KC Triathlon Race Report

FORECAST:  Rain.  Buckets of rain.

SUMMARY:  Bad conditions make for good memories and stories.

Backstory

It had been at least 6 years since my last triathlon and at least that many since my good buddy, Matt had done one either.  Back in the day, we trained for an IronMan together.  Since then, father time has been nipping at our heels.  Life has become busier.  We're both in our mid forties.  We've both had injuries.  He's even had surgery on his back (twice) and on his shoulder since IronMan.  I've fought through long recurring achilles issue and had just recently finished physical therapy for a knee problem.  Never the less, we thought meeting in Kansas City for the Kansas City Triathlon would a fun way to get ourselves in shape and meet up for a visit.

Training

My basic weekly plan was 2 swims, 3 runs, 3 bikes and 3 strength sessions each week.  For a month, I did pretty well with that schedule but realized early on I just didn't have enough time to do two workouts a day, 6 days a week.  With a full time job, side projects and a new relationship with a spectacular woman, that level of training was simply unrealistic.  Eventually, training had dwindled to no swimming, 1-2 bike rides, 2 runs and 1-2 strength sessions.  

Fortunately, I had developed very a good fitness level by doing the two things that kept me sane during COVID:  running and a HIIT strength training. 

The Fun Stuff

Matt and I talked often and we both knew that he would be stronger on the swim and maybe just a hair faster on the bike.  My job was going to be to chase him down on the run.  The stage was set for two old friends to have a race within the race.

Early on, my girlfriend was incredibly supportive and encouraging.  She was interested.  And then, her son also agreed to make the drive.  As if, I didn't already have enough motivation to beat Matt, I also wanted to make my cheering section proud.

Race Day

Rain delay.  The weather forecast was right.  Heavy rain delayed the race and the swim leg of the race was cancelled. Instead, we would start with a 1 mile run, then 20k bike and finish with a 5k run.

At first, the delay and then the change in the race format threw a wrench in the plan that I had in my head.  Then I realized that these are the things that make events memorable.  And a sloppy soggy mess mess of a race would certainly be memorable.  

Driving to the race site, it rained.  A light drizzle continued to fall as we walked to the transition are and set up our bikes and gear.  The sky to the west looked like it was just waiting to dump water on the race course.

The time trial start was nice because there was no bottle neck getting onto the running trail but as the race progressed, I would have no idea who was technically in front of me or behind me.  As soon as my shoes it the muddy trail, the fun began.  Puddles were everywhere and it was pointless to try and avoid them.  My feet were soaked within a quarter mile and would remain so for the rest of the race.  I consciously resisted the temptation to hammer that first mile.  There would be a bike and another run soon.  And and an 8:02 mile was just fine.

I made a smooth transition and hopped on my bike without braking stride as soon as I exited the transition area.  There would be three turn arounds on the bike that would allow me to see if Matt was gaining on me.  And there he was about a quarter mile after the first turnaround.  I couldn't tell if he was gaining though. The course was relatively fast but also had nearly constant rolling hills.  Pushing the pace just bit, I felt like stalked prey.  Matt had been riding more than I had, so I had to press the gas but not blow up.  Just after the 2nd turn around there was a tough climb.  I watched for Matt but didn't see him.  I continued pressing. At the 3rd and final turn around, I still didn't see him.  I looked over my shoulder but he wasn't behind me.  I continued pressing until the last mile of the bike in order to let my legs recover before the run. As I entered the transition area, I heard and saw a hot blonde (my girlfriend) cheering.  What a boost!

Trying to get out of the transition as quickly as possible, I racked my bike, shucked my water filled bike shoes and stuffed my feet in my soggy running shoes. Off I went!  Just steps away from exiting, a volunteer pointed out that I had left my helmet on.  DOH!  I could have saved time and just left it but I couldn't have that in my run photos.  

Heading out on the run course, I realized my legs were not cooperating.  They were dead.  My calves were screaming at me and I wondered if I should walk.  Instead, I just kept shuffling and hoped I would loosen up.  Finally, a mile into the run my calves began relaxing and I was able to increase my cadence.  A half mile later and my legs were loose but fatigued.  It was too soon to run much faster but the desire was there.  My watch let me know that there was only a mile left and I had to dig deep.  My legs felt like they were on fire from within.  Lactic acid was boiling and I decided to let it go.  I growled and it came out a lot louder than planned.  A few people in front of me actually flinched.  "Let's get it" I thought.  With just under a mile to go, I was finally able really push the pace.  I looked for other guys who might be in my age group.  I caught two victims who looked like they were running in the relay event.  They sped up and I stayed with them. Both of them started to sprint and just as we rounded the corner for the finish line, I heard that my favorite hot blonde cheering for me.  I passed both of relay runners, crossed the finish line, and immediately pulled to the side not wanting to puke in the middle of everyone.  No puking needed today, though.  What a finish.