Sunday, July 19, 2009

Aquathlon July

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This aquathlon had a new addition in the form of chicken wings. Thanks to Quaker Steak and Lube, athletes could choose to eat up to three chicken wings after the swim and before the run. Each wing eaten gave the runner a 30 second time bonus. About 1/2 of the 100 or so athletes chose to eat at least one wing. I waited until after the race.

The weather before the race was extremely windy. The wind was coming across the lake and creating a lot of chop on the water. It made it very hard to set up the swim buoys for the course.

Fortunately, the wind died down before the race and the waves calmed some also. The swim was very bunched up in the beginning. It seemed as though the waves that remained, made it hard for swimmers to see eachother and as a result, the usual string of swimmers didn't start until after the first buoy.

I stayed behind a few swimmers and felt good on the swim. I came out about 6th or so and was onto the run. Because I had a fast transition and didn't eat any wings I think I was running third after the transition. Mark Harms and another fast person were way up ahead.

I got passed about 1/2 mile into the run and then got passed by another at about the one mile. I was hoping to stay in 5th. I felt good and was running pretty fast. At the last hill (with about 1/2 mile to go) Ben (puker) passed me and I could see wing sauce all over his face. I tried to stay behind him and kept it pretty close. I knew Steve was also right behind me. Steve passed me and we both sped up and ran side by side for a while. On the last stretch Steve pulled ahead and ended up beating me. This is the worst way to finish a race-getting beat at the end. It was frustrating to get passed at the end, but I am still happy overall that I had a good swim and run and had a lot of fun racing.

The post race wings were great and went fast. Someone also showed up with a big box of cookies that were delish.

Can't wait for the next one.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

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Pardeeville Triathon

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Yesterday was the Pardeville tri. This race is very cool because it has a small town feel, the bike and run are quite flat, and there is great support on the run. Capital City Multisport had a good showing with three members bringing home hardware.

This was my first time racing here. I had a nice swim and came out first-then slow tranish and was second on the bike. I passed the first biker and was riding first until my bro passed me. Then I got passed by a few legit riders and eventually some drafters.

The ride was fast and flat except for a few sections of tailwind. Ryan had a great bike and averaged about 23.8 or so for the whole 15.

My run was uneventful because I had about 1 min ahead and behind me. Ryan was right in the middle of a group on the run and had a nice run and finished 6th overall. I ended up 12th overall.
It was a fun race. Jenny from Wistri series does a great job (I think she raced this tri and won the female group).

I would reccomend this race to anyone who is looking for a fast, fun, race and looking for a smaller hometown fee.

Congrats to Ryan G who finsihed 6th overall with a great swim,bike and run. (without drafting).

Also congrats to Chris Lopez who is a newly minted triathlete. He has been training for long distance races but decided to check his endurance. He had a great first sprint, finishing 20th overall with a fast bike and run. Nice job Lopez. Watch out for this guy when IM Moo comes around! He is a powerful biker and has a solid run.

Monday, July 6, 2009

VERONA TO PLATTEVILLE AND BACK

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Lunch Time! We left all our bikes unlocked and no one was worried.

Downtown Blanchardville Wisconsin

I had to get a picture of the remington 7 mag license plate- I grew up with a love of guns.

Some of the beautiful scenery we experienced

Ryan G- Thank you for orgainizing this great ride

Half way- Stop for some burgers, soda/beer and viewing of the tour. The people at this Platteville bar were super friendly and turned the tour on for us as soon as we walked it.

Tell me this doesn't make you want to ride your bike

This was the 4th annual Verona to Platteville and back ride. It was my first. The ride is nice for people training for Ironman Moo because of the hills and similarity of terrain. We rode a total of about 140 miles with Steph deciding to do a large hill session on her own.

We left about 7:20 a.m. from Fireman's Park in Verona. This was a great ride because the pace is fairly easy with full sag support from the Race Day Events Van.

Kitty from Fleet Feet Madison drove the first 70 miles and did a great job. She drove with hazards on and would double beep the horn every time a car was approaching.

The group spaced out pretty good with most people choosing to ride with two to three people rather than the whole group.

The route was truly pleasurable with very little traffic, enough hills to keep it interesting, and some wonderful scenery. This was my longest ride ever and my plan was to ride it and see what happened. I felt alright the whole way and was fortunate to finish the whole ride with no problems.

Everyone on the ride was very friendly and we all had an excellent time. Even though it took all day, everyone kept a positive attitude and enjoyed themselves along the way.

I would reccomend this ride to anyone for next year.