100Triathlons: Dawn to Dusk 12 Hour Endurance Challenge 2019

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Dawn to Dusk 12 Hour Endurance Challenge 2019

Saturday, February 16, was the 5th Annual D2D race for Seminole County Triathletes. After my 3rd Place Solo Male Finish in 2018 with 45 miles, I was excited to do this race again. 2019 brought a change in venue; moving from Fort Mellon Park in Sanford to Stone Island in Debary. My off season training was a bit off though, further complicated by sinus allergies starting 2 weeks before the race.

I arrived at 5:30, finding the park with no problem, though with the recent rains, the parking area was bit soggy. Rob Marens and Amy Fedock were very gracious in letting me set up in their canopy so I was guaranteed shade throughout the day. I arranged my supplies for easy access and prepared for the race. Temps were around 60 and the starting line had a nice view of Lake Monroe. The field was large, with 10 teams, 102 Solo Women and 94 Solo Men. As the eastern sky brightened, the race began at 6:30 AM. Headlamps were necessary for the first laps but it got bright quickly. The north part of the 1.1 mile course was sheltered but a stiff breeze came off Lake Monroe as we ran along the shore. The breeze continued all day, bringing relief as the day warmed to 80'.

Many friends from SCT were competing along with my neighbors Dustin Radney and Ashley Samples. I took breaks at mile 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35. I experienced discomfort in my legs but nothing that would stop me. I thankfully used enough lube on my feet and pressure points to avoid any blisters or discomfort. I noticed people dropping out in the 9th hour and fewer on the course every hour after that. At 6:25 PM, I crossed the line with 40 laps (1.1 miles) which totaled 44 miles. This was good for 5th Place in Solo Male and 16th OA. Becca Lingren won OA with an amazing 68.2 miles and Ty McLaren placed 2nd OA and won the Men's with 62.7 miles. I was the highest placed male over 50 (at 65). I was very satisfied with my performance. I feel with more training, I could hit 50 miles in the twelve hours next year. Dustin and Ashley's six person team won the Coed Division with an amazing 91 miles. Amy got 3rd Individual Female with 60.9 miles.