My 2014 triathlon season officially
came to an end last weekend. It's still a bit hard for me to realize that I'm
done racing for the year. It seems like just yesterday that I was in Richmond
to start the season but the turning leaves and the cooler temperatures signal
that another summer has passed and along with it the chance to relax and
reflect.
The experience was unforgettable.
The day before the race, I got my bike all set up and Crystie and I headed to
Snowbasin to do some course recon. I decided I'd pre-ride the last half of the
course because that's where the long descent was and also were the course is
the narrowest. Other athletes told me that the first climb out of T1 was fairly
easy and there was no point doing the whole thing. So I headed out while
Crystie checked out some of the run. The 9 miles I rode were amazing. Between
the altitude and the climbing, that was the hardest pre-ride I've ever done.
And when I wasn't gasping for breath, the amazing mountain views took it away
anyways. I am so envious of the people who get to ride on these trails
everyday.
 |
Pre-ride
view from Sardine Peak. The swim start was in the reservoir and this was
almost the highest spot on the bike.
|
After that, we headed back down
to Ogden to check in for the race and attend the pre-race meeting. That night
before the race included a "Night of Champions" dinner where my
friend, Rob, was recognized as the performer of the year and we were both
called up with the other regional champions from across the country. After
that, I was feeling really excited and ready to go. I wanted to see what I had
against a tough field of competitors and enjoy the course as much as I could.
Race
morning was beautiful. We drove to the top of Snowbasin so I could drop off my
shoes at T2, then we headed down to the reservoir and set up T1 (two transition
areas are not nearly as scary as I thought they would be.)
Finally the race starts and I put in
a solid effort to get away from the washing machine of arms and legs. I didn't
attack quite as hard as usual because I didn't want to blow a gasket at 4900ft
elevation but I started off feeling good and settled into a comfortable rhythm.
However, this didn't last long as I noticed my breathing start to get raspy and
I started to struggle. I knew this would happen with the altitude but pushed on
anyways.
Once out of the swim, I started on
the bike and this is the point where I realized the altitude was really getting
to me. While I felt fine during my pre-ride at race intensity my heart rate sky
rocketed and I was really struggling. Nothing for it, but to just keeping
making forward progress. Despite my struggles, I couldn't help but soak in the
course. The climbing was hard but the pay off was some truly incredible views.
I made my way up the 3400ft of
climbing and just kept spinning. Finally I hear the crowds at Snowbasin and I
know I'm getting close and I huff and puff my way to T2.
I roll into T2 nearly spent
but determined to see the race through to the end. I throw on my shoes and
start the long climb right out of transition. My entire body felt like fire as
my lungs, so accustomed to sea level struggle to get enough oxygen, and as my
legs fight to keep moving with lactic acid that's continually being pumped into
them.
This is what I worked all year
to get. Even though I was hurting, I couldn't help but smile (even though it
actually looked like a grimace). I was at the USA Championships. This was my
reward for pushing myself on the trainer in February, for dealing with mud,
wind, and rain in the spring, for pushing myself to the limit at every race
this summer. This was the swan song for my most successful season yet.
As I crossed the finish, I was
overjoyed that I could finally stop moving. And as I look back on the race and
the rest of the year, I am so thankful to Wattie Ink and all of the sponsors for their support this year. I also
want to take this time to thank my family, friends, and particularly my
girlfriend, Crystie for the sacrifices they made so that I can chase this
dream. While, we as athletes make sacrifices to pursue our goals, I've found
the sacrifices of those who love us often go unnoticed.
Thanks to everyone who rooted for me
this year and I hope to continue to improve in 2015.
