first 100 or so yards I was toggling to get it to start. I had just mentally prepared to go without it which would have been fine but I love looking at the data post race.
There were two gentlemen who darted out quickly and it is surprising how fast you can be down in a 1k run. I came in at a pace that simply isn’t good enough for how I worked for it. There are some reasons for this but simply, not good enough for a big race. I came in third, had a below average transition on top of it, and I’m working on that but similar to the first run, not good enough for a big race down the road.
I hopped on the bike and settled in quicker than I usually do and most likely due to the first run only consisting of 1k. This route took us straight up Atlantic Boulevard 3.1 miles before heading back for a 10k (6.2 mile) loop. At about mile one I caught one gentleman and felt strong and at the time I also thought I saw the lead biker, but I wasn’t sure. I just continued working and as I was getting closer to that first 3.1 mile u-turn, I was reeling him in. We made the u-turn heading back and at about 3.5 miles I passed him and pressed on. I felt good through two laps and was working on my u-turn transitions which got better each time.
The third loop came around and I just felt really strong and had an amazing feel through 18 miles. As I headed out for the fourth and final loop, the course was getting congested with other racers joining as we now had multiple events on at the same time. At mile 19 as I was going around some bikers I found myself changing gears quickly and too quickly at this point as I had the chain slip off and wedge between the gears and the frame. It was pinned in good.
I pulled over and I could not get it out. I tried repeatedly to yank it out and it wasn’t coming. Now I’m watching biker after biker pass and thinking, I may be done. I thought to myself, “I need to try something different as this isn’t working.” I tried another angle to release and it did…a few cuts to go with it, but I was back in business. I hopped back on and was rolling again. I lost about 90 seconds but I was back in the game.
I finished the bike strong and headed out in the lead for the 10k run. I was not sure what my lead was but I was feeling good and my pace started out ahead of my goal pace. It was warming and I continued to take my nutrition on the run…cramps are always lingering around the corner for me…but I felt in control. This course had a half mile path south before u-turning heading north for 2.5 miles out and back up Atlantic Boulevard as well.
When I made my u-turn at the 5k mark, I didn’t have anyone on my butt. I had a significant lead and kept pressing. I was keeping the pace I started with and still felt in control. That changed at mile five where I felt a change in my body and it was a heat, hydration, fatiguing feel where I took my last optional gel to bridge me to the finish. I continued with the pace as I was laboring much more than previous. I even got a bit faster in the final 1/2 mile and finished strong. My head more than anything was blowing up a bit and it was a bit of a heat exhaustion feel but nothing to be afraid about. I just needed some time to get my bearings back.
It was a satisfying effort with two hiccups at the start and on the bike, but physically I had a good effort. My grading reflections:
- Run 1 = C – My pace was a bit off target and I had to work for it. It was laboring and has to get better for Nationals.
- Bike = A- – I had strong power and was getting better each u-turn on the transitions. My power numbers were better than I anticipated but the shifting quickly and losing my chain cost me.
- Run 2 = A- – I felt in control for five of the six miles and fought through mile six while also running a faster pace to the finish line. I exceeded my goal pace as well.
- Mental = A – I executed my game plan fand kept my composure through the two hiccups. I didn’t let the foot off the pedal at all.
I had a solid race finishing first overall by a significant margin but more importantly, got better on the day in two of big disciplines and still need some work to do before Nationals. I love the competing aspect of this and always looking for ways to get better. On to a fun relay next weekend at St. Anthonys Triathlon where I will be the bike leg with swimmer, Brooke Bennet, and my daughter Morgan running! I am excited for this one!
– Add Health to Your Life
The Healthy Giraffe 
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