Last week was a rough one for me, I came down with a sickness on Monday, skipped work Tuesday, and didn't work out the rest of the week. Luckily I only had a cough and congestion over the weekend which is why I was surprised with the race. Sunday was the first year for the Brierman 50 Half Lite (.85 mile swim + 40 mile bike + 9.3 mile run = 50 miles) in Frederick, MD. It started at Greenbriar State Park which is one of my favorite MTB areas, and a place to pick up the AT (Appalachian Trail). Why is that important? Because it is in the mountains... this race is HILLY!!! It was a cool morning in the 40's and the water temp was in the 50's which was definitely a wake up! I used my long sleeve wetsuit for the first time this year and must have really liked it because I left the water 13th which is my best so far. After a few mess ups including trying to put a shirt over my aero helmet I had already put on, I was on my way. This course was AWESOME! 2 x 20 mile loops on a tough course; I will post the altitude gain when I download it! Going out of the park is a steep climb to Rt. 40 and there was already guys weaving in their big gears trying to get up the climb. The bike leg was probably the best I have seen with twisty, fast, hilly descents and long, steep climbs. The crux of the course was a 1.5 mile ascent which stepped up and never seemed to stop. I had great legs from all the rest, but the wind was not so good so I just tried to pace myself. Most of the descents were fast and I had a max speed of 48mph! After the 1st lap I thought I was in the lead, but the sprint athletes were also on the course so it was tough to know who was in the Half race. About 3 miles from the finish I caught a guy who was moving really well and passed him, but couldn't shake him until a steeper climb up 40 back to the park. I entered T2 either 1st or 2nd, but left 3rd with another snails pace transition. then the pain started! The run was just as hilly as the bike.... straight up over the AT and back down. Its funny, but I can actually run uphill better than most people, but the downhills are where I really suffer. Coming into the turnaround I heard footsteps... and lost 3rd. Then on another long descent another racer caught me so now I am 5th and starting to worry... are the hazard lights going on? I still felt good, but I just couldn't seem to get enough oxygen to apply any speed. Luckily I had done enough on the way out and the bike to have a cushion and I finished 5th overall; my best result in a road tri! I have to say that the course definitely favored me, and having 3 minutes off the bike to my next competitor made the difference. I feel like if I can stay healthy and keep working I am on track to a good IM in Arizona. I still get that sinking feeling when I hear footsteps on the run, but at least now I am not just falling out of contention. I will post pictures when I get them. Now I just have to figure out how to run like these guys and not get any slower on the bike... I had better get busy! Thanks for reading!
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