My National Championships Decision

Three weeks ago, as I sat inside a race volunteer's SUV doing my best to keep my blood off his leather seats, all I could think about was how my season was over. Maybe, I thought, I could make a respectable comeback by Pumpkinman. Everything before that seemed like a lost cause. It was only minutes after a crash, but I was obviously in bad shape and I couldn't imagine being able to train well enough leading up to USAT Age Group National Championships to make the race worth it. On the trip home I discussed my thoughts with Eileen. I don't know if she was just sick of listening to me complain or truly optimistic, but she told me not to worry about it and that I'd be fine. There was a lot of eye rolling on my part (paired with me holding up various bandaged body parts to remind her of the state I was in). By the time we reached Maine I was convinced that the entire season was done. I think she'd stopped listening. At the very least she was pretending to ignore me in hopes that I'd stop talking about it (or maybe just stop talking in general). It's probably not a coincidence that the pain had really set in by this time, because my attitude had gone from negative to outright angry.

 A week later, not much had changed. I'd been able to do some light running, but I was still at least a week out from getting back in the water and I couldn't ride my bike until my hands healed enough to grip the bars. I was still angry. Then, when I finally managed to get on my bike, the pain was incredible. The pain from those first two post-crash rides brought me to the verge of tears. Insert even more anger and frustration. Any hope I had of competing again in 2011 seemed to be fading fast. But I kept running and other than one minor setback, things seemed to come along okay. A slight lift in attitude accompanied my workouts. And then I was able to get back in the pool. Other than a little rust from two weeks without swimming, I seemed to be doing alright in the water. Obviously I must have been thinking about racing again at that point because I ordered a new race suit the same afternoon (I have three perfectly good ones at home, but I was a huge fan of my De Soto ITU suit that lasted all of 1.5 races before getting shredded). Two days later I made it through a short ride without any pain. Until then I'd totally written off National Championships and was just waiting to the last minute pull out. But I held off, figuring I'd see how my next few workouts went and silently hoping that I'd be able to train and compete respectably. Each day this week brought along a bit more confidence as I got back into some actual training. Monday night I figured I'd be in great shape for Pumpkinman, but planned to skip Burlington. Tuesday I felt really good about Pumpkinman and everything else surrounding it, but was undecided on what to do about Nationals. Same feelings on Wednesday. Then, this afternoon, Stephen sent me off to the track for some speed work. When I'd first seen the workout earlier in the day I knew it was sort of a make-or-break session as far as my National Championship start was concerned. The race isn't for another two weeks, but I figured that if this workout didn't show that I was on the right track then it was time to officially set my sights on the late-season races. Of course, the fact that the deadline to pull out and get a partial refund for Nationals is tomorrow was a factor. I don't have the cash to be throwing money away on races I don't start so if I wasn't going to race, I was at least going to get some cash back. 

I pretty much stunned myself on the track, going considerably faster than I thought possible given everything I'd gone through in the past few weeks. My times were very similar to those I was putting up just before the crash. Obviously I hadn't gotten any faster, but it seems that I haven't gotten any slower either. As I set out on the 2 mile cool down at the end of the workout I was amazed at how I could be at this point in such a short time. Eileen, Stephen, my parents, everyone in my "camp" kept telling me things would come back quickly and I should just see how things played out. I listened, but I don't think I ever really thought it was possible to get ready for Nationals. I was never willing to just go and complete the race - I knew all along I could do that, but had no interest in just coasting around the course. If I was going to go, I was going to go in shape and ready to race. Amazingly, that's exactly what I intend to do.

Note to self: Keep the rubber side down...

Mass State Triathlon
Olympic Distance
July 17, 2011

Only one thing worth writing about happened during Mass State on Sunday: I crashed. Hard. And it hurt. A lot.

Before that, however, I had a phenomenal swim. I went 19:51 for the 1.5k swim and came out if the water in 3rd (well 5th once all the waves were considered). I was flying and things really could not have been going better. Then I hit transition and got through in about 43 seconds or so, leaving most of the other contenders behind and getting out on the bike course first. The first loop of the bike - perfect. I was moving nicely, sitting in second place and setting myself up for a great run and overall finish. Then it all went downhill...

On a long downhill just a few miles before transition I forgot the number one rule in the cyclists handbook - keep the rubber side down. An important thing to overlook, actually. I was on a fast downhill section over some pretty rough pavement. We'd been warned about the roads ahead of time, but I'd picked a good line on the first loop and was riding within my limits. I was going fast, but not so much that I was being reckless. Then, and I can't explain how I didn't see it, I hit a bump in the road about the size of half a basketball and went airborne. Everything seemed to slow down and I was far too aware of the inevitable outcome of the situation. Things stayed that way as my tires hit the pavement and I started to wobble. Though I was still upright, I was not at all in control of my bike. Then the slow-motion effect vanished and someone pressed the fast forward button. I don't recall actually hitting the pavement. I vividly remember sliding along on my right side before tumbling over and over a few times. Everything was numb and I was able to get to my feet and off the road rather quickly. Unaware of how bad things were, I began so scan the road for my bike. Eventually I spotted it about 20 yards down the hill and on the other side of the road. I stumbled over to it just as a car pulled up to check on me. It wasn't until the couple got out of the SUV that I realized how messed up I was. I don't even know how to describe the looks on their faces. They gave me a cell phone and I tried to call Eileen back at the race venue. Then they helped me into the car where I sat for a moment until an official race vehicle came by. I opted to jump in that car as they had easier access to the park and the ambulance. Both the guys from the race and the people who stopped to help were amazing and I can't thank them enough for the help they offered.

On the ride back to the park I couldn't decide which emotion was most appropriate for the situation. Part of me was embarrassed for crashing at all. But accidents happen, I guess and it wasn't as if I did anything  stupid to cause the crash. It was just one of those things that happen sometimes when you ride a bike. I moved to disappointment next. I was racing so well and was on my way to one of the best finishes in my career. I was also worried about training and racing in the coming weeks. That hasn't passed and I'm still anxious to see what happens in that department. For the most part, though, I've settled on an it-is-what-it-is attitude. I crashed. It happens and there's nothing I can do to undo it now. I just need to recover as quickly as possible and make the best of my training leading up to National Championships.

Minutes later I was back at the lake waving Eileen over to the ambulance. For the moment I was still numb and not fully aware of how much road rash covered my body. That changed about 7 seconds after stepping into the ambulance. The pain of the wounds being washed out was incredible. And it lasted forever. I'm glad they were there and able to help, but it was so painful. Eventually, they sent me on my way and I was able to throw on a pair of shorts to cover up as my race suit wasn't doing much in that department anymore.

Eileen drove me home and then the pain of cleaning everything out started all over again, this time just with more screaming. Turns out I did damage in the form of road rash to my right ankle, right leg from knee to hip (including my backside), lower abs on the right side, right ribs, a bit on my back, the underside or my right forearm, and both palms. The palms really sent me over the edge. I can deal with everything else, but not having use of my hands is terrible. And even worse, it's by far the most painful spot.

Today was okay. I'm still in pain, but at least things are healing. I was fortunate that things weren't worse. I managed not to hit my head, I didn't break any bones, and my bike (and race wheels) seemed to have survived. At first I didn't think that was the case, but after a little tune-up today (with Craig's help given that I couldn't really use my hands) things seem functional and most of the damage, like to my body, was cosmetic. I'm also very thankful to all the people who were there to help me out on Sunday. The couple that stopped, the guys from the race that drove me back to the park, and the 2 women in the ambulance were helpful and comforting. Eileen, though not fond of blood or skinless body parts, has done a great job taking care of me. Same for my parents and brother.

So, for now I'm just staying as comfortable as possible and focusing on getting myself back to regular training as quickly as possible. If I can get myself healthy and into the same (or better) shape than I was this weekend, I should be fast at National Championships.

Race Report: The DAM Triathlon (2011)

The DAM Triathlon

Amesbury, MA

Event Information

- 1/2 mile swim

- 12.3 mile bike

- 3.2 mile run (closer to 3.4mi by my measurement)

Race Overview

Swim - 10:03 (2nd)

T1 - 1:09

Bike - 32:37, 22.77mph (8th)

T2 - :42

Run - 20:56, 6:15 to 6:33 depending on which measurement you go by (6th)

TOTAL - 1:05:25

PLACE - 1st Amateur, 4th Overall
Results Link - 2011 DAM Tri Results

Details

Training in the weeks since my last race has been phenomenal. Specifically, the work I've put in for the swim and the run has really shown itself in the past few weeks. It seems that I've ben getting stronger and faster with every single training session. With all the progress I've made, I was eager to race this weekend in order to see how far I'd truly come in the past month. 

Having made the decision with Stephen to race as an amateur and not as an elite, I found myself in the second wave. In 2009 and 2010 I found myself quickly jumping out to a big lead and swimming alone for the entire leg of the race. This year was a bit different. One hundred yards into the race four of us had separated from the pack. Two guys pulled away by about 10 yards by the time we were 200 yards into the swim, but they were too far inside for my liking so I picked my own line and figured we'd all come together at the first turn. They were swimming close to the smaller guide buoys, but that meant taking an indirect line from the beach to the first turn. Things turned out exactly as I'd figured they would and by the turn I'd dropped the guy swimming on my feet and rejoined the remaining two. After the turn the group turned to a pair as one swimmer dropped off the pace a bit, falling maybe 20 yards behind. I caught a side draft from the only guy remaining for awhile before eventually pulling even with about 100 yards to go. With about 25 left I figured the fastest overall swim might be on the line so I pulled a half body length ahead, hit the beach first and headed for transition. Turns out one of the pros had put in a faster time, but I ended up with the second fastest swim of the day. Good result and further proof that all my hard work in the pool is paying dividends.

An uneventful transition got me out and onto the bike course quickly. There are no major climbs on the course, but there are plenty of small hills that break any momentum you're able to build. I settled in and did my best to ride sensibly. I was really hoping for a solid run today so my intent was to put in a good time on the bike without burning up my running legs. Mission accomplished. Not much happened on the bike. I made a few passes and jumped a good portion of the Pro/Elite field, making up the three minutes they'd had from the wave stagger and then putting in some more time before hitting the second transition. As I turned back into the transition area I was feeling as though I'd set things up perfectly for a fast run and good overall finish. 

I made my way past Eileen, my personal race photographer for the day, and set off trying to hold my lead and secure an amateur win. As I exited the race venue Kat Donatello was shouting encouragement about the gap I'd built over any chasers. From what I could gather, she still hadn't seen any. Perfect! Just moments later I made my way past the dead, rotting, maggot-filled, and VERY smelly animal on the road without vomiting. Things were really looking up at this point! As I made my way to the out-and-back section of the run course I was able to spot a few more guys from the Elite wave up the road. Slowly I made up ground as I built into a solid pace. As I hit the turnaround I was feeling great. I'd started to cramp under my ribs on the right side a bit, but my legs and lungs were cooperating and pace seemed to hold. Through about 2 miles I felt that my pace had actually been quickening as I went, but as I headed into the final mile I wasn't able to take things into another gear. No big deal, I was still running well. As for how well, I really don't know. The course is advertised as 3.2 miles, but my measurement says it's about 3.4 miles. I like the 3.4 figure better - meaning I was running about 6:15/mile. Either way I ended up with the sixth fastest run on the day, which, for me, is excellent. 

After the race I spent a few minutes talking to Kat and Jeff before walking Eileen back to her car so she could get back to Maine (and the beach) while I took off on a 3 mile cool down run on Amesbury's bike path and then waited for my dad (also racing, but starting many waves behind me) and the awards ceremony. My dad finished well and was pleased with his race, so, being the good son that I am, I bought him an ice cream while we sat around waiting for my award. Turns out I got a custom printed race glass (fairly common) and a Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor/Watch. Pretty good award and even though I don't train with HR, it's nice to have the watch. I was actually really surprised. I was the second overall age group athlete last year and was expecting a similar award this year, but they really took things up a notch. 

Overall, today was a solid race. Everything I was hoping to get out of it, I did. I swam well, I biked according to plan (read: I didn't do anything stupid), and, most importantly, my run was strong. I fully expect things to build from today's result and hope to continue my progress as the bigger races on my calendar approach. 

As for now, back to training until next weekend when I head to Winchendon, MA for the Mass State Olympic race. 

Pirate Triathlon Race Report (2011)

Pirate Triathlon
Point Sebago Resort

Race
1/3 mile swim
14 mile bike
3 mile run

Results
Swim - 6:26 (2nd)
T1 - :43
Bike - 39:05 / 21.5mph (5th)
T2 - :38
Run - 19:16 / 6:26/mi (6th)

My Thoughts
The build up to the 2011 season has been nearly perfect. Beside a setback in the form of a recent groin injury, my training has gone exceptionally well. Training under the direction of my new coach, Stephen Wright, has accelerated my progress and and given me huge expectations for the season. This morning at the Pirate Triathlon I was able to test myself in competition for the first time in approximately nine months. Though my run training has been limited for about a month, I was anxious to see what kind of shape I was in early in the season.

Having grown up a swimmer, I've always had an advantage in the swim leg of triathlons. But this year I'm swimming faster than ever. I've worked hard in the pool throughout the offseason and want to turn that advantage into a weapon. Nobody ever wins a race during the swim, but this year I should be able to give myself plenty of opportunities by setting myself up nicely out of the water. Today I took the swim out pretty hard right from the start. It was a short swim, just a third of a mile, so I got to the front immediately and pulled away from there. No need to mess around. As is the case in any open water swim, judging the distance and pace is tough, but I must have been swimming around 1:10/100yds. Everything went perfectly and I set myself up well coming out of the water.

The bike leg, weather-wise, was miserable. It was about 50 degrees and wet. Add that to being cold out of the water and it just makes for an unpleasant mile or two at the start. But everyone was riding in the same situation so there's really no point in dwelling on the conditions. I felt good throughout the entire ride. Last year I'd pushed things too hard over the hills in the midsection of the course and suffered on the run. Having learned from that mistake, I dialed the effort back slightly in an attempt to put together a more complete race. It all worked out, because I felt great heading into the second transition.

After a 38 second pitstop to exchange the bike and helmet for racing flats, I headed out on the run course. By this point I had worked myself toward the front of the field, even though I had started three minutes back of everyone in front of me. I thought I had a chance to improve upon last year's second place finish if I could put together a solid run. But more importantly, I just wanted to run well. In mid-May I injured my groin and hip and have seriously dialed back the run training since then. Overall it will be a minor setback in the 2011 season as I was running exceptionally well leading up to the injury, but I had doubts about how fast I'd be this morning. I hadn't done any speed work in weeks and I was just beginning to rebuild my milage. But I figured I'd go out hard and see how long I could hold on before things fell apart. I was shocked to be running completely pain-free at the first mile. By the second mile I was still feeling good and moving along a a decent clip. My lungs started to go in mile 3, but my legs still felt good and I finished well. I think the overall split is a bit misleading as the course was probably closer to a true 5k than 3 mile. But either way it was a solid run and gives me an idea of just how fast I might be when things come together later in the season.

After the race, during my 3 mile cooldown run, I was disappointed and frustrated as I reflected on last year's finish and compared it to this year's result. I planned to win today and wasn't happy to be off the overall podium, But by the time I'd finished and exchanged texts with my coach, I'd put things in perspective and realized that a lot of good things came out of the race today. This wasn't the highlight race of my season and it served exactly the purposes I intended. It was an opportunity to compete, a chance to push myself, and a look at the speed I hope to experience when everything comes together later this sumer. At the end of the day, it was just nice to race again.

Pirate Triathlon Race Report

Pirate Triathlon
Point Sebago Resort, Sebago Lake, ME
6/13/10

Swim: somewhere in the ballpark of 1/3 mile
Bike: 14 miles
Run: 3.1 miles (though advertised as and timed as 3 miles)

RESULTS:
Swim: 7:49 - 6th
T1: 46 seconds
Bike: 38:30 (21.8 mph) - 5th
T2: 37 seconds
Run: 19:45 (6:22/mi) - 8th
Place: 2nd Overall, 1st AG

REPORT:
Until about Wednesday of this week, this race wasn't really on my radar as I had been scheduled to race Mooseman last weekend. But when the weather caused that event to be postponed/changed/for me - cancelled, I needed a replacement early season race. Fortunately, this isn't too far away from me and even though it's a newer event - only in its 2nd year - it had a pretty good reputation. My fiancée and I spent the early half of this week moving and I just got over being sick, so I went in with limited expectations - or at least that's what I kept telling people beforehand!

Swim
I was in the 3rd swim wave - certainly not ideal as far as I was concerned, especially as I had my eyes on the overall podium, but someone's got to be there I guess! One guy and I got away from everyone else without any trouble very early on. I was content to sit behind and catch a nice draft/let him clear a path through the slower swimmers from the earlier two waves the entire way. It was a pretty solid swim overall and what pleases me most is that I executed my race plan perfectly. Good sighting, good pace, followed the draft perfectly, and set myself up to succeed the rest of the race.

Bike
The 14 mile bike course was fairly hilly. There were 1 or 2 significant climbs with countless others spaced between. There were also plenty of flats, rollers and downhills to contend with. I was pretty worried about my bike going into Mooseman and my worries carried through to this week. I knew I'd be okay, but I've been doing less bike work this year than last. The reason for that being that I've gotten back into the pool and have been putting a lot of focus into the run. I did well, though, averaging 21.8 mph. I'd say there's plenty of room for improvement, but that's also been the plan all along with my more important races -Timberman/Pumpkinman/Fisherman - all coming up in August and September.

p.s. I pretty much felt like I was going to throw up the entire time...somehow I'd managed to forget the pain of short course racing over the winter!!

p.p.s The 404s and new Wingspan Aero helmet from Rudy Project were nice additions for the 2010 season. They made for a very nice ride!

Run
I've been working pretty hard on my run this year. Relative to my swim and bike, the run has always been a serious liability. My ultimate goal is to be running in the 18:20 range for a 5k off the bike. Today was a decent run, but nothing to brag about. But I felt really comfortable and know that the hard work I've been putting in is paying off. My speed is coming around and I have no doubt that, if I'm able to keep at it, I'll have a breakthrough before the end of the season.

Transitions
After seeing the layout of transition this morning, I set a goal of keeping my total transition time below 1:30. I was happy with the 46 and 37. The only mistake I made, and I have no explanation as to why this happened, was that I took my sunglasses off and left them in my helmet in t2. I NEVER do that. I ALWAYS run with glasses. It was really cloudy and pretty dark, so I didn't actually need them, though. But if that's the biggest problem I had then it's no big deal.

General Thoughts
I'm very happy I ended up doing this race. Sure, I was disappointed after last weekend's weather/non-race, but this was a lot of fun and I executed well. Second overall is a great result and I feel like I'm exactly where I should be at this point in the season. With a few more weeks of solid training I think I can set myself up very nicely for the late(er)-season block of races I've really been targeting all year.

And finally, but most importantly, this race helped out a tremendous cause - Camp Sunshine (http://www.campsunshine.org/). The camp is dedicated to children facing life-threatening illness and their families. The race was well run and I would certainly recommend it to anyone, especially as it helps raise money for such a great place and cause.