Lifetime Leadman 125 Race Report – April 2014 Dan Mikkelson
Ironman Cabo, March 2013. That was the last race I
competed in until Leadman 125. I was nervous and excited at the same time. My
training had been consistent since tightening the belt in January, and I was
anticipating my results before the race even started. After proudly crossing
the finish line, it didn’t take long for me to realize two main lessons: 1. Know
the course; 2. Consider obligations in the coming weeks prior to the race.
Pre-Race
The day before Leadman 125 was nothing out of the
ordinary with the luck I have pre-race. Last minute bike issues derailed my
scheduled day of visiting the course and spending the rest of the day allowing
my body to prepare for the next morning. Fortunately I’ve been perfecting my
grilling skills, so that not only resulted in impressing my guests/race fans,
but also a satisfactory pre-race meal of choice consisting of grilled chicken,
veggies, and a couple brews. When 9pm rolled around, it was time to turn in as
my fans settled into an exciting evening of watching Titanic.
Race Morning
A 4am wake-up call prompted a hearty breakfast of
two English muffins with peanut butter, GU Chomps, and some OJ. I knew the heat
of the pending summer would rear its ugly head soon, so I worked on a full
water bottle as I drove to transition. Stomaching much food race mornings has
always been a struggle for me, so I know I’d have to keep it light. A quick
shot of GU Roctane 15 minutes before the swim start, a last check of the zipper
to make sure I wasn’t mooning the crowd, and I was ready to rock.
Swim
I have spent so much time in the water between
competing in high school, college, and now my adult life that I kind of figured
I would start up front, sprint the first few hundred yards, and then settle
into a comfortable pace. I found myself behind some competitors who were
willing to work harder than me by zig-zagging through Tempe Town Lake so I took
that as a sign to go at the swim by myself. This worked in my favor as I ended
up 4th out of the water, feeling energized by the cheers and ready for the 68
miles ahead.
A triathlon with a 68 mile bike is unique,
especially considering the competitors’ distance options of Sprint, Olympic, or
Leadman. With the congestion that occurs on a four loop course with these
simultaneous races, I knew I needed to have my nutrition planned, attainable,
and easy, so as to not break my focus. I needed to consume as many calories as
I could, as early as possible. This allowed me to focus on my wattage and
avoiding collisions. My coach and I set out at a goal effort of 240 watts
which, admittedly, was difficult to maintain due to my overzealous attitude the
first couple laps. The first 34 miles averaged 248 watts, but the power slowly
went down over miles 35-68, and I ended up with a total effort of 242 watts
which was right about where I needed to be.
Run
As I mentioned earlier, I quickly learned a few
lessons after crossing the finish line. I was not well-versed on the run course,
and I paid for that lack of preparation. I knew it was a trail run, but I
imagined a trail mirroring that of the gravel paths along the canal. My
original plan was to run the first two miles at a 7 minute pace and drop my
speed from there. The first mile around Tempe Town Lake was right on track,
coming in at 6:59. Unfortunately all went downhill at this point, both
literally and figuratively. After turning under the 202, I was on a loose
gravel trail with a significant vertical incline, and the course continued
through the park with constant climbs and descents through, over, and around
rocks and gravel. I struggled significantly with this, and actually walked for
the first time ever in a race shorter than an Ironman. This was a quickly
learned lesson learned: be prepared for the course and actually train on it!
Considering all obstacles both pre and post-race, I
was happy to get back out there. I may have not finished with the most
favorable results, but like this and every other race, you learn aspects that
can be modified to make the next race better. After Leadman 125, I have put in
a two weeks of solid training, and am looking forward to racing St. George 70.3
on May 3. Happy Training!
Dan Mikkelson
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