aerobean wrote:
In his reflections of the race, does he feel as though the profile of the course sapped his legs. Correct me if I'm wrong, but when mapping out this race were the numbers for the run below what was expected? I thought for sure Ben would have held on for a 1:12ish run. Does Ben see himself going long after Tokyo, it seems like his consistency would play well over 140.6.
Yes, I think every athlete would likely say the bike course sapped their legs. It was a very challenging bike course. The run was a bit of a disappointment, I thought we were prepared enough, apparently not. He did have a slight nutrition issue on the bike, and with them gaping him on the descent, he ran a bit aggressively early, paid for it. I believe Ben could have run 1:10, based on what I've seen in his training, but even if he had, that puts him about 4th again. It's just how the race and the descent played out. Hats off to GI, AB and RVB.
I can't speak to a specific decision or timeline for Ben, but in our discussions there is no rush to 140.6, post-Tokyo. He has hardly scratched the surface of 70.3, as this was just his 8th 70.3 race ever. Jumping to 140.6 at such a young age, (he's only 26), would prematurely end it, and limit his potential.
Jim Vance
http://TodaysPlan.com.au (Disclosure: I am contracted with Today's Plan)
http://www.CoachVance.com/
Twitter @jimvance