Race season begins
One week until my first triathlon of the year
It’s been a long time coming.
This coming Sunday, I will race in the Rev3 Quassy Half. It is a “half-Ironman” triathlon, which means it covers the half the distance of a full Ironman. Not only will it be my first triathlon of the year, but it will be my first triathlon in nearly two years since I did not start any races in 2016; that was the first such “no tri” year since I took up the sport in 2010. I have not competed in any triathlon event since the New York City Triathlon in July of 2015. I have not competed in a half-Iron distance triathlon—also known as a 70.3 for the total number of miles covered—since August of 2014.
Since last September, when I made the decision to train for the upcoming Ironman Wisconsin, I’ve run 865 miles, biked 2063 miles, and swam 73 miles. Training has been instrumental in helping me cope with the tectonic shifts my family has experienced of late. Having the opportunity to race is a welcome reward.
I chose this race as my return for sentimental reasons. Quassy happens to be the site of my first “half” back in 2011. It’s also the only half course I’ve completed twice—having also raced in 2014—so it serves as a measure for my progress (or lack thereof) as an endurance athlete. The race organizer, Rev3, does a marvelous job of running the event. The transition area—staged at an rural amusement park—is a festive atmosphere. Athletes are treated to all-you-can-eat hamburgers and hot dogs at the finish line. The lake swim is crystal clear and a delightful temperature this time of year .I cannot wait to jump in that water and start this race.
To say I’m excited is an understatement.
My expectations remain tempered. Though I ran my best half-Iron run split of any race last time here, I am unsure of how well my training has set me up for this season. I’ve most certainly not nailed every single workout and I have missed quite a few altogether. I have been grieving the loss of my wife while learning how to raise our boy. I’ve moved cities and changed jobs. The emphasis in my training has been less about performance gain and more about stability in a time of turmoil.
Quassy, one of the hilliest courses in triathlon, is also known as being quite difficult. Last time I did the 56 mile bike course there, my Garmin watch recorded over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. There is a seven-mile uphill climb in the middle of the course. There is a barrage of climbing, false flats, and scorching descents. It is an enormous challenge. Just look at the elevation profile:
Imagine riding your bike over that, then running a half-marathon. That’s Quassy.
All that said, I will still have goals for this race, which are as follows:
- I will execute my race plan to the best of my ability
- I will swim hard, bike smart, and run like hell
- I will smile when things get tough
- I will pee on the bike if I need to go*
*Peeing on the bike is a triathlon badge of honor—I’ve never done it before!
For me, simply getting to that start line will feel like a victory. My promise to myself is, no matter the outcome, I will choose to enjoy every minute. I will choose to have fun.
