Lake2Lake 2010

This is always a fun race because so many people from our triathlon community go. In past years there have been dozens of friends and families at the finish line whooping and hollering for the finishers…hopefully cheering them in and inspiring them to finish strong. This year was no different; we were a different group but still a group of old and new friends coming together to test our training, our resolve and our lungs! It was really a fun day! The course is a bit unique because it is a longer ride than usual. I love that part! The ride is gorgeous and fast. The “demon” for me in this race is the run. Until last year I had never felt like I had nailed the run. In 2009 I finally did…I didn’t give up or out and I stayed the course finishing in 2nd 1 second behind Kathy Alfino. We had sprinted to the finish in Vegas and I won and at Lake2Lake she out sprinted me. To be honest I was shocked I caught her so I was thrilled to take second and know that I had slayed the run demon.
This year I had been trying to convince myself that Lake2Lake was no big deal however I found as it got closer to race day I was pretty anxious about it. I continue to struggle in my head with my new “quality over quantity” training model. It absolutely makes sense and intellectually I am 100% on board but the truth is when it comes to being ready to race I always wonder if I have “done enough”. The last few years really distorted my perspective about how to get faster and cover the miles. This year my training specificity is awesome and there are no workouts that are just filler…every workout is for a reason. I love it and I hate it. This race helped me see that I am RIGHT WHERE I NEED TO BE 3 months out from my A race. Yes, it would have been nice to lay down a 7:15 run but a 7:37 is good too and I am so happy to know that I can continue to get faster this season and not want to quit because my races are so spread out.
Race details? The swim sucked. I felt like I was in a washing machine with rocks. They sent the men 45-49 and the Clydes with us and I just got the crap beat out of me. I never really found a spot to have a comfortable stroke. It really pissed me off. I came out of the water fired up because I knew I had ground to make up after the swim. The ride was as fun as ever. I blew up the climbs in my big ring and blew down them the same. The rollers were solid and helped propel me to T2. I was ready to run with no hesitation. The run was harder than I wanted it to be but I am convinced that is all in my head. Elissa Caldwell beat me out of the water and I never saw her on the bike. At the finish she attributed it to her new TT bike! Grrrr! Someday I will have that excuse too! I finished 2nd and was happy to be there on the hill with all my friends enjoying popsicles and diet pepsi! Ahhh…post race meals are the best!
I am looking forward to my next race now. I find each race I feel better about my progress. This is no reflection at all on my coach. Kaytee Petross has been terrific. She is a young, strong Ironwoman and she knows her stuff. She also knows my demons and seems to tolerate me really well. Thanks Kaytee! I will keep listening and behave!