Executive Summary
What a fabulous weather day in the Twin Cities! Low 80’s, not so humid, brilliant sunshine, little wind, wow! The race results were good, not great, but good. I’m always happy to finish knowing that I gave a solid effort. There was little, if any, left in the tank as I crossed the finish line and no new injuries to report. Someone earlier in the day told me that the best part of the race is the first three minutes after it is over. Not sure about the three minutes part but I’d have to agree; basking in the immediate afterglow of an event is definitely a great feeling. Albeit for my less than stellar navigational skills in the swim, the bike and run were strong, and the day did yield in a new PR (on a longer but reportedly faster bike course) even if by only 0:26 seconds.
Overview
The eighth edition of the Buffalo Triathlon was held on Sunday, 05 June, 2011. This was my fifth
Buffalo Triathlon. This early season race has become tradition; I love the venue. The town of Buffalo is nestled between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud and is a true Minnesota treasure that provides a great mix of old and new. The event is very well run and draws a great mix of new and seasoned triathletes. This event is touted as the second largest triathlon in the state; second only to the Minneapolis Lifetime Fitness event held in July. The race typically fills to its 1500 participant limit for the combined sprint and Olympic distance events. Annually the event is held the first Sunday in June; typically, the weekend before the start of Buffalo Days, the town’s week- long summer celebration. The race is well supported by the community; there are hundreds of volunteers that make the day safe and enjoyable for all participants.
The Swim – 1500M
There was plenty of chatter the last couple of weeks on the Buffalo Tri-Club Facebook page about the swim and the cold water temps. The water ended up about 68F degrees and was a non-factor for most. It was a calm morning and the counter-clockwise course around the giant yellow duck buoys should yield some fast times.
I was in wave 7 of 7 for the individual Olympic distance participants, which meant that there were nearly 350 swimmers in my way. I was touting my new (sleeveless TYR Hurricane Cat5) wet suit, and other than the constant churning my tummy had started since rising at 03:16 this morning, I was ready. This was my first ‘A’ race of the year, my training has been good, and so far (knock on wood) I have avoided any serious injuries. My time goal for the day was to go sub 2:20. I had hoped to go under 22 minutes in the swim today.
I picked my way through traffic. I was holding a tight inside line. After making the turn on the way out to the far end of the course, I noticed the rainbow of caps. The bump and grind became more noticeable, yet I continued to find clear water. As we made the final turn toward shore the glare from the sun was a significant factor. I did not have clear vision of the next buoy. I was swimming in traffic and was looking for clear water. Only seconds earlier I was surrounded, now I was alone, I sighted the duck and swam a little more. Then that feeling that something was not quite right came over me. I stopped, looked up, I could see the duck a few hundred yards ahead but I was by myself. I suddenly realized the sun was not in my eyes, oh crapskies…the swimmers were coming toward me, not good! I turned around; I was 50+ yards off course swimming back toward the water fountain and the first turn buoy. How is that possible, how did I get so turned around? I turned the big ship back in the right direction and headed back toward the course. At this point I was swimming perpendicular to the course and was making little gains towards shore. I felt deflated and dumb! How was I going to make this up? I pushed the negative thoughts out; there was nothing I was going to do about it now. I needed to get my head back into the rest of this swim and on to the rest of the day. Forget it and move on, sh… happens.T1 – Bike to Swim
My transitions continue to improve but are still a weakness. I do not practice them in training often enough and therefore do not make significant improvements year to year. I consistently leave precious time in the pits.
The Bike – 25.5 Miles
The bike course was altered this year due to road construction around Lake Buffalo. The bike is typically 40K (24.8 miles) and due to the reroute this year’s course is 0.7 miles longer. The marketing pitch on the event website claimed although longer, the course was flatter and faster. The traditional course at Buffalo is moderately hilly, mostly rolling, but challenging. The new route followed two state highways, had narrow shoulders with rumble strips, and was completely shared with the sprint course. This made for a lot of congestion, and in my case, one very close call.
The basic rectangle, two loop open course, was fast in sections and slow, primarily due to traffic, in others. I had to weave in and out between the rumble strips to pass. Some sections of the course, especially on the first loop, were very crowded. About 7 miles into the first loop I touched wheels and bars with a fellow competitor. At the time, and even now thinking back on it, I’m not sure who was at fault. We both apologized at the time and were very lucky not to be picking asphalt out of our shorts (among other things).
There was a no passing zone about the last mile or so into T2 which was uncomfortable at best.
As with the swim, I felt strong throughout the bike although my tummy situation had not improved. I tried not to aggravate things and took in no nutrition on the bike. I took in water only and consumed somewhere between 16 to 18 ounces over my 1+ hour ride.
T2 – Bike to Run
I had thought about trying to slip my feet out of my shoes and doing a double back flip dismount but decided against it at the last minute. I really should practice my transitions. For an Olympic distance race I should be able to shave 1 to 1-1/2 minutes with a little practice.
The Run – 10K
By this time of the morning the sun was feeling very warm, temps had climbed into the mid 70’s and there was not a cloud in sight. The run course is basically an out and back with a small out and back branch just past half way. There is a decent climb starting about 2-1/2 miles in up to the cemetery for the turnaround. I was about a mile into the run when the Australian pro Chris Legh went flying by on his way to a blistering 1:53 and change finish. I briefly thought…his swim wave went off 12 minutes before mine so I still have a chance…NOT!
I felt pretty good, I found a good rhythm, and was mentally focused on what had to be done. My tummy was still not happy; I avoided taking in anything other than water. The closer to the finish the more the water was poured on my head and not into my mouth.
I try to find the edge of what is a maintainable pace. When looking back at a race I always question if I pushed hard enough and or how much more was left in the tank. Even though I did not wear a heart rate monitor during the race, I know based on perceived exertion, that my revometer was flirting with the red line.
The Result
Even given my poor navigational skills in the water, and the longer bike course, the day did produce a PR. It’s arguable that a head- to- head comparison to previous years is not possible due to the course change but with that noted I was 0:26 seconds faster than the previous year. I did not break the 2 hour and 20 minute barrier as hoped, I fell short by a few minutes and I’m okay with it. Every race comes with its own challenges; this one is not the exception. I was able to reconnect with a lot of friends and other like minded endurance sport folk. I had fun and worked hard and look forward to taking up the challenge again next year, a year older, and a year wiser.
