Gulf Coast ½ Ironman Race Report:   Pre Race Strategy – Go hard…..But not too early   1.2 mile swim – Looking out at the Gulf of Mexico – 2 Words – Washing Machine, was a gentile way to say it (like 3-4 foot swells).  Honestly I was thinking (as a very strong swimmer) I can really make up some serious time here on the entire field.  I started slow and steady and worked my way into the 1st 100 meters, then I was going up and down so much in the waves, split decision – just go for it.  I exited the water just over 25 min (posting the fastest swim time overall). 56 mile bike – I normally use a power tap to train, however I do not have a race wheel with a power tap, so I changed computers and went with my Cateye Wireless and just focused on average speed.  I did some math before the race and figured I needed to hold 25 miles per/hr to get off the bike between 2:10 and 2:15 and still be able to run, mission almost accomplished.  Just under 25, but the wind was blowing 15-20 miles per/hr, so solid day on the bike. Mainly racing Xterra Triathlons, being in the aero position for that long, my butt and back were just SO, SO tight, so the first mile of the run was basically stretching the legs and working out the stiffness. 13.1 mile run – After running the first mile, legs felt pretty good, surprisingly.  Running with good form, clipping off 6:30’s until the dreaded “Park” at Gulf Coast, mile seven, legs started cramping and I knew it was going to be a rough long road home.  By mile 10, I wanted to be finished, racing for this long is not my specialty (working in the OR for 10-12 hrs a day at my Real Job) I try to stick to Olympic distance, much more manageable.  Slowly finished the run in an awful 1:39.  However , finished 2nd overall behind Mike Neil  - who has won this race for 5 years in a row, total stud!   Good times and I am sore as I ever have been!  Next up Waco, TX Xterra (back to my comfort zone OFF – ROAD TRIATHLONS)

Great Shot from Rich Cruze 2010 } richcruse.com

Race Day Strategy “Race Smart and Don’t Blow up” it worked…..well….almost   Race start was a “beach start” Game Plan #1 stay with lead pack – Which I hate, due to being short I usually start out a few strokes behind, however came up and move right into 5th til the first bouy, then a perfect duck dive and moved into 4th.  I was very worried I might be dropped out of the lead pack (with my shoulder surgery in November), however I basically took a bubble bath for the next 16 minutes, and this was the easiest swim in years.  I felt in complete control and played it safe and kept in the draft conserving engery. Out of the water in 4th, run to transition, out of T 1 in 3rd – transitions, FREE TIME – I love stealing free time and places just having a plan.  Helmet, grab bike and ride til I can roll until I have enough momentum to put my feet in my shoes.  Game plan #2 – stay on Seth Wealing’s wheel and try not to overextend my exertion in the first two miles, done.  Watching “the Cave Man” and Josiah pass is a super cool thing to watch (yeah, yeah, I know, but watching these guys put out the power they do is beyond impressive).  After lap one, Rakita had a flat and I was able to put some time between myself and Seth.  After the steep walk a bike climb, Brian Smith came flying past like I was standing still.  So off the bike in 4th, stoaked!  However, I looked up as I was running out of transition and there were Nico, Seth and Cody. All of a sudden, I was thinking ok, I can’t hold off Nico or Seth, so 6th overall was sounding great.  I was feeling solid for about 20 minutes, then a steep hill right at the start of the second lap and oooohhhhh man I was in trouble, cramps in both hamstrings were coming on.  By then, Nico and Seth closed the gap and passed me.  I was trying to hold off Cody, but he was too strong.  Beginning of lap 2 Cody passed, now fighting more cramps and going downhill fast (and not literally, I was running down hill like a baby). 7th overall, with 2 minutes to spare.  Phew……made the last $$ spot of the day!  Working in medical sales over 50 hrs a week, two kids and a lovely wife, not a bad day.  I still say I am just honored to race next to the guys I get to race with, ANIMALS!!!! Smart race, but next time I will have 20 more minutes in my legs!!!!!!   Next on the books, Gulf Coast ½ Ironman, back to the road scene this year……..