It’s always a good day for a home town race. That day is
made even better when the weather is perfect and the whole family gets to
participate it’s a great day! This event was a charity race for another Sandy
Hook charity, Dylan’s Wings of Change.
This was the first time I have ever raced a duathlon
(run-bike-run) and it was a great experience. The race also featured a 5k
run/walk event so while I was duathloning the rest of the family was off and
running.
The race started off with a 5k around Fairfield hills and
into my own neighborhood. I was focused on keeping a good pace knowing that I still
had a 15 mile bike ride and another 5k ahead of me. I was able to finish the
run with an 8:00 min per mile pace.
The bike portion of the race took me down more familiar
roads and up a few steep short climbs. I averaged almost 20 mph on the bike. My
plan was to push the bike hard and try to pass the pure runners who had gotten
a good lead on the run. This actually is my same strategy for triathlon, I let
the swimmers go and reel them back in.
The second run was fast and painful. On the out and back section I could count the
number of men that were ahead of me, there was one competitor that was just in
front of me who was in 9th place. I made the decision to stick with
him and try to hold on for a top 10. As we climbed a long hill at mile 2 I decided
to push past him and see if he would respond. As we reached the top of the hill
I appeared as though it worked as he didn’t seem to have an answer. I was
wrong, on the ensuing downhill section he was able to get back to me and I
again let him take a one step lead. Heading to the finish line there was one
last small uphill so I decided that I would make a move at that point. I gave
every bit of effort I had but in the end he passed me just a few feet before
the finish line.
I ended up 1st in my age group and 10th
overall male. It was a fun day and I was total exhausted meaning I left nothing
in the tank.
As I finished the race the Kim and the kids were waiting
at the line. I was informed that Josh was 19th In the 5k and ran the
whole race and Misha finished 2nd overall in the 5k.
It was a great day, I love being able to ride my bike to
and from the race.
