Saturday, April 05, 2008

Great Clermont Pre-race

I feel kinda guilty, only making a 6 word post and getting so many well-wishings. Thanks everyone!

The Olympic tomorrow is the Great Clermont Triathlon Olympic and it happens to be a USAT National Qualifier. Excel Man chose this race specifically for that reason - he even opted out of our back-yard race, St. Anthony's, to focus on qualifying. Here's wishing him a kick ass day.

The bike course is the same as the one they used two years ago under the name of the Tri-America Series. I wasn't blogging then, so I have no old race report. From my Motion Based account, I see that I rode an average of 17.5mph, with 1100' of elevation gain. That aught not be too hard to beat. The run is also the same from '06, where I ran about an 11 min pace with almost 1,000 ft of elevation gain. It's a pretty hilly run course, but barring any catastrophic cramps I should have no problems bettering that run.

It will be neat to meet Cindy Jo and possibly Moonpie out there. The temps are supposed to be mid 60's to low 70's; perfect race conditions, as long as the rain holds off until the afternoon, winds are only supposed to be 4 - 6 mph. No excuses tomorrow!

Tonight we are actually going to stay in a hotel close to the race - even though its only an hour and a half away. There's an awesome Italian restaurant close by - Bruno's - that is becoming a pre-Clermont-race tradition.

So...remember...go out hard, hold it as long as I can. That's the plan. Early season "A" race is coming up fast (St. Anthony's) - this race will be a great indicator of my top 10 Clydesdale possibilities for late April.

8 comments:

Jenny Davidson said...

Have a great race!

Bolder said...

you should talk to your coach about the concept of an early season 'A' race...

GOOD RACIN' BIGUN!!

Kate said...

I am so jealous, that is going to be awesome. Good luck buddy. And those temps with almost no wind. It doesn't get any better. Here's hoping the weather forecasters are spot on. I just finished my long run in 36 mph wind. Think of that if it helps you. :-)

Taconite Boy said...

Have a great race ya big lug

Unknown said...

Gp Bigun, GO!

davegibb said...

Run Bigun Run. Hope you have a great race.

Unknown said...

Looking forward to an entertaining race report big guy.

Finally got a chance to listen to your latest podcast today on my ride to the UP - you guys have WAY too much fun with it. Thanks for making me smile today - the immodium discussion was a hoot, especially since as a nurse working primarily with the Medicare set I seem to spend all day every day talking about poop. It's funny to hear someone else with an elimination obsession!
and hey - Give your wife a hug from me would ya?

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Hope you had a good one!!