Muskoka 70.3

I haven't posted lately... been busy!  Updates: I made the 10 hour trip west to Iowa in hopes that someone would drop out and I'd get the chance to race at HyVee.  No luck- all 30 racers started.  (though only 29 finished... that was hard to watch)  But I had a front seat to one of the most exciting triathlon races- I loved it!  Thanx to Angi Axmann and Christine Jeffrey for the "homestay" :)  Great job to both of you. 

I had 3 days at home before packing up and heading 10 hours the opposite direction towards Huntsville, Ontario for Muskoka 70.3.  If you've raced Rev3 Quassy or American TTT... you can relate to the terrain at Muskoka 70.3.  Relentless hills!  This would be my first 1/2 distance of the season.  Time to see how the changes in training impacted this race distance.



The Brenciaglia's live on the opposite end of the lake.  They
offered to taxi our bikes over the night before and drop us off
at the swim start on race morning... wow!  Thank you!

As far north as we were, there was huge potential for chilly weather but we had perfect temperatures (50 low/upper 70's high).  Water temp was 69 so I dusted off my Aquaman Cell Gold and put it to good use!  I love how well this wetsuit keeps water from coming in at the neckline!  Professional and age group waves were mixed together, I was in wave #2 and took off at the gun.  I was out front in about 20 seconds and never looked back.  I assumed there would be a handful of girls on my feet, but the next closest female in my wave was 1min 35sec back.  The swim felt strong, but controlled.  Swim: 27:21

T1: Wetsuit peelers- thank you!  1/2 mile barefoot, uphill run to my bike.  No exaggeration. 

The day before, I rode part of the course and decided what gear I'd use.  Longer race = need more nutrition = so I put my filled my Bento Box full of calories and wore a tank top with a pocket for trash.  Unfortunately I made the wrong decision on which cassette to ride on my Zipp disc wheel.  What was I thinking choosing to ride this course on a 23/11?!  Needless to say, I was grinding up many hills.  I held a comfortable pace and was 1st female overall until 45k when Jennifer Tetrick and Amanda Lovato came by.  For 20k I could see they rode close together, but I fell behind and did not push to catch back up due to my lack of gearing and plans for a solid run.  The bike course was 4k long (that's 2.5 miles to us Americans) and my legs were tired of tough climbs by then.  Bike: 2:49

T2: Strip off the tank top, throw on my socks and shoes, grab 3 GU's, and get to work!  I choose to carry my own GU for 2 reasons: First, you never know what flavor you may get on the course and it might not taste good.  This race I chose Mint Chocolate, Tropical Nectar, and Vanilla Gingerbread...mmmm!  Second, I am more likely to eat the GU's since I've forced myself to carry them.  So often in a race I've run right by the aid stations knowing I should've taken a GU and paid for it later on in the race. 

The night before I laid in bed, did some calculations, and decided I would try to hold 4:30's each kilometer.  The run course was equally challenging in terms of elevation... nonstop hills!  1k... sweet, just under pace.  2k... about the same.  3k... right on pace.  4k... same.  And so it continued.  I was so happy!  The uphills were brutal, but I focused on my run form and wouldn't allow myself to fall back into bad running habits.  At the turnaroud 2 ladies were 1 minute back.  I prayed they were struggling as bad as it looked and kept clicking off even paced splits.  Nearing the end a male passed me and said I had a good gap and they would not catch me if I kept up the pace.  I hadn't been passed since 45k on the bike and I wasn't going to let my chance at a podium spot get away.  Run: 1:35 (3rd fastest female run split...me...what? sa-weet!)

I didn't allow myself to celebrate until the last turn before the finish line... 3rd place!   Total time: 4:56 

Podium finish rocking my 110% recovery gear.  Ahhh...much needed!   

I stayed with John and Susan Brenciaglia in Huntsville.  They were welcoming and so helpful!  Not only are they active in their community and at the race (they were corner marshals) but follow a healthy, active lifestyle that is quite inspiring!  Both are in their mid-70's and continue to swim in the lake, snowshoe up mountains, run 5k's, and ice skate in the winter!  I can only hope to be in such good shape down the road.  Their eating habits put me to shame- encouraging for my off-season nutrition goals!  Thank you for the boat rides, dinners, place to stay, and warm conversations!  Hope to see you next year :)

*race pictures thanks to FinsherPix

1-2 more races to go this season! 
miss

BTW: click on the link below and check out the race photo contest I've entered. My sister and I raced an HFP sprint tri this summer and had a blast on the bike.  "Like" our picture to vote, and get the chance to win a free TriSports bike kit! 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150290935858458.337058.29204528457&type=1