Wildflower - WHAT THE HELL???

What the hell just happened? That thought continues to go thru my mind. I’ve been dreading writing this race report, and breaking things down, because I’m so frustrated with the race and the result, that I don’t even want to think about it.

But as a coach and teacher, I understand the need to dissect the race and learn from the things which happened. So, here’s a race report, but short and concise.

Felt great leading in the race, body was ready. No injuries, no aches, no pains. Set to go. Tightened down all bolts because I know how rough the road is. Got dropped from the chase pack in the swim, but still managed to hold on for a decent split at 25 mins and change, about 90 secs off the leaders.

Bike starts off rough, I’m struggling up the hill and I don’t understand why. Later, I’m catching a bunch of guys, but it’s clear I’m falling further and further behind. Not taking in much water, seems too cool with the strong winds. Bad idea. Mile 30 of the bike and I get stung by a bee, just between the arm-pad and my forearm. Stings like hell, pull it out, hope it won't affect my race.

Still struggling on the bike, and the wind is kicking my butt. Tensing so hard to stabilize the bike in the winds, my triceps and lats are killing me! I get to Nasty Grade, and a guy tells me I’m 16th. What the hell just happened??? I feel like the tire is flat, but I keep looking down and it’s fine. I finally get into transition and the bike is all weird as I try to push it. After the race when I get my bike, I realize the brake pad was rubbing on the disc wheel so bad, the wheel couldn’t turn. Hmm, no wonder.

I go out for the run and get thru 2 miles in 13:30, NOT GOOD. I realize it’s not my day, but I’m going to finish and make sure I get a workout out of it. Thru 7 miles in just under 49 mins, AWFUL. Run a 5:40 mile from 7 to 8, finally starting to feel ok, mostly because I’ve taken in a bunch of water now, but the race is essentially over. Just kept it steady on in, and finished in 4:28. Disappointing to say the least. I finished 14th, but that’s no consolation.

Talking with Peter, I did a number of things wrong. First, didn’t have the bike ready to race. Thought it was ready, it wasn’t. I needed to make sure the bolts were tighter, and the brake better set. Second, I didn’t drink enough water. Third, I arrived on Friday morning, and probably rushed myself with the race. Next time I will leave earlier and get things situated. Fourth, I was overconfident. My training has been great, and I thought it would probably come easier than it would. Now I’m embarrassed to put my name next to that result.

Now it’s 3 days later, and my arm is still a little swollen, but definitely better. Here’s a photo of it from Sunday.



Now it’s a few days easy, and then back at it for Ironman Coeur d’Alene, with a race workout at Temecula for XTERRA West. There is now a sense of urgency in the Vance household. NFA…For real, NFA. Hopefully, this is just what I needed.