Nothing like a cycling race 15 miles from home. No traveling for the Sumbal's this weekend. We have a very busy September after we come home from KY. Karel has two cycling races and at the end of Sept we will both being doing the 6-gap, 100 mile cycling event in Dahlonega GA. I haven't even done IMKY and I'm already getting excited for our travels/adventures in Sept. Looks like a full month of road biking for both of us. The tri bike will be hung up on the wall and it will be a good 4-5 months before I think about "training" on it again. But for now...I had a great weekend of supporting my hubby at the Nocatee race which was sponsored by the Trek Store.
With my last weekend of "training" I couldn't have been more excited to spend Sat. and Sun. supporting Karel's team.
My 40 mile bike + 20 min run on Sat and 7.5 mile run on Sun were a breeze. The first week of taper, I had no energy and had one great swim with several tiring workouts of low volume. My body was feeling the effects of the first week of taper, which is natural since the body is working overtime to heal, repair and repair some more from all those months of high volume/high intensity training. This weekend was great because finally, I am starting to feel ready for the race physically, alongside preparing myself mentally. I have been waiting for this feeling for a few days now and I can't wait to get out on that course. Nervous, yes. But I care and that is why I am nervous. I train to compete and I train to perform the best possible.
Karel's race really psyched me up. I LOVE watching Karel race and every time I watch him, I get a boost of endorphins.
The 70 mile road race (7 mile loop) finished right before a huge storm rolled through. It was hot out there, with and without clouds. After 2 1/2 hours of racing, Karel and Jeff were in the front for the finish and Jeff finished 2nd. Karel was racing for 3rd but right at the line for a sprint finish, he placed 4th just outside the podium. Bummer..so close Karel! The Lindner Capital guys worked really well together and it was a great race to watch.
The TT was moved from Sat night to Sun morning due to the rain and Karel did his best to give a good effort. He will admit that TT's are not his strength, even though he is a sprinter. Jeff is a phenomenal TT rider and in addition to many triathletes out on the course doing their aero-bar thing, it was nice that the cycling event added a TT this year for this race.
The Criterium on Sun started at 3pm for the Pro's. It was super hot without a tree in sight for shade. A bunch of my friends were there supporting the local guys and it was great to see so many people spending an hour or more of their Sunday out in the heat. The Lindner guys didn't have any podium finishes but I got a lot of great pictures which always makes me happy. Enjoy!
