Race Experiences

[lwtguy]

So I had my first 2K race in the Lightweight 1x on Saturday. I didn't exactly go as planned since I couldn't make weight (and had to go for a 3.5 mile run to sweat out enough). It was perfect racing conditions (Almost no current, flat water, light tail wind), the only exception was the raging humidity. The first 1250m went very well, I went off the line at 39spm, low 1:40 splits then settled into a 30 with 1:50 splits for the first 1K. Then steering issues came into play as me and the guy next to me almost collided (I think it was both of our fault). I finished in last place in a time of 7:53 which was disappointing. By the time I got to 750m to go I was exhausted and out of it.

I can chalk it up to a good learning experience though... I know I can do much better I just need the practice.

MY question is did anybody else have a similar first experience? Any advice on how to make a good change?

[jamesg]

If LW, first race, you can go below 8 minutes without bothering about pacing yourself or steering straight, you have a splendid future. Were there no buoys?

[lwtguy]

If LW, first race, you can go below 8 minutes without bothering about pacing yourself or steering straight, you have a splendid future. Were there no buoys?

I hope so. And there were no buoys other than one set under the bridge to mark the lanes.

[Edward4492]

Bill, I think ya did fairly well. You averaged under 2:00 (1;58), there were no buoys, so nothing to help you stay on track. Having to tear the weight off didn't help. The course requires some steering (the masters have a straight shot for the 1k). And it was brutally humid. What I'm finding out looking at race results is that the guys and gals that frequent these events are GOOD! Very good. So, that means it's going to take a while. I'm scared to death to do my first event in a 1x. The absolute fastest I can hope for is in the 4:30's. That puts me dead last in most of the race results I see. And of course I have to figure out the start, row straight, and basically not botch the whole thing. I'm thinking I'm just gonna do it, not get too carried away, and just accept my fate. Hope to stay with-in 10-20s of the next to last place guy.

And what will happen, at some point you'll hit one just right. No mistakes, and you'll find yourself on the podium. Keep training hard (like you are) and take each race as a learning experience. You'll get there.

[lwtguy]

Bill, I think ya did fairly well. You averaged under 2:00 (1;58), there were no buoys, so nothing to help you stay on track. Having to tear the weight off didn't help. The course requires some steering (the masters have a straight shot for the 1k). And it was brutally humid. What I'm finding out looking at race results is that the guys and gals that frequent these events are GOOD! Very good. So, that means it's going to take a while. I'm scared to death to do my first event in a 1x. The absolute fastest I can hope for is in the 4:30's. That puts me dead last in most of the race results I see. And of course I have to figure out the start, row straight, and basically not botch the whole thing. I'm thinking I'm just gonna do it, not get too carried away, and just accept my fate. Hope to stay with-in 10-20s of the next to last place guy.

And what will happen, at some point you'll hit one just right. No mistakes, and you'll find yourself on the podium. Keep training hard (like you are) and take each race as a learning experience. You'll get there.

That's what I'm hoping! And don't discount the age handicap you'll get in your event as well. That could help a bit!