I really wanted to go back to Kansas 70.3 to kick the run in the butt…there is no other reason to go back to Kansas! It is a 9+ hour drive one way and it is a long dull ride. Eastern Colorado and western Kansas are flat, dry and fast! Yahoo! Barry, Jewels and I actually had a great trip to and from Kansas. We stayed at the Hampton, rented a car and hung out together. Pre-race was all at Clinton State Park and it was 100 degree plus the day before the race. We were told it was going to be cooler on Sunday but it was nerve racking. They announced no wetsuits Saturday afternoon as the water was 86 degrees. This is when I settled into the thought that is was going to be a long, steady day and if I get through the swim I will be golden! The coolest part of pre-race was Orli. I met the rep for Blue bikes and he told me he would lend me his Blue 2010 demo bike for my race in NY. Yahoo! I am so excited to see what it feels like to ride a TT and to see if it really makes a difference. Thanks Orli!
Race day started cloudy and cool! Yahoo! Cool! The water temp measured at 77.8 which is cold enough for wetsuits! I for one was very happy about that! I had visualized the race the night before without my wetsuit so I was ready…the announcement was a gift and a great way to start the day. Kansas is a bit different as there are 2 different Transitions. T1 is down on the water and we left bikes there. T2 is up the hill and around the bend. It takes a little preparation to be sure you have the right equipment in the right place. My bike was racked in the middle…not good or bad. I knew I could find it and that is all that matters!
The swim was AWESOME! It many ways it sucked because it was very combative. I got punched, kicked and rolled around for the first 600 yards. It was tough. I have also decided to go back to the AquaSphere mask to swim in. I know it looks dorky but it keeps me from have circles under my eyes for 2 days after each swim. So I had been in the pool with them a couple times and was ready for go…but my mask kept taking on water. I realized after my 5 time to stop and clear the water that it won’t seal to my cap….only my skin! DUH! So I have to carefully remove my cap and place my goggles while not alerting the boats…usually if you take off your cap that means you are in trouble! All I can say is that when I was swimming I was swimming strong. Really strong and straight. I was soooo happy with my swim! I love that feeling!
The ride was Kansas style for sure! Huge hills that never quit and downhills that you can fly on. One guy I passed going up told me I downhill as if I am in a luge! That was funny! My bike was 4 mins slower than last year and I could feel it. I felt like I was holding back a little for the run and I didn’t have the same strength I like to have at the crest of each hill. I guess that makes sense since I haven’t been climbing much! I don’t like the feeling. I want to feel stronger on the hills. They are my secret weapon!
The run started well but turned out to be a travesty. Mark Plaatjes diagnosed my short leg and left foot issues and I decided to run on a pair of temporary orthotics…really STUPID! I had blisters and my left hammie was crippled. I ended up stopping a bunch of times to try to get my shoes to feel better. I even tried to run in my socks. Ugh. I was 2nd off the bike and 5th by the time I crossed the finish line. That never happens to me and it was OK. I hated it but I knew the problem and I had no recourse. It was my own fault and there was no loss. Just a bruised ego and bloody feet!
Both Barry and Jewels had great races and we headed out to celebrate right after the race! We had dinner with Randi, Ross and clan! Then we went to see Robin Hood! A great way to end the day!
I don’t know if I will go back to Kansas. I want to conquer that run but I don’t know how badly I want to conquer it!
Lots of learning moments in Kansas 2010. And I saw Chrissie Wellington at the finish line. She is my hero!
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