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Thanks for the feedback, Coach. RE my bike mistake: I chose to switch from a TT bike to an aero road bike for a numbers of reasons, but I did not get fit on it, and I did not get fit again to switch it to a tri-specific setup. I had ridden on the new bike for about half the training period, so I knew the feel of the bike well. The bike is great, but nonetheless, I certainly did not follow the sound advice of Coach–and pretty much anyone who races or coaches, and I think my time suffered a bit for it. I had been fit on my TT bike, and it was worth it then. This time, it just didn’t happen.
For new racers out there, this is a no-no. You can feel the difference in an Olympic race, and you will DEFINITELY know the difference in a 70.3. I did fine, and the fit that I have is not causing me discomfort, but it is not ideal especially for a race (huge difference between time trial/tri setup and road bike setup), and I believe I could have raced stronger with some adjustments. I have another race in a month, and I will get the bike dialed in before then to be sure. Take it from me–there is a reason that you should get a professional bike fitting!
This was my first triathlon using a coached plan, and I could see the benefits even though I wasn’t thrilled with my time. I missed my goal time by 10 minutes or so which was a bummer. Nonetheless, I was calmer than in any previous race, I crushed the swim, I had a good run, and I felt great on Monday–all great things. Unfortunately, the bike is generally my best leg, and I had a comparatively poor showing. I was on a new bike, racing on it for the first time, and I think the setup did me in–that was on me.
The swim was tough with the waves–I took in a ton of water. Sighting was also tricky, and of course the current, so I was especially happy that I got out of the water feeling good. I tried really hard to nail all the swim workouts, and I believe it paid off. Really could have done without the long run on asphalt to T1, however. That was my only complaint in an otherwise really great race (this was my first with Rev3, and I think they did a great job).
When I saw 10 miles into the ride that I was well below my target speed, but my HR was creeping up, I settled in and maintained the same effort instead of trying to push. I didn’t want bad legs for the run. I credit the training for that.
I definitely drifted my HR on the run, and I had a slower second half which was disappointing, but I know that I need to work on that, and so I will. I definitely believe the constant brick training was huge–legs settled in very quickly (even with the friggin’ hill right out of T1!), and my form felt good. Next time, I would have slowed the first mile and walked a bit more to keep something in the tank for the end (in other words, I will FOLLOW THE COACHING…). Thought I had plenty of matches, but I was wrong.
I compete mostly for overall fitness, and I felt great beforehand and afterward. I was able to enjoy the race as opposed to some in the past which I have just suffered through, and I didn’t get hurt which is always the best bonus. I had high hopes for my time–even a division podium spot–and I am bummed I didn’t get there, but I do feel like I had a good race, and I think that the training program was certainly a large part of that.
Thanks, Coach AJ, and good luck to all of you working towards your goal race.
This really helpful. I always have a plan but never to this level of detail. I am looking forward to putting all this training to the test out there very soon!
Somewhat related to the race–kits. I need a new suit for the race, and I wonder if anyone out there has one they love, and maybe one that is not $200++? I have a one piece sleeveless, and I have preferred that to the two piece. I am an XL male, btw. If anyone knows where I can find a deal, thanks in advance.
See you all at the start,
Nick
