Clash Endurance Daytona 2022 Review –

This December I participated in the Clash Endurance Daytona Long Course held in Florida. Missy was meeting with some of her teammates from Tri Sirena to race the relay and couldn’t just sit back and watch. After completing Ironman Arizona several weeks prior, I felt that I could have had a better performance, and Daytona seemed to be a good opportunity to redeem my self-esteem. The course takes place in the International Speedway, which gives the participants an opportunity to experience the track up-close and personal. I am not much of a race car fanatic, but it was unique experience. Looking towards the stands and looking at the steep corners of the track can project sounds of engines racing at miles well beyond our imagination. The swim was one lap, rolling start, in the small lake inside the speedway. The start was set off by a explosive firework show that pumped up the crowd like it was 4th of July. Wetsuit legal and swimming comfortably I found myself pulling mud from the lake bottom at the far end. To avoid this you would need to make a tight turn and stay as close to the buoys as possible. Exit to bike transition was just a short run. Some chaos was caused by the tight bike racking situation in the morning, which didn’t provide much space for transition gear. This was made more congested when an extra bike had been parked in the wrong numbered spot. This was quickly solved by a race organizer and gave us just an inch more of room to organize our equipment. The bike course was flat and fast with plenty of lane space and aid stations. I attempted to keep a legal draft distance from individuals pushing the same pace. I believe this payed off and provided me a good chance to have a faster run. There was an individual that seemed to take offense that I was using him as a pacer and blurted out, “your not sucking off my wheel!”. I ignored the comment and continued to race my own race. This rider then decreased his speed and pulled behind me. Later, he pulled ahead but soon lost his power and I simply pushed by never to see him again. This is something you have to consider while “racing” in a triathlon. Drafting is legal, and doing so within the rules will give you an advantage. Now, I know the difference between one bike length vs 3 and if I can get an advantage in a headwind at 3 bike lengths, let someone else do the pacing, well I’m gonna do it. Pushing the higher watts had produced some pain on the inner thigh up into my glut. It felt like my tendon was a piano string, which forced me to mentally push through the pain if I wanted to keep my pace. It bothered me for about 10-15 miles and let up at around mile 50. I was able to push a bit harder the last 5 miles and I pulled away from some of the riders near me as I reached transition. There are technical spots on the bike course and it would benifit those on the course to practice u-turns and tight cornering at speed. T2 shared T1 and leads you onto a run that is fast and flat. It took some time for my hips to loosen up to allow me to get into my pace. I was passed twice on the run as the Florida sun and humidity increased. As I passed through the aid stations I would yell “splash me!”, and the volunteers seemed more than happy to hit me with a couple of cups of cool water. I was overtaken twice. Once, by the female leader who was likely pushing a 6 min mile. The other, a male with a great mustache who was widening the gap as the miles increased along the of track, which in perspective made you feel like an ante on a sidewalk. Then, he appeared to have some cramping, slowed to a walk, and I overtook him headed into the small track on the inside. You have a small reprieve from the sun as you run through a dark tunnel lined with Christmas lights and music. I knew I was close to the finish and refused to lose my place and position. I gave it my all, and towards the last 50 meters felt a small tug in my calf muscle, gritted my teeth, and speed through the finish. I took advantage of the post-race massage and made my way over to cheer Missy through her relay run. After meeting up with the Tri Sirena group at the finish I refueled with a plate of chicken, rice, and beans provided by the venue. A nice change from the typical post race junk most races feed you. We headed back to the Airbnb and off to the Keys for a small vacation break from all the hard work. I would say this was my best execution of the year, and was a redeeming effort after a disappointing performance at IMAZ.