Ironman California Oceanside 70.3

Ironman California Oceanside 70.3
March 29, 2014

Results
Overall 5:18:36 PR (Note: Personal Record by @4 minutes vs. 2011 5:22:20)
Swim 35:20
T1 - 3:30
Bike 2:48:11
T2 - 1:21
Run 1:50:14
Division Rank 61 | Overall Rank 378

Post Race Recap
With the first race of the season, I always seem to find a new respect for racing.  The race day elements are simply different than the simulated components of training and its a time to see if what you have planned and the work adds up to produce results.

First, the 5:30 am weekday training routine is a real strength toward consistency. Buying a bike light and braving the weather at 5:30 am provides time back after work and on the weekends for the family's schedule.  This routine has proven to be a great work life balance.  I'm reserving the larger weekend training blocks for one race this year and allowing the other races to play out with the weekday morning time I'm carving out.  Its funny but you will find time to do the things you love.

Second, the speed work has really helped my run. Much different than the long slow ultra or limitless training.  I felt very sharp running off the bike and enjoyed the run.

Third, racing invokes some pretty raw instincts.  It hurts, its hard and you need to embrace it.  I think doing some more race pace intensity distances like 5K and the like keeps you sharp.