Beat the Clock TT #3 (2 for me)

Several things went better this time around. The last time I came out and raced this event was in February, and it was quite cold and wet. This time, dry and warm (for 7am). Much warmer than Fremont last week. I decided to warm up on the trainer instead of on the road. I was freezing during my warm-up in Fremont...which I think maybe defeats the purpose of warming up! I was also parked right next to the start line, so I was able to warm up right until my start time. This time, I rolled up ready to go!

I've done a few tweaks on my bike fit since Feb, and I think I've gotten to a point where I can output more power than before in a more aerodynamic position.I still really had to concentrate, though, to keep my effort high. My muscles were really burning, especially the rear/outer thighs/glutes.

Unfortunately, my power meter decided to stop working 1/3 of the way through my run!! Dang, that defeated half the purpose of doing this race. Had to rely on my own perception of effort. 

Results were significantly better than last time. Last time I ran a 25:49, which is 23.2mph

TT start

Additionally, since I've been having such a crap time on the TT bike lately, I decided to try and find out really how much time difference the TT bike is getting me...if it's worth it to stick with it. I raced another round in the Merckx category (no aero gear, clothes, wheels, helmet). I do have an aero road frame, but that's it.

For the second round, I finished in 27:08 (22.1mph). 1:19 slower than the first run, but still faster than my time in February (on the TT bike).

Finishing strong on the road bike

That 1:19 time difference would translate to ~7:22 over a half IM distance, twice that for a full IM (duh). However, taking into account the fact that the road ride was my second effort of the day, and the fact that I would have been faster with aero wheels/helmet, the actual difference would be significantly less than that.

For now, I think the plan is going to be to ride the road bike at Wildflower. In the meantime, I will focus on becoming more flexible on the hamstrings, lower back, etc, and using the foam rollers. Any tips on favorite stretches? Stretching style?