2013 Lifetime Tri Series Championship Oceanside

I want to start off by saying that Oceanside, and Southern California as a whole, is straight up awesome. After receiving a free entry to the race after my top-3 finish at Minneapolis, I reasoned that saving $100 on the entry fee validated my spending $1000 to fly cross country and compete in the inaugural Lifetime Series Championship in Oceanside, California. Here is the recap of what went down in one of the coolest places I have ever been!

I've gotten incredibly good at this lately 

After a quick trip to Sammy's to pick up some Zipp racing wheels and a lesson on how to take apart certain components on my new P5, I packed up my bike and got ready for what would be a rather audacious trip- flying from ORD-LAX, renting a car and then driving to Oceanside, 80 miles away from the airport. 

A whole lotta bike going into that tiny case. Life would be easier if I wasn't 6'3". 

The flight went by relatively quickly as Dad and I watched the crappy in-flight movie and munched on vegan snacks. Oh yeah, I'm 100% plant-based now but I'm not going to be all preachy about it. It just makes me feel really good in training and not in training.

Confusing American Airlines travelers with my lunch 

Chillin in the exit row with this stud. Extra leg room for the tall dudes was a score 

After landing and grabbing my bike, we took the shuttle to the rental car building to find this:

Yeah, that would be a 90 minute wait at the Dollar rental car center. WTF. 

So, we stood in line for a couple of minutes, realized that this was going to take a little bit longer than expected and then the mastermind of our travel party, (Stevie), offered to bravely schmooze with the surrounding line-standers while I put together my bike in the corner.

This little guy was cute to start, but got REALLY annoying when he kept coming over and messing with my spacers, screws, tools that were laid out on the floor. SOMEBODY GET THIS KID A LEASH.

After finally getting the keys to that ever elusive Hundai Santa Fe, we hit the road to Oceanside! (not before sitting in 2 hours of Friday rush hour LA traffic)

Not sure if this guy is directing traffic or warming up for a sword fight. Either way, we could have used him sitting out on the 405 

The day before the race went smoothly and was largely uneventful. I spent the morning checking out the course, swimming in the surf and awkwardly posing next to palm trees. 

A prime example of me trying to look cool. Didn't work. 

Race morning came early but still being on Chicago time, I already had a leg up on the west-coast competition- what felt like a 6:00am wake up was just another day at the office. 

Dad taking his photography role very seriously this time around. 

After a delicious bowl of quiona, berries and almond butter- we were out the door and off to the race site. I dropped my gear at T2, set up my T1 and then got out for a good run warm up with some dynamic stretching to cap it off. After throwing on the wetsuit, I got over to the start and our wave was put into the water. We were given :90 to swim over to the start buoy and then we were off! 

I promise that this felt a lot more hectic than the jazzy music in the background may suggest. 

After a morning of perfect weather throughout the transition set up and warm up, a CRAZY fog cloud rolled into the area and made it nearly impossible to see.

Hopefully this picture portrays it properly, but lets just say it was so foggy I thought it was torrential down-pouring while I was swimming. 

Literally, I couldn't see the next buoy in front of me. So, I did my best to remember the course map that I glanced over the week before the race and somehow made it through the swim somewhat decently. I exited the water in between the lead group of three guys and the chase pack behind. Not an optimal position, but something I could work with as the bike and run awaited.

Now this my friends, is the definition of being disoriented. 

I struggled to get my wetsuit off around my ankle strap but otherwise, made it out of T2 relatively unscathed. Onto the bike and into the fog I go!

The challenging rolling-hill bike course suited my strengths perfectly and I was highly motivated to hammer the ride on my beautiful brand new Sammy's steed. Unfortunately, I could not see the road in front of me when cresting a hill or going into a turn, which made it difficult to get up to top speed. I found myself covering the breaks frequently and using extra caution where I would have normally grabbed an extra gear. Although this may have slowed down the time by a bit, everyone had to deal with the conditions and I found myself in first place by the end of the first lap. Time to hold it together!

Dad had to hop a fence, climb on top of a garbage can and peak through a fence to grab this shot at the turn around. Dedication. 

I started feeling really good on the second lap of the bike and was able to gain a small lead on the group of chasers behind me. And when I came into T2, the announcer said I was in first place which put a little pep in the ol' step as I headed out onto the run course. 

Gaining way more positive reviews than my writing or racing is Mom/ Dad background video commentary. This one does not disappoint. 

I opened up my stride and fell into rhythm immediately on the run. The poor weather conditions that had slowed down the swim and bike were not a factor on the run and it was the first time all day where I felt I could really lay it on the line. I noticed my lead gaining at the multiple turn around points and my confidence built accordingly. Although I noticed I had a fairly substantial lead around the 4-mile mark, I kept the pressure on and ended up with one of the fastest runs of the day. I cruised into the finish feeling incredible- even taking the time to give Dad a well deserved high five. 

Winner, winner- vegan dinner! 

After the race, I celebrated with Dad, met up with a few friends and limped through a slow cool down jog. We hit up the awards ceremony to collect my grand prize- a dinky medal? Yeah that was it. After last year's winner at Dallas taking home a bike frame, I was expecting a little more out of the Lifetime folks! 

As soon as possible, we hit up an awesome place for lunch which hit the spot big time after a lot of waiting around. 

Post-race pancake and cookie cravings are a thing of the past.  After a morning gels, I needed to get me some PLANTS!   

Before packing up my bike, I even got a chance to head out for an easy spin/ sight seeing ride that further supported my theory that California is wicked rad. As you can see, I'm picking up on the lingo. 

Fog had passed, a beautiful afternoon to take a victory lap out on the coast resulted 

After another delicious meal Sunday evening, it was an early Monday morning for the long trip back to blistery Chicago. I just hope I don't grow a 6th finger any time soon... 

Yep, caught this little tidbit as we were leaving the hotel on Monday. Thanks for letting us know?

Honestly, it feels incredible to go into this race on heavy half-ironman specific training and take home a win. It is just another indicator that all systems are a-go for the Rev3 Venice race on 11/10. I am still motivated to train hard for a couple weeks and I can't wait to see how I fair at a longer distance event. 

I want to thank a few people who this victory would not have been possible without: 

1.) STEVE- no words necessicary. If you've met me at a race, you have probably schmoozed with my Dad. He is a P-I-M-P and is always there to support me. He even practically went vegan the whole weekend, and liked it! 

Bringing the airport swag up to an entirely new level. 

2.) Sammy's Bikes- the P5 + zipp 808 combo was deadly out there. Not to mention the Di2.... Thanks for all your support! Check these guys out for any bike needs, they are the best- no questions asked.  

3.) Xterra wetsuits- my newest sponsor! Saturday was my first time trying out the Vendetta and it fit like an absolute glove. Use promo code SA-METZLER for crazy awesome discounts on all Xterra products. 

4.) Nuun and Precision Multisport. I dropped that lemon-lime in my water bottle all weekend to keep hydrated and followed the Coach Craig Strong's plan to perfection- thanks guys.

5.) Da fans- if you read this blog, you rock. Thanks for checking in and following my trials and tribulations as I try to be the best I can be every single day. 

Next up is the big late season race that I have been gearing up for, a 70.3 distance triathlon in Venice Beach, Florida! 

Bundle up, 

Justin 

2013 5150 US National Championship HyVee Triathlon

As it had the past two seasons, the prestigious HyVee triathlon served as one of the final major events to cap off the summer of racing. Year after year, the 5150 US National Championship boasts one of the most competitive elite amateur fields while also offering up over $15,000 to the top-5 elite men and women. This ensured that the 2012 Triathlete of the Year, the 2013 Age Group National Champion and the 20-24 Age Group National Champion would all be on the start list, fit and ready to leave everything on the race course. Without spoiling it too much, here is the recap from the weekend that resulted in one of the best performances of my entire triathlon career!

After a Friday morning spin, a hefty breakfast and some last minute packing/ food-cooler organizing, Dad and I hit the road for the 5.5 hour drive to beautiful Des Moines, Iowa. All in all, the trip flew by as I alternated between eating and sleeping.

The occasional poop made its way into the rotation. 

We got into town around 4pm and the heat wave that was hitting mid-western Iowa was in FULL effect. I had an easy swim on the schedule so I headed over to Raccoon River Park to go ping ponging back and forth in in the 90 degree, bath-like swim area.

Walking over to the hot tub. 

After finishing up my swim, I headed back to the car where Steve was relaxing in the AC. We headed over to Whole Foods to pick up dinner, cruised over to the hotel and checked into our room. I capped off the night with some leg shaving, foam rolling and Normatec-ing; just a casual Friday evening if you ask me!

My usual pre-race shakeout workout on Saturday went perfectly and I was able to do most of the short swim-bike-run on the race course itself. I finished feeling refreshed and reassured that the rolling hills and open roads really suited my racing strengths- especially if the winds picked up on race day. I capped off the afternoon with a short nap and the always annoying mandatory elite briefing where I got the eye up the competition and get reassured that there is pretty much a USAT penalty for everything except riding your bike.

How can't you be intimidated by this sleeping beauty?  

Sunday morning started off with a nice bowl of Quinoa and a strong cup of coffee. As I got my things together and got ready to head out to Gray's Lake, I peaked out the window to shockingly see 40 MPH winds and pouring rain. Thankfully, the storm passed over quickly and the race organizers simply had to delay everything by 45 minutes. Although the weather cleared up, the morning downpour left the corners wet and the wind howling- perfect for the powerful and technical riding style I have come to develop.

We waited in the car for a while before finally deciding to head over to the transition area. I set up my things, went out for a warm up run and finished it off with the usual pre-race dynamic stretching awkwardness.

Don't mind me over here. Just doing this thing I do. 

Dad and I walked over to the swim start where I was able to hop in the water to warm up and add to the pee-bath that is created whenever a triathlon is held in an open body of water. I quickly made my way to the start line and positioned myself right in front of the group. We got the 2 minute count-down and even a :15 second warning before the gun went off and the mens elite wave rushed into the 85 degree lake.

I immediately was able to settle into the middle of the pack without too much of a fight for position. I noticed a few athletes breaking off the front, but kept calm and went to work. About halfway thorough the swim, I was feeling great and moved my way up to the head of the main pack of swimmers. Along with one other competitor, I led the way out of the water in roughly 10th position but was closely followed by an additional 10 athletes as we all sprinted our way to the transition area.

I have tried to brand myself as one of the most well-rounded triathletes in the amateur game and I have always taken pride in the fact that my transitions are wicked fast. Not kidding, I practice them. I was not here to disappoint, so I was out of T1 and on the road with one of the fastest splits of the day.

Once onto the bike, I maneuvered my way through the technical section of the course avoiding a crash in the slick post-storm corners. I settled into a rhythm almost immediately and passed a few athletes before hitting the open, hilly section of the course.  I was feeling great out there, pushing up the hills and screaming down the descents. Even into the headwind I felt like I was maintaining a strong pace as I cued off one of the strongest cyclists in the field about 200 meters up the road. I came into T2 in 4th position but was aware that there were a number of stealthy runners quick on my heels.

Once again, T2 was flawless and I was quickly out on the run course.

I had a inkling that I was in the top-5 at this point, but Dad made it VERY clear that I was in 4th position. 

I started cruising on the first portion of the run course and a strong tail wind made the first two miles incredibly fast. At the 2.5 mile turn around point, I was able to see that I had two competitors chasing quickly and if I were to hold them off, it would require quite the effort. I dug deep and pushed as hard as I could to hold off both of my pursuers. As I passed transition around the 5 mile mark, I got some much needed encouragement! 

I kept pushing but the headwind section from miles 2.5-4.5 put me in a world of hurt and I really started to suffer. Around the 6 mile mark, with no more than 600m to go, Colin Riley (the 2013 Age Group National Champion) put in a dig that I couldn't quite respond to. Although I couldn't match his sprint, my final kick was good enough to hold off the hard charging Steve Mantell (20-24 National Champion) and I held onto 5th position as I collapsed across the finish line. 

Overall, it was a pretty incredible race. I was at the top end of the race all day and battled back and forth with some of the most established triathletes in the nation. With this performance, I established myself as the up and coming triathlete to watch- not only next year, but into the future as I pursue professional racing. I did just turn 20 years old in June...

As always, I took time after the race to cool down in the ice bath, debrief/ celebrate with my family (Grammy included who flew out from New Jersey!) and devour some of the surprisingly delicious post race food. We waited around until the 12pm awards ceremony where I shared the stage with four incredibly talented athletes.

Also, I won this. So that's cool.

Thanks to Craig Strong at Precision Multisport, Vishal at Nuun and Sammy/ Jenna at Sammy's bikes for your continued support as I dedicate myself to achieving all of my goals.

And without my family I would be nowhere. Call me whatever you want, but I couldn't be happier that my Mom and Dad are not only my best parents but they are also my best friends.

Next up for me is a small race in Iowa to qualify for 2014 Collegiate Nationals and then I will be gearing up for my last race of the season, a half ironman in November at Rev3 Florida.

If your season is over, enjoy your down time but if you are brave enough to stick it out for a few late season races, see you on the road!

-Justin

USAT Age Group National Championship Race Report

After forgoing my early season plans to race a mid-summer 70.3 in order to focus on the Olympic distance, I pinned my focus on two National Championship events in the back half of the 2013 calendar. Below is the race report from part #1 of my National championship double, the USAT Age Group National Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

Following my first overall win of the year at the Bigfoot Triathlon in June, training went from challenging to borderline insane. 100,000 meters in the pool, 1500 miles on the bike and 350 miles of running in 6 weeks. And we're not talking about logging slow, Ironman type miles; this stuff was intense.

This little guy knows what's up. 

So, if you haven't gotten the hint, I wanted to be somewhat well prepared for this race. I knew the field was going to be stacked and the race was going to produce incredibly fast times on the mostly flat midwestern terrain. I went in with a full week taper, slept about 10 hours a night and was ready to give it my best shot to contend for the overall top-15 and a top-5 finish in my 20-24 age group division.

Being only an hour away from the race site made this event outrageously convenient. After a quick bike- run, a classic quinoa breakfast for me and a bagel stop for Dad to load up on some grub after his 16-mile run, we hit the road and booked it up to the race site. 

I was able to get in the water for a practice swim, get through packet pickup quickly and rack my bike with ease. Before I knew it Steven and I were back at the hotel, with the feet up relaxing before dinner. 

He may or may not have dozed off here for a bit. Well deserved! 

If you don't know, I am somewhat particular about my diet these days and even more so the night before a race. I often bring my own meals for the days leading into a big event and this one was no different. I spent the day before we left cooking up a bountiful harvest of roasted vegetables and sprouted quinoa-deliciousness. Steve got hungry and our conversation went a little something like this... 

We're family, so we share. 

After a full nights rest, it was a palatable 5:30am wake up call for my 10:30am, final wave start time. Although transition closed at 7:30am and I had to wait around for three hours before the gun went off, a larger breakfast and a relaxing build up to the start was refreshing compared to traditional pre-race hecticness. 

I even had a minute to soak in the picturesque morning! This was very zen. 

I'm not really sure how I achieved VIP status at this race, but it turns out being a very important person comes with its perks. We had our own tent to hang out in before the race and had our separate line at packet pickup. USAT even sprung for personalized name tags! 

The red-velvet rope was a classy touch. 

Going all out with these bad boys. 

The rest of the morning flew by quickly and smoothly. I got in a nice run warm up, did some dynamic stretching, got on the wetsuit and then headed down to the dock. I hopped in the water, swam around for a while and then made my way over to the in-water start area. The announcer gave us a 2 minute warning and then all the sudden, BANG! Thanks for the countdown dude. I positioned myself in the middle of the line, assuming the fastest way to the first buoy would be straight ahead. What I failed to take into consideration was the fact that the other 150 guys in my wave would all be diverging to that single first buoy. I was clobbered, held up and already behind in the first 200m. 

Already fighting from behind, definitely in that back 2/3rd's! 

After getting some clear water following that first buoy, I was finally able to make my way through the field and up towards the lead group. I was still a ways back, but I felt like the gap was not as substantial. I exited the water somewhere around 25th place with a lot of ground to make up on the lead swimmers with a 20:24 split.

A bit wobbly coming out of the homemade, super-sketchy exit ramp. 

I sprinted through the large transition area and made my way over to my bike. Unlike my usual blazing fast transition times, I was held up in T1 for a little bit. I couldn't quite get my wetsuit off right away and didn't put my helmet/ glasses on in the correct order. I positively lost few seconds here, but that is going to happen every now and again.

Me and my new cop friend 

If there is one discipline in the sport where I feel that I have not raced up to my potential, at least in terms of the results I have seen in training, it has to be the bike. I was prepared to change that in this race and immediately went to work. I pushed hard right from the start and did not let up until the very finish. I knew I had to make up ground from a somewhat sub-par swim and also had to put in time on the faster runners in the field. I came into T2 hurting but also aware that I had just put together one of my best 40k bike efforts with a time of 56:49. 

And imagine if I had been on the P5! Patience is a virtue, soon enough I'll be rocking the new steed. 

Immediately after dismounting the bike, my legs felt more like concrete blocks than jet fueled pistons. I tried to stay calm, but worried that I had indeed pushed the bike just a little too hard. To my delight, right after exiting T2, I got the split that I was roughly :60 down on the lead and somewhere around 10th place in my division. This put some fire under my step and I started picking people off. I moved up through the field and by the 4 mile mark, I had moved all the way up to third place. I was pushing so hard in the final mile of the run that I found myself simply trying to make to the next course cone, a mere 10 feet from the last. I made it to the finish shoot, elated with my podium finish and 100% physically depleted. 

Had to really dig deep for this one! 

After crossing the finish line, I had an uncharacteristic out pour of emotion. I work so hard, sacrifice so much. And to execute my race plan to near perfection, produced a feeling of self satisfaction that is unparalleled to any other. Races like this are the culmination of a process, not the event in itself- it is weeks and months all encompassing focus that it takes to simply outwork the competition. 

Not only was my time of 1:55:08 an Olympic distance personal best, but I had also shattered my goal of top-5 age group with a podium finish in the 20-24 age group, one of the most competitive in the nation.  In addition, I had crushed my secondary goal of top-15 overall with a 9th place finish. 

After my near blackout in the final mile of the race, it took me quite a while to come back down to earth. We walked around the race site before I somehow made my way over the Normatec tent to get some much needed love from those oh-so-sweet space boots.  

Special thanks to Uncle G for the hook up, literally one of the most down to earth people I have ever met. 

I debriefed the race with a few friends, got my gear out of transition and then made my way back to the car before we hit up some dive diner for lunch. 

Oh yeah, and Hillary Clinton was there. 

You could say that this wasn't the most health conscious establishment and my post race egg whites with vegetables didn't quite get the job done. So we scrambled to find me some second lunch. 

Sushi did the job! 

But not really... An almond butter, jelly and banana rice cake picnic for lunch #3 rounded things out properly. 

And if it wasn't enough for USAT to put 20-24's last in the wave start for the race, we were the final group to be announced at awards! This meant a lot of waiting around to get up on stage for my 20 seconds of fame! 

Bling bling. 

Huge thanks to my #1 sponsors, support staff, vegetable choppers, laundry washers, loving and incredible family. I couldn't do anything without them! 

3 triathletes and a personal trainer. Relatively fit family! 

He's on it. DON'T MESS.  

Next up is the 5150 US Championship HyVee Triathlon in Des Moines, Iowa on September 2nd. I have a few weeks of hard training and then it will be another relaxed taper leading into the race! Hopefully I can capitalize on this end of the season form and make a name for myself as a up and coming contender. 

Thanks for sticking around, 

Justin