July Update

I haven't posted here in a while, so I thought I'd give an update.  First, a mini race report:

San Diego International Triathlon (SDIT)

About a month ago I raced the San Diego International Triathlon. SDIT iss a non-USAT event, so I was able to toe-the-line in the elite division with the fast guys (I also raced elite at this race last year with relatively successful results).

During the swim I was one of three guys leading a chase pack behind the eventual winner, Luke McKenzie. I think I was second out of the water behind Luke, but a few guys in the chase pack with me had a faster transition, so I was probably 4th or 5th heading out on the bike course. Out on the bike course, I was passed by a few more of the uber strong cyclists, but I held my ground among the rest of the field. At the start of the run I was in 7th and I knew I had some work to do. I was able to run down two of the guys in front of me and I didn't let anyone pass. I usually take down an energy gel during the bike leg of a race that is this distance. During this race I lost the gel pack and didn't take in any nutrition the whole race.  I was very glad when I crossed the finish line because I was definitely running on fumes for the last couple of miles.

I ended up finishing 5th overall. The guys in front of me included a pair of Ironman champions (Luke and Luke) and a couple of guys that race on the ITU circuit (Chris and Derek). I'd say I was in pretty good company.

A nice summary article of the race can be found here.

I must have a weird shaped head because it seems that my cap is always falling off...

Photo courtesy of Kevin Koresky @ TriLounge.com

Hoping the finish line is right around the corner

Photo courtesy of Kevin Koresky @ TriLounge.com

What am I up to right now, you ask?

Right now I am in the middle of a heavy training block focusing on getting strong and fast for my late season races. I am finishing off about a month of high volume work.  I will dial back for a week and then focus on speed work leading up to my next race.  My remaining triathlon race schedule for the 2013 season is the following:

• 9/7 - Nautica Malibu Triathlon (International Distance)
• 9/15 - ITU Short Course Age Group World Championship
• 10/20 - Lifetime Triathlon - Oceanside

I have a Team USA uniform.  Seems weird to see my name on there...

But first, I will be racing the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim on August 4th.

Finally, if you need to stock up on triathlon gear for your late season races, use coupon code MTRIPP at trisports.com for 15% off of your purchase!