2022 UBC Duathlon

Well now that I've finally caught up on my 2021 race reports, 2022 is started out strong with more races!

On Saturday, March 5th I took part in the UBC Duathlon. In years past, I've done the sprint and Olympic triathlon distance of this race. But as stated in my race report from 2 year ago, I got a little aggravated with the swim. In 2021, I was signed up to the duathlon to take out the frustration and focus on my running. But the race was cancelled in 2021 so here we are now! 

I arrived extra early to get a good spot. I was the first duathlete there and had my pick of transition spots. I setup in the first spot closest what I thought was the bike and run in/out.

It was very strange prepping transition. I kept feeling like I was missing something. Usually, you would setup your bike and run gear, but I was wearing my run gear already. My space looked so empty. 

As I continued to setup, I hit my first snag of the day. My aero bottle began to leak. I had to quickly drink everything that was in it, or risk having it leak all over my front tire, front brake, and my cycling gear. Luckily, I had spare bottle I could throw in the bottle cage. This was not ideal, but it's what had to be done. 

The cold morning air was getting to me and I ventured to the pool to watch the first wave starts for the triathlon. I meet up with Coach Oscar and Coach Stewart and watched with them. 

Soon it was time to get ready for my race. After a last minute check of my transition area, I got my timing chip, and did a little warm up. 

There was short race briefing, then we walked up the hill for the start. 

Run #1

My wave started and everyone took off like a shot. The waves behind me quickly passed me and I was running nice and easy in last place. As the run went on, I started to pick out racers I thought I could catch later. I felt bad making a judgment call about who would blow up or bonk, but it helped motivate me.

I kept to a good moderate pace and kept with a 5 minute run followed by a 1 minute walk for the whole 5k. 

The first run went by very quick. As I came into transition, I saw Jen and Thomas cheering me on.

The Bike

When I arrived at transition, my bike was the only one left in the duathlon area. This did not worry me. I know I am a strong biker, especially on this course. 

I started the bike nice and easy to let my legs adjust. The start of the bike was an uphill and I did not want to gas out too early. I took some nutrition and hydrated before taking the right hand turn down the big hill on 16th. 

The course is on a very popular cycling route and I train on it regularly. I knew exactly how to attack it. The way out is all downhill and can be used to make up time since the way back is all false flats (and the hill at 16th).  

I was soon back at the turn around and ready to start lap 2. But I made a mistake and went into the finish lane by accident. I had to stop, back up, and get in the correct lane before taking off again. 

On lap 2 I was able to pick up speed while keeping my effort under control. I saw a few teammates out on the course starting their 4 laps for the Olympic distance triathlon. 

And as predicted, I passed a few duathletes on my way back to T2. 

I got off my bike at the mount line and took a step as my bike cleats slip across the pavement. I decided to stop and take off my shoes rather than risk an injury so close to finishing. 

T2 was a lightly longer transition as I took my time gearing up for the final run. 

Run #2

I made my way out of transition with a bit of a foot cramp. I stopped and tried to work it out before heading back up the slight hill to start my final run. 

Jen and Thomas were there and they both cheered me on. Thomas let out a huge laugh when he saw me and that pushed me to work harder. 

At this point, I knew I only had 5k left to go. I pushed the pace and passed a few more athletes in my race. I feel bad in admitting that everyone I passed was someone I picked out in my mind at the start of the race.

At this point, the pain in my feet was becoming worse and worse, but I knew I was close to the end. I kept pushing and soon I was coming down the hill to the finish.

I crossed the line and immediately took off my shoes. I could barely walk my arches hurt so much.

All in all a great way to start off the 2022 race season. I know what to work on now. I need to slowly build my bike legs back up. I need to find a way to get my arm warmers to not slip so much on the aero bar pads. I also need to figure out an easier way to get my gels during the bike. 

I have already fixed my leaky aero bottle since this race and have fixed the problem with my feet. Turns out the new shoes I was wearing do not fit my style of running. I have since changed back to my old style of shoe and my running has been coming along.

Great start to the 2022 season and a good way to pin down what adjustments I need to make.

Run:  0:41:32
T1:    0:02:38

Bike: 0:48:12

T2:    0:03:56

Run:  0:39:42

Total: 2:15:57