SSAP
9th place in the men's open. While I had a solid race, almost perfect in terms of handling, equipment and so on, I'm slightly disappointed because last year I took 3rd.
In the guys ahead of me, 4 I beat last year, and 4 were new, including Monty. My time was 3 minutes slower. Same exact bike, gearing, course.
Very similar power, but the power curve is different, and I'm 5 lbs heavier.
My training last year based on stats did longer rides at similar intensity. I also came into this peak with less CTL, meaning less cumulative training stress, albeit probably more rested.
I could mindfvck myself for a while longer but it doesn't matter. This is a solid performance, in a race that is my favorite.
My strategy was simple,
- be in first 5 down the fireroad. avoid pileups. check.
- be in first 5 up major mike. avoid clogging. check
- be on the gas for 1.5 hours after that with HR 165-175. check.
- gels and drink. check.
So all was well, I'm in right spot up and down major mike, and I was hoping to work with Utah as he's strong like a horse in these races, and always has the right line and great to talk too. It worked for a little while, and then he just pulled away slowly. So I rode by myself, feeling good, but knowing that I was a touch slower than I should be. In this race, it's only 1hr40ish that's all it takes.
This is the perfect benchmarking situation. It has to be that most of the reason is the weight. 5lbs is major actually. I've been swimming so most of it is muscle, but its' still weight. Kids, lesson for you, stop eating now before it's too late
Now I'm in full Ironman mode. July 27th, Ironman Whistler. 2.4mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run.
And getting ready to move to cali.