So my 2008 Duathlon season finally began for me with my first event located just outside London Ontario called the Lakeside Duathlon (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Newmarket).  For those who haven’t raced this particular event before, one of the first things you will notice upon arrival is the amazing layout of the race site itself.  The Transition area is surrounded by beautiful mature trees, overlooking a sandy beach and the beautiful spring fed Lake Sunova.  As always the registration at this HSBC event was very well organized with friendly volunteers and a fast moving process that got you in and out very quickly.  A bonus this year is that HSBC is giving out impressive Technical Tee’s in the race kits at all of their races. My pre race warm up included light jogging and stretching, I only had approximately 15 minutes before the race began so I wasn’t able to stretch the legs on the bike.  Being the first Duathlon for me this year, I was pretty stoked for the race to begin – but my legs were still pretty tight from the 5km running race I had the day before.  The humidity was at an all time high and it seemed as though it could rain at any point, but thankfully it remained dry and was an overcast but humid day with partial sunshine popping up here and there. 

First Run

The first run was a fairly quick out and back with a few gentle grades; the turnaround point being at the highest elevation with a short steep climb right before hand.  The roads were loose gravel for the most part, but very comfortable to run on.  I was situated mid pack when the horn indicated the race had begun; I was able to manoeuvre myself around a few fellow competitors but overall I took the first run fairly easy completing it in 21:55 (averaging 4:23/km). 

Bike

I was in and out of the first transition in 47 seconds which isn’t bad for me.  Once on the bike I pretty well held on put my head down and went for it passing as many people as I could, one person at a time.  The setting of the first stretch is beautiful with Lake Sunova on one side of you and cottages on the other.  Overall the bike course was relatively flat with a few rollers throughout.  Near the end there was a pretty steep climb which certainly tested your legs, and the winds were fairly strong in sections adding another element to the ride.  Overall I was relatively happy with my time of 51:02 (averaging 35.5km/hr).  

Second Run

Once off the bike I was in and out of the second transition in 43 seconds.  The second run was the exact same route as the first with a few rollers, the steepest section being at the turnaround point.  There’s a very good reason why it is important to practice brick training during the off season, and my second run is living proof as to why!  Not exactly sure what happened – somehow between my first transition and the end of the bike leg, someone replaced my Asics Gel running shoes with replica’s that weighed the same as cinder blocks!  My legs were absolute toast; race director John Salt was right when he said to preserve your legs on the bike for that final steep climb!  As I shuffled along at a snails pace preying for someone to remove the ball & chains from around my legs, I kept a lookout for other athletes suffering as much as I was… But alas, it was only me.  After a few moments of walking and getting some fluids in me, I said to myself “suck it up buttercup” and I was off with a limp.  It was a slow run, and I remember it being extremely hot and humid by this time.  I finished the second run in 27:53 (averaged 5:35/km) which was a bit disappointing for me, but it taught me how important brick training actually is.  Total time I finished was 1:42:19 which netted me 1^st place in my age category 30-34 (just barely… the 2^nd place person was next to cross the finish line 20 seconds behind me).  Once past the finish line I bee-lined it for the lake, barely getting my running shoes off in time before I splashed in! 

Post Race

As always, HSBC put on a pretty good spread of food for competitors & volunteers to enjoy.  This particular race had everything from Bagels & Hot Dogs to Watermelon, Banana’s and a variety of drinks.  There was an awards ceremony that recognized the top Triathletes and Duathletes in different age categories, as well as the Racer of the Day (a random finishing position chosen prior to the race).  Draw prizes also took place later in the day once the awards were given out. 

Final Thoughts

Despite the slower second run, I actually am really happy with my results at this particular race.  I still was able to beat my last year’s time by 8 minutes, and thoroughly enjoyed myself in the process.  It was also good to see fellow Team Running Free athletes Angus Kim & Gary Kennedy, both with great times.  HSBC has become my favourite multisport series, they truly aim to make the athletes happy and listen openly and thoroughly to any suggestions brought forth.  I’m aiming to have a great race season for 2008, and I’m extremely happy to have Running Free in my corner to help me in my quest.  Next up is the Gravenhurst International Distance Duathlon in three weeks; now if you excuse me, it’s time to go work on my brick training!