Me and EZ Breezy
Bonjour!
I just got back to the US after a quick trip up north to Montreal, Canada for the CDL Pan-American ITU Cup. It was a successful trip and I am finally happy to have posted a solid result. I ended up in 5th, which is by far my best "North-American" ITU result. I have had some great races in Asia and Europe, but the results in ITU races in North America have eluded me for some time (for myriad reasons...).
I am also happy with how my form is shaping up. My swimming is bar none the best it has been in a long, long time. I knew this heading into the race as my times in the pool are much better than they ever have been. One problem in ITU seems to often be transferring training fitness into race execution. Looking back on the swim it was nice to go into the race with confidence in my swimming ability and exit the water after having executed that swimming fitness in the race.
I came out of the water in about 6th or 7th and we formed one small pack of about 7 that lasted till about 5k where we were swallowed by around 35 guys. Not my ideal race scenario. I focused on limiting my efforts, staying out of trouble, and preparing for the run. As there were about 4-5 crashes in my pack alone, staying out of trouble was easier said than done! I managed to stay upright and came off the bike and out of T2 in solid position.
I pushed hard the first 2k of the run and managed to move myself into 3rd place before I started to fade a little from 5-8k. In the end I managed to hold on for 5th, earn a lot of points, and make a little cash (always a good thing as a "professional"). Running from a huge bike pack has never been a strong suit of mine and I am happy about where things are, and more importantly were they are heading.
Up next is the Beijing Asian Cup being held on the 2008 Olympic Course (and 2011 WCS Grand Final, too). And by next, I mean now as I am currently sitting in the SFO airport lounge typing up this blog on my way to Beijing. Now I just have to repeat last weekend's performance again and I have an excellent shot at getting in to some WCS races later this year.
Thanks for reading
Cheers,
B
The Award Ceremony (Ill take better pics next time!)
