The 2014 season started with two tough races and two fourth place positions. As the first race of the season I always knew Oceanside was going to be a challenging way to start, but with such a stacked field it was a good way for me to see how my fitness was progressing. Heading to Ironman 70.3 St. George wasn’t any easier with an even bigger world championship class field.
Pre race media coverage by St. George & Zion National Park Tourism
| WEEK LEADING INTO RACE | ||
| Miles of travel | 641 | |
| Hours of packing | 3 | |
| Hours Training – Bike | 4 | |
| Hours Training- Swim | 4 | |
| Hours Training- Run | 2 | |
| Hours Training- Strength | 1 | |
| Number of Beers Consumed | 3 | |
| Number of Coffees Consumed | 7 | |
| Testing it out | Brooks T7 Racer | |
| Pre Race Dinner | Pizza | |
| Pre Race Distraction | Julie Dibens (I thought she retired) | |
The pre race transition atmosphere was tense. We all knew how tough the course was, how fast the pace was going to be and that it was going to come down to the wire. I felt good race morning and confident that my preparation had gone well.
| RACE DAY | |
| Pre Race Breakfast | Beet juice, Coffee, Bagel, PowerGel |
| Transition Talk | I thought Frodo was a Hobbit |
| Support Crew | Sage Calamari, Mark Andrews |
I have been working hard at Rally Sport with Grant Holicky of Apex Coaching and was happy with how my swimming had progressed. I went with the early pace which was very high and after 500m I settled into the perfect position in the lead pack. I maintained this position and exited the water right where I needed to be. This was definitely the best swim I have ever done.
| SWIM | ||
| Goggles | TYR Tracer | |
| Wetsuit | TYR Freak of Nature | |
| Swim Cap | TYR Warmwear Swim Cap |
Once onto the bike I quickly moved toward the front of the race after some strong riding up the first climb. I rode aggressively but was careful not over extend myself and leave nothing for the run. I spent much of the ride off the front of the chase group with Potts and Chrabot. The chase group rode strongly and kept us in check until T2.
| Bike | Trek Speed Concept | |
| Groupset | Campagnola Electronic Power Shift (EPS) | |
| Saddle | ISM Podium | |
| Powermeter | Powertap | |
| Helmet | Rudy Project Wingspan Time Trial Helmet | |
| Shoes | Bontrager Hilo RXL | |
| Sunglasses | Rudy Project Genetyk Racing | |
| Wheels | Bontrager prototype disk Aeolus 7 D3 (Tubular) | |
| PowerGel (on bike) | 7 | |
| Powerbar Perform (on bike) | 40 oz |
| RUN | ||
| Sunglasses | Rudy Project Genetyk Racing | |
| PowerGel | 2 | |
REFLECTIONS
Swim: So this is what the lead pack looks like
T1 (exiting): Was that Barney?
Bike: This bike course didn’t seem as hilly from the car
Finish: How did I just finish in front of three world champions and only get fourth?
Thank you to the volunteers, supporters and my amazing sponsors, Trek, TYR, Rudy Project, Campagnolo, Bontrager, ISM
A special thank you to Mark Andrews from Trek and to the awesome people from St. George & Zion National Park Tourism. Check out their video from the race
Current World Rankings: Ironman – 9th, 70.3 – 5th