Poconos 70.3 (actually, 69.1)



This past weekend I raced at the inaugural Poconos 70.3.  Hosting a race this time of year in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania gives you a 50/50 chance of good weather.  It was no surprise when the forecast was calling for 45 degrees and rain race morning.  (BTW: the forecast for the Pocono area this upcoming weekend is sunny with a high of 81 degrees.) 

Swim cancelled- Boo!!

The New England area has been hit with bad flooding over the past months as well.  I'm not sure what miracle I expected to allow the swim, but I threw my Aquaman Cell Gold in the bike box just in case.  The only surprise was that the swim got cancelled 2 full days before the race.  I must say, it was a good call since the river was moving so fast, but I was disappointed just the same.  Needed a new race plan.  



My homestay, Geoff Penske, and I drove the course Friday afternoon.  We both were quite nervous after the drive.  The course was hilly, with little area to settle into any sort of rhythm.  You were up, down, turning, or avoiding debris/water on the road (water, leaves and walnuts).  Seemed like the course was created when someone got lost during a training ride, finally made it back to civilization, looked down at their Garmin and noticed it was near 56 miles... Hmmm...let's do THAT for the race.  I would have enjoyed the course in safer conditions and with several practice rides. 



I talked with Bob, Veritas Endurance Coaching, the day before the race and we made the decision to take the bike portion moderate and try for a good run since my head wasn't into the race.  Sounded good to me!  Race morning didn't disappoint: 45 degrees, rain, cold- bleh!  No warm up running (since my shoes were in a different T2 location) and no bike warm up (since we weren't allowed to take our bikes out of T1).  So I jogged in my flip flops around the puddles.  I made a last minute decision to wear compression socks during the bike for warmth... not a good decision and I was ready to take them off in T2.  I took in my calories but failed to take in my normal fluid amounts.  Can you absorb fluids in the rain?  My heartrate was quite low throughout the bike portion and I was ready to get off the bike (by mile 32 actually).  I was thankful to stay upright throughout the bike (though Eric Limkemann and John Kenny can not say the same)- though I did drive through a spectators tent after missing a turn to get back on course. 



T1 was quite long -taking off arm warmers, gloves, headband, jersey, compression socks, shoes, helmet... and putting on fresh socks and shoes.  Felt like I was there for an eternity!  I decided against a port-o-potty stop before hitting the road...not sure if that was a good decision.

Goal for the run was a PR.  Goal met!  I am happy with my run considering it was rolling hills and I couldn't feel my feet until mile 3.  Was nice to see Craig Sheckler from team TriSports at one of the first aid stations (wearing a florescent pink wig)...thanx for the cola!  I'm chipping away at that run split little by little (40 seconds faster).   What more can you ask for?  Overall, I am really enjoying this distance of racing.  Seems like a perfect blend of speed and endurance to me :) 



Geoff Penske



Good luck to Geoff at IM Arizona in November!  You made it through unfavorable conditions (not to mention a snapped chain!), pacing right where you need to be... you are going to do great next month!!  Thank you again for everything. 

Season is winding down.  Next up: Columbus 1/2 Marathon (acting sherpa for my sister).  Let's pray for better weather!!

miss