What a great season! I had a hard time saying that at first because I expected a lot from myself, but as the season went on, and as I look back, I can appreciate more what I have accomplished.
I kicked off my season with the Grand Duathlon, in Kentwwod, MI where the weather was wet and cold. I didn't have terribly high expectations for this race, but I still wanted to fair well. Mostly this served as a tune-up to the season, so it was what it was.
In training I had what I considered some solid time trials where I averaged 24+ mph over 10 and 15 miles. With this in mind, I expected to have some killer bike splits in my races during the season.
The Rev3, Knoxville, TN, Olympic distance triathlon was my next event and even though I had yet to have an open water swim for 2010, I was expecting to do well. The day started out pretty cold and a little breezy, but the sun was out and my spirits were high. I had a reasonably decent swim, a bike that was disappointing at the time, and a pretty good run. It was a great experience and I'm glad I took on the challenge, but I left feeling like I didn't have the stellar day I had hoped for.
I followed Rev3 with the new Double Time Sprint Triathlon in Three Rivers, MI. It was short, fast, and fun. I still didn't get the kind of bike split I thought I should be having, but I pulled off a second place overall, and a pretty solid run, so it was still rewarding.
The National 24-Hour Challenge (bike ride) held in Middleville, MI was enjoyable and I met my goal of earning my 1,000 mile jersey (cumulative mileage over the years) and another 200+ mile day. Even though I left tired and a little sore, I met my goals.
Taking on the Del Sol Triathlon is always fun because the distances are suited to me and it's located only a few minutes from my house. I had a resonable swim, a respectable ride, and a run I can feel good about. Because I scored 5th overall, it made the effort all the more worth while.
The Mellennium Park Triathlon, in Grand Rapids, MI was a great event. the weather was perfect and I had a solid performance. I was 11th overall, which was only one place later than my goal of top 10. I was particulalry please with my run split. I averaged 6:01's for the 5k.
The Timberman, Ironman 70.3, in New Hampshire was my big goal race for the season. I had a great experience and produced a race I can be proud of. In fact, for a while during the first half of the run I thought I was going to score a 1/2 Ironman PR of about 15 minutes. Nevertheless, this was what I believe is my second fastest 1/2 Ironman. It was a nice family trip and a fantastic event. Worth it!
My last race of the season really challenged me. I did the 1/2 Iron distance event at the Tawas Festival of Races in Tawas, MI, put on by 3D Racing. The air temperature was cold and the water was colder. The water was also brutal with waves crashing us every which way. In fact, the swim was cut short due to conditions, and I still swam a similar time as when I swim the normal distance under calmer circumstances. My bike was pretty good, but I fell apart on the run. I expected to finish around 5:15 and I finished around 5:17, but it was very challenging, ugly, and humbling. It was difficult ending my season on that note, but at the same time, it's good to have races like this once in a while to appreciate when things click and go well.
I registered for the Great Turtle 1/2 marathon on Mackinac Island in mid-October, but after the Tawas event I could not shake my tight and sore Achilles tendons. They got worse, so I pulled myself out and didn't even start. It was cool though because I was able to watch Maggie run an amazing race where she placed as 9th overall woman and 1st in the 35-39 age group! She ran smart and was focused. This effort inspired me for when she and I plan to run the 2011 Riverbank Run 25K together.
Looking back, I have to give myself four out of five stars for this season. I need to continue to ice and be smart when I start running again, but I think my season went well and set me up well mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as I travel the road to Ironman Louisville 2011.
Once again this year, thank you for the support I've received. A particular thanks to Maggie for always supporting my triathlon efforts; to my children Alex, Claudia, Payton, and Frank for being understanding of my passion for the sport of triathlon; to my Mom, Dad, and brothers and sisters for their support and encouragment; to my friends for their support and encouragement. Last but not least, thanks to God who has granted me the ability to swim, bike, and run in a competitive manner.
If you want to read about my races in details, you will need to copy and paste the race links in my early Race Report links.
Peace,
~Sam
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