Luc Morin
Team Elite - United States

Powerblog

3rd quarter

JUNE 18 – DRUMMONDVILLE, CANADA
Sprint Triathlon
Drummondville marked my return to racing this season. For different reasons, my racing calendar did not start or develop the way I wanted (work/training balance). In addition, after my return from my latest camp, it was hard to get back into a training schedule.
Nevertheless, I was extremely nervous to race in Quebec. The last time I raced in my home province was in 2007.  There is always a strange feeling about racing in front of people you know.
The race was part of the Quebec Elite Cup, where most elites from Eastern Canada show up for a shot at the prize money. Many people asked me what I was doing there! Looking around, I must have been the oldest by 15 years! My biggest worry was NOT to finish last during the swim.
The race start was delayed. We stood around for a good 15 minutes before being able to line up on the starting line. “OK, I need to go now!” I had to think about breathing… and then the gun went off. I was with the lead pack until the first buoy, and then they were gone! Having a hard time catching my breath and feeling my arms going numb, I wanted to get out as fast as possible.
I got on the bike trying my hardest to catch up to the 2nd pack… Once in the pack, it was very hard to get the boys going. I was very surprised by how much I was able to gain on the group during technical sections. It would have been fruitless to try to go solo. Once heading to T2, I let myself drop to the back of the pack… what a mistake!
Once in T2, 2 people crashed in front of me and I was given a 15-second penalty for mounting before the line. I knew I did not… but no time to argue!
I had lost my momentum for the run. I knew the only thing I could do is to run as hard as I could to catch up to as many people as possible. Sprints are so hard! I finished 15th overall. I was pleased with the results and the excitement of a drafting race.
On a final note, the father of one of my junior athletes asked me why I kept looking back after the swim instead of looking forward toward the transition. I told him that “I wanted to see how far the closing kayak was.”
 
JUN 25 - THREE RIVERS, CANADA
Sprint Triathlon
The second race, non-drafting, was on a wet and cold day. The jitters of the previous weekend were gone. My fitness was back to a descent level but my swim suffered. I can’t say it was an exciting race. The only highlight of the day was that I tried my new pair of INOV-8 and my TOKEN wheels.
The bike course was wet, multi-loop, with many turns. Once again, technical skills were essential to be able to race well. I used my road bike (not my TT) and posted the best time of the day.
The run was challenging during the first loop of the 4 loop course, but I was able to pick the pace back up and focus on technique. I finished 1st overall.
 
JUL 03-08 – EDMONTON, CANADA
ITU-PATCO LEVEL 2 COACHING COURSE
Now back to work. The ITU-PATCO Level 2 coaching course marked my debut as course leader and also my first course in North America for ITU. I was surrounded by very knowledgeable staff which made this experience even more enjoyable.
Read more…
http://www.triathlon.org/news/article/itu_coach_education_goes_to_edmonton/
JUL 21-30 – ALICANTE, SPAIN
ITU-ETU JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT TRAINING CAMP
I was very fortunate to lead a group of highly motivated junior athletes and coaches from across Europe and Mediterranean countries. Thanks to a great ITU staff, we not only challenged the athletes but also stimulated the learning of coaches.
Read more…
http://www.triathlon.org/news/article/itu-etu_development_camp_breaks_new_ground_in_spain/
And yes, I crashed showing that skill and abilities can make the difference in a race.
 AUG 07 – TERREBONNE, CANADA
Sprint Triathlon
A last minute entry in a local race proved to be perfect because of all the changes in my schedule. The Sprint event was a non-drafting race. As usual, I had no chance to keep the swimming up during the previous month due to all the coaching and traveling.
The pool swim was composed of 6 triangular loops with the 40+ year olds. I don’t know why, but it hits me every time! After a few kicks and elbows, I got out on the bike first and attacked the multiple loop bike course in first position. I ended by catching up to many people from the previous waves, which was a big motivation.
I had one of my worst runs off the bike, 17:35. The fatigue finally got to me! I managed to finish in 1st place thus defending my title from the previous year (2010).
 
AUG 13- OCEAN SIDE, USA
5km run race - While on working vacation in NJ. I entered a local 5km run with other Powerbar Team elite members. The first mile proved to be too fast for me (5:03), thus ruining the rest of the race. I finished in 16:49 (8th). Which I run normally off the bike!
Lesson learned: First third feels easy at goal pace, 2nd third feels hard at goal pace, 3rd third you want to die at goal pace!
 
AUG 17 – MONTREAL, CANADA
5km run race - Given my previous race, I played it safe and managed a constant goal pace of 16:30 (24th). Could I have gone faster? Sure, hindsight is 20/20. Given all that I have done, I am content with the results.

Posted By:Luc Morin On 05 Sep 2011 AT 18:07 | 0 COMMENTS
Topics: Energy, Ironman, Team Elite, Training

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LOCATION

Rhode Island, United States

NETWORKS

Team Elite Athletes/Active Lifestyle

ABOUT ME

I am a Long Distance Triathlete since 2000 and a Powerbar user since 1996. …MORE