Race Result: 2013 Trees and Trails 5K

Event: Trees and Trails 5K
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2013
Location: Wildwood Park, Mahtomedi MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 50F, wind at 4 MPH from the W
Official Results: Overall Text Summary
Previous Results: First time at this event

Personal Results

Goal: Sub 19:50
Official Result: 20:14 (6:31 per mile pace)
Overall: 1st (72 total); 1st in 50-59 AG (12 total)

Garmin

Direct Garmin Summary Link

Splits

Elevation and HR

Summary

This was a little race put on by FrontRunner that I had signed up for over New Year's during which time FrontRunner had their races at a special 1/2 price cost. Which is really nice from a cost perspective, but hard to plan for if you find yourself injured, sick, etc., since some of the races would be 7-11 months out.

The first part of the race took place on a paved bike/walking trail. I jumped out to a quick pace and found myself leading. The course went slightly uphill for about 3/4's of a mile at which point there was a Y in the path. I spied white arrows indicating I should turn right and started to, but the runner behind me indicated that was wrong so we went left. Then others behind us started yelling that was wrong.

That meant about five people had passed me and had opened up about a 40-yard lead. I had to bear down for a bit to regain contact with the leaders and then surged to try and open up a bit of a gap.

Later on, I again had the dilemma of which way to turn and initially turned wrong, but quickly corrected myself. In the end, it meant I ran a bit longer and my time/pace reflects that.

We hit actual dirt trail with about a mile to go which provided rolling hills. I have been suffering from a sinus infection and my breathing was turning bad, and I felt I was going to hurl given all the nasal mucous which seemed to suddenly fill up my stomach. A couple of quick peeks over the shoulder showed I had about 40 to 50 yards on second position. So I couldn't give up. But the last mile was sufferable, given my poor fitness and health.

In the end, I was able to hold on for the overall victory. Bit of a laughable winning time for a 5K. However, I was pleased with my pacing for the first two miles, with the second mile split actually being faster than the opening mile.

Next Race

October 19 - Run For the Apples 5-Miler, White Bear Lake MN. Will be at the Olympic Training Center with Podium Boy
October 26 - Trick or Treat 5K, Fargo ND


On Deck

November 16 - Turkey Trot 5 Mile, Fargo ND

Race Result: 2013 Park Tool Duathlon

Event: 2013 Park Tool Duathlon
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2013
Location: Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 61F, wind from S at 6-10 MPH
Official Results: Overall 2013 Text Results
Previous Personal Results: First time at this event

Personal Results

Goal: Top 3 in AG
Actual: 1st
Overall: 10th (104 total); 1st in 50-54 AG (6 total)

Garmin

I used the 910XT, having successfully figured out the Multisport mode. It's neat, but there are two things I don't like about it.

One, the display will give you time and distance only. I can't seem to figure out how to setup custom data fields under the Multisport mode. If anyone has figured this out, please let me know. I don't really care about the total distance traveled. What I want to know is what is my average pace for each run and what is my average speed for the bike.

Two, when you upload the data it goes into Garmin connect as five separate summaries. Run 1, transition 1, bike, transition 2, and run 2. I'd like something in one summary.

Run One Link

Run 1 Elevation and HR

Run 1 Map

Bike Link

Bike elevation and HR

Bike map

Run Two Link

Run 2 Elevation and HR

Run 2 Map

Race Summary

It has been a very low key multisport year for me. I'm giving most of my time to Podium Boy as he continues his ascent within the Modern Pentathlon world. This takes up a ton of time, energy, and money. In fact, I did not do a single triathlon this year. Just a rash of duathlons.

I'm now volunteer coaching the Wayzata middle school cross country team. So I'm likely to just park the bike and focus on running for the remainder of 2013.

Note - All times & distance below are per my Garmin

Run One (3 miles)
Goal: sub 6:30 pace
Time: 19:03 (6:20 per mile pace)

This was a nice run course mainly on the paved trails of Lake Elmo park. I went off in Wave 3 (males 40 and over) and led the pack for the first 1/4 mile before some young 40-yo's took over.

I was very pleased with the outcome as I seem to be getting back into run shape. The first mile was just under 6-flat and I seemed to be able to hold my pace longer than previous races this year. Next step is to get that avg pace closer to 6:15 for a 5K, and I'd be very happy.

Transition One
Goal: 1:10
Time: 0:43

Light numbers meant easy in/out transition.

Bike (14 miles; Garmin said 13.36)
Goal: 20.7 mph avg
Time: 37:57 (21.1 MPH Avg)

Wow, this course has a few major hills in the front half. Plus we were riding into a good headwind. So about midway through I was averaging only in the 19 MPH range. Once the wind was behind us, I was able to crank it up a notch.

No major muscle cramps to report other than a slight cramp in my left foot.

Transition Two
Goal: 1:10
Time: 0:51

No issues.

Run Two (2.5 miles)
Goal: sub 6:50 pace
Time: 16:31 (6:39 per mile pace)


The left calf wanted to cramp up right after transition but it loosened up very quickly and I just kept a good pace. I was in no-mans-land with no one ahead and no one behind to push me. So I was happy here as well. Running intervals with the middle school cross country team has certainly benefited my current run fitness.


Next Race

September 21 - Trees and Trails 5K

On Deck

October 19 - Run For the Apples 5-Miler, White Bear Lake MN
October 26 - Trick or Treat 5K, Fargo ND

Race Result: 2013 Minneapolis Duathlon

Event: Minneapolis Duathlon
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2013
Location: MPLS MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 81F, winds at 16-17 MPH from SSW, heat index of 84 (humidity at 70%)
Official Results: Overall 2013 Text Results
Previous Personal Results: 2009 (35th out of 814; 1st in 45-49 AG out of 44)

Personal Results

Goal: Top 3 in AG
Actual:1st
Overall: 27th (572 total); 1st in 50-54 AG (31 total)

Garmin

I used the 910XT in a race for the first time. I attempted to use the multi-sport mode, but it ended up taking mile splits....which screwed up the separate event times. I'll have to read deeper into the manual to try and figure this out.

Direct Garmin Summary Link

Elevation and HR

First 5K splits

Second 5K Splits

Race Summary

I did this race just to get in a speed workout as I've only been seriously training the last few weeks ever since resigning from my job. My bike is still really slow, as shown in this race. Back in 2009 I averaged 22 MPH. Only was able to muster 20.5 on the same course this time around.


As in 2009, the race was chock full of newbies. There were hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and even some single speed bikes. So I had made sure to sign-up in the elite wave so that I could start in Wave 1 and avoid the maddening bike traffic jams that would ensue by starting in a later wave.

This also had the added benefit of being ahead of the heat. As the race was called due to heat shortly after I finished. I had never heard of a 'wet bulb' temperature, but glad they were monitoring it. Speaks volumes for what I raced in and why times were slow. I felt worse on the 1st run than the second, actually.

"The wet bulb temperature at the finish line of the Minneapolis Duathlon reached 84 degrees. It is the policy of the Medical Director to call the run when the wet bulb temperature exceeds 79 degrees. For runner safety, the start of the second run was just halted. Duathletes will now receive their finisher medals at the end of the bike. Although this decision was difficult to make, it was made for the safety of the racers."

All-in-all, I was happy to have gotten in a good workout.

I really question some of the results. I listed myself as 27th, as there is no way that the person listed ahead of me could have a slower first run by 10-mins, a slower bike by 4-mins, yet still end up ahead of me in final time. That essentially means he ran his last 5K in 10-mins. Not. Humanely. Possible.

Run One (3.1 miles; Garmin said 3.03)
Goal: sub 6:30 pace
Time: 21:12 (6:50 per mile pace)

The course was long. My actual pace was much faster (see Garmin summary). By mile 2, I was already feeling the heat. Well, the humidity. Just was not able to sweat fast enough in order to cool. I was glad I had remembered the water bottle for the bike. Otherwise, I would have been screwed.

Transition One
Goal: 1:10
Time: 1:40

Sort of a long stretch from the timing mat to the bike corral, so I'm not worried about being over my goal.

Bike (15.9 miles)
Goal: 20.5 mph avg
Time: 46:29 (20.4 MPH Avg)

The bike was OK. What was most pleasing is that I did not cramp up in the calves. I was worried about this since I had not raced since May, and figured I'd be dehydrated enough to experience some cramps. But , I lucked out.

Transition Two
Goal: 1:10
Time: 2:23

Even longer than the first transition. Not sure I've ever run that far in my bike cleats. I was tempted to just stop running and take them off, but kept on trucking.

Run Two (3.1 miles; Garmin said 3.03)
Goal: sub 6:50 pace
Time: 21:42 (7:02 per mile pace)

The right hamstring was very tight and ready to cramp up as I began the run. By mile 1, I was able to open up a bit more. But I stayed within my limits as the heat was really starting up.

Next Race

September 14 - Park Tool "Fall Classic" Duathlon


On Deck

September 21 - Trees and Trails 5K

Race Result: 2013 Wayzata Alumni Cross Country Race

Event: Wayzata Alumni Cross Country Race
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2013
Location: Wayzata High School
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 66F, wind at 7 MPH from the south
Official Results: Overall Results

Previous Results: First time at this event

Personal Result

Goal: Speed Workout
Official Result: 13:39 (6:49 per mile pace)
Overall: 77th (182 total)

Podium Boy Result

Last Year: 14:35 (107th out of 200)
Goal: Under 13:30
Official Result: 13:34 (6:47 per mile pace)
Overall: 72nd (182 total)

Garmin

Direct Garmin Results Link

Splits

Elevation

Summary

I made a big jump this past week. From 1984-1997 I worked retail pharmacy. If you count the years I spent working retail as a pharmacy intern whilst in college at North Dakota State University, I had spent 17 years in this particular chapter of my life.

In 1997, I started writing a new chapter when I landed a job with a pharmacy benefit management company. For the next 17 years, I applied my trade in an environment where I no longer needed to work nights, weekends, and holidays like I had while in retail. During this time, Podium Boy was born (April 2000) and I also started working from home part-time, and then finally was full-time from home for the last three years. This was greatly advantageous as any parent with a youngin' can attest to.

This past Friday was my last day with this company. The time had come for me to close that chapter and write the next one. One that hopefully take me through to retirement. And more importantly, leave a legacy, be more rewarding, and be much less stressful than the past employment.

I embark on this period of unemployment with a blank piece of paper, with no idea what career I might attempt to pursue. But to start with, I'm actually going to be a volunteer coach for the Wayzata Middle School cross country team. And first up was the annual Alumni race, pitting the current 7-12 grade class versus the past alumni, or parent of a current runner. Somehow, the alumni always manage to win. It was no different today.

Start of the Alumni Race

I ran this race with the sole purpose of being a rabbit and pace setter for Podium Boy. We planned to go out at about 6:30 or better pace and then hold it as best we could. There are two fairly significant, albeit short, climbs that really sap the legs.

I'm in the white cap, Podium Boy in blue shirt

We went through the first mile in 6:28 and I was really happy with our position and with how Podium Boy was responding to several mini-surges. Much of the course was on a single-track wood chip trail and often we'd have to surge past slower runners when the opportunity presented itself as the trail was lined by trees on either side.

The wood chip trail was nice on the old bones

Just a little over one mile in

We came to the last hill with about one-half mile to go. I was started to struggle and Podium Boy was laboring on the hill. However, upon cresting I told him to go if he had gas left and he went. This was very pleasing that he was able to pick up the pace after a climb this early in the season.

He opened up around 10-yards on me and maintained that going into the finish.

Podium Boy zooms for the finish line

Podium Boy beats me fair & square

It was a great day to be running cross country as the weather was ideal. And it was a great way to begin my new chapter in the book of life.

Next Race

August 25 - Minneapolis Duathlon

On Deck

September 14 - Park Tool "Fall Classic" Duathlon
September 21 - Trees and Trails 5K

Race Result: 2013 Stockyard Days 5K

Event: Stockyard Days 5K & 10K
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2013
Location: Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 64F, wind at 0 MPH
Official Results: Overall and Age Group 5K, Overall and Age Group 10K
Previous Results: First time at this event

Personal Results

Goal: Speed Workout
Official Result: 19:54 (6:25 per mile pace)
Overall: 3rd (67 total); 1st in 50-59 AG (5 total)

Garmin

Direct Garmin Link

The finishing kick was pleasing.

Summary

I hadn't raced since June 14th. Since then, my focus was and has been on Podium Boy. He was out at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for a week long Modern Pentathlon Development camp and the Youth Nationals event, where he picked up a silver medal.

Podium Boy fencing against Olympian Margaux Isaksen

Podium Boy being, well, Podium Boy

This has meant that I've had to put my own training on hold. And to be honest, there will be no triathlons for me in 2013. Maybe one more duathlon. But all I've had time for is running. So, I will be run focused for the foreseeable future. My parental duties come first, and I need to keep opening doors for my son. We expect to be back out at the OTC this October.

This little 5K was good for me for one reason: That I went under 20 minutes. I need to work hard to get back into the low 18's, where I should be. So, it was a first step to getting back into true running form.

Next Race

August 17 - Wayzayta Cross Country Alumni race. A fun event where past alumni, and parents, race against the boys of the current cross country team. I was unable to participate last year due to injury. But I plan to show the young lad that his old man still has little bit of speed left in him!

On Deck

September 21 - Trees and Trails 5K

Race Result: 2013 Manitou Days 5K

Event: Manitou Days 5K
Date: Friday, June 14, 2013
Location: White Bear Lake MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 79F, wind from south at 10 MPH, very humid
Official Results: Overall and Age Group
Previous Results: First time at this event

Personal Results

Goal: Speed Workout
Official Result: 18:44 (6:02 per mile pace)
Note: Course was short (2.89) miles. Actual result would have been 20:08 (6:29/mi)
Overall: 12th (157 total); 2nd in 50-59 AG (13 total)

Garmin

Direct Garmin Summary Link

Mile Splits

Elevation snapshot

Summary

Simply put, I suck right now. Same old story, between the Real Job sucking all my time like a Dyson vacuum cleaner and the training schedule for Podium Boy (actually can't wait until he can drive) I simply do not have the training time to really get back into shape. Boo-hoo, right?

And to add insult to injury, I was running in 4th place for most of the race and then actually took a wrong turn, had to double back, and by the time I joined the official route must have fallen back four or five spots. And the wind was taken out of my sails.

The race route was part of the parade route for White Bear's Manitou days. So there were hundreds and hundreds of people lining the route and it was very, very difficult to pick up any directions visually or verbally. I recall someone saying, "Left, sir. Go left, sir" and I just kept going straight. About a 1/2 block later I looked over my shoulder to see everyone had indeed gone left! So I had to double back and lost gobs of time. And places.

The course was a good 0.2 miles short, so while the times look incredibly fast one has to add about 1:20 onto each time to get a better read.

So, back to the drawing board. I've got to see if I can locate my running mojo, even if that means running at weird times and trying to get in more mileage. I'd like to get back to 'kick ass' level by fall.

Next Race

June 23 - Graniteman St. Cloud

On Deck

July 4 - Half On the 4th Half Marathon, Colorado Springs, CO. Very tentative.

Race Result: 2013 Gear West Duathlon

Event: Gear West Duathlon
Date: Sunday, May 19, 2013
Location: Orono High School, Orono MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home (10 minute drive away!)
Weather: 66F, winds at 10 MPH from SSW, light rain (heavy rain right before, delaying start 15 mins)
Official Results: Overall Results; Age Group Results; Gender Results; Awards Results
Previous Results: Last time I was at this event was 1992, and it was held in the fall at that time

Personal Results

Goal: Top 5 in AG
Actual: 3rd in AG
Overall: 60th (249 total); 3rd in 50-54 AG (26 total)

Garmin

Garmin results link

Pre-Cap

What a long weekend. Friday night was spent driving to River Falls WI for the pre-event technical meeting for Podium Boy's first Modern Pentathlon. 50 mile drive took 1 hr 45 mins. Saturday it was the MP event itself kicking off with fencing at 8AM, swimming at 11AM, equestrian at 2PM, and the combined (shooting/running) at 3PM. Podium Boy came out as Male Youth C Champion (yeah!!) and is now going to Colorado Springs the first week of July to train with the Youth Development team at the Olympic Training Center and then compete in the national event. Podium has work ahead of head, there is a boy in New Mexico that might be a bit better than him at the moment.

If you are curious, here is a link to photos from the Pentathlon event. And video:


20 13 Great Prairie Pentathlon Highlights from Brian Maas on Vimeo.

As for me, Saturday was a very long day including travel time. When I woke up Sunday I was toying with bagging the Gear West Du and just going back to bed. Especially when the weather radar showed a big line of red heading our way. Still, with rain pouring down I left for the event.

Heading to the Start Line

Because of the rain, the event was delayed 15 minutes. I chose to run with the competitive wave, which means I got to leave with Wave 1 yet still be available for AG awards. I wanted to do this because I figured it would be very muddy (much of the run course is trail), and footing would be treacherous, especially on the second run. And it was muddy! Sorry, no GoPro videos...that would have been cool...but the battery was charging from the MP the day before. But to give you a taste, here are the flats I used. I used my backup Mizuno's as I knew my Nike LunaRacers would get destroyed.

Before the race

After the race. 

Run One (2.8 miles; Garmin said 3.03)
Goal: sub 6:30 pace
Time: 20.20 (7:16 per mile pace)

Did I mention it was muddy? And I fell turning a tight 180-degree turn on muddy grass. Insult to injury.

Transition One
Goal: 1:10
Time: 1:50

Sort of a long stretch from the timing mat to the bike corral, so I'm not worried about being over my goal.

Bike (16.6 miles)
Goal: 21+ mph avg
Time: 47:08 (21.1 MPH Avg)

The bike wasn't that bad, as the rain stopped. What was bad was I had my first calf cramps of the year. I easily lost 60-90 seconds, maybe more, trying to shake those out. I was surprised as I had not had any this racing season. Maybe it was the slipping and sliding in the mud.

Additionally, while I really like my new racing helmet, it got pretty steamy in there on climbs and the face shield did fog up a bit. But it cleared quickly. 
Transition Two
Goal: 1:10
Time: 1:18

At least the calf muscles did not cramp up while changing into the flats.

Run Two (2.8 miles; Garmin said 3.03)
Goal: sub 6:50 pace
Time: 21:48 (7:47 per mile pace)

The calf muscles were extremely tight as I started the second run. More of an old man shuffle. It took a good 1/2 mile before I can get into a normal stride. The second run felt better than the first, but after 250 people went through the course the first time, the second time was a swamp mud fest. I kept expecting to see lost shoes stuck in the mud.

On the second run, before the mud flats

Post-Cap

This does not bode well for Apple and possibly qualifying for Worlds. I will need to finish in the top 6 in my AG, and as of now I count at least seven people that can beat me. I'm just too slow on the run right now, which has always saved me from my slow bike splits.

Awards

I chose to use my AG 3rd place result into the hat for the $500 gift card. I didn't win, bah!

Next Race

May 25 - Apple Duathlon (world duathlon regional qualifier). I'll have to finish in the top six in my age group in order to qualify for World Duathlon champion in August. In reviewing the participant list, this will be a long-shot at best.


On Deck

June 1 - Dewey Kvidt Duathlon, in Grand Forks ND. I've yet to sign up, but am planning to go. I've wanted to try this event for a number of years. This would be my 7th straight racing weekend and 12th race of the young year.

Race Result: 2013 Central Lakes Cycle Duathlon

Event: Central Lakes Cycle Duathlon
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013
Location: Fergus Falls MN
Hotel: AmericInn
Weather: 35F, strong NNW winds sustained at 20 MPH gusting to 30 MPH
Official Results: Overall Results
Previous Results: First time at this event
Note: All racer photos from the race can be viewed here

Personal Results

Goal: Top 5 overall
Actual: 3rd
Overall: 3rd (77 total); 1st in 50-59 AG (15 total)

Garmin

Garmin Summary Link

Hit the lap button twice coming out of T2. Frozen fingers.

Good amount of climbing was to be had.

As you can see, never really pushed my limits. Just tried to keep warm!

Speed going out with tailwind was nice, dipping with the climbs. Headwind,  not so much.

Pre-Cap

Given its unusual format (bike-run-bike), when I spied this race on the Minnesota Tri News calendar in 2012, I wanted to give it a go. But, the tibial stress fracture prevented that. So it had to wait a year. The race had an extra bonus this year. I'm trying to work myself back into shape and the event would give me not one,  but TWO hard bike workouts.

Being a former NoDak, I'm familiar with all the small towns in western Minnesota as growing up we spent many a summer fishing the lakes around Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids, etc. So I enjoy going back.

The Fergus Falls Weasel

The weather played havoc with the event. That's not something a race director can control. Just have to muster a stiff upper lip and muster through. And a stiff upper lip, due to freezing conditions, was not hard to come by on race day.

Race Director Clark Grotberg made us all feel welcome and was full of good cheer as everyone arrived on race day. Good cheer would be needed as this would be a day that one just tosses away those time goals and sets their mind to survival mode.

In reality by the time the event kicked off slightly after 8 AM the winds were already sustained at 20+ MPH and by the time we finished the gusts were in excess of 30 MPH.

Bike One (20 miles)
Goal: 21+ MPH Avg
Time: 60:24 (19.9 MPH Avg)

The start is time-trial, two at a time. People lined up and we flowed across the timing mat in 30-second increments. I got as close to the front as possible as I figured the later I started, the worse the wind would be.

Lining up, 2x2, for the first bike leg

The first bike course takes you on a round-trip loop to the community of Dalton and back. The outward loop is on the rolling road, the return is on a very nice paved bike path. Normally, I would not have been happy about the bike path component. However, since the wind was at our backs with crosswind going out it actually worked to our favor. On the return we had the monster headwind to contend with and by being on the trail, we were given the slight luxury of having some shelter from the still leafless trees lining the path.

And the Old Man is off.

The tailwind was nice, while it lasted. At points the crosswind blew me around substantially. I use a ZIPP disc wheel on the rear. I've ridden in strong winds before with it. But nothing like this. At times I had to give up the aero position and just hold on to keep the bike stable. At times I was riding at a 30-degree angle to the pavement.

If the event is to grow, as is the hope, Clark will need to make a decision on using the path as it might become too crowded for passing. Today, I had no issues with this and do not know of anyone who did.

When we reached Dalton I had made up the stagger on those in front of me and was 'leading' the event. So, I had to pay attention to the course markers to make sure I wasn't going to stray of path. As I approached various check points, those volunteers came out of their warm cars to make sure I was on course.

I've been telling you I'm fat. Thought I was lying!?!?

Coming off the bike path on the return from Dalton

Near the end of this first stage, you are met with a 1/4 mile long climb that saps any energy you might have left and leaves the legs feeling rubbery on the upcoming four mile run.


Central Lakes Cycle Duathlon Bike Leg One Out from Brian Maas on Vimeo.


Central Lakes Cycle Duathlon Bike Leg One Return from Brian Maas on Vimeo.

Transition One
Goal: 1:10
Time: 1:46

Longer than wanted. Despite wearing two socks, I had lost feeling in the feet. Such is the reward for being old and your circulatory system isn't a spring chicken any longer. I also changed into thinner gloves as my hands were actually too warm from the double thin gloves I had worn on the bike.

Run (4 miles)
Goal: sub 6:45 per mile pace
Time: 28:31 (7:08 per mile pace)

For the run, I again had an early tailwind and then faced the headwind coming in. The run course is a big loop. The legs were just cold to begin with. I should have easily been running sub 6:30 pace but the cold and wind was just not making that happen.

Out on the run course

A little after mile two, the headwind kicked in. I was then facing a long straight path back to transition and that wind was howling. Normally I would look for someone big to tuck behind as a wind block but there was no one to be had. To add insult to injury, we had to climb the culvert out. A nice steep run up the embankment. Pretty much toast by that point.

Transition Two

Goal: 1:10
Time: 1:59

By the time I reached the bike, my stuff was strewn across the transition area like a bomb had hit. It took me a few ticks of the clock to locate my helmet and shoes. So extra time was spent in T2 because of that.

Bike Two (7 miles)
Goal: 20.5+ MPH avg
Time: 22:12 (18.9 MPH Avg)

The second bike course went in the opposite direction than the first. The first portion I had a nasty crosswind and I ended up just holding onto the handlebars in non-aero position just to keep the bike stable. I then had a short portion where the wind was at my back. The last 3 miles were contending with a howler wind. AT one point, I was blow from the right side of the road to the left margin and almost into the ditch. I feel fortunate that I did go down in either the first or second bike portions.


Central Lakes Cycle Duathlon Bike Leg Two from Brian Maas on Vimeo.

Post-Cap

The course was very well marked. The volunteers were fantastic and to have withstood those freezing conditions, they deserve all the credit they deserve.

Clark had roasted two 250-lb pigs and the post race food bonanza was very good. Fergus is a friendly town and I recommend you give this event full consideration in 2014. Especially if like me, you are trying to regain your bike form. Why not double the fun and head to Fergus next year and enjoy some small town hospitality.

Overall winner Dave Jensen had double duty. One of the second leg bikers for a relay team did not show, so after completing the individual event, Dave was able to bike the second leg....a second time! And the following day, Dave was scheduled to depart for California where he begins a cross country bike trip to Georgia, hoping to complete the 2500 mile journey in 15-20 days time.

Overall race victor, Dave Jensen

Awards

Received nice medals for the overall 3rd place and AG victory. The T-shirt was bright with a nice design and of very good quality.

My mom has her eyes closed in every photo I've ever seen. It is in the genes, I guess

Rhoda Christenson, overall female winner

Next Race

May 18 - The Great Prairie Sports Pentathlon in River Falls, WI. Podium Boy's first Modern Pentathlon event. Should prove interesting. Then in July he is off to Colorado Springs to train with the USA Olympic Youth development team and compete in the US Modern Pentathlon Youth National event. Stop by River Falls next Saturday and watch the regions' best pentathletes in action!

Podium Boy on right

May 19 - Gear West Duathlon in Orono, MN. Will it be a mudfest again? Looks like rain is in the forecast.

On Deck

May 25 - Apple Duathlon (world duathlon regional qualifier). I'll have to finish in the top six in my age group in order to qualify for World Duathlon champion in August. In reviewing the participant list, this will be a long-shot at best.

Race Result: 2013 Jump To It 10K

Event: Jump To It 10K
Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013
Location: White Bear Lake MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 35F, light rain, moderate winds at 8-10 MPH from NNE, overcast & crappy
Official Results: Overall and Age Group
Previous Results: First time at this event

Personal Results

Goal: Speed Workout
Official Result: 40:16 (6:29 per mile pace)
Note: Course was short (5.93) miles. Actual result would have been 42:11 (6:47/mi)
Overall: 7th (92 total); 1st in 50-59 AG (8 total)

Garmin

Garmin Link

Acceptable thru mile 2, then my lack of fitness showed

Way too many hills on this course!

Summary


Another crappy spring event, weather wise. FrontRunner does a great job to make one feel welcome and make these smaller venues feel like family. So, nothing against them. They can't control the weather!

For those not familiar with the blog and my past, last year I suffered a left tibial stress fracture while running a 10K on the cobblestones of London. It wiped out my 2012 racing season. That tibia is healed. Now this spring, my right tibia is acting up. I'm defining this as a stress reaction. Perhaps some severe tendinitis. At any rate, it has kept my workout mileage low. In the 15-20 miles per week average. I can only hope that once the weather finally turns for the better I can bump that to the 30-mile-per-week average.

The week leading up to this event started out well, with two very solid days of biking and running. I somehow managed a short run on Weds before the Real Job intervened and I was unable to manage any additional workouts. It showed as my first two mile splits were acceptable before falling away drastically. Like at the Cemstone 10K two weeks prior, I was gassed by mile 4 with a 7+ mile split for mile 5. The previous weekend at the Falls Duathlon, I had gone sub-6 for the first mile and had a nice 2 mile opening run. So, the speed is there. The fitness is not.

This was the fourth event in FrontRunner's 2013 Great White Bear Grand Prix. My goal is to compete in 7 of the ten events, which will give me the maximum events for scoring. I hope to win the 50-59 AG and finish top 10 overall in males.

Awards

As usual, huge medals and a nice T-shirt. I now have enough race T-shirts (cotton variety) to make a king-sized quilt from my racing events.

Next Race

May 11 - Central Lakes Duathlon in Fergus Falls MN. I wanted to try this one last year, but got injured. So it is on the calendar for this year. A very unique duathlon concept. Not a run-bike-run but a bike (20 miles)-run (4 miles)-bike (7 miles). Should be fun, as long as the weather is good.

On Deck

May 18 - The Great Prairie Sports Pentathlon in River Falls, WI. Podium Boy's first Modern Pentathlon event. Should prove interesting. Then in July he is off to Colorado Springs to train with the USA Olympic Youth development team and compete in the US Modern Pentathlon Youth National event.
May 19 - Gear West Duathlon in Orono, MN.