Canada Road TT-written by John P.

When: Saturday April 16th
Where: Canada Road TT
Distance: 10 miles (the flyer said 9.7, but my GPS got exactly 10 miles both times I did the course)
Teammates: John P.,Mark, Keith and Brianne

I wasn't planning on writing a recap, because I was embarrassed at my time. However, I changed my mind as the week has gone on.

You all know the road very well. The TT course starts on the flat section midway between where Canada road goes under 280 near Edgewood and the stop sign at Jefferson road. It finishes at "the tree" that signifies the top of the hill going south (some call it the boneyard because the "bones of cyclists" that can't make it up that section, with the noon ride, are scattered all around there).

Anyway, I will keep this short. It is 10 miles out and back and the reason I was embarrassed is because I used to do this in under 25 minutes and I felt I was in good enough shape to at least be around that 25 minute mark. My time was an excrutiating 26:33!

It turns out there are two reasons for my pitiful time:
1. I went out way too fast. My time at the turn was 11 minutes and 13 seconds. I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't keep 20 mph up the little hill before the descent to the water temple. So, since I was 11:13 out, that means I was 15 minutes and 20 seconds on the way back! Not so good.
2. I mentioned to Mark and Andrew that I was not happy and there must be something wrong with me. I have been training and riding well, but I can't seem to get as strong as I feel I should be. Well, Sunday night I started getting sick and by today I have a sore throat and my muscles feel like I just lifted weights and then ran 5 miles. So, I am going to use that as part of my excuse and hope to do better next time.