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2010 Long Course Duathlon National Championships
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by ratandrea on July 9, 2010
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I got up this morning and decided to head out to Lake Draper which is where several races are tomorrow including the 2010 Long Course Duathlon National Championships. I'm happy that Oklahoma City was chosen for this event. Welcome to my stomping grounds! Actually I live in Norman which is about 16 or so miles away straight south.
The weather will be absolutely perfect for the athletes tomorrow---unseasonably cool for July and no wind! It will be humid, however, due to the recent rains. You might want to wear cycling gloves for the bike portion, so you don't slip off your bars!
The course is fantastic. I've done it before in a race and lots of times in training. Be wary of the deep pothole heading east over the long bridge on the south side of the lake. You'll see it towards the end just as the road is curving to the left (north), and it's in the middle of the right hand lane. It is about 6" in diameter but deep enough to bump you right off your bike! As of this time it is not marked.
I averaged 22mph on this course on an old steel road bike with absolutely no aero equipment whatsoever, and I was uncomfortably comfortable. I didn't set out to ride at any particular pace, but I thought I'd keep a nice pace just so that I could give you and idea of the course. It's undulating but mostly flat. The road is smooth with some rough spots. Mind you, we've had some crazy weather in the past 6 months, and this has taken a toll on our roads!
Also, do not be alarmed at the tornado sirens which will go off at noon sharp! You may also see fighter jets, prop planes, and AWACS flying overhead doing touch downs as Tinker Air Force Base is only a few miles north of the lake.
This was an exciting day for me personally in a way. I am unable to race tomorrow due to my fractured leg. Without getting too detailed, I was hit by a car last May, and I've had some challenges along the way, one of which is this stubborn lower leg fracture despite having 2 surgeries on it. The latest one was in January. So anyway, all of you who are racing inspired me today. You inspired me to go faster than I have gone on my bike since last May. I only ride a couple/few times a week, and it's all aerobic stuff. It's been an interesting transition going from training to race to---well, just riding. I felt all of you today; however, and I raced a little bit. It was nice. Thank you.
I wish everyone a happy, fun, and safe race. Enjoy.
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RE: 2010 Long Course Duathlon National Championshi
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by ratandrea on July 9, 2010
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Mail this to a friend!
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I wanted to say also that I rode this course on 32oz. of coffee and a blueberry Toast Em. LOL! Like I said, I didn't plan on doing what I did; it just happened that way. I want to reiterate that it will be very very humid; you will sweat just standing there which means don't be shy about utilizing electrolytes. I'm not sponsored by anybody, but the most complete drink mix is that EFS drink by First Endurance. Their gels kick a** too. I don't know what local shops sell them, but there are several bike shops in Norman and in Oklahoma City. At the very least drink some good ole Gatorade and supplement with some bananas. Don't over do it, though, because you don't want gut issues! I'm excited for ya'll! Can you tell? ;)
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