Three Bears TT #2 Race Report (Ken)

by Ken Huizenga

I enjoy the Time Trial series because it forces me to keep my training up in the hottest summer months.  I had done the 30K Three Bears in the past but I felt it was time to try doing both 20K segments this year.  With the heat of the summer, I found myself losing weight.  Along with the weight coming off my power numbers were slipping as well.  This was going to be some interesting data.  Was being lighter going to make me faster or were the lower power numbers going to keep everything the same?

I did the first TT back on Aug 2nd.  The way out I metered myself as not to blow up too early.  My plan was then to pour it on after the half way turn.  I had definitely totally emptied my tank and was hoping for at a minimum, for a third place finish.  I came in 4th with teammates Jimmy and JJ finishing ahead of me.  My power numbers freighted me, only 226 watts. This is down from 245 earlier in the year.  UGH!
With some advice from Coach Buzz I set out to change a few bad training habits and worked a bit harder and smarter.  I had about three weeks to improve before repeating everything in TT #2.  I did harder intervals and more Power focused workouts.  After two hard weeks of training as well as the added work stress, I was exhausted.  I spent the week before doing a lot of spinning and doing leg openers sessions to keep myself rested and loose.

TT #2 now arrived.  I felt strong and ready.  This time I was pushing it the whole way.  I saw power numbers in the 250-260 range the whole way out.  I was stoked!  At the turn around I took two deep breaths and settled into my aero position as tight as I could.  In the past this meant a tailwind and high speeds.  Today there was more of a crosswind, and this proved more difficult than I expected.  Still I pedaled with everything I could muster.  At the 1K to go make I looked down at my time hoping to see about 31 minutes elapsed.  I saw 32:30.  I probably should not have looked.  I was spent and now was mentally beat.  I finished the last 500 meters but I’m sure I had let off a bit.  Good news was that I had improved. My wattage increased by 10, I had cut off 30 seconds and finally had an average speed of over 22mph on a flat TT course.  All bests for me.  The not as good news was that  I was still 4th and even after working hard, I now know the discipline this is going to take to win at this level.  I sure have a long way to go.  This was a great learning experience. Thanks to my IC3 Teammates Jimmy, Gary and JJ.  You guy’s rocked it!  Also thanks to Coach Buzz for your candor and advice.