Saturday, April 30, 2011

75 mile Ride for Autism


We heard about this ride from several people in Just Tri , one of our training groups, it seemed like a unique opportunity to contribute to a good cause and get in an evil work out at the same time. So we registered, crossed our fingers, and hoped the stories of the hills were just that, stories. . .
This was our first experience, as a team, with hills and the stories were true - we experienced the full range of our gearsets. Yes I said it – hills! For those of you who doubt the existence of hills in Ohio, I invite you to embark upon a short trip southeast of our lovely Columbus and you will soon find yourself surrounded by the Hocking hills. If you are lucky you may even experience the legendary Starner hill.

We sweated, we groaned, we cried, and we smiled - it was a good day. And you, you can have a coke.

Lessons Learned:
1. Always pack extra nutrition (even if it is a supported ride)
2. Gears, gears, gears
3. Chamois cream – nuff said

Here is a link to our ride data:

Sunday, April 10, 2011

If April Showers Bring Mayflowers . . . What do April Duathlons Bring???





Record setting seasons, that’s what they bring! Spring is here and our training is off to whirlwind start! Becca, John Bailey, & I competed in our first duathlon - The Duel at Darby. The morning was a bit misty but it cleared up and we each had a solid race. It looks like it is going to be a great season.

Lessons Learned:
1. If it is misty/rainy do not wear glasses on the bike
2. If the race is shorter than a ½ iron, skip the bike gloves and save a few seconds in the transition area
3. If the race is shorter than a ½ iron, bring a throw-a-way water bottle and use it as you exit the transition area, rather than wasting time sipping water next to your bike – GET OUT THERE AND START RUNNING ALREADY! (if its longer than a ½ marathon I believe I will carry a water bottle during the run and refill on the route)
4. Pack a gu in your shorts, if you have pockets, and take it as you exit the transition – this should save 15 seconds on the transition.
5. Practice the “auto multisport” function on your Garmin watch before race day