Hello from South America!
I am writing from my cabana in Pucon, Chile to let you know that I came second yesterday in the Pucon 70.3 triathlon!! It was a tough fight to the finish, and the challenging course put my fitness to the test… but it looks as though 2008 is off to a great start, and I couldn’t be more excited.
I arrived in Chile last Wednesday, and Pucon has lived up to be one of the greatest places on earth. I am already looking forward to next year. There is a large volcano that is always smoking and the town of Pucon is a lively place full of energy. Perhaps the most notable thing was how excited the town was to be hosting the triathlon. All week felt like an Ironman week, there were so many people in town training and preparing for the race. On Friday was the children’s race, and some 500 participants were there! It was unbelievable. I spent last week preparing on the course for the race… I had heard that this is one of the prettiest triathlons in the world, and now I agree!
Race morning went smoothly, and before I knew it I was standing on the banks of Lake Villarica preparing to kick off my 2008 season. The gun went off and I proceeded to have one of the most intense swims of my short triathlon career! I excited the swim in 6th place among the women and had a black eye and a fat, bloody lip. It was truly a battle zone out there.
The bike course in Pucon is two loops over rolling terrain. I knew I had my work cut out for me as the women’s field had some strong swimmers that were very far up the road from me. I put my head down and cycled my heart out. I had been doing a lot of great key cycling workouts (indoors) this past month, and I had a lot of confidence in my cycling abilities. As you cycled through town each loop, Pucon was so excited for each racer, it was very energizing. By the start of the second loop I was in second place and I was starting to believe this could be my day! I ended the ride with the fastest bike split of the day.
The run course is one of the most challenging run courses I have ever been on. It is a 3 loop course, with 4k of each loop taking place in the “peninsula”… half way through my first trip in the peninsula, I affectionately renamed it the PAIN-insula. It was brutal! It served up steep hill after steep hill after steep hill. I found it very challenging to get my legs turning over despite all the cheering that was going on. I gave my best effort on the run, and after loop one, I was in the lead with Heather Gollnick hot on my heels. I tried to fill my head with thoughts about how I am from Montana and run in the mountains… but it just didn’t seem to help. Heather came storming past me on loop number three and never looked back.
So, 2008 begins. I came second to a great Ironman Champion, gave my best effort on race day, and had a great time. All day I was filled with appreciation for being healthy and being able to race in such a beautiful place. I plan on coming back next year more prepared for that PAIN-insula and contending for the win.
Yesterday I came to realize I have so much to be appreciative of, and so 2008 will be my year of appreciation. Thanks to: Saucony, Clif Bar, Full Speed Ahead, Orbea Bicycles, Trigger Point Technology, Lane Watson, Katalyst Multisport, Missoula Bicycle Works and Xterra Wetsuits. I am truly appreciative.
Next stop: Maui for a training camp with Coach Lance and crew!
Ciao!
Linsey Corbin
