Bucks County Duathlon - Duathlon

Pretty good run, about where I expected to be.

Nothing at all. While I continue to frustrated that I'm so slow in relation to the field in running, this was slightly better than I'd have anticipated for the opening run.

Fairly quick for me. Most of the time was the easy jogging into T1.

OK with this.

With the Guru in the shop in Maryland for an upcoming triathlon, I did this race on the Ridley. Obviously faster on the Guru, or I think I would've been. I've never felt particularly fast on the Ridley, which I attribute to its compact crank. I like the smaller crank for Bucks County's typically rolling rides, but on a flat course like this it seemed like a disadvantage. Still, pleased with how this turned out. Not fast, but a very solid effort. AP and NP were 152/160, so right on schedule. Was a little crazy entering the course, what with all of the elite types making the turn for the their second loop; a lot of "On your left" going on for that first trip out.

Hate to look at technology or gear for the solution, but I 'd have probably done better riding the Guru or putting a normal sized crank on the Ridley.

Didn't take my shoes off before dismounting here; too much of a hassle and the potholes had me concerned being barefoot. Had a little trouble getting into the shoes, so that took some time I'd not planned on. I wore the Newton Aha shoes, which were great, but trying to slip them on while wearing socks and not untying was tough.

Not much, this was generally OK. Some bungee or lock laces might've helped to cut a few seconds.

Actually had a better second run, a first for me in a duathlon. Paced off a woman who passed me just as we were hitting the towpath; she was running between 9:30 and 10:00, and it was a pretty comfortable pace. Figured I'd stay with her and then pick it up as we got closer to the finish line. I picked up the pace and passed her and a couple others just past the picnic area at the far end of the park. Was really hoping for around 19 minutes but that was just out of reach.

Not sure I'd do anything different. This was a solid run for me, and I was probably one of the few in the field that had a faster second run. Maintaining a solid pace was essential in pulling that off, although it's possible I could've pushed slightly harder. I'm getting frustrated with my runs; although I'm doing better and expending less effort in a faster time, I'm still really slow overall in comparison to the field.

Got some water, walked around, ate a bagel and a tiny cinnamon bun.


Overall run times, which - while better and improving - are still very slow, and the slowness of the Ridley vs. the Guru. But I'd hoped for 1:15 as a stretch goal and I was right there.


Even thought it's in my backyard, I've never done this race becasue it falls during the latter part of tri season (thus messing with workout schedules) and we're not typically here over Labor Day weekend. Almost decided not to do this because of conflicts with my training plan, but I'm glad I did. Good crowd, friendly, and a solid event.