I had planned to race a 1/2 IM in Racine on 25 July but having only arrived in Boulder on 01 July, I just couldn't face packing all my stuff again and traveling to another race, especially when there was one on my doorstep the weekend before.  I had originally thought this may be too soon to race at altitude (1600m) but I had adapted pretty quickly this time, so Siri and I thought I would be ready.  Sometimes in the days leading up to a race you have a real sense of calm but also excitement to be on the start line and this was one of those races.  I had stopped by at a talk by Mark Allen on the Friday night, where he was discussing race strategy and how he mentally prepared for his epic battles with Dave Scott in Kona each year.  It was a great talk and gave me a lot of insight into the mind of a great champion and how to solve some of the stress we tend to place on ourselves, especially when racing is your job as well as your passion.  The perfect preparation.................
We eased off on training a couple of days before the race and I woke up race morning feeling all ready to go.  It was so nice to be able to ride to the start from home which is a completely new experience for me.  Courtney (training partner), Nick (our housemate, who was racing in the amateur duathlon) and I all left the house in darkness for an eerie ride through town.  We arrived in plenty of time as it was free racking, which is always a nightmare as everyone wants the same place or people come in and mess up your transition with 10minutes to go before the start.  My warm-up went well and it was nice to catch up with Gordo Byrn (who used to live in HK) and Tim Luchinske, another IM athlete who I swam with in Boulder last summer.  Gordo was looking all psyched to be racing as he is also training in Boulder in preparation for IM Canada.  He has known me since I started triathlon as this huge, uncoordinated lump so its always fun when we can get back together for a race.  We both got about getting organized for the race with music pumping through our headphones but before we headed to the start he had a final word, "You'll surprise yourself today."  I like it when Gordo makes a statement like that as he has a knack of getting things right......this was looking to be a fun day.

Amory enjoying a quiet moment, while waiting for us on the run:

The swim start was interesting as we were swimming into direct sunlight, so it was really hard to see and it seemed ages until we reached the turn buoy before heading back to the beach of the reservoir.  I felt my swim had been reasonable although I had lost a couple of positions in the final 200m.  As I ran up to transition, I could see Gordo and my training partner, Courtney up ahead so I pushed on, keen to be as close to them as possible heading out onto the bike.  I passed Courtney after a couple of km on the bike and focused on not loosing too much ground to the guys up ahead.  In the past, I think I may have been a bit conservative on the bike subconsciously trying to save something for the run.....not this time, I wanted to push the bike and see how I faired for the run.  I was going to try and use the top age-group men to pace off and ensure I maintained a good effort for the whole 90km.  The course is rolling along highway 36 then we have a flat section until the turnaround at Longmont, where we re-trace our ride back to the reservoir with the exception of an out and back section to Rabbit Mountain, which is slightly uphill.  Although the course is predominantly flat, it is definitely tougher than you would think due to the wind and altitude.  I felt really strong for about 50km then worked harder to maintain my pace, so it was a nice sight to see T2 come round the corner after 2hrs24 on the bike.  At this point, I was in second place, 2minutes behind Monica Caplan (she is one of Dave Scott's athletes who lives in Boulder - her strength is swimming & was first female out of the water in Kona 2003) - she had taken a 4minute lead on me into the bike, so I had managed to claw back some of her advantage.

I was determined to run my own race and not focus too much on trying to catch Monica for the first half of the run.  Although 2minutes doesn't sound much, it is a long way when you see this tiny dot in the distance!  I felt pretty good heading out for the first of two laps on gravel trail round the reservoir and working on settling into a good rhythm and pace.  It was a little frustrating that Monica was getting regular splits from her brother during the run......he would see her pass a certain spot then time me to reach the same place, bike ahead and tell her the difference.  In the end, it worked to my favor as I was gaining on her which couldn't have been nice news for her to hear.  By the 5mile mark, I had some good news from Amory and Chris (my other training partners, who were out to support us) - I had gained 40seconds.  It was awesome seeing them out on the course.....you develop a strong bond with other athletes who you train with, something to do with going to hell and back together during those really tough sessions.  They really buoyed my confidence and when Amory shouted, "You look great Claire, loads better than Monica......good cadence, keep it going - you can get her." I knew I must be looking ok as she is an amazing runner and I completely trust her judgment. 

I still felt good coming through transition to start my second lap however Monica didn't seem any closer.  I was given a surprise boost as I headed back out of the reservoir gate, Siri (my coach) and Loretta Harrop had made it from the airport to come and support us.  Loretta had won Lifetime Fitness the day before taking home US$250,000 - the biggest prize purse in triathlon.  She had raced hard from start to finish coming in over 2minutes clear of second place and was a complete inspiration. I have never met anyone who trains as hard as Loretta and gives so much focus to everything she does.  Siri had made her get up at 3am to catch the early flight home so they could see the end of our race....not sure I would have been too happy about that after such a huge win but it was special to have them both there.  Ok, back to the race in hand......I had first place to catch!
I was trying to keep my focus and run Monica down but it seemed slow progress and I really wasn't sure if I could get to her.  At the 9mile mark, it suddenly started to seem more possible and Amory was able to give me another split....only 45seconds behind.  Chris was screaming by this point and saying he would do anything if I won the race!  I decided it was time to give it a go and everything I had to take first place and I started thinking about the US$2,500 first prize.....US$1,000 just didn't sound as good anymore and I had some bills to pay!  After another mile, I was able to make the pass and focused on looking strong in the hope Monica didn't think she could come with me.  Thankfully, she didn't and I was able to focus on that final 3miles to the finish. It's funny when you spend so long chasing someone and then finally pass.....it's like the carrot is suddenly taken away and it's hard - something I haven't had much practice at!  With a mile to go, I was able to pass my favorite aid station manned by some friends in Boulder and then I went past Nick, who was on his final lap of the duathlon which gave me some encouragement to keep going.  The finish line couldn't have come soon enough as the temperatures had been souring and there was no respite on the run.  I couldn't have been happier to win this race as a Boulder race is never a walk in the park and I broke my 1/2 IM PB - 2hr34.  Monica finished 2minutes later with Courtney close on her tail following a puncture on the bike, so it was a good result for the house.  Cam Widoff won the men's race with Kyran Doe (NZ) in second and Gordo in third - also with a puncture!

It was awesome to have Siri there to watch the race as she rarely gets to see me race and this certainly beats my DNF at the Geelong World Cup...nothing like her getting to see a shocker and then a great performance. Well, a party tonight to celebrate, a few days to recover and then back to the grindstone as lots of work to do in preparation for Ironman Canada.

Happy Training......more news soon from Boulder.
Cheers Claire

For full results & details see www.xtri.com

Article in the Daily Camera - Boulders Leading Newspaper