8.19.2008

Lake Chaparral Triathlon - Calgary, Canada


In what turned out to be more like a day in a Caribbean island than in The Great White North, I ended up 2nd at the Lake Chaparral Triathlon in Calgary, Canada this past Sunday.

I had a below par swim and bike. The 5-lap course turned out to be quite crowded and even a little bit dangerous, and my decision to play it safe made me lose at least 2 minutes in the downhills and turns, especially when behind more novice athletes. I wanted to make sure I was not going to meet asphalt, so I was extra careful when around others.

My run was great, though, and in a course that was actually 11km I ended up with one of the fastest splits.

The race went well, and although my swim and bike were sub par for me, I had a great run and was able to make up the lost ground on the previous 2 legs. It surprised me that Calgary can be so hot and windy, it felt more like a race in the tropics than in the land of frozen tundra. I was quite pleased that my body did so well in the 92F ( 33C) heat, and it really let me know my preparation is on track to finish the season as strongly as I started it.

I brought my Edge 1-68 tubulars and they turned out to be the perfect choice for the 5-lap course. it was windy and had a long, but not too steep climb, and my Edges definitely helped me finish at the pointy end of the race.

I am now preparing for the Callaway Gardens Triathlon ( where I spend 4 days earlier this summer training), and the the Weiss Lake Triathlon, which I won last year. I am hoping for both another win and to break my own course record.

8.16.2008

Calgary is a very nice place

I've been here in the heart of the new west since Friday evening. Luckily my bag made it here today after being lost. This was the first tkime my luggage was lost, so I was getting aprehensive, but now I am all set to race.

Alberta itself is gorgeous, and Calgary is such an active city. People exercising everywhere, riding, canoeing, running, you name it. Definitely a place I'd live if it was 50 degrees warmer in the winter!


Jeol from Niklas Group and his wife have a lovely home, very modern, and that is where I am staying. You can find out more about their business on http://www.niklasgroup.com/.
The race start is at 9 am local time. I will update from the airport if I can get a connection, or from home when I arrive ( 12 pm local time - Calgary is pretty far west!)

8.15.2008

Calgary

I am off to Calgary this weekend to race the Lake Chaparral Triathlon. Currently I am stuck in Chicago's O'Hare airport, but if all goes well I should make it to Calgary mid afternoon. I will update once I am actually there.

Felipe