"You should prepare for every race as though it is a military campaign. Wherever you go, the terrain, weather, food, air quality, language, accommodation, culture - they are all different. You cannot go into those races with exactly the same strategy each time. Planning and customizing your approach to each race dramatically improves your chances of winning." From Chris McCormack's book I'm Here to Win.
I am about done reading McCormack's book and there are a lot of good tidbits in it. To be honest, the first few chapters are tremendous. Then it starts to slow down and I have yet to read the final chapters. But, the first set of chapters make it a worthwhile read and to each their own. You may find the final chapters more interesting then me. Either way, if you have not read a lot of books about winning and a winners approach then you should certainly read this one.
That does not imply you should mimic everything Chris has done. Obviously, we are not nearly as gifted as he is when it comes to swimming, cycling and running. And, that is one of his points in the book. Always be ready to adapt. Change your approach when it makes sense.
Bringing it On - Oliver Half Race Report
I am finally writing a follow-up to my own race at Oliver. Remember, I talked about "Bringing it On" a few blogs ago. We had shitty spring weather which meant cool training temperatures. As, luck would have it, I was right. It did get pretty warm on race day. Upwards of 25C. Ok, not hot like Australia hot or Hawaii hot by any stretch. But, a number of people mentioned how hot it was one race. Again, it is simply because we have had such a cool spring. I felt good. It did not feel "hot" to me. Between the sauna training and knowing how to race in hotter weather (by hydrating and sponging) I was able to stay comfortable in the heat.
The swim went really well. I got a great start by swimming beside Pro Jonathon Caron for 4m, then dropping back and following his feet for another meter. Seriously, I was able to get pulled out by Jon and away from the big pack which was nice. I swam strong to the first buoy and then settled into a mod-hard rhythm for the rest of the way. Coming out comfortably in 5th or 6th I believe.
I felt good starting the bike. The TREK speed concept from the Bike Barn did not disappoint. I am riding in a much better position. Lower again and steeper. Much like I did when I had my best years of riding. I have not put my power meter on it yet though, so, I really had to watch my pace early on. I did end up riding a little hard the first lap and was tired near the end of the bike course. My power and stamina is not quite there yet.
I started the run pretty stiff. I loosened up a bit but it never felt free like it sometimes does. I really held back on the run. I figured I was in a 1:35-39 shape and just went by feel that first lap. Starting the second lap, I actually felt better so I took that as a sign to pick it up. I did pick it up and it felt good. Unfortunately, that was a bad idea. I ran well to the 10th mile or 16km. Then the wheels came off. I was reduced to a shuffle. It honestly felt like I was in an Ironman run at that point. The last 5km were hard. I was very well hydrated and well fuelled so it has to be fitness.
I did not win nor did I come close to a PB. But, I never had that expectation going into the race. I missed my expectations by about 10 minutes on the run since I bonked so hard. The swim and bike did go quite well all things considered. My overall fitness was not quite there but it was close and I can see it approaching on the horizon.
I planned as well as I could for this race. I was ready for the heat and I was well rested. Nonetheless, I admit I was a little hesitant to do the race given my training and recent hip injury. But, I love racing. I love the hard effort it takes. I love the feeling of speed. I like being out there battling it out with everyone. And the best part is, I get to come home and play with my 10 month year old daughter.
I'm still here to win, it is just a different game now within the same sport and I plan to enjoy it just as well. This dad is now out to conquer the Fairmont Fantastic 3 Triathlon and is really going to enjoy that beer afterwards.
