Rev 3 Cedar Point 1/2 IM

It was an awesome day. One of the first where everything was in sync. Used music medication during the swim, no lung issues in the water. I came out of the water charged up and ready to go (slow swim, on purpose, 48 min). Smooth T1 and headed out on the bike course which had very few hills, but enough wind to make up for the lack of hills. As I was rounding mile 55, I was averaging 22.2 MPH, and starting thinking, oh no, did I just kill my legs for the run. Based off some advice from Brian P., I slowed the last mile a little to get some energy back. Ended the ride avg 22.1 according to Garmin. T2 went a little slower, b/c I chose compression socks for the run, (needed, but they added some time). I started out on the run, wondering how the legs would hold up. My goal was to hold 20 MPH on the bike and 9 to 9:15’s on the run. When the Garmin clicked the first mile, I looked down and saw my first Mile was a 7:14 and thought, OK, let’s see how far we can push this thing. Ended up with my first 3 miles under 8’s and held close to 8 for the next 8 miles. For me, who usually runs 8:30's I was very happy. Then I slowed to a little over 9 for the last two, minus a painful burst for the last 200 yards… I usually walk through rest stops, but I had a weird energy and I just kept running. Ended the run at 1:50, which is 3 min off my PR for a standalone half marathon. In the end, I finished at 5:18 and placed 2nd in the Maie Clydesdale division. I was shocked and ecstatic. The best race I have had thus far for certain. Looking forward to Lake Placid training. I switched to Infinit nutrition about a month ago and that stuff is amazing. Not saying it was the cause of my results, but it along with some great advice / coaching from Ed S., Brian P., Christian K., George V., and Dave D. definitely helped! Thanks everyone!!

Race season is off to a good start. Took 1st in the Clyde division at both Clays Park Sprint and Monroe Falls Sprint races. Bike has been doing great, 6th overall bike time in both races. Looking forward to the Oly distance races comming up soon. This Sunday is the Medina Twin Sizzler 27mile road bike race, always a fun and fast time...

Just getting started. This year's Race Schedule is shaping up as follows:

May 16th, Cleveland Marathon
June 13th, ONE Sprint Tri at Clays Park
June 27th, Munroe Falls, Summit Sprint Tri
July 4th, Median Twin Sizzler Road Bike Race
July 25th, Milton Man Olympic Tri (Tentative)
Aug 8th, Greater Cleveland Olympic Tri
Aug 15th, MS 150 "Pedal to the Point" Bike Ride
Aug 29th, Houston Woods Olympic Tri
Sept 12th, Rev 3 Half IM

About Photo Above...

Photo taken by Sue T., but layout and concept of the actual photo belongs to Daniel Smith (http://djsmithphotography.blogspot.com)