Race Fans,
Over 250 cyclists showed up Saturday in Jacksonville for the "Race of Truth" - the 40k Time Trial.
There were 25 of us in my category.
The course was the same as last year, approximately 12.4 miles out to the half way point and then back another 12.4 miles.
Leading up to the race I worked a lot on mental prep knowing this was going to be an outright sufferfest.
Time Trials are called the "Race of Truth" because it's just you, your bike and a ton of suffering for the entire 40k - no drafting off other cyclists.
My goal this year was to complete the Time Trial in under 60 minutes.
I warmed up, lined up and I was off right on time - 9:55 a.m. sharp.
The winds were beginning to pick up and I knew that I would have a little help on my way out to the turn-around, but be working against me on the way back.
Cyclists in other categories started at 8:00 a.m. and I caught a glimpse of a few faces on their way back while being on my first leg out.
I could see the pain and suffering on their faces and the not so steady pedal stroke and areo positions - I tried my best to be ready for what was coming.
I was completely calm and most of the nerves were gone by the first mile. I tucked in nicely, found my gearing and worked up steadily to a heart rate of about 175 bpm.
My speeds were for the most part between 26 - 27 mph.
I had to slow down a bit to navigate the sharp turn-around and begin my approach home.
Once the turn was made I began to feel what had helped me - now I'm completely relying on my mental stamina as I have a direct headwind all the way home (12.4 miles).
I had huge confidence heading back as I was over 2 minutes ahead of breaking an hour.
So, I relaxed and just attempted to stay positive and focus on a tight areo position with a higher cadence and a smooth pedal stroke.
Ultimately I finished in 61 minutes and 10 seconds; this represented an average of 24.4 mph (I needed an average of 24.86 to break the hour - so dang close).
The wind chipped away at me slowly over time dragging my time down. As I crossed the line I chuckled a bit to myself trying not to take things too seriously knowing I fell short of my goal.
The wind got the best of me and that's it with no other regrets, that's a great feeling. Progress, not perfection - 2011 here we go!
Got 10th out of 25 - not too bad, plus I shaved an entire minute off my time from last year. That's right, 11 months of work to cut my time by a minute and I'm proud of it!
Thanks again for your continued support.
Adam
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