Race Report : Newtown Wingathlon

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 9^th 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 1^st in my age group and 10^th 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 19^th In the 5k and ran the whole race and Misha finished 2^nd overall in the 5k.

 It was a great day, I love being able to ride my bike to and from the race.