St Croix 70.3 Race Recap

I have finally made it back from the islands and my experience was beyond what words can say. I want to first off Thank my sponsor, Tru Tri Sports for taking me to the race and REALLY taking care of me. I am so thankful to have been able to experience all that the island had in store for me.

View from my Condo.

You dont just get a little bottle of rum, You get a whole bottle in your packet!

Some of you may know, that St. Croix is known to be one the hardest 70.3s on the circuit. The combination of a choppy swim, hot and humid weather conditions, hilly terrain (4500 ft of climbing on the bike alone, not to mention the climbs on the run), and no shade can make for an eventful day. To me this was perfect. Coming back from injury, this race seemed to be the best way to challenge not only my physical strength, but also my mental attitude. I can say that I was successful in both of these endeavors and that is what truly counts to me. I read this wonderful article the day before the race about how often times we let triathlon take over our life and we become obsessed with times and places. But, what does it really matter? What are you really racing for? I thought this was a great reminder for me that no matter what my time was going to be at the end of the day or what position I was in, I was going to finish this race.  You can read the article here.

Anyways, We arrived on the island on thursday and really just spent the day traveling. The next day we went to packet pickup, which was also accompanied by a swim in the harbor where they actually closed down the waters for an hour to let us swim the course. It was Pretty cool that they did that. The town itself was also shut down on sunday during the race to ensure safe roads and lots of cheers. The island really takes to the event and treats it like royalty. I dove in to the waters, only to be reminded that the water was extra salty and that yes it was choppy, but nothing I couldnt handle. I had a great pre-race swim in the harbor and was feeling positive.

My Roomies and I at the swim start. 

The fish that we could see during the swim!

Later that day we decided to take the bikes out and run through some gears. Due to the high traffic and crappy roads, the ride ended up scaring the shit out of me and I was once again worried about the race. Luckily though all my gears were shifting well and my breaks were definitely working. That evening they had a VIP/pro reception for us and a party in the city called JUMP where all the locals came out to sing, dance, and serve food.

"Moko Jumbies" performing for us.

Saturday was the normal pre-race routine. Simple foods, quick workouts, a nap, pro meeting, and lights out. I woke up sunday morning freezing around 330am. Does anyone else wake up cold on race morning?? I know that its just my adrenaline and nerves but it happens everytime! I always pack warm clothes for the morning. Even in the 75 degrees and 100% humidity I was all covered up. I got to transition early and kept downing my Powerbar perform until race start. We had to be in the water at 6am to swim over to the race start and we were set to go at 630. I enjoyed being able to get in the water for a swim warmup, but unfortunately got stung by a jellyfish which was a nice wake up call. Over on the island the pros lined up and I took a deep breath and found myself actually pretty calm and ready to tackle the day.

The Swim: It was a beach start with a sharp turn about 100m out until we got on the course. I lined up the right side of the group so that I could cut in the swim and catch the feet. This tactic worked perfect and I was in the mix from the getco. I felt strong, positive, and collected. Stay on their feet, Stay on their feet! We made it to the turn buoy which was about 800m out and all the sudden I got stung by a huge jelly fish that hurt WAY worse than the last one. I screamed in the water and the girls around me probably thought I was psycho. I kept swimming but I lost my mental cap. I surged to catch back up but couldnt grab any feet. Damnit! I knew I would be about a minute or two back from the group because as soon I lost the group I was working alone. I tried to stay positive and keep swimming telling myself that was okay. It was really cool to see the ocean views and the scuba divers below us holding the buoys. I wanted to wave to them haha! I exited the in 30 minutes and change and was off to the bike.

The bike: The course consisted of an 8 mile loop before we headed out on to the island. Needless to say, I felt the WORST I have ever felt on the bike in my life. I had no power, no strength, no nothing. I questioned myself and what to do. Do I pull out after 8 miles? I reminded myself of how on long rides it takes me about an hour to get comfortable. But why was it such a challenge today? Was it the salt water? The Jellyfish sting? I told myself I wouldnt quit even if I had to go slow. I would atleast finish the bike and see how my day was going. I started drinking some fluids after 10 minutes and getting the calories in. Then all the sudden my chain dropped when trying to switch gears too fast. Damnit! Lesson learned. I jumped off, fixed it and was on my way in a matter of seconds. I dont know if this was just what I needed or what,  because I instantly regrouped and was feeling much better. Drank my first Bottle, picked up the next one at mile 11 and was off to the beast. I am happy to say I "tamed" the beast and made it to the top! I even celebrated a little once I got to the top. Another age group guy was with me and we both looked at each other with excitment. And then we descended and the real challenge was on our way. They say the race doesnt start until after the beast and that was for damn sure. The wind, the hills, and the gravel roads made it challenging, but I loved it! I focused on getting nutrition, attacking the hills and gearing correctly. I tucked my head in on the windy segments and stayed positive. I peed on the bike so I knew I was doing well with hydration and finished the bike with 5 bottles of perform and 1 gu for a total of 1200 calories. I finished in sub 3 hours which was exactly where I thought I would be. Woo hoo.

On top of the "Jr. Beast" on the run course.

The Run:  As if each segment didnt have me questioning if I would finish this race, the run course had me questioning it the most. My garmin died in transition that morning, but lucky for me I had my little running stopwatch (always be prepared!!).I was given strict instructions to run no faster than 730 for the first 8 miles or forever hold my peace. I ticked off the first 4 miles slightly faster than I should have but I noticed my legs were just not up to the challenge. The combination of the heat, the hills, the "Jr. Beast", were getting me and quick. I drank at every aid station and seemed to be dieing of thirst every km. I dumped ice down my suit to keep my core cool and tried anything possible. At this point I started giving myself little goals. Run this first lap and see where you are. Run this next 10 minutes and see where you are. I didnt know how I was going to finish but I was going to do it. I made it through the first loop and was off to the second and there was no turning back now. Walk/run was the name of the game and there was shame in it either. A total sufferfest but we were all out there together. I thought the day would never end but it did and I crossed the line in 5:30.

Say what you might say, but I was proud. There is really no shame in what I did on the run because I finished. It wasnt my day but I took it as it was and continued on with my journey. I am excited for the season to begin now and over the moon happy that my body is letting me perform again without pain. I have to remember to use patience and trust the process just like I used my patience throughout the race. I am happy to say I conquered the island and had many positive experiences from the race. They include:
1) My pre Race (days before) fueling choices were on point. My during race nutrition/hydration seemed on point too. No cramping and a happy stomach.
2) My Swim is increasingly getting better. Staying in the pack much longer and being confident.
3) Growing confidence with bike handling and turns/descends on not ideal roads.
4) I need volume on my legs that I just dont have quiet yet. Patience.
5) If I ever travel internationally where they dont speak english, I will need to hire a guide or bring a friend.

Thank you everyone for the cheers and prayers throughout the weekend. It always means so much to me when I read your nice comments and know that I have great people in my life. As always big thanks to Tru Tri Sport for taking me this event, Cobb Cycling, BlueSeventy, OutRival Racing, Boundless Nutriton, Powerbar, Aussie Cycle Works, Third Coast Training,  the gang at C.Fosters and Associates, Coach Tim Floyd of Magnolia Masters, Coach David Tilsbury-Davis, Coach Michelle LeBlanc, my clients, and the whole OutRival Racing/Houston Triathlon Community Family. Thanks guys!

Next Up: One of my favorites: Memphis in May 5150!