Conditions at American Zofingen this year – the summit of Mohonk Mountain
Since it’s midweek, the legs are less sore than yesterday and the swelling has started to subside, it’s time to wrap up what has gained cult status – at least along the eastern seaboard, certainly on Slowtwitch.com, American Zofingen.
SSSMST’s Scott Zubricky (owner of what may have been the most sought after post race pic/interview – his American Zofingen tatoo) and yours truly spent the weekend getting ready and racing what is arguably the hardest duathlon on the planet.
Scott toe’d the start line for the second time here and improved his time by 6+ minutes, against some pretty stacked odds:
This is the best little hardest race around. Part two! The rain, again! Two years ago when i did this race it rained, all i wanted was good weather. Two goals finish and be faster than the first time. I got two out of three. When it started raining my spirits were already going down. You could tell it was going to stick around, not again! As Kevin said I was having a hard time focusing on the details of the race that morning too. I went thru a lot of mental ups and downs during the race, I also had two bad times physically . I did think about quitting once or twice, I’m glad I didn’t. The first run was uneventful and transition was smooth, now on the bike and the rain. Why? I was dressed as best as I could for the weather, but I will say I got cold on the descents. Wet and cold, wet and hot! 84 miles of this! Being my second time I knew what to expect, when I might cramp on the back of the course. I did but I felt I knew what to do, soon after they went away. As the 2nd loop was back to the aid station I saw Anne, she is an angel out there. After a bit of whining and refueling off I go. Towards the top of the climb I had to get off the bike and walk the last 10th of a mile. I was starting to get weak and light headed. I was not going to give up! After the descent and some more fuel I felt a little better> As I started the second climb I was still not as strong as I wanted to be. I told myself I would rest 5 times up that climb if I had to. Well i flatted, damn! Wet cold and miserable I get off the bike. Start changing the tire and am getting covered in road grime tire grime and whatever else. Kevin passes me and I say just go! Finally get done and back on the bike, now my brain is saying chase. I am able to control my emotions and stay at a steady pace. Funny thing, I think that flat saved my day. The rest of the loop went well, except for being a bit chilled. Into transition and all I can think is YEAH!!! Off to tackle the three loops of the run, back is stiff on the uphills the whole loop, by the second loop it starts to loosen. At the end of the climbs on this loop I get very weak and disoriented a bit. Make it to the aid station and have some candy and cookies and five minutes later I’m feeling good again. I’m running with Kevin and the other guy and it is helping pass the time. Last loop I do skip the aid station and just keep going to finish. Kevin passes me and makes a great run to the finish, I finished as strong as I could, glad to be done. Goals accomplished 6 minutes faster 9:30:34 Iam glad I went back, I will never do long course again, but I will always remember the feeling of finishing such an epic race in those conditions twice. American Zofingen the best little hardest race you will ever do!
Filed under: 2013 | 2 Comments »
spin / second sole multisport team 