Unfortunately I had to cancel on last weekends IM Canada. I don't do that too lightly, and it's only the second race I've ever skipped. Things just weren't lining up well. Work had been extra busy so I really didn't feel comfortable taking the time off. I also hadn't planned out the logistics early or well. By last minute I had things planned, but it was coming out a bit messy and more costly than hoped. And lastly training and fitness has been... ok.. but not good enough for me to put aside the previous two concerns.

With that, I decided to join in on the Culpeper International to partially fill in the void. The VTS/MTS races are always well run and a good time. I like to take these local races low key, and I didn't taper except for skipping my long ride on Saturday. It's somewhat refreshing to go into a race without any pressure. Well, that's not entirely true. In these races that don't have a pro race (no prize money,) I am only allowed to accept overall awards. Meaning if I get 4th overall, which would then be 1st AG, I'd have to ask to be taken off the awards. I really don't want to do that so there is pressure to get top 3. The shorter distance isn't my best, and there are plenty of fast local guys so top three is by no means whatsoever guaranteed for me. Alright so now for the race.

The swim went ehhh. Not great but ok. Came out of the water with plenty of guys in front of me so I took out on the bike hard. I forgot to grab my GPS this morning (left it on the charger base!) The bike was shortened to 16 miles due to roads being washed out from a storm the night before. Pacing for such a short race I literally just pedaled as hard as I felt I could manage in the moment and didn't worry about the duration. My legs definitely got tired but the ride also went by quickly. Partway through the bike I asked spectators if they knew what place I was in. Fifth was the response... whaaaaat? Noo... I passed plenty of people early in the bike but apparently there were still plenty ahead.

I started the run feeling ok at first, but slightly frustrated with my position. Within the first half mile I was getting pretty bad side cramps. Then the self doubt and frustration was setting in pretty hard. Fortunately I have a lovely girlfriend who gets frustrated with me when I doubt myself and thinking of her really kept me from giving up the pace. I grudgingly kept the pressure reasonably high despite the side pains and poor position and trudged on. The course was two laps, each with plenty of hills and two out and back sections.I could see the next two guys who I needed to catch to get third, running maybe 60-90 sec ahead. Feeling as I did, I didn't think I could catch them but like I said I trudged on. At the start of the second loop, it looked like I might have closed slightly. That gave me a bit of hope. The side cramps were also fading. I think the other two were slowing a little, but I was able to catch them and I felt like I was flying along. It was quite amazing to go from that self doubt, to snuffling the doubt just enough to keep the pressure, to then find my feet and cruise along. Every race poses challenges and times of doubts, but if you keep the going going, things might just turn around. It's a lesson I've learned so many times, but still need to relearn again and again. It was good to learn it again today.

By the way the other two guys were way ahead... maybe three minutes. My goal was to get top 3 so I wasn't too concerned about them and was happy to claim the lowest spot on the podium.

It was also great to get to race with Rachel, Sam, and Derek... All of us getting a nice bottle of wine and a stemless glass. Awesome prizes 🙂