Duathlon Race Report - Galena, IL

[woowoo]

Well I finally had my first discouraging race, and have learned the lesson of not having a positive attitude going in.

My hubby and I did the Galena (ILL) Duathlon on Saturday, and it was one hell of a tough race.  Something like 3000+ft in elevation changes over a 17 mile bike course and a run that started with a 1/2 mile straight up hill (I didn't see a single person actually running in it).   We drove the course on Friday to get a feel for it, and that was a huge mistake.  The hills were like nothing I've ever ridden on before, or run on, and I seriously almost made my husband turn the car around.  I was terrified of those downhills going into the race, and the chilly weather (it was 38 degrees when we arrived to Galena on Friday) was even more discouraging. 

Saturday morning we were greeted with gorgeous sunshine though, and I started feeling a bit more confident.  The Duathlon started nearly an hour after the Triathlon (those folks had to swim in 61 degree water..brrrr!) so by 9:40 am it was much warmer than anticipated.  

I went in with the goal of finishing under 2:30, final time was 2:33.  So while that wasn't horrible, I know I could have done better.  

First run: 2 miles at 10:23 pace (first mile was all downhill, my GPS said I did that one 8:40, 2nd mile was much much slower as it was straight back uphill.  There was a BEAUTIFUL waterfall along the way, I wish I could have taken a picture).  At the end of this run, I wish I had done the Triathlon instead.  My legs were already hurting just getting up that hill.   

T1: 2:06
Bike: 17.5 miles at 13 mph.  Soooo slow, but these hills were crazy.  I was in my easiest gear for probably 90% of them, and felt like I was barely moving.  Seriously, I think the cows were moving faster.  The scenery, however, was some of the most gorgeous scenery I've ever scene in the U.S.  Everything was so green and pristine.  I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't felt like crying).  The downhills were crazy, but I continued to gain confidence with each one.  My GPS said I hit 51 MPH at one point, which I find hard to believe, but I suppose it's possible.  There were a LOT of ambulances along the course.  

T2: 3:20
2nd run: 4.5 miles at 11:12 pace.  Woof.  I could have done so much better but I think I tried too hard on the uphill and was NOT prepared to run downhill for the entire 2nd half.  I had nothing left.  

The good news is that I now know I need Hill training.  Bad.  Even though my Half Ironman (in about 80 days) will not be nearly as high of elevation changes, I am not as solid in my gear changing as I thought I was, and I have bad form running up and down hills.  I was not able to maximize the downhills in the run nearly as much as I should have been able to.  

Galena, IL is probably one of the most beautiful small towns in the US.  I highly recommend making a visit there if you are located in the Midwest, or driving through one day! 

My first Triathlon is in less than two weeks, and I'm trying to just refocus on that.  It's a flat course.   =)

[hannahb]

Sorry it wasn't what you wanted. Bad races happen and it sucks. Next time

[bostonmichelle]

Sorry it wasn't a great experience but now you have the bad under your belt and hopefully next time will be better. Just focus on IM now.

[shauni27]

that sounds BRUTAL, but you finished so you should be pleased!!

[sadlebred]

It sounds like you did a great job on a really challenging course!

[sassystace]

I'd suck it up to a great learning experience. Good job fighting through!

[bluedaisyus]

Wow that sounds rough, congratulations on finishing so close to your goal time in such challenging conditions!

[Deleted]

That sounds tough!!! Glad you made it through. The flat course will feel like a breeze!

[G22]

Races like that suck at the time, but way to push through and pull out a good time!

[breezy8407]

You finished! Way to pull through.

[emuni04]

Congrats on finishing! I used to live about 10 miles outside of Galena, so I know how challenging those hills can be.