I decided to write a ‘weekend report’ instead of just a ‘race report’ because, quite honestly, it will be much more fun to write about the weekend than about my race.
The Toyota US Open is the Championship race in a series of 5 races. As an amateur, I qualified to compete in Dallas by finishing in the top 5 amateur elites at the Lifetime Fitness Race in Minneapolis (and again at the Accenture Chicago Triathlon). Lifetime Fitness, desiring to promote amateur racing and gather the best amateur elites from across the country, offered to host the top 20 males and 20 females from the previous qualifying races. It was truly an honor to be part of this elite group.
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Age Group Nationals – Haag Lake – Portland, OR – 9.20.08
1.5K swim – 40K bike – 10K run
The Portland, Oregon area is absolutely beautiful. After having raced nationals here last June and experiencing a challenging, scenic course, I knew it would be a great opportunity to come back this year. USAT did not disappoint with putting on a top-notch race, including the amateur age group nationals as well as the professionals national championship race.
Weather on race day was perfect. Some might have considered it cold, but 50s* and cloudy was a great start to the day. I got in a good swim warm-up in beautiful Haag Lake and was ready to go. We lined up along a long dock and when the horn sounded we pushed off, all 53 of us in my age group (30-34) and started thrashing for position. Almost immediately I was in clear water (this never happens!) withCathy (the eventual victor of my AG) right beside me. I found some familiar feet of the lead girl andfell into position. On the back stretch, feeling like I could push the pace, I pulled out around the lead but didn’t seem to be swimming any faster so I fell back in line, finishing up the swim with our lead pack of 3 girls. A long run UP hill brought us to transition and it was time for the bike.
It certainly has been an interesting trip, and the race is just part of that. We’ll start with the race.
This was my first international race and opportunity to represent the USA at and Age Group World Championship event. I am not sure I was even nervous before the event as I came here with few expectations and felt that I would just go race as hard as I could and see what happened in the end.
The weather here in Vancouver, BC has been cool and rainy, making for challenging racing conditions. The day before the race, we were informed that the swim course would be shortened to 1000 meters (down from 1500) due to cold water temps (I think they were maybe 12C). Bummer for the strong swimmers, but just focus on the positives.
Race morning was mostly dry, chilly and a little breezy. Before my wave start, I headed down to the water to get acclimated and see just how cold this water was going to be. Yup, pretty darn cold. Oh, and salty! I forgot about that fact.
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It was truly an honor to be racing the Cali 70.3 in Oceanside on March 29. Coming from Madison, Wisconsin (read: still ski season at home) it felt awesome to get the bike outside (ride #2 on the road for 2008) and feel the wind on my face. I have never raced this early in the season before and was curious to see how my fitness would hold up, especially to a challenging 70.3 course. I am happy to report that I had an all around solid day out there, maybe for the simple fact that I was blissed out to be riding outside and running along the ocean in a beautiful part of the country that I have never before had the opportunity to enjoy. Here is how my day unfolded…
After the obligatory wait in the porta-potty line to dismiss the pre-race jitters, I was able to settle a bit, found a few familiar faces, and get organized for the day. It was awesome to see so many new Timex teammates (well, they might not be new, but I am!) in transition and out on the course. I am lucky to be on such an amazing team… more about that later.
