Race Recap Augusta 70.3 -
Race Day-
Danny Whalen had one of the greatest races to date this past weekend, he seems to be just getting better and better with each day. Danny split a 23:14 in the 1.2 mile swim, 11th age group, (98th ova) 57 seconds back on training partner Ryan Post who clocked 22:17, 6th age group, (48th ova). Colby Allen split 26:39, 26th age group, (549th ova) Once on the bike both Danny and Ryan
worked there way up a few spots in both the Overall Amateur and age group competition. Danny ,Ryan, and Colby split 2:23:04, 2:23:17, and 2:41:57 respectively Danny and Ryan both averaged close to 23.5 mph, and Colby held his own averaging 20.75 mph for the 56 miles bike course, which took the riders through numerous rollers in the South Carolina Country side. Danny worked his way from 11th to 3rd on the bike, and Ryan rode from 6th into 1st for the age group. Ryan was only just a mere 1:30 clear of Danny out of T2. After a disappointing cramping fiasco at miles 52-56, Ryan had to ease up a bit on the pedals the last few miles and was unsure what the rest of the race had in store for him. Ryan managed to ride his way into second overall amateur behind Tom Clifford of North Carolina off the bike as well. Once out of transition both Danny and Ryan went to work. Danny was pretty optimistic that he would run fairly well as he had been running really well in training, and had just come off a great race an run split in Hy-Vee. Ryan had just come off a great tune up race, in the Denver area, finishing not far behind Xterra Pro Cody Waite.
So both new that hey had the ability to run well. Out on the run Danny had quickly made up the deficit on Ryan, with in 2 1/2 miles both Ryan and Danny were battling it out for 1st age group. Danny continued to push the pace, and quickly broke Ryan, posting a 620 average through the first 6 1/2 miles. Ryan ran well through 4 Miles average close to 645's at mile 5 Ryan began to cramp again in both legs, eventually contemplating not
finishing Ryan pushed on after walking and jogging a few miles, and come mile 7 could hardly succumb to a slow jog, after sitting down for 10 minutes at mile 7 Ryan decided to walk the final miles vs. not finishing. Danny continued to push on and ended up clocking a 1:32:55. Finishing an impressive 1st in the Age Group, 27th ova, and first for the team. i
Great Racing Guys, Collegiate 70.3 Nationals in Austin is just around the corner.
Both Danny and Ryan will be making the trip, as well as
teammate Patrick Hartmann, and Club advisor/Mentor Dr. Stephen Black.
Written by: Ryan Post
