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Written by Scott Perschke
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Monday, 16 July 2007 |
Below is the report for the recent Xterra race I sent to my coach.
I met Brain Grasky last year at the ICTN (International Christian Triathlon Network)camp, and have had him as coach for the last 2 seasons.
So far this year, In the 45-49 age group I've placed 2nd at a small Xterra race at R.B Winter State Park (PA), 10th at the regional championship in Richmond, VA (where 6 of the top 10 finishers in my age group were from other regions), and fourth at this latest race at Rocky Gap State Park, MD. This last race was the most rewarding personally, as it had many of the local competitors there. I wear the IC3 singlet at races, and while chatting after this race I noticed one of the guys choke back some expletives.
These results put me in 3rd place for the regional points series. The top 4 at the end of the season are invited to race at the national championship race at Lake Tahoe.
Here's the report . . .
The race was sold out this year. 280 tris, and about 40 duathletes.
They started us in 2 waves, 3 minutes apart. 40+ and women in 2nd wave.
Swim went well – it was very warm water. I pushed myself a bit harder
than before and was able to swim with minimal interference. Only 2
buoys to get around is nice!
Bike went well – passing frequently, was passed once or twice. Saw a
familiar face on the first climb, from the Mifflinburg race. A younger
guy (Ed) whose wife (Amy) also races. He called me a roadie (I'd told
him about the coming Ironman race) and he took off, I eventually caught
and passed him (reminding him I’m not a roadie!) and we road most of
2nd lap more or less together. On the second time thru the single track
around the lake, I caught a long train of slow pokes. On my second
holler (!) they started pulling over.
My bike times were 2nd best in age, confirming it as my strong sport.
The run started off roughly. I had stomach issues for a mile or so. I
hung just behind a pair of guys that chatted quite a bit, which kept my
attention off the gut. The stomach problem cleared and then I hit
Emmit’s revenge, walking about ½ of it. Cramp twitches arrived at that
point, and made me very cautious for the coming ravine. When out on the
road to the finish I tried to hammer, but the twinges came back a bit
more, so I just maintained a 90% pace and finished pretty well. There
was an age grouper about 100 yards ahead, but I couldn’t close it.
Talking with a competitor afterwards, he repeatedly stated that 2:30 is
a fast time.
It was great to have Marlene (a friend's wife) there cheering everyone on. The added personal touch is very nice!
I was near the end of 1st bike lap at 10:10 (IC3 prayer minute). Thanks all!
2:28, vs 2:41 last year. 4th of 25 in age group.
My upper body is sore today, but I think that is more from the high
ropes course at IC3 National camp Saturday PM than than the race. Legs
are fine today.
Scott
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