A Pleasant Surprise: Hy-Vee

My training on the bike and in the water for age group nationals was quite minimal. However compared to Hy-Vee 5150 National Championships it was pretty large, with cross country in full swing I had to focus on running and hadn't swam or bike for 3 weeks. So it came as sort of a relief when they announced it was being cut down to a sprint Triathlon even though I love the added distance usually.

So the day before the race was getting back on the horse right before the derby with anytime to really seeing what my fitness levels were in each discipline. I did this with Connor Dilger at the race venue, Beautiful downtown Des Moines at Grey's Lake/Waterworks which I train at all the time. So you could say I had a home field advantage. The ride goes pretty good, my legs move smoothly through the pedal strokes. We get a solid ride in and take our bikes to the bike check in, something I have become familiar this year since moving out of the Junior Ranks.

After the ride we aim to go swimming, however the lake we will be swimming at is off limits and the sun is going down rather quickly. I make the choice to get home and rest, planning on swimming a bit right before the race. I have done this before so it won't phase me. Once I'm home I grab a quick bite, shower, and get ready for day to come. 

I wake up bright and early once again. I throw my uniform on and some clothes over top, and throw my morning smoothie together just before heading out to the course. Upon arrival the venue is packed with triathletes shuffling out of their cars into the darkness towards check in. Some jogging already while other are pumping tires for the last time before the race. I head to my bike to switch out 1 of my wheels so that it ready to race, after I set up my space I get ready to watch the Pro race which has a HUGE payout. As I watch I begin to warm up and soak it all in. I will be in this caliber of races in the near future and I'm ready for the next level. I break a sweat easily and really feel my legs turning over. I do my dynamics as they fly in on the bike, a breakaway on the bike makes the race even more interesting. In the end I learned it came down the run and Hunter Kemper was able to get his first Hyvee win.

Finally, the times comes for my heat to be called up and I get a mixed of nervousness and excitement flowing through my body. I splash around a bit getting a feel for my body in the water. I surprisingly feel very natural. After a few dives they call us to the line and we are off. I feel very natural in the water, way more than I had planned on. I glide through the swim with the leaders and come out of the water 4th. I blast out of the water with my normal T1 speed.

As I sprint up to my bike I tear off my googles and cap, throw them in my area, I get my helmet on in record speed, and grab my bike. I rush out on to the bike course and mount past the leader. I realize very quickly that today can be special if I make it. So I set out on the bike with my usually speed and power. I leave the park in first place as I see one of the Z3 coaches Kristen cheering me on. The course is a simple giant L across the skirts of downtown Des Moines.

The ride is fairly simple for the first portion of the race, I'm passing people from the waves before, but holding steady watts is becoming harder as my legs don't have there usually bike strength. I end up getting caught by several people. This including fellow Z3 member Connor. I push my way through the bike and honestly it goes by extremely quick considering I've become accustom to Olympic distance races other than the Super Sprint. So before I know it I'm heading back into transition and out on the run.

I go out hard knowing my legs are tired from the run training, but also they are stronger. I set a pretty good pace and pick people off one by one. I see my family out on the course and push to see what I have in me. Before I know it I'm about to finish and I still have a lot in the tank, I had become used to the 10k run so expected more time to cover the ground I lost during the bike.

I end up with one of the fastest runs of the day and place well for what I thought I would. Looking back my bike was sub-par, but for the position I put myself in I believe I did well. I know I out swam myself which helps give me confidence that I still have a very natural swim inside me. This race was a blessing to race and complete, so thanks to everyone who supported me in this race and throughout the season! This is my final triathlon of 2014 as it is XC time! Cheers to a great season!