1st Race of the Season in Beautiful Knoxville

I was surprised at how apathetic I was about racing in Knoxville. I have really been struggling with the Quality over Quantity training method I am using now. Since I am not “over-training” I am trying to be very diligent about getting every workout completed and yet I was nervous. In fact, race morning I was asking myself why I was even there. I felt old, out of shape and out of place. I am not sure where all this was coming from…I know it was partially the new training model and it is also tied to the fact that I miss the social aspects of Practical Coaching. When we traveled to races we traveled with a large group and it was always fun. Knoxville didn’t have that same feel or energy for me so I was struggling with why I was even there.
Let me say that Rev 3, Knoxville and the people were all amazing. The race venue was great although they had some confusion in front of transition. The expo and layout of the race was excellent. The people in Knoxville were warm and welcoming and only a little confused why so many people in bike tights had descended on their city. Knoxville was pretty and offered up a tough race, at least on the ride. I loved the course and would consider doing it again in 2011. It was too bad they screwed up the timing because it left a bad taste in some people’s mouth. I know they were working hard to fix it but it was too late for many of the athletes.
We met Tara Costa from the Biggest Loser while we were in Knoxville. It was her first Oly Tri and she had a great day! Cool lady!
All my apathy aside I managed to have a solid race. I raced at about 75%. I’m not even sure why but as I look back I knew I was not maxing it on the ride or the run. The swim was awesome for me….yes everyone will tell you the course was short or the current helped or whatever…I DON’T care. I swam strong and straight and felt great out of the water! This is a huge success for me.
I am a little surprised at the twist in my gut that my age creates. I guess 46 makes me really think I am on the downward slope…I know I’m not but there are places inside of me that think I am. Ugh! More Parts work!
Anyway…my swim was solid and helped me relax as I started out on my bike. I rode strong and smart. I knew I wanted to hammer on the run so I found myself pulling back a bit on the bike. The ride was gorgeous through the wooded countryside and I loved the colors and smells. Since mine was the last wave in the water I spent the entire bike passing people. This is always weird because it gives me a false sense of speed when in fact I am only racing against myself and the clock. I rolled into T2 and felt good. My legs were ready to run.
The run was fun. I started easy and got faster after the turn back to the finish. It was a great run course because I saw Tyler, Michelle, Sonja and Tony on the course headed home! I finished strong and although my legs felt tired the last half mile I knew I had left plenty in the tank. I didn’t do it intentionally but I did it. I think I was testing my training and my May conditioning. I was really happy with the results.
I placed #1 in my age group which was a nice bonus. I know I will get faster as the season cruises ahead. The other thing about Rev3 I liked was seeing all the pros out and about. Of course my adoration for Matty Reed was fed and nurtured! Tyler stopped me from stalking him at one point as I really wanted to get an autograph. Ah well, maybe next time.
Rooming with Tyler and Michelle and hanging with the Beesons always makes an event extra fun! Plus Eric, Sonja’s dad, was there shooting up the place and Troy and Annie were the premier fans!
All in all it was a great way to start the 2010 race season. Am I over the “age thing?” I’m not sure but I will see how I feel the next time I am ready to race.
Thanks to Kaytee for getting me to the starting line!