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All, happy to report that my virtual race went well and I finished with a time of 6 hours 27 minutes. This is very similar to my time when I raced this course two years ago with little training but real transitions and course support (and ending up in the medical tent), so I count it as a big success. A few things to note for others considering a virtual race:
- I second Ryan’s comments about the value of a hydration vest, that was key without course support. I wore it on the bike and the run, and filled it in the middle. I got the cheapest one at Walmart (Avia is the brand) and it worked fine, though I should have practiced with it more in advance.
- Friends and family support is always helpful, but it was absolutely critical to a virtual race. My parents watched me swim, met me with drinks and food once on the bike and twice on the run, and tracked my location on my iphone just in case I needed medical attention this time around (which I luckily did not). They are the best!
- Having a phone and headphones raised logistical issues, but was really nice to keep me entertained and motivated during a long lonely bike. I listened to a book on tape for most of it and switched to a motivational playlist for the run, which helped get me over the finish line despite the heat. I wish you could do that in real races.
On Coach AJ’s questions, my virtual race modifications went very well, my swim was very smooth and enjoyable, and my nutrition went pretty well. I knew from my training that I could keep the calories low, around 200/hour, and I still had plenty of energy even at the end. What I didn’t do as well was electrolytes, I had planned for about 200mg/hour of sodium on the bike, which was maybe a little low for the heat, and then my planning kind of fell off for the run. Combined with the rising heart rate in the heat (which was very noticeable) my run was significantly slower than planned, but still better than my first half iron effort.
Overall I felt pretty good at the end and likely could have pushed myself more with course support, which is important data for the next time. And it’s clear I have more opportunity on the bike, in terms of increasing power and better heart rate training and improving my gear and familiarizing myself more with the course.
After four days off, I’m ready to get back into training! I miss it more than I thought I would, and I’m confident I can drop time in a real race. I think I will look for a fall race that might still be happening and re-start the build cycles soon.
Happy fourth everyone! -Julia
Thanks, Romain and AJ! This is all very helpful information and has given me a lot to think about. I’m going to go over my race and nutrition plans again on Saturday before I “race” on Sunday – I think I have been so focused on the strange parts of racing virtually that I haven’t fully thought through the details of translating my training nutrition to racing nutrition, which is of course always a challenge. It also looks like it’s going to be very hot for me on race day – I’m going to have to up my fluids and electrolytes compared to my training, does anyone have any more specific suggestions for the heat?
After so much training, I’m looking forward to finally racing! I will let you know how it goes. -Julia
NTPers, my bike is still available. Not sure how to post pictures here, but you can see one at the ad I just posted here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcusedicyclemarketplace/. Or I’m happy to send pictures or more details directly
Hoping to sell it this month. Come test ride in downtown DC! -Julia
I’m also wondering if the 2020 partner codes are coming soon. Particularly for the partner race entries – if there is any way to get those codes up before race prices go up on February 1, it would be much appreciated and would help to save a lot of money! Not too much benefit to getting a club discount on an increased price.
Thanks!
I’m planning to join tomorrow for my first ever Saturday ride with the group, looking forward to it.
I’m looking forward to doing the Olympic race on Sunday, and to all the fun on Saturday! Sounds like it’s going to be a good weekend. By the way, the cabins filled up so now I’m staying at Lake Anna Lodge – is anyone else staying outside the park? Are others going to the packet pick up happy hour on Tuesday? See you there! -Julia
Hi all,
I’m looking to share a cabin for this weekend. It looks like there are 2 cabins still available with 2 bunk beds each. There is a two night minimum but it’s only $47/night for 4 people, so likely still worthwhile even if you come down on Saturday morning (which I may still do). Let me know if you’re interested so we can book before they are gone.
Looking forward to it,
Julia
