Pacific Crest HIM RR

[Wahine]

Well, it was my last big race before IMCan and it went well. Really I have very little to report. I swam and was happy, no problems. Think I could've gone a little faster. I rode, took about 20 min for my legs to warm-up and get under me, but overall went very well. The course was much flatter than it has been in past years due to a route change (construction). Next year the old course will be back with much more climbing. Run was the usual story, terrible for 3 miles then warped up and did better. I started to run out of steam shortly after mile 10 but pushed hard becuase I thought I had someone on my tail. I totally emptied the tank in the last 2 miles and I'm paying for it still. It'll be a longer than anticipated recovery.

Summary:

5th in AG
266th overall (men and women)
Total time: 5:32:43

Swim time: 1.2 miles (2 km) 0:34:38 86th overall 1st in AG
T1: 4:25
Bike: 56 miles (90 km) 2:48:12 275th overall 7th in AG
T2: 3:36
Run: 13.1 miles (21 km) 2:01:52 217th overall 4th in AG

Things I was unhappy with....long transitions. Part of this was just the transition set up, long chutes etc, but I was also a little lazy. I could have made up about 2 min if I could have tied my T1 bag off faster (had to do this to ensure you got all your stuff transported to the finish in a different locale) and if I wasn't having chaffing issues that needed attending to in T2. I also reapplied sunblock at T2. Since 4th place came in 10 min ahead, it would not have gained me a placing. In the run, I stopped eating too soon. I should have had one more gel and in retrospect I pushed too hard at the end. It didn't gain me anything and it'll take me about 3 or 4 more days to recover than it would have otherwise.

So that it for my races until August 26th!! Just a lot of long rides, runs and bricks until then. Yiiiiiippppppppeeeeeee!!

[Wahine]

OK, so a couple of other things I just thought of about this race.

No-one was talking to each other during the race. When I raced in Canada, a race this long would warrant extended conversations with anyone running near to your pace and you always say something to people as they pass on the bike. Is this a cultural difference? Or, was this race just full of serious people?

The really cool thing was that DH and I got to camp withing 15 min walking distance of the race start. This made for a very low key race morning. I loved it. I didn't have to get up until 7, drank my coffee, had easy access to restrooms...

There are some serious logistics involved in a race that has T1 and T2 at separate locations, not to mention a third location for the finish. If you ever enter a race like this it is really helpful to have someone to meet you at the finish line with warm clothes!!

Finally, I was really disappointed that they did not have much at the finish for people who cannot have wheat. It made it really hard for me to refuel. Again, if you fall in this category, have some one meet you at the finish with appropriate supplies.

OK. That really covers it.

[Tri Girl]

Wow, Wahine!! Awesome race report and INCREDIBLE time. 5:32? Yowzer, you were flying!!
Congrats on a great race. Always nice to test the waters on a long event before the IM. Glad everything went well, and although there were some fueling "bumps", you finished strong and upright! Way to go!!!

[crazycanuck]

Lurking at work....

Wahine you're an amazing chickie! COngrats on a great race.

More later.

C

[colby]

Congratulations on your finish, Wahine, you did awesome. Your times always put me to shame.

I thought that might be your race, I was looking at an Oregon race calendar for "races within 3 states of me" and saw it listed there with the whole "up and over Mt Bachelor" detail. Whew!!

Enjoy your Iron training... we'll be watching.

[KSH]

Dang lady.. you are FAST!!!!!

Not sure about the no talking thing. Most people don't talk in the races I do. Mind you, I TALK... but no one ever really responds. Oh well.

Great job! Sounds like a solid race! Thanks for sharing!

[rocknrollgirl]

Great Job Yoda ! Good to shake out the cobwebs. I am so excited for you. I can't wait to follow you on IM day.

keep on rockin' !

[Kimmyt]

woo! awesome job there!

[Krys]

AWESOME!! GOOD JOB! at this point I can't even imagine that is awesome though! and as for the talking some people would talk but then there were some very serious ones who just looked at my kinda funny when I would say something to them like GOOD JOB or your doing great! haha Oh well I think its just funny!
Good luck on the recovery and have fun training for your IM!!!!

[HappyAnika]

Great job! At least you got to use this as a learning experience, in terms of nutrition and speed on the run. Hope you have a quick recovery.

[napapjd]

Congrats on your great race! I raced Pacific Crest half, too, and wanted to mention that I found folks very friendly. I'm a pretty chatty guy and had good conversations with an older gent and a younger gal. I think it's all just a matter of the luck of the draw and who you end up around...

Cheers,

Pete

[Wahine]

Congrats on your great race! I raced Pacific Crest half, too, and wanted to mention that I found folks very friendly.

Cheers,

Pete

So what you're saying is..... it's just me then.


Just kidding. Thanks for the feedback.

[wildstreaktn]

Way to Go,Wahine!!
That's a great race report and you were flying,girl! Hope you have a quick recovery and I'll be waiting along with everyone for the IM report!

[Running Mommy]

You went UP AND OVER a mtn. and finished in 5:32???? SHEESH!! You are one strong and speedy chickie poo!! You are gonna ROCK Richter pass!!
Ok so now it looks like the speedy tri chickies here are YOU, Melisa, and RNR girl (the fast and dirty girl)... Am I forgetting anyone??
All I know is I'm at the top of the "chubby and slow" category!
Or as they call it these days "Full value athletes" as in - we get our race fee's money worth by taking full advantage of the course and all it has to offer...
YAY! I can't wait for IMC now!! You are so lucky to even be in the race, that is such a hard one to get into these days.

[crazycanuck]

sorry drift moment in the ocean of thoughts...

Hey RM,

At least at IM Western Australia you won't have any mountains It's just flat my dear..

C