On Friday, racers across California learned that the Lake Tahoe Triathlons and Open Water Swim scheduled for this weekend would be canceled due to unsafe air conditions caused by smoke from fires in the Sierras.
But racers need to race!
So our crack team of route planners snapped into action and planned the inaugural OYO Marin 70.3 Triathlon.
But racers need to be flexible!
Race day events led to a name change and distance change, and we now present the report for the OYO Marin Duathlon!
But racers need to race!
So our crack team of route planners snapped into action and planned the inaugural OYO Marin 70.3 Triathlon.
But racers need to be flexible!
Race day events led to a name change and distance change, and we now present the report for the OYO Marin Duathlon!
Racers began arriving at the transition area at 7:00 am. The field was small, but strong. Laura Marshall (F30-34) was clearly a crowd favorite, but did she have what it takes to win? The men's division was completely empty. We think the men saw the course and the competition in the women's division and slunk off for brunch, immediately giving up cycling, running and the sport of triathlon right on the spot. |
For safety reasons and given the small field, our chief race director made the call to cancel the swim at 7:15 (solo open water swimming is not advised). The race became a duathlon in a matter of moments, but our racer wasn't fazed. She quickly assembled her cycling gear and hopped on her lovely Orbea for a smooth ascent up up up and out of the park.
The morning was calm, cool with warmth on the way. Our competitor started strong. Race marshals saw her slip into a large pack of cyclists out for a club ride on Lucas Valley Road. She was drafting pretty blatantly, but the marshals decided to give her a pass, allowing Laura to PR the stretch up to Big Rock.
The extra effort to try to stay with the pack cost our lead cyclist, though. The cameras on the course captured Laura massaging her knee before mile 20. We heard she had a new injury flare up while training last week. Would this slow her down? Could this injury cost her the race?
No - Laura's a crowd favorite for a reason - she just won't quit! Laura pushed through the wind on the flats, and babied her knee on the ascents, and even rode right past the original mile 28 turnaround to climb one more big hill before turning back.
The morning was calm, cool with warmth on the way. Our competitor started strong. Race marshals saw her slip into a large pack of cyclists out for a club ride on Lucas Valley Road. She was drafting pretty blatantly, but the marshals decided to give her a pass, allowing Laura to PR the stretch up to Big Rock.
The extra effort to try to stay with the pack cost our lead cyclist, though. The cameras on the course captured Laura massaging her knee before mile 20. We heard she had a new injury flare up while training last week. Would this slow her down? Could this injury cost her the race?
No - Laura's a crowd favorite for a reason - she just won't quit! Laura pushed through the wind on the flats, and babied her knee on the ascents, and even rode right past the original mile 28 turnaround to climb one more big hill before turning back.
Though the 15 mph winds gusting around China Camp clearly slowed Laura down on her return, she was still the standout finisher off the bike.
3:34 ride time, 3:43 total time
58.4 miles (avg. 16 mph)
3684 ft gain
Next came the run leg of the duathlon. Laura's knee had been bothering her for much of the bike leg. Could she run? Should she?
A race director has to consider the safety of all participants, but in the end, our director determined that Laura was fit to exit transition. However, she mandated that Laura do a modified course rather than the original 13.1 miles, and Laura knew she could be yanked at any moment if the injury worsened.
Our front-runner left transition at high noon, with temps hovering near 80. Laura struggled visibly on the uphills and the downhills, and could only seem to settle into a pain-free pace on those rare flat stretches of trail. The run became more of a fast hike at points, but the views and the pleasure of being on our skillfully designed course kept our racer's spirits high.
3:34 ride time, 3:43 total time
58.4 miles (avg. 16 mph)
3684 ft gain
Next came the run leg of the duathlon. Laura's knee had been bothering her for much of the bike leg. Could she run? Should she?
A race director has to consider the safety of all participants, but in the end, our director determined that Laura was fit to exit transition. However, she mandated that Laura do a modified course rather than the original 13.1 miles, and Laura knew she could be yanked at any moment if the injury worsened.
Our front-runner left transition at high noon, with temps hovering near 80. Laura struggled visibly on the uphills and the downhills, and could only seem to settle into a pain-free pace on those rare flat stretches of trail. The run became more of a fast hike at points, but the views and the pleasure of being on our skillfully designed course kept our racer's spirits high.
Through sheer guts and determination, Laura kept herself in the lead throughout the race and ended strong, running to the tip of the pier at McNear's Beach for her finisher's photo.
The race director caught up with our champion at the race expo to debrief her experience.
Race Director (RD): You looked strong on the bike. What kept you going?
Champion (Champ): It was a strong field. I could feel the other competitors at my back the whole day. But in the end, I guess I just wanted it more.
RD: The run was hard for you. Are you upset that we modified the course?
Champ: Of course I'm a little upset. I still have juice in my legs. It's hard to stop when your muscles want to move. But I've got my A-Race coming up and this knee injury needs to be addressed. I'm glad I was able to do what I did.
Well, there it is folks. The duathlon was a success! But before we leave, let's take a moment to thank our sponsors.
Nathan Hydration Packs - allowing our runner to stay fully hydrated on the course, these packs provide a secure fit to minimize uncomfortable rubbing on a hot day, plus pockets for nutrition and other essentials. A must have for the competitive trail runner or enthusiast.
County of Marin - Providing stunning scenery, delightful weather and minimal traffic, Marin is the preferred (and obvious) racing venue for the OYO Marin Duathlon.
Andy's Local Market - Providing outstanding deli sandwiches to racers for years (and today's turkey, salami and swiss, toasted, on foccacia was no joke).
Until next time, HAPPY RACING!
*Note: OYO = on your own.
Race Director (RD): You looked strong on the bike. What kept you going?
Champion (Champ): It was a strong field. I could feel the other competitors at my back the whole day. But in the end, I guess I just wanted it more.
RD: The run was hard for you. Are you upset that we modified the course?
Champ: Of course I'm a little upset. I still have juice in my legs. It's hard to stop when your muscles want to move. But I've got my A-Race coming up and this knee injury needs to be addressed. I'm glad I was able to do what I did.
Well, there it is folks. The duathlon was a success! But before we leave, let's take a moment to thank our sponsors.
Nathan Hydration Packs - allowing our runner to stay fully hydrated on the course, these packs provide a secure fit to minimize uncomfortable rubbing on a hot day, plus pockets for nutrition and other essentials. A must have for the competitive trail runner or enthusiast.
County of Marin - Providing stunning scenery, delightful weather and minimal traffic, Marin is the preferred (and obvious) racing venue for the OYO Marin Duathlon.
Andy's Local Market - Providing outstanding deli sandwiches to racers for years (and today's turkey, salami and swiss, toasted, on foccacia was no joke).
Until next time, HAPPY RACING!
*Note: OYO = on your own.
Week 41 Mileage
Tuesday, August 20 Bike - 1 hour 30 minutes, 19 miles, 2200 ft. gain Wednesday, August 21 Cardio - 1 hour (elliptical) Thursday, August 22 Swim - 1 hour 10 minutes, 3330 yards Friday, August 23 Bike - 50 minutes (spin) Core - 20 minutes Saturday, August 24 Cardio - 1 hour (elliptical) Sunday, August 26 Bike - 3 hours 35 minutes, 58 miles Run - 2 hours, 10 miles | Totals: Swim - 1 hour 10 minutes, 3330 yards Bike - 5 hours 25 minutes, 77 miles Run - 2 hours, 10 miles Cardio/Core - 2 hours 20 minutes Total - 10 hours 55 minutes |