Life of a Multisports Dad: September 2012

After a long summer 'break' from triathlons, Leadman is my first race since Wildflower in May. I've been focused on my Ironman Arizona training, so as it's getting closer, I've picked a couple races to get me back into race mode. All training and no racing, makes Jake a dull boy.

Going into Leadman, my goal was mostly to have a good time with the team, Wattie Ink Elite Triathlon Team. As far as race goals, I always want to do well, but I didn't put any pressure on myself for this race. I was actually trying a new mount for my Speedfil A2, in addition to using a new bento box. Since the race is in Bend, Oregon, it added an element of logistics to the race preparation: flights, where to stay, bike shipping, rental car, etc. Ultimately, I opted to fly into Portland and rent a car for the drive to and from Bend, which is about 3 hours, each way.

Thanks to our team hosts, Tina and Peter Leavitt, my accommodations were pre-arranged. I rolled in at 1 a.m. (Friday morning), and my roommate, Bill greeted me at the RV. I didn't spend too much time unpacking, I just wanted to try to get as much sleep as possible.

Friday morning, was a quick scramble to eat, assemble my bike and get out on a team ride. We had a quick ride along some of the outskirts of Bend, before we had to head back to get check-in at the registration area. Registration was well organized and hassle-free. Next, off to the lake to check the bikes in. Since this was a point-to-point race, there were two separate transition areas, and the lake (starting line) was over 40 miles outside of Bend. Somehow we managed to get everyone and their bikes into 4 vehicles. At the lake, I took the opportunity to get in a quick swim, mostly to check the water temp. I was expecting it to be colder than what it was, and even though I brought booties, I decided I didn't need them for the race. By far, this was the clearest, cleanest lake I had ever swam in.

Later that evening, we all got together for a team dinner at a local restaurant, then it was off to get some sleep, since it was going to be an early morning.

Race Morning (Saturday):
Since the bike was already checked in, and our T2 bags were already dropped off, the morning was less stress than normal. We just had to make sure we made it to the shuttle buses in time for the long drive to the lake. Somehow, we ended up on a bus with a driver that didn't know how to get to the lake. At first I thought he was joking, but no, he had no clue. Thankfully, we had a few locals on the bus to help guide him. When we finally arrived, we didn't have much time to do final prep on the bikes and set up T1. I had opted to keep all my gear at my bike, even though we had the option to keep it in a heated changing tent.

2.5k SWIM (37:08 or 1:29?/100) I suspect the distance was actually a little shorter than 2.5k, because I know I didn't average 1:29/100.

The swim start was about 100 yards out from the boat launch ramp, and unfortunately, there was no race clock or posted wave start times. Needless to say, there was a lot of confusion about when people needed to be in the water to get to the start line. I ended up being about 50 yards away from the start line when my wave went off. Yes, it sucked, but since I wasn't here to break any records, I stayed relaxed and just took it in stride. The swim was great, and actually fun. The visibility in the water made it such an enjoyable experience. I was able to see the bottom of the lake almost the entire time, and I could easily see the other swimmers in front of me and to me left or right.

The route was a long out and back, and the last half of the swim back was directly into the sun. Sighting the swim exit was a challenge, but when I finally reached the rock jetty, I knew I was close. Swimming next to the rock jetty, I couldn't help but think what it would be like to swim the final 100 yards at Kona lined with spectators, all sitting along the long pier. Someday, maybe. Out of the water, and up the boat ramp to the strippers. No, not the brass pole kind, wetsuit strippers. I nice little perk at some of the longer races. Someday, I think I need to volunteer to do that, it looks like it could be fun.

T1 (7:12)
The water exit is maybe 50 yards from the transition area. The ground was really cold on wet, bare feet. Again, I took my time getting to my bike, no big rush. There, I decided to put a cycling top over my tri top. The air was cold and this would help stay warm on the bike. I also pulled on arm warmers, which is always a pain in the ass to do with wet arms. I even brought my thick gloves to put on, anticipating a cold start on the bike leg.

111.5K BIKE (3:30.47 @ 19.7 mph) (this was the posted distance, I think it was around 66 miles. My Garmin didn't pick up a signal right away, so I missed the first few miles)
No question, this was my favorite triathlon bike ride. The route starts slightly downhill and mostly in the shadows of the tall trees, which made for a very cold 15 miles. Finally, the route hit some roads with a little more sun exposure. The first third was mostly rollers along quiet two lane roads. If I weren't racing, I probably would have stopped about a dozen times to take pictures of the scenery. The next portion of the race was a gradual climb up Mt. Bachelor. There were a few times when I'd check my Garmin, and I was putting along around 8mph. The bike route climbed to over 6,000 feet before the third and final section of the bike leg...the downhill back into Bend. This last 18 miles into town was so much fun. It was all downhill, but nothing too steep. I felt comfortable staying in my aero bars for almost the entire time, even hitting 45mph. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, the roads had just been repaved within the last two weeks. So, yes, it was nice and smooth all the way down the mountain. Reality was starting to set in now, as I rode back into town, I knew it was almost time to run, and I could tell my legs weren't going to be nice to me today.

T2 (3:07)
Since we had such a large crew of the Wattie Ink Team there, the nice folks at Leadman gave us our own VIP area in T2. It was pretty nice, we were all in two rows and had our own Leadman transition mats. OK, back to the race. Not much to report here, I just took my time. Since my socks were wet (don't ask), I took the time to change into a fresh pair of sock. On my way out of T2, I went to stop at the port-a-poddy, but it was occupied, so I headed out on the run. 10 Mile

RUN (1:29 @9:12/mi pace) (these numbers may be a little off, I started my Garmin a little late)
Right out of T2, I could tell that my legs weren't going to let me run too hard. Any time I tried to go faster than an 8:30/mi pace, my quads would tense up like they were going to cramp, just like what happened to me at Wildflower. So, for 10 miles I kept my pace down, and even walked a couple of the small hills. Again, this entire race was scenic, and the first two miles of the run was no exception. It was a nice dirt trail that ran along the Deschutes River. Good thing I didn't have a camera with me, because I would have stopped to take pictures.

So, now it's about 3 miles into the run, and I boom, Lindsey Corbin is there cheering "Go Wattie." How cool is that? I've always been a big fan of hers...another photo opp, damn, no camera. OK, back to the race. Finally around mile 5, I stopped at an aid station to pee. It always feels like time speeds up when you're standing still, going to the bathroom during a race. Anyway, it had to be done, and now back to running. Soon, I heard someone call my name, it was Sean "Wattie" Watkins. He was with Tina and Marley Leavitt and Heather Jackson. They were driving around the course cheering on the team. I must say, not my finest moment racing, short, choppy running stride, barely managing a "running" pace, and there's Wattie with his camera.

The Run Course

The last 4 miles of the run course was along some city streets in Bend and through a couple neighborhoods. At times, the run course was a bit confusing, and sense the runners were often far apart, it was hard to tell if you were on the right path. The last mile is always the best, regardless of how much pain you're in, because you know it'll all be over soon. Heading to the finish line, there was some good crowd support, and the finish line is just across a small bridge.

I ended up at 5:47:55, 9th out of 20 in my AG. Not my best race, but going in, I wasn't planning to push it. And, as it ended up, I probably couldn't have anyway. This is two races in a row where my quads cramped up. I'm going to have to figure this out before Ironman Arizona, and with one race before that, I only have 4 weeks to find a solution. The entire team hung around the finish line area until the last Wattie Ink'er came through. We had a few guys doing the full 250k race, so it was great to be there when they came across the finish line. Later that night, it was celebration time, Wattie Ink team style. Since I was flying out the next morning, I had to cut out early, which was probably a wise choice. It ended up being a late night for my teammates that somehow still had energy after a long race day.

Special thanks to the Leavitts for being such great hosts. Tina and Peter arranged homestays, RVs, and other lodging for most of the team, and they opened up their home to all of us for the weekend. And of course, huge thanks to Sean Watkins and the entire Wattie Ink team. I am proud to be part of such a quality group of people and athletes.

No, I didn't forget my three favorite ladies, Shannon, Megan and Peyton. They put up with a lot from me while I'm training and racing. I picked up this crazy addiction three years ago, and sometimes find that they are sharing me with my mistress, "Miss Triathlon."

And, a quick plug for some of the products I used and definitely recommend: K-Swiss running shoes Kestrel 4000 carbon triathlon bike, Speedfil A2, XEndurance, Challenge Tires, BlueSeventy swim goggles, ISM Adamo Time Trial Seat

Some more pictures from the weekend: