Training Log Archive: wokitoki

Event: Storm the 'Scarpment
 

STS at Kelso

Thought I'd stop in for a McDonald's breakfast in Milton, 15 minutes later I still didn't have my bacon 'n egger and hash browns, so I had to walk out. May have been a blessing in disguise that I didn't get a McDonald's breakfast, but just a banana for breakfast was inadequate.

Got to race site 20 minutes before race start - by the time i got registered and the boat down to the shore it was go time - missed the pre-race meeting, didn't get to change even - i.e. cotton undies and major chafeage today.

Quick little rip up and down the quarry to get some flags before heading out on the bikes. the first lap was fun, wet but not ripped up yet. i was going at a totally unsustainable pace, but it's always been my strategy to go hard as long as possible and then suffer.

First few laps were back and forth with Critchley and DoubleDown hot on our tail. Maybe I bring more psychology into this race than there is, but I think that out-running Critchley on the second lap deflated his sails. He's a much faster runner, but he told me a month earlier that he won last year by keeping pace on the bike and paddle and out running the competition. By working extra hard on that lap I made him doubt that he could out run me.

My transitions were fast, used bike shoes, only stopped at my cooler for food and to switch hokas half way through the race. I paddled hard thinking that my surf ski would provide me with a (perhaps unfair) advantage - from past experience i know that extra effort in a rental kayak is wasted effort.

My chain rings and cogs were so full of mud i was amazed i still had gearing.

I felt good on the day, well rested and healthy heading in, which somewhat compensated for the lack of conditioning. And cold crappy weather suits me well - sweating in heat saps me.

Fun day - always a well organized race by STORM, great volunteers, very friendly and encouraging co-racers. Cute to see Cathy and 9 year old Dakota Trudelle out there, Dakota loves it.

C • Well done and congrats once again on the victory! 2

Event: Canceled Rage :(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
 

went out to the reservoir on a dark, rainy night. the misty rain was knocking down the light from my Ayups and I literally could only see 5 feet in front of me - almost crashed into land a couple of times.caused a few cars to stop and wonder what the strange light in the middle of the lake/pond was.

basically a useless workout, but i guess good to get in the boat at least once before STS on saturday. i was surprised how week my paddle stroke felt - guess that's what happens when you paddle once a month.

STS training ends today. Time to taper.