After the Ironman in Wisconsin I took two weeks, followed by a transition week and now I just finished the first block of training. In these couple weeks I gained about 3.5kg which I attribute to the awesome food I ate (read: fast food, there is a reason I came to this country after all 🙂 ). So it is about time to test what shape I am.
Amy and I signed up for the Woodland Park Zoo – Pumpkin Dash. Unfortunately, my race preparation weren’t optimal since I stayed up till 1o’clock for work.
At the starting line I noticed that most people were dressed up in costumes, I guess I didn’t get that memo. In the front row left to me was a guy in a Turkey costume and right to me were 4 teenagers in some costumes. I guess I’m dressed as a triathlete 🙂
The instructions from my coach was to start with a 5:50min/mile and than hold the best sustainable pace. The race started and the 4 teenager were pushing the pace. Withing seconds I was in 7-8 position. We started off with a 5min/mile and I knew I was starting too fast, but I also didn’t want to loose the lead group. So I decided to stick with it and see what happens. Within 200yards most of the group slowed down. I checked my watch and noticed that my HR was already above my threshold and well in the 180s. Only a little later the leading teenager turned his had and looked back. At that point I knew he was done. The guy in the Turkey costume took the lead and I positioned myself in 2nd where I settled into a 5:50min/mile.
I crossed the 1 mile marker in 5:42 with the turkey guy 50 yard ahead of me.
At the half way point my HR hit 190 for the first time, that is when I realized it is going to be a very hard race. Everything in my body was screaming already and I couldn’t wait to be done. The Turkey guy had a comfortable lead of over 100yards. I had given up on winning the race but was still focusing on setting a new PR for myself. I started to check my watch all the time, but the time wouldn’t go by. The only thing I focused on was not to slow down and keep pushing.
With about a half mile to go I noticed that I was closing in on the turkey guy. I was suddenly only 50 yards behind. I quickly thought about catching him and decided against it since I was worried to fall apart myself instead I decided to go with a steady pace. At the 3mile marker with a little under 200 yards to go I was only 30 yards behind. I started to push the pace and I caught up with him in the finish chute were I overtook him with only a few yards to go.
I was super exhausted and it took me a while to regain my breath. But I was very happy that I managed to win this race and set a new PR.
I finished the race in 17:54 which is a new PR. My average HR was 188 and I topped out on 196 in the finish sprint.
As the overall winner of the day I received a year long membership to the zoo for my “Family” (2 adults,2 kids).
Even though it is only the beginning of the season I am already in great shape and looking forward to more great performances to come.
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