Run, Forrest, Run… My First Duathlon Race

I’m not running across the country like Forrest did, but *bad pun forthcoming* I “du” have a duathlon coming up. It will be my first since I’ve only *here’s another one* “tri’d” short sprint triathlons so far. This race is a 2 mile run, 12 mile bike, and another 2 mile run. Thanks for stopping by “du”de! Read on for more thoughts…

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One reason I’m more nervous for this race than the sprint triathlons is because of the training. This time especially, I want the training to mean something. It’s not that I didn’t train for the other races. I did. But back in early January I decided I’m going to really push myself for this duathlon. I even made a calendar.

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There’s more at stake in this race because I’m more invested. I put a lot of effort into preparing and honestly, the training has been hard, challenging, not something I always wanted to do, but extremely satisfying. That’s sort of a win itself, even if I completely embarrass myself in the duathlon. I was told the course is hilly so I made a point to find hills to run up and bike up. I also practiced transitions, making sure I can do them as efficiently as possible.

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Did I do enough? Was my calendar helpful? Will the way I race reflect the way I trained? This time, I don’t want to just get by. I want to go all out. I’m determined to tell my body to keep going even when I think I can’t go faster, and not let my mind hold me back… I believe my body is ready.

A little bit of the specifics: I did 5K training runs (thanks to Garmin workouts) which include running at 5K speed, lunges, squats, pushups, all within the same workout. I also ran in hilly neighborhoods and worked on my breathing pattern. Cycling workouts included 4, 8, 12, or 16 mile rides finding steep hills to strengthen my legs, and finding out where I can, should, or shouldn’t really press hard to go faster (up hill vs. down hill vs. flat areas).

I have a new pair of Brooks running shoes and this will be their first race. I swapped out the laces for Lock Laces to help speed up the transition to and from biking. Also, this will be the second race with my Trek Domane AL 4. I can’t wait to see what I can do with it.

I’m nervous. I’m excited. My goal is to finish in the top 15 male category and I think there are probably around 40 men. I want so badly for my training to pay off and to know that I gave as much as I could.

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-Out of the Wilderness