It was another successful year of running, rowing, and riding along Kanawha Boulevard. This was by far my best time in the Challenge. I did not have to deal with an inferior inflatable raft (2010) and my bike did not spring a flat tire (2011). Basically, my equipment held up and I had an enjoyable, if exhausting race.
I started the run a little faster than my average running pace. It was a cool morning and I wanted to get the limbs moving and warm up. After two miles, I started drag a bit. The cool air stung my lungs a touch and I wanted to save my legs a bit for the bike. I wish I kept track of split times, but not wanting to wear the iPhone in the kayak prevented me from doing that. I estimate the run took me about 32 minutes (a little under an 8 minute mile pace four a little over 4 miles).
The kayak transition went well except for having to lug it from next to a tree down to the boat ramp. I was shaking, trying to put on my cycling gloves before settling into the kayak. A volunteer gave me a great, hearty push out into the river, and it was on to the most dreaded of events. I felt my right shoulder blade aching less than a half mile into the row. I mixed in some five second breaks to ease the pain in my arms. The stretch between the capital and the South Side Bridge felt like it took ages. There are few points of reference there and the river seemed to be endless. Eventually, I started incorporating the abs more into my technique and found a rhythm. My breaks became fewer and shorter as I passed Haddad Riverfront Park and scooted towards the interstate bridge. Once within earshot of yelling onlookers, all rooting for their family and friends, I got excited. Getting on to the last leg of the event is always appealing. Another awesome volunteer dragged my kayak a solid ten feet onto shore. I disembarked, hastily threw my life jacket in the kayak, and jogged through Magic Island to the Boulevard.
The kayak to bike transition is always the hardest for me. First, you have to move your stiff legs to get you to the bike. Then, I always like to change out of my wet socks before donning the cycling cleats. I also put on padded cycling shorts over my compression shorts (which proved to cause some undesired chaffing). Helmet on, I walked to the start and hopped on my bike. After a few missed pedals, I clipped in and started zooming up the hill to the bridge. I felt good to be moving so fast after the glacial speed of the kayak. But I almost instantly realized how tired my legs were. Still, I shifted into a lower gear and tried to pick up speed. I settled into what I thought was an appropriate gear to be able to pedal without feeling a constant weariness. The first four miles was disheartening because I could tell I wouldn't get a second wind. I had to keep pushing with what I had left. I popped some Hammer gel in my mouth, slurped some water. The calories and hydration may have given some momentary burst, but it faded quickly. I developed a weird cramping sensation in the muscles around my left elbow. Taking a hand off the handle didn't appear to relieve it. Oh well.
When I completed the first lap at Magic Island, the volunteer said, "Stay right to finish." I appreciated that he thought I looked like I would finish that early. But no sir, I had another eight miles to endure. Mike passed on his way to finishing the first lap and gave a head nod of encouragement. We were both too tired to insult each other at this point. At times I got so tired that I drifted a little on the road. The worst moments were when I drifted and slowed down considerably. But turning around at Daniel Boone Park for the last time lifted the spirits. I was pleasantly surprised at how the one lane between the Capital and Daniel Boone did not produce any close calls or traffic jams around me. All the cyclists handled themselves really well. Once I passed Haddad on the way back, I was able to push past the pain that hampered my ride. I dug with whatever I had up over the short bridge hill. That got me sucking wind and send me sprinting downhill to the finish. I crossed the line breathless, but in possession of my wits. Always a good way to finish.
I took a long time slowing down and un-clipping. Then, I stood, bent over the handlebars of the bike for a good minute, catching my breath. I started to walk back to the bike rack. A lady passed me and said, "Well I don't feel the need to do that again...ever." Without thinking I chuckled and offered a "Yeah." Shortly afterwards I thought, "Wait, I promote this event. I should have told her it gets better every year." Maybe she'll reconsider when the pain wears off. Who knows.
Ashley was kind enough to be at the event for three hours. She got me a Powerade and we waited on Mike to finish. He wasn't far behind, surely making up time on me during the bike. We slowly packed up and got ready to head home for a well deserved rest. One woman passed out from exhaustion at the finish and fell over on her bike. We were later informed that she broke her wrist but is otherwise alright. She even requested footage of her fall on Facebook (what a trooper!).
That was my viewpoint of another year's Capital City Challenge. Race planning for next year begins...now.
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| Yeah, about to do some work |
