Luke Wilson, Brad Meara, and Jenny Clark had good races today at the Foster Grant 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, Fl. Luke Wilson lead the group with a very solid performance. Luke had a good swim at 36:00mins, moved through T1 and put together an impressive bike performance managing 22.38mph through the first 25miles...then took it up a notch and finished really strong averaging 24.99mph. Luke was able to move through T2 and hold a 7:11/mile pace to churn out an impressive 4:42:05. Although this is not Luke's best 70.3 performance...anytime you break the 5hour mark you are doing something really special! Great Job Luke.
Brad also turned in a sterling performance. During the 2010 season Brad had to take some time out of training to move his family from the KC area to the St. Louis area and took on a new role as an ER doc up near St. Louis, MO. We all know how switching jobs and moving can take away from your training time. Despite this, Brad still put together a great race. Brad was out of the water in 37:43 and like Luke had a very strong bike with 21.30mph through the first 25miles and then shot it up to 22.29mph through the second half of his ride. Off the bike Brad had good legs and was able to manage an 8:10/mile average. Brad flirted with the sub 5hr mark, coming across the FL in 5:07:09. Good job Brad!
Jenny has worked very hard to get where she is today. Just a couple of years ago Jen came to me out of foot/ankle surgery and our only real goal was to get her back into some kind of regular fitness routine...and WOW...has she done so much more than this! Jen made 2011 Team USA and World Championships. She showed up in Clearwater having to ride a brand new bike and also had to purchase a new wet suit the day before the race. But evening with this Jen was able to get out of the water in 45:50 and then also had a great bike (new frame and all) riding at 20.00mph for the first half and took it up to 22.15mph for the second half of her ride. Off the bike Jenny pulled out 8:31/mile average and had a strong finish of 5:26:03.
Great job to all three athletes. When you get to this level of competition, EVERYONE there is good. It can be hard to go there and think to yourself...well I just had a middle of the pack performance, but it is always important to keep in mind that when you make it to WCs or Kona or are doing something that not very many athletes ever get to do. So pat yourself on the back and say "job well-done!" On to next year!
