Savageman post-race analysis

During the long drive home Monday, I had plenty of time to think.

Lots of people are trying to compare this to Ironman. I say it's not a good comparison, but there are a few things that can be lined up for analysis. Length: obviously the 100.0 is shorter than 140.6, but the biggest difference between this race and IM is the run. (Imagine having to do 4 laps on that course!). Difficulty: can't compare, every IM is different. Mental: IM is mentally tougher, probably due to the run. So bottom line for me, it's harder to do an Ironman.

After climbing the Wall, I realized that I can do anything I put my mind to. Anything. Anything I really want (within reason, of course) I can do. That's a powerful feeling. I'm going to be incredibly smug for awhile here :)

I'm also now realizing that any hill I encounter on a group ride will have to be climbed. The group will not me any slack from here on out.

My new race nutrition was solid. But would it hold up at HIM race pace? This alternating between Z1/2 and Z4/5 wasn't the same as a 3hr bike effort at Z3.

My run is way improved. Even DH noted I looked stronger than usual, no shuffling.

Where does this put me for next year? My usual post-race exuberance has me wanting to trained hard for an HIM and qualify for the IM 70.3 championships (like EK did this weekend!) but that' me being way ahead of myself. IM CdA is next. I need to rest the next 5-6 weeks, focus on swimming, and let triathlon go for now. Or that exuberance will get tripped up over burn-out.

I'm also thinking about changing a few things nutrition-wise, but no solid plans yet.

Overall, what a great year:
3rd place at Quivering Quads
Double Chubb 50K
1st place at Gateway Olympic
2nd place at Cutting Edge half
Pigman half
SavageMan 100.0

Lottsa hills, lottsa PR's and the year really isn't over yet! It's now cyclocross season!!!!