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Triathlon Update – Double Post: Ludington Lighthouse and Cedar Point Rev3

Been a busy few weeks for me and  guess “life” has been getting in the way a bit, keeping me from my updates. Good news is the racing circuit has been good for me over the past couple of races and wanted to bring everyone up to speed.

August 19 – Ludington Lighthouse Olypmic

This is one of my favorite races, not only because the venu is a great location on the shores of Lake Michigan, but it gives my wife and I a chance to spend the weekend with my grandparents who live in Pentwater, just south of Ludington. I came into the race feeling pretty good and had a nice base of miles under my belt. Unlike the Lumberman in Cadillac, I came out of the swim feeling very strong and was pleased with my performance. Looking forward to the bike, where I typically make up any time from a slower swim, I ended up finishing the 26 mile course in just over 1 hour and 3 minutes for an average speed in the 23 mph range. Starting the run, I was a bit afraid that I maybe spent too much energy on the bike and headed out of the transition area for my 6.2 miles the legs were tight and I had to be careful not to let the “tinges” of cramps take hold and manage going fast enough to keep competitive, yet not disable myself with leg cramps. Fortunately, I found the right balance and was able to put in a sub-9 minute mile pace for the entire event.

I was excited to come across the line and see my wife, aunt and cousin (with her brand new baby) waiting for me at the finish line. When the results came out, I was pleased to discover I won the Clydesdale division (200 lbs+). In my years of racing, this marked the very first time I’d ever stood atop the podium with “gold” and being able to do that with family present made it even more special.

September 9 – Cedar Point Rev3

Last time I raced the Rev3 event I had just turned 40 and was one of the “big goals” I had set to make sure that I could prove to myself that I was not getting old. That was the first time that I had completed a 70.3 mile triathlon event and it was an amazing experience. Last year, unfortunately, I dealt with some foot issues that really kept me from doing much running, so running anything longer than 3-4 miles was not an option for me.

The good news is that my foot recovered and I was back on for the event this year. I signed up for the 7.03 (half) event and Kathy Roche-Wallace (www.GoKathyGo.com) signed on for the full 140.6. One of the best parts of the event is they have it at Cedar Point, so I got to “be a kid” on Saturday and spend some time riding the roller coasters. Mark joined me for the weekend as my “support crew” and we stayed with my good buddy, Shayne, who pulled his camper up to CP for the weekend. I was also excited for Mark and Shayne to spend some time together while I raced because Shayne’s oldest daughter, Christi, unfortunately passed away in 2006 and Mark is one of the only survivors of the same type of cancer that took her all too soon from us. I’m sure it was a great day for the both of them.

Sunday morning arrived and Kathy and I were up at 5 am and were pleased to see clear skies and no signs of rain in the forecast. Shayne had wanted to do the Olympic event on Saturday, but was rained out, so I was a bit concerned that Mother Nature would do the same to us, but that was not the case. Headed to the transition area while it was still dark outside, I got my area set up and pumped up the tires one last time. Kathy was off at 7:05 am for a mass start and I was able to see her head out into Lake Erie with the rest of the full participants. I took off just over an hour later for my 1.2 mile swim, which went well. I was very comfortable in the water and enjoyed the swim, but as always was looking forward to the bike.

Headed out for my 56 miles on the bike, the wind picked up and some of the roads were “chipped and sealed”, making some of the areas a bit of a challenge and made it important to pay attention to where you were headed so your wheel didn’t catch a hole or crack and result in an early end to the race. I was able to pass a lot of folks on the bike, which is usually the case. But, I have to admin, I was a bit concerned about the 13.1 mile run coming up since I had started getting some cramps on the bike (which is unusual for me).

Starting the run and knowing that I had a half-marathon waiting for me I figured I’d just “trot” along and keep a steady pace. I went as fast as I could without risking cramps. The race headed out of the park and into downtown Sandusky, where it wound through the city streets. I recalled from two years ago running past an Irish Pub and joked with Shayne about making sure he was there to get me a Guinness. Imagine my surprise when making the turn and looking down the street to see the orange rims of his Trek District bike parked at the Pub. I ran up on the sidewalk and a bunch of race fans were enjoying some “adult beverages” and sure enough he had a freshly poured one waiting for me. I took a healthy pull, the crowd went nuts (ha ha) and then I was off for the remaining 7 miles!

Returning to the park, I could see the finish line and a big smile came across my face because I knew I was on the verge of finishing my second 70.3 event. I was able to run the entire time (ok, maybe I did make a little bit of a Guinness pitstop), which was one of my primary goals. Finishing just over 6 hours and 1 minute, I barely missed my sub-6 hour goal, but there was nothing “left in the tank” and was pleased with my results. I ended up mid-pack in both the Clydesdale division and overall, with around 750 total participants in the half.

Kathy came across in 12.5 hours and ended up winning her age group in the full and finishing 20th women overall! Granted, she’s typically used to doing three of these at a time, but I was really proud of her and loved that I was able to be at the finish line to see her come across and give her a great big hug!

What a great event and weekend it ended up being and I’m pleased to say that I’m now able to walk down stairs without wincing in pain thanks to sore legs. I’m already looking forward to coming back again next year. The Rev3 folks put on a great event and can’t think of any other venue where you can spend the day riding roller coasters and race the next day. I’m going to enjoy some recovery time, but look forward to getting back on the bike again real soon.

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Cadillac Lumberman Triathlon Race Update

So this update is a bit “tardy” getting to the site, but as they say…. better late than never. On Saturday, July 28th I raced the Olympic(+) distance Lumberman triathlon in Cadillac, MI. As I got in the truck to head to the race (bright and early at 5:15 am), the temperature gauge read 50 degrees – HALF of what the temp had been lately (which was a good thing). Additionally, the Cadillac area had got about 3 inches of rain in the past couple of days, which also helped to drop the water temps and made for what I hoped was going to be a much more comfortable race day.

The swim was an “in-water” start and getting into the water racers got to walk through what seemed like a “mine filed” of rocks and other debris until getting to the deeper water and a smoother sandy bottom. I didn’t realize it at the start, but after the 1500 meter swim (which could have been a little faster) I started my exit and with the first step of my right foot, felt like I had something jabbed in the bottom of my foot. I even went so far as to try and pull what I thought was in there before transitioning out of the water, but couldn’t find anything. So, I ran “half-footed” up the shore to the transition area and before even taking off my wetsuit, sat down (which is not something that you’re supposed to do when doing transitions for a triathlon) and figured I’d see a stick jammed well into the bottom of my foot. Good news (kind of) was my foot was just sliced by a Zebra muscle and there was nothing to extract and it didn’t bother me once I got on the bike.

Finisher and 3rd Place Clydesdale Medals

The next event, the bike, is my best and favorite part of a triathlon and I was able to make up a lot of ground from my swim. I’d not been in the water for a bit, so didn’t have big expectations for the swim. However, I’d been doing a lot of riding and running so I had big plans to make up some time. I passed a lot of people on the bike and for the most part, the course was flat and fast. Temperatures remained in the mid 60s with a slight breeze and only at the turn-around point did some hills come into play. I was able to pass many of the riders on the hills (as they would not “break” aerodynamic position, but that’s not the best way to climb), plus being “clydesdale” size (200 lbs+) the downhills were fast and continued to make up time.

I came into the transition area feeling great, couldn’t even feel the cut on my foot, and ready for the last leg, a run around Cadillac Lake. In the opening paragraph, I referred to the event as Olympic(+), which means it was just a bit longer than a typical Olympic distance event since a full lap around the lake is almost 7 miles (and a typical event is a 10k – 6.2 miles). Normally on the run I end up seeing many of the people that I passed on the bike, as I’ve never been much of a runner. But I had dedicated a lot of my training time to getting faster on the run so I was excited to see if it was paying off.

I came in past the first mile checkpoint around 8:30 which was much faster than I expected, and admit that I cracked a little smile after looking at my watch. The challenge was I had 6 more miles to go and that little voice in the back of my head questioned if I was going to hold that pace for the rest of the run, or if I’d “blow up” half way through. Fortunately, I was able to remain on pace for the remainder of the run and for the first time I actually passed people on the run! Of course, I got passed by a handful of the riders I passed on the bike, but ended up finishing with a 8:50 mile pace for the entire 7 miles. I was very pleased with my time, no leg cramps and finished strong, keeping the footsteps behind me at bay and avoiding getting passed in the final few hundred yards.

I ended up placing 33rd of our around 70 total participants for the day and took 3rd in the Clydesdale division (200 lbs and over). My swim (knowing that it was not my best showing) was 58th fastest, but my bike showing (at 14th) is where I really made up some time and overall had the 38th fastest run. This was the first time (in a long time) that I got any sort of a placing medal, and was more than happy to bring home the “bronze” for the day.

I’ve done a couple of mountain bike races and a dirt road race this year, but this was my first triathlon of the summer in preparation for my 70.3 Rev3 event at Cedar Point on September 9th. This event is my personal fundraiser to support the fight against childhood cancer and looking forward to raising some money for this worthy cause (hey, how about you make a donation!?).

Next up is the state road race (Citizens/Cat 5) up in Traverse City on August 12th and then I’m headed over to Ludington on the 19th for the Lighthouse Olympic triathlon. That’s always a fun weekend, as my grandparents live in Pentwater, just south of Ludington so it’s a good weekend all-around and I’ve had a little cheering section the past couple of years with my wife, aunt and cousins coming over to support me. It’s always nice coming across the line and seeing familiar faces.

Hopefully the next report will have even more good news from the road race next weekend, so keep your fingers crossed. It’s going to be a busy weekend for WSI-Team Active Cycling, as we’ve got racers participating in events across the state. Good luck to my teammates and with any luck, we’ll see you on the podium!

~Eric

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The Lady Luck of Racing

Race #1 Grand Rapids Criterium (Women’s 3/4) – BAD Luck.

This weekend I decided to go up and race the Grand Rapids Criterium (Women’s 3-4) on Saturday.  Not much in miles this year, haven’t done a crit in 3 or 4 years I think, but what the heck, the Michigan Women’s Racing Forum was encouraging 3’s and 4’s to come out and race as the promoter made a separate race this year for the 3/4’s.  Three days before the race, I renewed my USA Cycling road license and registered for the race.  Two days before the race, some aggressive bouldering at the local climbing gym tweaked my hip out.  As Danny, Devin and Brett can attest to, I was a whiny bundle of nerves during the drive and before the race.  I squeezed into the skinsuit and warmed up on the rollers of which I gracelessly slid (ok, fell) off 5 minutes later – maybe the beginning of the brake issue?  Warming up on the course (there were delays in starting our race), I just felt tired and sluggish – thinking, yeah a bit out of shape, but must be nerves.  Race started with 15 of us, not too bad a pace on a great 8 corner course – and I felt awful.  I was up where I needed to be, but after a few laps I was so utterly exhausted, I  just slid off the back and finished the race by myself, not quite dead last, but almost.  Very heartbroken, thinking the Wednesday ride is faster, maybe I can no longer do this, I sat next to the car for a bit then as I lifted my bike to the rack, I noticed the back wheel was immobile….come to find out, my brake had shifted and was rubbing quite nicely against my wheel.  I laughed.  Frustrating, but laughing was all I could do.  Bummer!

Race #2  Milford State Criterium Championships (Women 4) – GOOD Luck (and darn lucky!)

Saturday night, I couldn’t stop thinking about racing, about maybe more structured training next year…and thinking about the Milford Crit.  But our house has been in construction mode for a while and really needs to be done.  I promised I would work on it this weekend.  But the race….  Couldn’t sleep, woke up at 6 am, debating, what time do I have to leave, but the house…  Paced the house, finally Brett grabs me and says go, I’ll load your bike, you can still make it over for the 10:45 am start (it was 7:25 am).  Some slight exceeding the speed limit, I didn’t tell anyone from the team in case a repeat of performance of Saturday (minus the brake – just my lack of endurance).  Made it, walked into Devin around a corner and to my nervous delight, was thrilled to see him.  He helped pin my number on a smelly skinsuit (sort of forgot to wash it..) and got me set up before heading out for church. 

13 strong Cat 4 women (I was the 13th) for 35 minutes plus 2 laps on the great, technical, bit hilly Milford course.  Off the get go I was out front for a lap to test the corners and then tucked myself in the top 5.  One gal decided she didn’t want me to have the 4th spot and kept trying (quite unsucessfully) to ‘push’ me back.  I politely declined her advances, took the spot, then when she made a small verbal complaint, I very gently guided her tighter into the corner than I think she preferred (I did not and would not intentionally ever put someone in a ditch or off course, but if you are going to actually bump shoulders with me over a spot, I will happily let you know that I could put you in a ditch if you persist).  It was all good btw, we chatted afterward.  A good race, several of us led some strong laps.  My cornering was stronger, but my low endurance wouldn’t allow me to stray far from the pack without risking a blowup.  The last left hand corner is just wicked and requires a lot of handling skill at high speeds.  I was testing the corner, trying to tighten my line to gain spots.  Final lap, and one of the stronger, better cornering gals, Shannon, attacked the field, and with a quick jump, I tucked in right behind her, ready for the final sprint.  We hit that corner fast and hard and Shannon went down right in front of me and slid slightly right.  Never touching my brakes, I actually tightened my line into the turn and flew right by her.  My sprint needs some serious work, I forgot I was on the hoods, but sprint I did, not knowing who else was right behind me.  Almost to the finish, I risked a look back and they were far enough back (they told me they got caught behind Shannon – took their corner too wide), I was able to do a victory salute….except, I wasn’t over the line yet!!  They have a banner over a section of bricks – looks like the finish, but the tiny white line is 20 feet more forward.  After looking at the finish picture, I was really, really darn lucky I didn’t get passed at the actual line (with my hands in the air)!!  Thank you Lady Luck for that one – I owe you!! 

Thanks to Devin and to Jack for making the day fun!

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Bloomer Park Cycling Heaven 7.22,12

Not only was there an awesome Mountain Bike race going on at Bloomer today, there was a full-on demonstration of races in the Velodrome.  I need to spend some time in the Velodrome and tell you more about it.

This race report is going to be  kind of ‘run of the mill’ because that was what my performance was.  I went out (my new Fuel EX frame was freaky fast) I rode the switch backs as well as I could , I rode the straight parts as fast as I could and I finished 3rd.

It was hot and dusty, no disasters, just kinda did was I was supposed to do.  I did ride behind Neil Sharphorn for a lap.  He is a legend.  70 plus years old, Nationally recognized MTB racer.  He was awesome to follow.  Awesome motor up-hills, was smooth as silk in the turns…I kept telling him how awesome he was, he was having trouble hearing me though so every time I talked to him, he slowed down so he could hear me….figured I would quit slowing him down.  And yes, he beat me by a couple minutes—most happy I will ever be to have been beat by a 70 year old stroke surviver….I can only hope to be that fast and fit when I am 70.

Thanks to WSI-Team Active for letting me live a dream.

Jack Miner.

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Waterford Race 7.18.12 “Mind over Mechanical”

Both the A race and the B race last night at Waterford Hills were very strange.  Maybe it was just me and a couple other guys that I ride with there, but we all agreed that the races were very schizophrenic. The stats on my bike computer showed that we averaged about 24 miles an hour for 1:10 minutes or so, but the feeling I had in my legs was that we were going 30 mph for 10 hours!  The group was very nervous and there were a lot of quick line changes that kept everyone on edge.  We would power up to 30 MPH and then sit up a mile later at 18 MPH.  Based on what Devin and Danny have been reporting, this seems quite typical of a CAT 4 race, but it was more pronounced last night than I remember it at Waterford.

While I was awaiting the race to start, I heard a strange vibration in my bike, but looked at my hub (new power tap hub) and figured it was just the sound from the hub.  I should have looked at my brakes…more on that later. The first 30 minutes were the usual settling into a pace and getting to know each other, some new faces were there from Bay City TCC Racing and a guy from North Carolina (who thought the course was comically flat!) but these fresh faces seemed unusually uncomfortable in a pack, creating over-braking in the turns and wacky line changes over the splits in the cement.

I am loving my new GARMIN and Cycle Ops Power Tap, I get more data than a Formula One Pit crew chief (too bad I cannot fine tune the engine to put out more horse power.)  Power, Cadence, Heart Rate, Distance, Average Speed were all very similar to the last race, which surprised me—as I stated, I thought last night was a huge effort compared to 3 weeks ago.  Or, maybe it is the fact that I continued to hear a hum from my bike and with 10 minutes to go, I loosed my rear brake and realized that it had been rubbing the whole time.  The brake was a little off-center and there was just enough of a wobble in the rear wheel to cause it to rub, even with the brake released.  Unfortunately, I debugged that too late, if I had realized I was having an issue, I could have taken a mechanical lap, but not in the last 10 minutes of the race.  The hum from my bike and fear that my bike was having a mechanical wore on me the whole race and I think made it seem like a larger effort than it obviously was.

It was a pack finish for me and the IPA tasted extra good at the finish.  GO Team WSI-Team Active.  On my way to Bloomer Park to pre-ride the course for Sunday’s race.

Jack Miner