As most of you know the country has been in a heat wave. Record temps everywhere. Yesterday was the Stony Heat Miser Marathon race. For Cat1's it's a 50 mile race. With temps in the mid 90's and humidity to go with it, it was sure to be a scorcher. I didn't want to take any chances so I actually wore tri shorts and the most breathable jersey I could find. I felt bad not wearing the team kit but it was just too hot and the race was too long. At the start of the race I was already sweating just standing still. Coming into this race I knew a few things. I knew it would be hot, I knew I had good fitness, and I knew this was going to be an opportunity to get some points being it was a double points race. The start of the race was a little unexpected. They didn't break up the age groups like they usually do. They sent my group (30-39) out with the 19-29 year olds. We had lined up behind them expecting them to go a minute before us but that wasn't the case. So that meant I would have to pace better in the beginning and not get trapped behind anyone I didn't want to.
The first lap everyone was very cautious. It was already close to 90 degree's and in the sun it felt like a blow torch was on you. I rode pretty conservative as I didn't want to spend it all during the first lap. I went out with 2 bottles of electrolyte drink expecting to get through the first 2 laps. The first 2 laps went well and I made my way through the pack easing up slightly. At the end of the 2nd lap I pitted to swap bottles. I grabbed a bottle of regular water and another Powerbar Perform bottle. On the third lap I continued the plan and watched my HR and fluid intake. After the third lap I had to pit again. I grabbed another bottle of plain water and Ironman perform and half a RedBull. These laps are only about 45 minutes. I was sucking down water like a sponge. I asked my wife to go get a fill up from the aid station because I was going to need it for the fifth lap.
When I came in after the 4th lap I was out of Ironman Perform (3 bottles). I had about a quarter of a bottle left. So I went out on the fifth lap with a bottle of plain water, and a quarter of a bottle of Ironman Perform. During the course of the race I also took in salt pills about 45 minutes to an hour. I also tried to take in some gel but my stomach didn't like it. By 3/4 through the 5th lap I was completely out of everything. All the water and Perform was gone. In total I went through 8 bottles of fluid. Luckily I didn't have much to go. I cruised in to the finish line in 3rd place with a time of 3:52 (I think maybe 3:53). Being a double points day the finish that will help out with the overall for the season. I only have 1 more USAC race this year so I needed it especially after my horrible time trial at Fort Custer.
Congratulations to all that finished yesterday. It was a tough day out there. Some had to make tough decisions about their own well being and finishing a race. Next up is the 32 mile portion of the Breckenridge 100 and a nice little vacation out west.
