Minneapolis Duathlon Race Results

Minneapolis Duathlon Race Results
bib number: 572
age: 30
gender: F
overall place: 150 out of 814 (Top 18%)
division place: 10 out of 89 (top 11%)
gender place: 32 out of 398 (top 8%)
time: 1:48:11
run1: 23:51 (pace = 7:41)
trn1: 1:52
bike: 54:04 (pace = 20.0 mph)
trn2: 3:02
run2: 25:24 (pace = 8:11)

The morning started out just beautifully with my usual support crew waking me up – Reese ready to go for another couple of hours on the leash outside while Thom cheers me onto the finish line! The weather started out a tad on the chilly side, but nothing that wasn’t easily adjusted to by getting started on the run!The course was a 3.1 mile run, a 18.5 mile bike ride, and another 3.1 mile run. The course was mostly along “West Riverside” where I’ve ridden my bike many times before, so I had an idea of what to expect – that was to my advantage I think, however, it could have also been to my disadvantage as I sometimes let the hills intimidate me. Either way, I knew the race would be fun.

Setting out to run what felt comfortable, I was also holding back so I didn’t use all of my energy in the run. In looking back, I think I should have let my legs carry me as fast as they could that first 3.1 miles instead of holding back like I did…oh well – the next race I do, I’ll not hold back so much! The run was a nice course with quite a few uphills, less downhills…or so it seemed. When you do a loop, I guess what goes up must also come down, right? Crossing over the line to transition, I had about a half mile to go to get to my stuff…so all of that practicing and re-strategizing how to change faster, it doesn’t reflect in my times on this race. Oh well…out to ride the bike!

The ride was pretty uneventful – a few pot holes here and there, but that’s to be expected. Lots of climbing of hills and some fast downhills followed immediately by more climbing of hills! I love this kind of riding though, it really gets my blood pumping through my system and takes a lot out of me; it feels like a wonderful work out! As I was on my way back – about mile 13 or so, I approached 2 people who appeared to be using eachother to draft and work with. As I approached, I passed, then noticed I was being drafted from…so I sped up for a bit, not easily shaking them. I slowed down then, knowing that they wouldn’t want to go slower…and they passed me. As they were passing me, the girl (bib 528) yells forward to the guy (bib 467) “Are you tired? I can take over.” And of course he lets her go ahead so he can relax for a bit in her draft. UGH! I was passing another rider at that point and mumbled “only cheating themselves!” I did notice that my average pace was faster than theirs on the bikes…however, they did pass me on the run. I guess that’s because they had more gas in their tanks from the ride than I did. Oh well, I gave it my all and I have a race to be proud of.

The second run was just as uneventful as the first, but I did slow down a little as I was trying to get the “bricks” out of my legs. The course was very nice and a great challenge.

Overall, I’m satisfied with my results, but think I can do better….so I’ve already signed up for next year!

Next up? Irongirl Duathlon September 27th. I have my times listed for what I did last year, so I have a goal of beating those, and this year, I just may have a special trick up my sleeve, thanks to a good friend of mine – Sascha. Sascha and I used to do a lot of riding when I was training for the Ironman and a bit last year, but this year he has been working on the development of a new product for athletes. Just this past week, he emailed me and asked if I’d be interested in learning more about the product, and of course I am…so I went to see him. Well, let me tell you, I’m excited to be a guinea pig!!! I didn’t expect that at all, and I can’t wait to keep you posted on this new item to add to my gear bag that could surprisingly improve my performance. Interested to know what it is? Stay tuned to the blog…more coming soon!