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JUNE
18 – DRUMMONDVILLE, CANADA
Sprint Triathlon
Drummondville
marked my return to racing this season. For different reasons,
my racing calendar did not start or develop the way I wanted
(work/training balance). In addition, after my return from my
latest camp, it was hard to get back into a training schedule.
 Nevertheless,
I was extremely nervous to race in Quebec. The last time I raced
in my home province was in 2007. There is always a strange
feeling about racing in front of people you know.
The race was part
of the Quebec Elite Cup, where most elites from Eastern Canada
show up for a shot at the prize money. Many people asked me what
I was doing there! Looking around, I must have been the oldest
by 15 years! My biggest worry was NOT to finish last during the
swim.
The race start was
delayed. We stood around for a good 15 minutes before being able
to line up on the starting line. “OK, I need to go now!” I had
to think about breathing… and then the gun went off. I was with
the lead pack until the first buoy, and then they were gone!
Having a hard time catching my breath and feeling my arms going
numb, I wanted to get out as fast as possible.
I got on the bike
trying my hardest to catch up to the 2nd pack… Once in the pack,
it was very hard to get the boys going. I was very surprised by
how much I was able to gain on the group during technical
sections. It would have been fruitless to try to go solo. Once
heading to T2, I let myself drop to the back of the pack… what a
mistake!
Once in T2, 2
people crashed in front of me and I was given a 15-second
penalty for mounting before the line. I knew I did not… but no
time to argue!
I had lost my
momentum for the run. I knew the only thing I could do is to run
as hard as I could to catch up to as many people as possible.
Sprints are so hard! I finished 15th overall. I was pleased with
the results and the excitement of a drafting race.
On a final note,
the father of one of my junior athletes asked me why I kept
looking back after the swim instead of looking forward toward
the transition. I told him that “I wanted to see how far the
closing kayak was.”
 JUN
25 - THREE RIVERS, CANADA
Sprint Triathlon
The second race,
non-drafting, was on a wet and cold day. The jitters of the
previous weekend were gone. My fitness was back to a descent
level but my swim suffered. I can’t say it was an exciting race.
The only highlight of the day was that I tried my new pair of
INOV-8 and my TOKEN wheels.
The bike course was
wet, multi-loop, with many turns. Once again, technical skills
were essential to be able to race well. I used my road bike (not
my TT) and posted the best time of the day.
The run was
challenging during the first loop of the 4 loop course, but I
was able to pick the pace back up and focus on technique. I
finished 1st overall.
JUL 03-08 – EDMONTON, CANADA
ITU-PATCO LEVEL 2 COACHING COURSE
Now back to work.
The ITU-PATCO Level 2 coaching course marked my debut as course
leader and also my first course in North America for ITU. I was
surrounded by very knowledgeable staff which made this
experience even more enjoyable.
Read more…
http://www.triathlon.org/news/article/itu_coach_education_goes_to_edmonton/
JUL 21-30 – ALICANTE, SPAIN
ITU-ETU JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT TRAINING CAMP
I was very
fortunate to lead a group of highly motivated junior athletes
and coaches from across Europe and Mediterranean countries.
Thanks to a great ITU staff, we not only challenged the athletes
but also stimulated the learning of coaches.
Read more…
http://www.triathlon.org/news/article/itu-etu_development_camp_breaks_new_ground_in_spain/
And yes, I crashed
showing that skill and abilities can make the difference in a
race.
AUG 07 – TERREBONNE, CANADA
Sprint Triathlon
A last minute entry
in a local race proved to be perfect because of all the changes
in my schedule. The Sprint event was a non-drafting race. As
usual, I had no chance to keep the swimming up during the
previous month due to all the coaching and traveling.
The pool swim was
composed of 6 triangular loops with the 40+ year olds. I don’t
know why, but it hits me every time! After a few kicks and
elbows, I got out on the bike first and attacked the multiple
loop bike course in first position. I ended by catching up to
many people from the previous waves, which was a big motivation.
I had one of my
worst runs off the bike, 17:35. The fatigue finally got to me! I
managed to finish in 1st place thus defending my title from the
previous year (2010).
AUG 13- OCEAN SIDE, USA
5km run race -
While on working vacation in NJ. I entered a local 5km run with
other Powerbar Team elite members. The first mile proved to be
too fast for me (5:03), thus ruining the rest of the race. I
finished in 16:49 (8th). Which I run normally off the bike!
Lesson learned:
First third feels easy at goal pace, 2nd third feels hard at
goal pace, 3rd third you want to die at goal pace!
AUG 17 – MONTREAL, CANADA
5km run race -
Given my previous race, I played it safe and managed a constant
goal pace of 16:30 (24th). Could I have gone faster? Sure,
hindsight is 20/20. Given all that I have done, I am content
with the results. |
