Race: Toronto Island GT 12.9 & Duathlon
Date: Saturday August 15 & Sunday August 16, 2009.
Location: Toronto Island (Hanlan’s Point)
Description: 400m swim, 10 km bike, 2.5 km run / 4.5k run, 30k bike, 4.5k run
Sport: Triathlon & Duathlon
Website: www.hsbctriathlon.com
GT 12.9 – Saturday August 15
400 m swim – 9:22 (2:21/100m)
T1 – 1:33
10 km bike – 17:27 (34.4 km/hr)
T2 – 38 secs.
2.5 km run – 12:01 (4:49/km)
Total – 40:58 15th overall, 3rd 40-44
I decided to be the anti-aero guy and brought my road bike with aerobars, regular training wheels, and regular helmet. The swim went well for 100m (only 2 people ahead of me) until I got cuffed in the head which in turn knocked my goggles off-kilter. I stopped to re-adjust it and this messed up my rhythm. I heart rate was up from pushing the pace and it took me the next 100 m to settle down and pick up the pace again. I hit land in a little over 7 minutes, and made the long run to transition. Once there, I had a longer than usual transition because I chose to put in socks. Why? Since Binbrook, the last few times sockless running has irritated my feet to the brink of bleeding. I did not want to chance it.
The bike went well but did some extra suffering as I had to push extra hard since I did not have my aerobars to help me battle the wind (especially the last 5km), it did not feel like it at the time and I still don’t know how but I had the 8th best bike overall.
I had a much quicker transition, and since there were 5 different waves I had no idea where I stood overall so I pushed as hard as I could for that final 2.5 km run. Red line racing from start to finish hurts like heck and I staved off a strong desire to stop and walk. It was crazy hot (at 9am too), I was drenched in sweat, but I just sucked it up and gave it to the end. I also refused to look at my heart rate monitor as that might have wussed me into slowing down. Not a sparkling time by any means but I had fun, despite that painful run. By the way, Hanlan’s Point Beach is a great place for a swim, and not because it is a clothing optional beach either. The water is clear and clean, and so is the beach.
Duathlon – Sunday August 16
4.5 km run – 20:30 (4:34/km)
T1 – 42 secs.
30 km bike – 48:16 (37.3 km/hr)
T2 – 37 secs.
4.5 km run – 20:34 (4:35/km)
Total – 1:30:37 12th overall, 3rd in 40-44
Sunday was another hot one; I almost went with the RF singlet but didn’t want it flapping around on the bike so I went with the RF bike shirt. I took the first run steady, and let a lot of people go (hoping that I would catch most during the bike). I made up some time with a quick T1, and let it loose on the bike.
Like many other races this season, the plan was to evade the Gord Avann Express. Compared to yesterday’s ride on my road bike, today’s was much more enjoyable and quicker. I rode the first 10 km over 1 minute faster than I did the day before (and it was a bit more breezy today). I rode my way into the top 10, and managed to stay ahead of Gord (who was looking real good-6th best bike). Once again, my inner right thigh started acting up when I tried to really push the pace. Another bike fit may need to happen.
I had super quick T2 (the best of the race), and basically gave it what I had to stay away from those fast runners who would be giving chase. Only one guy passed me and there was no keeping up with him as he was running sub 4 min pace. With 1 km to go, I saw 2-3 athletes who were close enough to catch me so I put in a surge and that gave me a cushion to coast the last 100m to the finish line. I was 9 minutes faster than I expected so I was pleased. Especially, after almost negative splitting the run.
Like the day before, I was soaked in sweat, including my shoes. On the migraine front, it seems that I need to drink my morning coffee, pop some Tylenol just before the race, and again afterwards.
Congrats and shout outs to the following Team Running Free athletes who I spotted racing, volunteering or watching: Gord Avann, Gary Kennedy, Angus “I missed the ferry” Kim, Liz Maola, Laurent Saugrin, Rob Shortis, and John Song. See you in Cobourg in 2 weeks.
Great reports Roger congrats on 2 strong days of racing.
Same to you Gary. Congrats on your second. How Bruce Bird avg. 44 km/hr on the bike beyond me.