After a short night I was ready for the first triathlon race of the year. My easy run on Saturday was great and I knew that I should have a great race as long as everything goes accordingly. On race morning weather still has not changed. Still raining and cold temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius were not the best outlook for a fast race.
Once we approached the race scenery I quickly changed my mind of riding my HED wheels. Jan Raphael & Co. pulled out their disc wheels, so I couldn’t hold on and changed my mind quickly. Thanks to Hasi for borrowing his Corima disc.
After setting up my transition spot, placing 3 Powerbars on the frame, a gel flask, one bottle of Heed and 1 bottle of water it was already time to walk towards the water start.
Rain had finally stopped and temperatures moved up to about 12 degrees Celsius.
Water temperature was listed at 17 degrees Celsius and felt fairly warm waiting for the gun. I assume a wave start with 200 competitors cramped together will produce some nice and warm water temperature.
11:30 am the gun went off for the 2000m turnaround swim. Quick 300m of the start moved me into the Top 5 on the left side of the pack. To take advantage of some legal draft I decided to move over to the right and join the group. This did not work out to well and some zick zack swimming took place. I quickly dropped out of the first swim group and my pace adjusted itself to the water temperature. Once I arrived the turnaround at 1000m I was able to check my watch, 13:46. This was right on pace with a goal time under 28 Minutes. Next 1000m back to the exit ramp felt fairly easy and I was able to find a group of about 3-4 swimmers. Coming closer to the exit ramp I had a tough time with my legs, the cold water produced a few cramps and some volunteers had to help me up. 28:54 net swim time (1:26 per 100m) and 22nd Place was slower then expected, but with these water conditions and the first swim race of the year I was not unhappy.
It was a long run from the water exit to the transition zone, so that I clocked a 2:58 for the first transition, even though I didn’t waste anytime getting off the wetsuit and picking up my bike. Maybe it was even to fast, since I forgot my arm warmers to keep me warm in these cold temperatures.
Once on the bike I found my rhythm quickly and felt in great shape. Apparently two bike camps, Lanzarote and Harz have really pushed my bike abilities. I flew by the 20k mark just over 29 Minutes, averaging over 40kmh and hit the 30k mark in 45 Minutes, which was right at 40 kmh. I told myself to settle down and not over pace in the first two, of three loops. It was a great feeling to pick up some of the fast swimmers and quickly move towards the Top 10.
Rebecca Essmüller, pro woman, had a 2 minute lead off the swim and I was able to make up some ground on the bike. On the last turnaround, she was still in front, but 20 seconds shouldn’t help her.
During the last 10k on the bike I made sure to slow down a bit, eat and drink well to get ready for a fast half marathon. I arrived the second transition in 9th place and was able to make up 13 places, with a net bike time of 2:19:47.
Another quick transition of 90 seconds made up the 20 seconds to Rebecca who seemed to have a tough time putting on her compression socks.
Starting the run in 8th place I knew I had a chance for a top 5 finish if I could run under 1:25. My legs felt great and good nutrition on the bike made me believe I could even run a 1:20. During the first 4k on the run I picked up 3 guys and quickly moved into 5th place. My first 5k in 18:40 seemed a little fast, but felt great. 10k in just under 40 minutes showed that I must have over paced myself at the beginning. Nutrition was great, no cramps etc but I lost my speed and those 3 guys passed me very soon.
Second part of the run was no race for me, I just wanted to finish and was still hoping for a sub 1:30 run and a Top 10 finish. My mind played games with me and it was tough to concentrate on the race. Of course, I pushed myself on the last 1k, coming by some spectators and running the down the finish line.
I clocked a 1:31:36 half marathon, my second fastest half marathon time ever. Poor race management did not allow me to hit my expected 1:25.
All in all, I had a great race, very good start into the season and a finished in 4:24:41. 11th Place Overall, 5th place in my Age Group.
I am looking forward to some shorter distance races and Ironman Switzerland in 5 weeks. Swim and bike performance are top notch for my abilities. If I can get my mind on the right track and run a little smarter, a sub 9:30 Ironman is not out of sight.
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