CRASH B's 55-59LWT Race Report
Posted: February 28th, 2016, 10:13 pm
I'll leave a full report in the capable hands of Rick Bayko, but I will drop a few comments on two races I saw up close. First Armando had a dynamic race against the open HWTs. Armando is a total specimen to be sure, and he gutted out a PR 6:17 just plowing through people in the final 300m. In cycling we call that "riding them off your wheel". Excellent piece! And in a brutal 30 HWT event Ross Love pulled a 5:59.6 missing the hammer by one agonizing tenth of a second! There was some discussion after the event as there was a sub 6 guy from the bullpen, but I think Ross stuck the Silver. As a side note Ross and Armando are both great guys, ferocious and gracious competitors. Another side note, I've had the good fortune to coach and cox (for all of two weeks) a young lady in the Junior open, Clare Moloney who finished 23rd out of 260 girls today. Had lots of fun with her and mom and dad this weekend. Great kid, bright future.
As for my race. Had a hard time figuring this one out.I had Paul Siebach penciled in for the win ( he delivered with another hammer). A guy I didn't recognize from down south Kevin Sigfrist, was a late entry. He had a 6:53 on the books, I figured him for the silver if the time was legit, it was and he delivered. Then there were a bunch of guys I felt I could at least run with for a shot at the bronze. My times have been a little slower than what I would like this year (aren't everybodies?). My plan was pretty straight forward. Go out at 1:45-46 for 500m, settle in at 1:47's, then nail the final 500m. And if you're in medal contention, hang with the bronze. And it almost worked.....except it didn't.
I had a solid start and hit the first 500m at 1:45.7. Perfect! I settled in and was trying to sit on 1:47's for the next 500m. Again, second split dead on at 1:47.2. Just like last year (which I also managed to 'ef up) I had a strong third 500m at 1:46.7. Was bumping around with the 3rd and 4th place guy at this point and with 500m to go was still in the hunt. As I worked through the final 500m, the wheels just flat out came off. It's a frustrating feeling, there's just nothing you can do except keep pulling. I just continued to fade, until I was seeing 1:50's. 51's, 52's. Just like the wicked witch of the west "I'm melting...".
So, I lost the Bronze fair and square to two stronger guys; well done Rich and Frank. As I mentioned in another post; not thrilled with the result but happy with the way I raced. Figured I would race for a medal, really not much difference between 4th or 8th. Not real concerned about PR's today. I have my suspicions about my performance. Came in way underweight (160.0 with uni and socks) and started my speedwork way early in November ( had my best times in late December and early January). Seems like I peaked four weeks ago. Not making excuses to be sure; just looking for answers for next year.
Last year in 55-59, move up (down?) to 60-64LWT next year. Big time congrats to Tom Phillips on his 60LWT Hammer with a blistering 6:49, missed the US record by 2/10's.
Rick....we'll be waiting for the full report ( and nice job with 4th place and 7:25 I might add!)
As for my race. Had a hard time figuring this one out.I had Paul Siebach penciled in for the win ( he delivered with another hammer). A guy I didn't recognize from down south Kevin Sigfrist, was a late entry. He had a 6:53 on the books, I figured him for the silver if the time was legit, it was and he delivered. Then there were a bunch of guys I felt I could at least run with for a shot at the bronze. My times have been a little slower than what I would like this year (aren't everybodies?). My plan was pretty straight forward. Go out at 1:45-46 for 500m, settle in at 1:47's, then nail the final 500m. And if you're in medal contention, hang with the bronze. And it almost worked.....except it didn't.
I had a solid start and hit the first 500m at 1:45.7. Perfect! I settled in and was trying to sit on 1:47's for the next 500m. Again, second split dead on at 1:47.2. Just like last year (which I also managed to 'ef up) I had a strong third 500m at 1:46.7. Was bumping around with the 3rd and 4th place guy at this point and with 500m to go was still in the hunt. As I worked through the final 500m, the wheels just flat out came off. It's a frustrating feeling, there's just nothing you can do except keep pulling. I just continued to fade, until I was seeing 1:50's. 51's, 52's. Just like the wicked witch of the west "I'm melting...".
So, I lost the Bronze fair and square to two stronger guys; well done Rich and Frank. As I mentioned in another post; not thrilled with the result but happy with the way I raced. Figured I would race for a medal, really not much difference between 4th or 8th. Not real concerned about PR's today. I have my suspicions about my performance. Came in way underweight (160.0 with uni and socks) and started my speedwork way early in November ( had my best times in late December and early January). Seems like I peaked four weeks ago. Not making excuses to be sure; just looking for answers for next year.
Last year in 55-59, move up (down?) to 60-64LWT next year. Big time congrats to Tom Phillips on his 60LWT Hammer with a blistering 6:49, missed the US record by 2/10's.
Rick....we'll be waiting for the full report ( and nice job with 4th place and 7:25 I might add!)
