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Race Result

Racer: David Orton
Race: Ratman
Date: Sunday, August 26, 2007
Location: Reston, VA
Race Type: Other - Other
Age Group: Male 30 - 34
Comment: Good Times



Race Report:



Got up early on Sunday to ride to Lake Thoreau pool and get in a short swim. Reid and I rode over and arrived as most people were leaving. We swam for about 20 minutes before getting out and riding to the Reston Town Center. Total swim: 500 meters.

The RBC did an amazing job with the Century. The packet pickup was quick and they wisely kept the t-shirt and water bottle pickup for the end of the ride. Reid and I were both toast from our respective workouts on Saturday and wavered on whether to ride the full or metric century. We pulled out of RTC onto the clearly marked and safe course.

As we rode through Sterling, Reid asked if I had water condensation on my face or if I was sweating. Yes, it was sweat despite the cooler temp and my 85 BPM heart rate. I guess I just sweat a lot, and it would be the theme for the ride. Reid and I rode together throughout the course and caught up with fellow TriRATs at each of the rest stations.

One of the rest stops was sponsored by Great Harvest (http://www.greatharvest.com) and they had some of their famous Pumpkin Chocolate Chip (high density) Bread. I suddenly inhaled four pieces while Reid looked on in shock. As good as it was, it did give me some tummy trouble later on. Next time I'll limit myself to one piece.

We stocked up on Gatorade, Bagels, Bananas, and Ice Cream at each rest stop which fueled us all the way. Given my water loss, I took three Endurolytes at each stop and I never felt a cramp during the ride. I probably went through eight large water bottles during the ride.

We rode up Woodburn which was my first time up that climb. It surprised me but Reid rode it with ease claiming it was nothing compared to the Savageman course. The course provided some excellent rollers across beautiful terrain. I really need to get out and ride this course during the off season to improve my biking. The end of ride came down the W&OD and we hammered the last 15 miles. The ride ended back at the RTC with excellent post-race food under the pavilion. Total ride: 75 miles.

We caught up with the TriRATs at the pavilion and decided to celebrate our weekend of training with some beers at Rio Grande. Shawn properly introduced me to Anejo Tequila and we chased them down with excellent Shiner Bock beers. It was a perfect end to a long day in the saddle.

When I got home I was in no shape to run so I took it easy and did some work around the house. By about 6 PM I decided to get in my run workout and went out for an easy Z1 run. I expected to turn around after one mile but felt surprisingly good and continued for 45 minutes. Total Run: 5.5 Miles.

I didn't complete the official RATMan, but I got in three good workouts in three disciplines so I can't complain. I have to thank Reid for pushing me during the Metric Century. He's so strong on the bike and he helped me push through some of the harder sections and hammer the home stretch. More importantly, he picked up the tab at Rio Grande! Thanks again Reid.