Do I like to race? Recap of the second half of 2019

I have been delinquent. I know. All my loyal readers have been waiting with baited breath for my latest race report. People want to know what other great feats of endurance I participated in during the second half of 2019. They want to know what place I came in in my age group. Did I suffer any hardships leading up to a race? Did I bonk hard in the last leg of a triathlon? Did I get injured and have to adjust my goals? Did I have to go to the doctor at all? Did I pee myself on the bike?  I have been down right mean by keeping everyone out of the loop. For that I apologize.

Today, I will get caught up through the summer of 2019. Once I get my loyal readers caught up, I will have a race report for the Richmond Marathon. And then, and only then, will I turn my attention to a new subject that should garner a bit more discussion I think. But first, here are some abbreviated race reports for the rest of 2019.

After Ironman 70.3 VA, we went to the beach for an early season vacation. I ate a ton of ice cream and generally took it easy. We did some hiking and lounging on the beach and one day we went for a run. It was a nice getaway. Here are a few photos from the trip. 

It was a fun trip that included ZERO races. 

We got back from the beach on a Friday. The next day, I rode my bike from my house down to the Cap 2 Cap start at Dorey Park. I had to push the pace a bit to get there before it started so when I arrived at the starting line for the 100 mile bike ride, I was gushing sweat after my 17 mile warm up. I did well for the first half of the ride but then all the ice cream caught up to me and I lost my mojo. It was a death march back to Dorey Park where I used the bathroom, grabbed a post race dinner roll, and then headed for home. Of course the skies opened up and I rode the 17 miles back to my house in pouring rain. I ended up with 135 miles that day and I must say it was rather miserable for the last 65. I had wanted to see how an extra long bike ride would feel. Now I know.

Two weeks later I did the Dominion Energy Riverrock Trail Trio which consisted of a Friday evening trail 5K, a Saturday morning trail 10k, and a Sunday morning trail Half Marathon. Let's just say I did well. I dropped in the standings as the weekend progressed but that was to be expected. I was kinda sore going into day 2 and quite fatigued going into day 3.  The weather was rather warm and I find it increasingly difficult to keep the gas pedal down in the heat the older I get. Here are my results from the three races.

Two weeks after Riverrock, we headed north to visit with Melissa's sister and family. They are always so accommodating and always make sure we are comfortable when we visit. It was good to catch up but in addition to some family time, we also did the Independence Olympic Triathlon. I was still a little run down from the beat down of Riverrock (run down from the beat down- could be a song), but I still did pretty well in the race, taking 5th in my AG. It was a fun race on a closed course which I would do again someday. Plus the pre-race grilled Salmon out on Diane and Scott's deck was quite satisfying and relaxing. 

Results below. 

After the June 2nd triathlon, I started up with the Sportsbackers Marathon Training Team here in Richmond, VA. MTT as it is know around here is a very large training team that prepares newbies and veterans for the Richmond Marathon in November. They have training plans, weekend supported runs, group hill workouts, group track workouts, advice, access to VCU Sports Medicine staff. Running with MTT is a good way to meet other like minded people. You know, people who want to run a marathon. They create the routes for the weekend long runs and have SAG stations every 3 or 4 miles on the routes so you can refuel with water, Power Aid, gels, and other snacks. MTT makes running in the heat and humidity of summer in Richmond slightly more bearable. 

While I was training with MTT, I was also keeping up with my triathlon training. I decided I would do one more triathlon, the Outer Banks Triathlon in September. I had done the race once before. It is a small race but a good race for all levels. Plus, my brother-in-law Dave decided to make this his first triathlon. He was doing the Olympic distance while I was doing the Half. I was looking forward to sharing all things triathlon with Dave and being there to congratulate him on his accomplishment. 

But before we get to that, I had one more small race to do in Virginia Beach on July 13th. The Allen Stone Braveheart Memorial Run/Swim/Run took place at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The race is a benefit for the Navy Seals Foundation. The Navy SEAL Foundation provides immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and its families. I happen to know the race director for the event who went to school with my brother Erik and who is an accomplished endurance athlete himself. He participated in the John Rosen Memorial 5K that I produced a couple of years ago. I was so happy to be able to support his event. 

This event consisted of a 1K barefoot beach run, then into the ocean for a 1K swim, followed by a 5K boardwalk run. It was great fun and I highly recommend this race to anyone looking for something a little different that supports a great cause. Check them out at http://www.allenstonememorial.com/.

I know what you are thinking, how did you do? Not too shabby. Got 3rd in my AG. I am not sure why I did not get swim splits. 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner - 3rd

On to the OBX Triathlon.

A week before the race, Hurricane Dorian blew through the region and the race was in jeopardy of  being canceled. Thankfully, the water receded from the roads and we were able to race. Unfortunately, the storm runoff from the hurricane meant the bacteria levels in the sound were deemed unsafe and the swim was canceled.  I was disappointed that the swim was canceled but it was the right thing to cancel. After all, a google search about swimming in open water with high bacteria levels came up with this:

Q: What could happen to me if I swim in water with elevated levels of bacteria? A: Exposure to bacteria in the water can cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, chills and fever. Skin rashes and infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat may also occur.

Gross!

Without getting into too many excruciating details, the run felt like a death march. It was so hot! I was burning up. I would run for a while and then had to walk to cool off. Over and over again, I found myself having to walk more than I wanted. It was my slowest half marathon ever in any race. However, I still placed well in a small age group. 

Well, that about wraps it up for Triathlon season. Up next would be the Richmond Marathon, my last "big" race of the year. Next time, I will enthrall you with my story of that race.