You it is hot when

Roger’s World
Monday August 17, 2009

You are setting up your stuff in transition and dripping in sweat. That was the case on both race mornings at the Toronto Island Triathlon and Duathlon weekend.

As far as I am concerned, with the summer we are having, the heat was welcome and the conditions were perfect for racing. Toronto Island is such a cool venue for a race, despite the tight bike course. Plus, I always enjoy the view of the city from the ferry.

It was my first time swimming at Hanlan’s Point Beach and I am pretty sure Lake Ontario period. I was not disappointed. The beach was clean, and the water clear and calm. It is amazing how many people don’t believe that Lake Ontario is not swimmable (I knew it was from seeing test results but never did since swimming is not my thing). You can check out the Toronto Beaches water testing results here http://www.toronto.ca/beach/index.htm

All athletes that raced this past weekend must be commended about the way they competed out there. Not only with dealing with the steamy conditions, but also out on the bike course. There was lots of communication between athletes, and no draftfests. Thanks must go the MultiSport Canada for constantly improving the way they do things. Staggering the waves the way they did certainly went a long way to reduce congestion on the bike course and it the difference was noticeable when comparing this experience to two years ago. A major reason I love this series is the people. Thanks for the HSBC Triathlon series podcast, I get a chance to talk to a variety of people and it is quite amazing to discover the backgrounds of the people we race side to side with. I encourage you to say hello or strike up a conversation with someone you regularly race against, it will enhance your overall race experience.

Personally, I got a bit of redemption from last weekend’s “Flatfest” in Bracebridge. I raced on both days, and was very happy with the performances I turned in.

Below is a race report if you are interested in that sort of thing. Next is Cobourg. Hope to see you there. Have an amazing week!

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 barefoot 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.

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 must thank Patryk Beigalski (who came flying by me on the bike with 4 km to go) whose speed inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and push even harder. You are one fast dude!

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.