Michael Patrick

Race Notes: This was my A race of the year - the Big One. The swim was awesome. Found a great rhythm and stayed with it. I really need to work on my bi-lateral breathing though. Would have had a lot less zig-zags than I did. T1 was a bit crazy - I didn't like the location at all. I was on the back row in a terrible parking lot. took a bit more time in T1, but I knew there was a big ride ahead. The bike was really tough. I had no idea that Kansas was that hilly. I think I expended way too much energy on this leg, but it was really difficult to pace when I hadn't had that many hills in training. I ate well on the bike, but I'm not sure I did it enough. It was according to plan, but on the run I was hurting more than I should have been. T2 left me really worried. I got to transition and looked at Amy who was there to cheer me on and told her "I have no idea how I'm going to do this." She told me to get my butt up and get going. So I did. Quick transition and I was out the exit. Yes - I did wear socks. The run was ROUGH. 2 loop course and it had a couple of nasty hills as well. I tried to stick with my race plan as much as I could, but I wasn't running at my normal pace - right at around 8 to 8:30 miles... a minute off. I picked it up for a bit to 7:30, but it dropped back down. I was eating every 30 to 45 min, and I think it was too much for the run. I finally crossed the line and Chrissie Wellington gave me my medal. HOW KICK ASS WAS THAT? I was really emotional through the whole run when people cheered. I wanted to stop SO bad, but I never did. I walked all the aid stations and just kept going. I was so glad to be finished. A great race, but looking back there were some mistakes. - bilateral breathing a must. - MORE HILL REPEATS. I have to own these. - Practice nutrition on the bike to run more. - Tempo runs after a hard ride. This was a big downfall after those hill repeats. Another half IM? I dunno... maybe someday. If so, It will defi

Race Notes: One of my best races ever! Felt strong all way through and beat last years time heartily!

Race Notes: Great race - much better than last year. Felt a bit rough on the run because I went too hard on the bike.