tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50512533784893293732024-03-13T08:32:00.866-07:00Tri Runner RickYet Another Triathlete's Boring Blog. Big Sexy Race Team.
Team BSR stands for Integrity, Hard Work, Determination, and Sexiness!Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-53175350056012981432018-07-08T11:50:00.000-07:002018-07-08T11:50:56.385-07:002018 Rock Hill Time Trial Tandem (June)I needed this. I mean, if ever there was a time for someone to call me up and say, you wanna do a race with me tomorrow? This was the time. (So please excuse the fact that it takes longer to read this post than it was for me to actually do the race.)<br />
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Last year when I did the <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2017/07/2017-charlotte-motor-speedway-time.html" target="_blank">CMS Time Trial</a>, I hung out with my buddy Paul. He was piloting a tandem bicycle for this guy named Chester. I got to know Chester that night as we hung out and went to grab a bite to eat after. Then 2 days later, I ran on a triathlon relay at <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2017/08/2017-tri-ballantyne-relay-race-report.html" target="_blank">Tri! Ballantyne</a>. Paul and Chester rode the tandem in the bike leg. Last year was the beginnings of Paul starting the <a href="http://www.paraguide.org/" target="_blank">Para-Guide</a> Race Team.<br />
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Chester has stargardt's disease. Basically it is degeneration of your straight ahead vision. He does have some peripheral vision. He can use his phone, but has trouble seeing the pressure gauge on his bike pump. He cannot drive. Chester is on the para-cycling national team and competed in Rio de Janeiro earlier this year. His team is <a href="http://r5para.com/" target="_blank">R5 Para Racing</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chester Getting that Seat Adjusted</td></tr>
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So Chester sent me a message, asking me if I would like to be the "driver" for him on the tandem bike sometime. I said that would be cool. I didn't hear a single thing from him for a month. Then all of a sudden, the Tuesday afternoon before a Wednesday Rock Hill time trial, I get another message. Basically, you wanna race tomorrow?<br />
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I was feeling pretty sorry for myself after <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2018/07/2018-ironman-raleigh-703-race-report.html" target="_blank">Raleigh 70.3</a>, so I jumped at the chance at another race. I really thought it would be cool to pilot the tandem. I also knew that I needed practice. I figured we would do a training ride together, but no time for that now. We did message back and forth regarding stem size and basic fit so the bike wouldn't be completely uncomfortable to me.<br />
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I met Chester down at South Pointe High School. He had gotten his mom to drive the van down for him. Wonderfully nice and patient woman. He brought the road bike and the TT bike. I'm like, let's ride the TT, that's what I'm more comfortable with. I brought my pedals, and Chester adjusted the seat. I rode around the parking lot a few times until we got the seat adjusted correctly. It really didn't feel that different at all - with no one on the back that is.<br />
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He has di2 on the shifters on his TT bike. I've never rode di2. I'm like, Hey Chester, not only have I never ridden a tandem before, I've never ridden di2. No worries. We did a short test run around the parking lot. The plan was to ride the entire 10 mile course as a warmup.<br />
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We clip in on the right, then we coordinate, 1 - 2 - 3 Go. We push off and clip in on the other side, and we're riding! The bike feels a little heavy. We get down to the bottom of the parking lot and we need to turn to get out. But we're not turning. We're still going straight. Headed for the curb. I'm like 'Oh $#!T Oh $#!T Oh $#!T Oh $#!T'. I somehow get it to slowly turn. Chester is laughing at me. We miss the curb and make the turn up towards the road.<br />
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At this point I really don't think we'll even be able to finish the 10 mile course. Like at all. Luckily there are no cars coming so we can just get out onto the road without stopping. We do stop at the stop sign before the start and wait for some cars. Lots of communication just for starting and stopping.<br />
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We head out onto the course and come to the fist turn. I yell 'turn' and we sloooowly start making a very wide turn going across the center line. And there is a pickup truck heading right for us. 'Oh $#!T Oh $#!T Oh $#!T Oh $#!T'. More laughter. It's probably a good thing Chester is mostly blind. The pickup is nice enough to slow down to almost a stop so we can get back on our side of the road.<br />
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Now were rolling. I stay on the horns as I don't feel comfortable enough to get fully into aero position. We handle the downhill ok, and the railroad tracks that are all torn up. At first it almost feels like I'm fighting Chester on the pedals, but after 5 miles or so we get into a pretty good groove. I actually feel comfortable on the last couple of turns.<br />
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We finish up back at the parking lot. I look at my watch: 24.5 mph for a warmup. This bike is fast with 2 people pushing watts. We grab something to drink and then head to the start line. We line up 2nd from last, and eventually work our way up to the start.<br />
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Right before the start, as we are balancing there, John Patterson holding our bike, all 4 feet clipped in, I suddenly get super nervous. Like when they say start, and John lets go, that we are just gonna fall over. So when that time comes, I just push with all the watts I got. And miraculously we start moving. Luckily you get up to speed quickly on a tandem.<br />
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We are rolling down that first hill and I feel pretty comfortable. You hit the first turn, less than a mile in. I yell TURN! Chester echos back 'Right Turn'. We lean, and stay on our side of the road. It's the little victories. Then it's hammer time down the big hill as we reach 47 miles an hour. I start to get more comfortable with the leaning and I am able to stay in aero.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Either this HR graph is not right, or I had a heart attack right in the middle of the race.</td></tr>
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We start to catch some people. We slow waaay down at the railroad tracks about 2.5 miles in. But again you pick up the pace pretty well in the tandem. We get in a groove and hit the next 2 quick turns pretty well. We come through the 5 mile mark (on my watch) in 10:16, a 29.2 average.<br />
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Now we're in the long straight stretch. My legs are pretty toast from doing a half iron triathlon just 3 days before. Chester is feeling good luckily. I feel comfortable enough to stay in aero and even slingshot draft people along that stretch.<br />
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We hit the last 2 quick turns and I yell "Hammer! Hammer!" We're both a little tired and we lose some on the last hill, but very pleased with the overall effort. We come through on my Garmin with 9.92 miles in 20:47 for a 28.6 average.<br />
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We spin around a little bit then head back to the parking lot. We grab something to drink and put everything up. Eventually we go over to Cheryl announcing the times. Of course Chester and I were faster than everyone. It's really not fair on a Tandem. BUT we were 13 seconds faster than Chester and his normal pilot, Chad, were just 2 weeks ago. Yeah boy. I guess Chester ought to be calling me up more often! <a href="http://www.rockhillbicycleclub.com/upkeep2/bikeclub/files/files/2018RHBCTT06Speed.pdf" target="_blank">Full Results Here</a>. Cheryl took 10 seconds off for the train tracks (as for every TT this year).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh, got some segments</td></tr>
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I know I can crank some power, and I'm aero and comfortable in TT bars, so I guess it shouldn't be a shock that we rode such a fast time. But I think Chester is really good at adapting to drivers and getting the most out of whoever is upfront. It felt so awesome to race with him. I kept thanking Chester for inviting me and he kept thanking me for piloting. (It was a little pathetic). To Chester, with his vision impairment, any time he can get outside and ride, he feels like it is a gift and he is thankful. It's something I've taken for granted. Lately, it's all felt like a chore.<br />
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I think the pure pursuit of winning has drained the fun out of it for me. Most people do a much better job of enjoying the journey. I was at first, but the last couple of years I have not. I have fallen from the purer faith. Maybe it's not about winning. Maybe it's not about making the podium. Maybe it's not even about competing. Maybe it's about doing something for someone else. Maybe it's about helping someone else on their journey. Maybe that's the <u>true</u> journey. Maybe, just maybe, that is "what it's all about". I honestly don't know, but I intend to find out.Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-57852440904228758672018-07-02T17:37:00.000-07:002018-07-02T17:37:28.936-07:002018 Ironman Raleigh 70.3 Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Friday</b><br />
I had Ironman Raleigh 70.3 on the schedule this year because it is relatively local to me. Plus I had friends in Raleigh that we could stay with for free. With the long Florida racecation, a July vacation, and then of course the South Africa Trip in September, Raleigh was a needed closer, cheaper race.<br />
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I had wanted to leave work early enough to check in on Friday, but ended up not leaving until about 3:30pm. Not that big of a deal, as I just headed straight to the Chilis in north Raleigh to meet up with the BSR gang. It was good to see BSRs Hugo, Jodi, Courtney, and Tanner. I had not met Tanner before. Courtney was not racing, but is local. I had my usual, the chicken tex-mex bowl. May go margherita chicken next time. With friends and family, we had a crew of about 13 people.<br />
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I then drove down to my friends on the south side of Raleigh. I hadn't seen them in a few years, so it was good to catch up a bit. I unpacked everything and put my bike in the garage. I had also brought up a buddy's bike box. He lives in Raleigh and was flying out to Colorado for Ironman Boulder the following weekend. I brought a rear wheel and my bike bag, as I was going to lend him my Reynolds Element disc after the race as well.<br />
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<b>Saturday</b><br />
I got up and packed up the car to meet my fellow BSRs for a little shakeout workout. We met at the American Tobacco Trail parking lot off of New Hope Church Road in Cary. <br />
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We went for a little 10 mile ride with Courtney (and her boyfriend), Jodi and Tanner. It was a nice little (very) leisurely ride out and back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphEB7HOAYYzPdK5SEwdi0UzXqXDvYO8G_i58d_7juci6I7b9UxFMZQmzU5IMwi3ZVE7-GOOjTfD6fpvwLAUfP3V8ytXr1JgzvdjkALsK25HkCXKOJwNefGSeE6kXmifMRRihLIWHmq75A/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphEB7HOAYYzPdK5SEwdi0UzXqXDvYO8G_i58d_7juci6I7b9UxFMZQmzU5IMwi3ZVE7-GOOjTfD6fpvwLAUfP3V8ytXr1JgzvdjkALsK25HkCXKOJwNefGSeE6kXmifMRRihLIWHmq75A/s320/03.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanner and Me doing Work!</td></tr>
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When we got back Jodi said something was wrong with her rear wheel. Tanner and I took a look. It seemed the little positioning bolts in the dropouts were not even. That last line was a pretty technical bike sentence for me. Thanks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Trailhead Parking Lot</td></tr>
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I took the wheel off and then Tanner adjusted it. The frame was a bit smudged from it, but otherwise it was fine. She decided she was going to take it to Inside Outs Sports there in Cary to have a look anyways.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxrcXFtwp6ry_SOJCrvqbIwm2C7Tch8N9dWt0mvw9OJMfxpmdYmo8FIWP05ggD4VfSRugXfQ_nd5h4A0owMIkf8IIIVoZmyHeqqQCJ_VLXnM32DPMUy0RQxBMqGPtxd7w456LO8wY3e-b/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxrcXFtwp6ry_SOJCrvqbIwm2C7Tch8N9dWt0mvw9OJMfxpmdYmo8FIWP05ggD4VfSRugXfQ_nd5h4A0owMIkf8IIIVoZmyHeqqQCJ_VLXnM32DPMUy0RQxBMqGPtxd7w456LO8wY3e-b/s320/07.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then we changed and went for a little run on the trail. They said it was paved north of the road, and packed dirt south. We went north. There were quite a few people on the trail. It was relatively flat, although a slight downhill on the way out.<br />
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After all that, I had just enough time to run into the Convention Center downtown and meet Nathan for lunch. I parked on the road right next to T2. We just met there in the square at the Jimmy Johns on Fayetteville Street. I guess the street is open normally, but it was shut down for the race, so I just seemed like a big pedestrian square. I thought it was kinda nice. Maybe they should shut that section of the road down permanently.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L9b-5YkSMXY1YnLQ55dYW60iuieSNI-x8HyJJ7t9xoE27AXEt1z-cbenWXA1-eFDodKM9k15iPDu96k_JOvnIGi1hJia-h5g4YsTmzedjsNQCxV_eRzMfztTyhUCsMAbh1uo-zdF2_Iv/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L9b-5YkSMXY1YnLQ55dYW60iuieSNI-x8HyJJ7t9xoE27AXEt1z-cbenWXA1-eFDodKM9k15iPDu96k_JOvnIGi1hJia-h5g4YsTmzedjsNQCxV_eRzMfztTyhUCsMAbh1uo-zdF2_Iv/s320/01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking Spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Convention Center</td></tr>
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After that it was check in time. There was no check in line at all. I was expecting to have to wait some. So either they have figured out how to streamline this check in, or just the sheer fewer number of people made it less crowded. This race had 2,200 people just 2 years ago. Less than 1,600 this year.<br />
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I moved through pretty quickly. The most time was filling out the medical form. Grabbed the packet and noticed the little (I assumed) water temp card that someone taped on the table.<br />
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Man, I used to obsess over that crap. No longer. People are out of their minds. I then got the t-shirt and backpack and timing chip. You also had to pick a bike dropoff time. She said I could be before or after 3p. I said I hoped 3p, so she gave me a piece of paper to stick in the windshield.<br />
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I headed over to the Inside Out Sports booth and talked to Mark a little bit. I perused the rest of the expo and walked a little through the gift shop. I didn't buy anything. There'll be plenty of time for that in South Africa.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T2 Spot</td></tr>
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I headed back to the house. It was close to 2p, so I went to work on getting my bike ready to check. I cut and put the stickers on my bike, but that was pretty much it. I loaded up the car and headed out. It took me 40 minutes to get out to T1.<br />
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As you came down Seaforth road, they had a guy asking for your 'time' passes. It was after 3p at this point. I had forgotten the pass, but he said they'll still let me in. I'm like, ok thanks. I mean what else are they gonna do? If I missed my window, I'm out of the race? Oi.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I parked right near the entrance to T1. I got my bike out and pumped up the tires. I've been doing that lately. Pumping up my tires just a bit high the day before and then not pumping up at all race morning. I seems to work pretty good.<br />
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I walked Green Lightning in and found my spot. Not too bad. These AWA numbers are pretty handy sometimes. I racked handlebars first, as my seat doesn't allow for a good option there. I took several pictures, but I quickly headed back to the car. I knew the flow of this transition, so nothing to really look at.<br />
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I headed back to the house and got there around 4:30. I missed my buddy who came to pick up the bike box, but that's ok. My wife and son had finally made it up, they hit a lot of traffic on the way. I went to work on getting all my gear ready. I felt like I had been running around all day. And I guess I was: House to Cary to Convention Center to House (again) to Vista Pt and finally back to the House. I did about 120 miles with all that. (And we still had to drive 8 miles into Raleigh to eat). It's races like these that really make you appreciate a venue like Chattanooga. I've done that race with putting Zero miles on the car from when I parked the car at the hotel to when I left for home.<br />
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We went into Raleigh and ate at Sitti, an authentic Lebanese Restaurant in Raleigh. I had the chicken shish kebab with rice. They had some bread on the table as well. It was all really good, and I got plenty to eat. All I really want before a race is rice and chicken. Tried to hit the pillow around 9pm.<br />
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<b>Sunday (Race Day)</b><br />
Slept great until 2am. Then it was constant dreams about forgetting something. Not being able to find something. And it's after 5am and I still haven't left the house. So at 3:45am, I decide I was up.<br />
I left the house around 4:15am. I looped around a little downtown with the road closures, but eventually parked on Blount Street at Cabarrus.<br />
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I walked over to T1, and found my spot. Again pretty good local. I could really figure out the flow of transition but I figured we come in on one side and out the other. Transition is actually a different parking lot from when I did this race 4 years ago. The old T2 was kitty-corner from here, south of Lenoir, and west of Wilmington.<br />
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I set out all my stuff from the bag, like I would normally do. I noticed some people had left everything in their bag. I didn't think it would rain, so no worries. I headed over to the bus and hopped aboard. I sat next to a German who talked, a lot. Not to me, but to the 2 people in the seats in front of us. In German. Luckily halfway through, he petered out and it was quiet. It's a long ride, kinda like from the Commons to Hopkinton.<br />
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We arrive at Vista Point, and I headed into transition. I had a a bit of work to do: put my BTA bottle and and fill it, put gels in my bento, flip around my bike (rack mount by seat) and then wedge my shoe under the front wheel so it doesn't fall off. I set my helmet out, and put on my Garmin. I didn't take too long, as I was pretty focused on it.<br />
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I headed toward the lake to get out of transition. They were not letting you exit at the middle, only enter. So I walked toward the end and I saw Judd setting up his bike. I walk up and he goes 'Jen was looking for you'. I'm like uh-oh, that's not good.<br />
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Evidently she left her bike gels at the hotel. Odd. I thought she had her coach and a sherpa with her this weekend. Anyways, I reach down in my bag and grab my last 2 gels, just as Jen rolls with a goofy grin. Those were the last two she needed, so she felt relieved.<br />
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We walk out, hit the port-o-let and go to the 'waiting area' of the parking lot. I went to drop off my bag with the swimsuit in it as the water temp was 80 degrees. I freakin' hate global warming. After I drop off the bag, the BSR crew yells at me, so I walk over and talk with Courtney, Jodi, and Hugo. After a while my buddy Nathan strolls up. We hang. I drink my pickle juice. They help me get my swimskin on. Since I'm one of the first waves to go off, I don't wait long.<br />
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I queue up and kinda start talking with the guy next to me as we slowly make the crawl to the water, waiting for the waves in front of us. Luckily this is a shallow in water start, so you can really let the pee fly waiting to start.<br />
<br />
<b>Swim</b><br />
Officially 45:30, 74th of 142 Age Group, 509th of 916 Men<br />
Garmin had 45:18 for 2,214 yards, 2:03 min/hundred yards<br />
So the deal with the swim is that I suck at swimming.<br />
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After the horn when off I ran for about 10 seconds before diving in. It wasn't too congested and the water temp felt good. Not wetsuit legal, but definitely not hot. This course is just 3 long stretches, in stark contrast to Florida. What is there to say, I try to swim. I try to swim straight. I try to remember all the pointers I've gotten from Coach Patty. Every once in a while I would hit some congestion, but not bad. The first turn buoy wasn't crowded.<br />
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Now I'm on the backstretch, which is looooong. I kinda know how far I am in, as I have my Garmin set to vibrate every 500 yards. So I knew basically where I was almost halfway, at the second buzz. Some of the women from the wave behind start passing me. I try to increase my turnover and breath every other stroke on the same side. That kinda made me start pulling to one side and I would have to correct. Overall I thought I sighted pretty good.<br />
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I feel buzz #3 before I finally make the last turn (which wasn't crowded either). The final stretch. The finish seems so far away. I just turn my mind off. Keep churning. Like I'm going to be doing this for the rest of the day. Buzz #4. Let's bring this thing home, get out the water, and start doing some damage. I swim almost halfway up the ramp until I feel dirt, and then I stand up.<br />
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I get my bearings and look on my watch. I see the 45 something and I'm just like, eh, it is what it is. I head up the ramp and hit the garmin lap button at the archway. The worst part about swimming 45 minutes is trying to explain to people afterwards who kept asking me "What happened on the swim?" Well, you see, I suck at swimming.<br />
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Was it a sighting problem? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you get kicked in the face? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you swallow a bunch of water? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you get swam over? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Was the sun in your eyes? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you make a wrong turn? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you get hungry? Yes, I could have used a couple of gels before the swim.<br />
Did you have cramping issues? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Have you had reconstructive surgery on both shoulders? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you swim butterfly the whole time? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you swim 2 laps? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you get attacked by an angry swan? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
Did you get stung by a jellyfish? No, I just suck at swimming.<br />
An Earthquake? A terrible Flood? LOCUSTS? NOOO, I just REALLY suck at swimming.<br />
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<br />
<b>T1</b><br />
Officially 2:22, 19th AG<br />
Garmin had 2:33 for 0.18 miles<br />
Ran up the hill trying to remember how to get this swimskin off. It's zips up and has a short string. I finally got it halfway through transition. I almost ran past my spot and stopped abruptly when I went too far.<br />
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Then I heard Courtney yell, Right There. And sure enough I stopped exactly where I should have. I stripped off the rest of the skin, and got my shoes on. Grabbed the helmet and I was off.<br />
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<b>Bike</b><br />
Officially 2:22:51, 3rd AG, 35th Male<br />
Garmin had 2:22:55 for for 56.08 miles on 209W (215 NP), 23.5 MPH, 83 cadence, 158 HR<br />
The mount line was way past the arch, which threw me for a bit. But I got out to the road and hopped on and immediately started blowing by people. It's fun when you feel strong. So then we had to do this little out and back section before we got out onto the main highway. It's a slight uphill on the way out.<br />
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It actually reminded me a lot of the out and back on Kuakini Highway in Kona. Everyone is blasting because they just started. Not a lot of room, basically everyone is drafting on the way down, because of all the people and it's hard to pass.<br />
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Eventually we get out onto the main road after 400 feet of climbing over the first 6 miles. Then I just thought, tuck it in, stay aero and smooth, and slingshot around everyone. Pretty much what I did especially on that 2nd 5 mile split averaging 26.8 mph on 215 watts. The traffic wasn't too bad. The temp felt good. No incidents to report, basically cruised to mile 30, with a 24.2 mph avg. I took a gel and salt pill every 10 miles. I hit my malto mix often.<br />
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Through 35 miles I was right at 216w avg power (218NP). As the hills started coming, my average power dropped as I did do some coasting down some of the bigger ones. My NP didn't drop off too much (209 W) over the next 20 miles with all the watts putting in going up the hill. I did see a motobike a couple of times. I had mostly had pretty clear roads.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJGJY_LVz_Koxrntywhcyq9gJOetnGi3d0P3Lc7LOcTVMytHxZY_p0c2UsS5WPLo3WygBdGrb3bYEU9hYB7aU4I9gK3a-2MPNKq1b6TMzsq9EE141P1Y7WboFkzk2k5u7HAqc8XEC74E_/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="951" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJGJY_LVz_Koxrntywhcyq9gJOetnGi3d0P3Lc7LOcTVMytHxZY_p0c2UsS5WPLo3WygBdGrb3bYEU9hYB7aU4I9gK3a-2MPNKq1b6TMzsq9EE141P1Y7WboFkzk2k5u7HAqc8XEC74E_/s400/08.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aero is as Aero does</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I came up on my friends neighborhood around the 48 mile mark, I started waving. I saw my friends and wife and son on the side of the road up ahead and tried to get their attention. They all waved and cheered and I gave the hang loose sign. Then it was time to finish. At the big downhill around mile 53, I went wee-wee. And I felt pretty good about it.<br />
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As we came down the final stretch on South Street, I just kinda coasted it in. I had trouble getting my left foot out of my shoe, and actually had to come to a stop to dismount. You can't win them all.<br />
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<b>T2</b><br />
Officially 2:23, 5th AG<br />
Garmin had 2:17 for 0.17 miles<br />
You dismount on the west end of transition, but you don't go in there. You run with your bike all the way to the other side of transition to go in. It was a long run with the bike, in bare feet. It wasn't hot, though, thankfully.<br />
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I found my spot easily enough. I sat down and made a the quickest change I could. I grabbed my race belt, and again stuffed all my gels into the back pocket of my tri suit. That actually works pretty well for me now. Then I was off.<br />
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<b>Run</b><br />
Officially 1:37:39, 4th AG, 55th Male<br />
Garmin had 1:37:45 for 12.93 miles, 7:34/mile avg, 162 cadence, 175 HR avg<br />
I felt OK heading out. I tried to relax the first mile and came through in 6:50. I knew it wasn't going to be a fast run, but I was hoping to hold onto low 7's. The first time up the highway ramp wasn't too bad, but it is a kind of a long winding hill.<br />
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Overall it didn't feel too hot, but it's one of those days where you just can't get the feet turning over. It reminded me of the Eagleman run for it's slowing heat. Before you hit the 2 mile mark you get onto the Rocky Branch Trail. Running on that paved trail was nice. You got some shade there. Unfortunately you're on this big 'T' where you run the middle twice. It's uphill on the way out, then you coast down. So you run it 4 times, since you do the whole course twice.<br />
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Right about my 4 mile mark, Pro Heather Jackson passed me. She had 3 miles to go in the race. It looked like she was pretty solidly in 2nd, a ways from 1st and 3rd. So for the next 2 miles she ran a bit a head of me. But not much, I mean she only put about 10 seconds on me. At that point I knew everyone was running slow.<br />
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So I basically slowly started to fade. The 9 u-turns on this course don't exactly help you maintain a rhythm. I saw Triathlon Joe on the first lap and I basically waited for him to catch me. With all these little out and back sections you tended to see people a lot. Each one was about a 1/3 of a mile. Through mile 7 I was at a 7:14 pace. Which would have been fine if I could have held that the last 10K.<br />
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The second lap was rough. I took my 4 gels and even grabbed another one at an aid station. I took my salt pill every 2 miles, and grabbed water at every aid station.<br />
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I started seeing a lot of people I knew on the second lap, and I just tried to maintain. I really felt fatigued about mile 11-12, and just wanted to finish. Once I finally got off that ramp and was heading back into the city I tried to push. There was a good hill there and it just was hurting me. But I knew I was close to the finish. I saw some fellow Fort Mill people near the turn around and gave the kids a high-five.<br />
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Making my way around transition with a mile to go, it was hard to get the legs churning. The stretch up Wilmington Street seemed like forever. One fast guy even remarked as he passed me, How far up the damn road to we have to go? I kept churning. I came up on a guy that was in my age group, and that injected me with some energy. I thought maybe that was the pass that would put me on the podium.<br />
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As I made that last turn onto Fayetteville Street, I checked to see that I had put some distance on him, and then I just lengthened my stride for home. I was hurting pretty good there and was happy to see the red carpet come up. I crossed exhausted, but not totally dead.<br />
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<b>Finish</b><br />
Officially 4:50:42, 6th AG of 142, 63rd Male of 916 (1,238 total finishers)<br />
Garmin had 4:50:48 for 70.62 miles<br />
As I crossed I saw my family. I couldn't really get to them until I walked down further. I grabbed a bottle of water and downed. I then grabbed another and walked over to see them. They all remarked about how hot it was. I sat down for a minute and that felt great. It took a few minutes, but then I gathered myself and we started walking toward the food.<br />
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As we walked my wife told me I had finished 6th. Out of the money. I told her 'I'm just done'. I went in the food tent and grabbed a coke. I drank that, grabbed another and then I started walking toward the car. The women and the kids walked the other way. We were going to meet and eat at the Oak City Meatball Shop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMp-g9uj5_LDJt7AzdQdgnB-W7z_vC8J0JBKxibrtPnRW7z5sytDkYJqIjNqOZ09PhXJ1h8YxC5M3rKY2Eq892hlj9wuQ8psMHl4AIK6bljfB_2Ux3phiaUZeAw0z-2CFPtK4c9OchG80/s1600/IMG_5067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMp-g9uj5_LDJt7AzdQdgnB-W7z_vC8J0JBKxibrtPnRW7z5sytDkYJqIjNqOZ09PhXJ1h8YxC5M3rKY2Eq892hlj9wuQ8psMHl4AIK6bljfB_2Ux3phiaUZeAw0z-2CFPtK4c9OchG80/s320/IMG_5067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Area (Before the Crowds)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had made up a bag to change, so I had everything ready. I made a quick change and walked up to the restaurant just about the same time the girls got there. We went in and I wasn't really hungry. I did have a beer and tasted really good. We had a good lunch, and I grabbed some of the leftovers for later. We all said our good-byes and went our separate ways.<br />
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I headed back over to the finish to see if there was anyone still there I knew. I did run into a former Big Sexy and we talked for a bit. But I didn't see anyone else, so I headed out. No need to stay for awards this time. My parking sport made it super easy to get out of town. Just go straight and I hit the interstate.<br />
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I grabbed some gas once I got out of town. I ate a couple of meatballs in the car. They were awesome, I will admit. Then I stopped at the Red Oak Brewery on exit 138 on I-40 in Whitsett, NC. If you ever driven on I40/85 between Greensboro and the Triangle, then you've seen it. They just opened up a brand new bier hall/tap room/gift shop/outdoor area. It was really nice. They call it the Lager Haus and Biergarten. The beer was quite good as well. So I made it home early, before 6pm and was able to unpack everything and get ready for work the next day (yipee). That part was nice, not getting home late, and taking a week to unpack.<br />
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Ironman Raleigh 70.3 was my 20th Half Iron Triathlon. It was my 12th Ironman brand 70.3 race, including the two 70.3 World Championship races I've done. I made the age group podium in every one of those other 9 non-championship races. Raleigh was the first time I failed to make the podium. All good things must come to an end. That 45 minute swim really zapped the energy out of me. One of the guys that swims at the same pool I do (I won't say swims 'with' me) also raced. He swam 26 minutes. He was literally a Full Minute faster than me for EACH 100 meters. Next time you think that you swim slow, let that stat bounce around in your noggin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Least I made one podium</td></tr>
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In South Africa, I will not have to worry about podiums and such. I'm just going to try and have a good time and not embarrass myself. And attempt to sample every type of beer they have south of the equator. #goals<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As Chris McDonald says "FAF!"</td></tr>
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-29279614463877267392018-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:002018-05-26T07:00:16.911-07:002018 CMS Time Trial (Roval)I've done the Charlotte Motor Speedway Time Trial just a couple of times before. It's really kinda cool to say you rode on a NASCAR race track. Although at the end of the day it really is just 7 loops around a circle. That's why I was quite intrigued when they announced that this would be on the "Roval".<br />
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I'm not sure that's really a word, and I believe it is short for "road oval". Evidently the fall Nascar race will be on this "road" course that is fully inside the Charlotte Motor Speedway's typical oval. It's not a full road course, but does have several turns. I didn't know this was going to be a thing since I don't follow Nascar at all. Furthermore, I'm not sure why it is setup in May for a race that will take place in October. It must be setup for practice as the Memorial Day weekend races will be on the normal oval, from what I understand.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Course</td></tr>
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So instead of the boring oval you have some turns and hills and such. And only 5 laps instead of 7. I took as much weight off of Green Lightning as I could because of the turns and hills on this course. I emptied the bento box, and the Q-Box (you don't need a flat kit in a 10 mile TT) and put an empty bottle up front. Helps with aero, minimal weight. This race was also on a Tuesday night instead of the normal Wednesday night. Again, they don't tell you why, just when.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmup</td></tr>
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As before, I went right from work, stopped at Subway up there right off the speedway exit of I-85. I wolfed down a 6" and headed over toward the track. I parked on the far side of the garage again, and went to pick up my bib. I went I looked for Paul, who usually has a place setup. I did eventually spot him.<br />
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He had already done a warmup lap, so I decided to get changed and get out on the track. I didn't have my new 2018 kit yet (it actually came the next day). So I put on my trisuit from last year. I quickly got my bike ready as I knew they would be shutting down the course to start the first riders off around 6pm (usually it's 6:30pm). I got in a lap and had started the second lap, when they started yelling to clear the course.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Lightning Ready to Rumble</td></tr>
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On this day, it was probably good to get a couple of laps in as the course is quite different in spots. We didn't ride exactly what is shown on the map. We didn't really do the small chicane on the back stretch. There was just some cones on the apron you had to avoid. The large chicane on the front stretch was not there either. We did the whole loop inside as shown on the map exactly.<br />
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After those couple of warmup laps, I went back and hung out with Paul and BSR Erik and his wife. I was slated to go off at 7:30 because of the speed I put in, and because my last name starts with 'W'. After Erik went off to start, I did a few warmup laps around the garage area. It was more than an hour since I had ridden on the big oval. I rode some until I felt like I was warmed back up.<br />
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I got in line to start and waited maybe 10 minutes before I got up to the front to go. It always strikes me as a little funny, these time trial start/wait lines. I mean everyone's so jovial, and talking like we're going on a Sunday stroll, and not staring at 25 minutes of pure, unadulterated, pain.<br />
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I get to the front, and the 'holder' grabs the back of my bike. We stood there for longer than usual as they were sending people off at 30 sec intervals instead of 15 seconds. I get clipped in and sit there. They give you the countdown, say GO, I hit my Garmin and I'm off.<br />
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There always seems to be a big push for watts in that first 30 seconds to a minute. Maybe I should back off on these and not average 400 watts out of the gate. I did want to start strong through the first curve section of the course. You hit it for the first time right out of the start. As you make that first 180 degree turn and come down the hill, you get quite a bit of speed. The first time through I was going over 34 mph, and couldn't make the turn as sharp as possible. It felt a little hairy leaning over to turn at 34+ mph.<br />
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Then coming around the next 180 degree turn I was going over 32 and swung it pretty wide out onto the main track. From there, the rest of the course is the same, so it was just time to hammer. I started getting better at the turns as the laps wore on. I felt OK at the 5 mile mark with an average os 294 watts. The curves did keep it interesting. You had to focus and see how tight you can hold the turns and still keep your speed up.<br />
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After that, it was pretty tough sledding. My mouth got really dry. The weather was really good: 77 deg and low humidity. Maybe the air being dryer than what I'm used to didn't help, but it was just an inconvenience. There was more traffic in the first 5 miles, as people were finishing up, but then it started to thin out some.<br />
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Watts were tough to come by in the second half and my averaged for the second 5 miles dropped down to 278 watts. My cadence remained constant throughout at 94 rpms. The 3rd and 4th laps were tough, even though I had gotten the hang of the turns, my watts were dropping off, so overall I was slowing down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdsVKgYGSSTT_bAQSio6k13aFXzlOZE8htHMO8E95SN7VwCHn3yBX0Nq528nUhyphenhyphennjkT4GUb3nBwZ2zXsVpR0j14OKX0PYSa4NDEAWRkvAoPoTWPRpZ6MaKImqIHLuErHsvohGORjVEyh3/s1600/tt06.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="756" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdsVKgYGSSTT_bAQSio6k13aFXzlOZE8htHMO8E95SN7VwCHn3yBX0Nq528nUhyphenhyphennjkT4GUb3nBwZ2zXsVpR0j14OKX0PYSa4NDEAWRkvAoPoTWPRpZ6MaKImqIHLuErHsvohGORjVEyh3/s400/tt06.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then of course in the final lap, you know you are almost done, so you can really hammer. After the 10 mile split, for 1 min and 43 sec, I averaged 334 watts to bring it home. After I crossed the finish line, I was spent. I was breathing super hard. I coasted all the way back to the garage where we were set up, still breathing hard. I got off my bike and my legs felt like two stiff boards. I walked around a little bit and snagged some water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-pTA2ciIktkP0OydLUIRMOXxb1AEJFan5rL56R_vRt3wHsF1IxFxWWMGAJyCz-4Hehi_HALuFAp9-6tl6pnxAc5HUoiEzZF7yvxnS-_KAsADFF7N7NcziQdgd8q-9tXzFSnIA0QrnHwt/s1600/tt07.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="803" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-pTA2ciIktkP0OydLUIRMOXxb1AEJFan5rL56R_vRt3wHsF1IxFxWWMGAJyCz-4Hehi_HALuFAp9-6tl6pnxAc5HUoiEzZF7yvxnS-_KAsADFF7N7NcziQdgd8q-9tXzFSnIA0QrnHwt/s400/tt07.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Splits (2.17 miles per lap for 10.85 miles total) It wasn't 2.26 miles per as the map states, maybe because of the chicanes we omitted.<br />
1) 4:40.10 (27.89)<br />
2) 4:47.80 (27.14)<br />
3) 4:52.10 (26.74)<br />
4) 4:53.00 (26.66)<br />
5) 4:42.80 (27.60)<br />
27.20 mph overall average<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59eSxBW_ilwqVX9rll3lcblnhG8Oyimt6isAq5tNdbfWirTkO-Eg1bfpENrco7Cb5krBFqXMs4ZkmyBzgpunQuYRX5QSroZ5vfg-hnIWL-C6CHlTGJrzV8SN2Jyr_T64t4v-CozoeVevY/s1600/CMS06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59eSxBW_ilwqVX9rll3lcblnhG8Oyimt6isAq5tNdbfWirTkO-Eg1bfpENrco7Cb5krBFqXMs4ZkmyBzgpunQuYRX5QSroZ5vfg-hnIWL-C6CHlTGJrzV8SN2Jyr_T64t4v-CozoeVevY/s640/CMS06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I eventually walked back over to the start/finish line to get a printout of my time and place. I took a little bit for mine to be available. In the meantime, I got to meet BSR Pam for the first time. After I got my placing, we headed over to get some BSR team pics with Pam and Erik.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3dOZKDFMDveQtzo4GG7IKXZ5ndFDrNvs1ryiE25ocjNQRjG3xy0lG9Mt8L96IVu1ycQWn3t4wjefEP-f23QViiaU_B_Jov6OCHdTo6MsqoL0lfiPDH1myIvHEeHp22YTS5DvsTZ9TivO/s1600/CMS02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="776" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3dOZKDFMDveQtzo4GG7IKXZ5ndFDrNvs1ryiE25ocjNQRjG3xy0lG9Mt8L96IVu1ycQWn3t4wjefEP-f23QViiaU_B_Jov6OCHdTo6MsqoL0lfiPDH1myIvHEeHp22YTS5DvsTZ9TivO/s400/CMS02.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sexy Teammates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I packed it all up and met everyone out for dinner. I did have a beer, and it did taste good. This race I finished second in the recreation division, which is basically all non-cat certified riders. I matched Derek Kidwell's pace the first lap, but then basically gave up 10 seconds a lap after that. That's a lot in a 10M TT! Oh well, it was fun to do this once-a-time course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUBbevhGWTwcpkaIqvH0nHBUs7tsFieYABHHOXX-MNPJ3Doj_1b24jo2ITGUUvlRnNgoVG0YxpP55LSUcqd-iKuEs497ogcwsk18pEC94erreUYpA7tUHSK2Iw9n_Txrck2hMDe1VmsCq/s1600/CMS01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUBbevhGWTwcpkaIqvH0nHBUs7tsFieYABHHOXX-MNPJ3Doj_1b24jo2ITGUUvlRnNgoVG0YxpP55LSUcqd-iKuEs497ogcwsk18pEC94erreUYpA7tUHSK2Iw9n_Txrck2hMDe1VmsCq/s640/CMS01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I ended up with an overall average of 290 watts. Not too bad, although last year I was at 300 watts. I didn't rest up for this race at all and came off a hard week of training, so I can't really complain. Full results <a href="https://racesonline.com/events/cms-time-trial-series-2/results/2018/dashboard" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDLIp8MmZ5bDPTPE-Y3DXkeLAaeokvxAaoRSg6Adkr1dUB8uiCllxBcwqOTN1-HOQ4MwX_EK7zjDUYdDQT18n6bhXY8uV6dypU_tEaAxFnvPfGZomUsBftPnyVFb-aufWp8Go4Tcm3Z5N/s1600/reynolds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDLIp8MmZ5bDPTPE-Y3DXkeLAaeokvxAaoRSg6Adkr1dUB8uiCllxBcwqOTN1-HOQ4MwX_EK7zjDUYdDQT18n6bhXY8uV6dypU_tEaAxFnvPfGZomUsBftPnyVFb-aufWp8Go4Tcm3Z5N/s640/reynolds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little Social Media Shoutout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the race they announced that this was the last race in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Time Trial Series. They just couldn't get enough participants. I can understand that. I did not do a very good job of getting out there to support it. I feel bad for the guys who basically did this series as their racing for the year. Maybe this will bring more people out to Rock Hill for their time trial. Or maybe it will spur others like Rock Hill that are low key, low cost events. Speaking of which, I need to get out do another Rock Hill TT this summer. 20 minutes of pain is so much fun!<br />
<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-23335883608916418462018-05-13T17:17:00.001-07:002018-05-14T11:09:06.326-07:002018 Ironman Florida 70.3 Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQneTpsuvwfidoQWPEub6pNoMlCD_hxxvcihUOA1xFiB-VqD5e-YuWM4tcLSkYjeXNC5C-srdz5Lu26KdA8MRAMij9aqsK526lc9IHnDaqBCQj9L8_A0juCJ4pbw_Q12Mbl8K3emQcOHDf/s1600/22282101_10210794422352804_4818012962931000294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="960" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQneTpsuvwfidoQWPEub6pNoMlCD_hxxvcihUOA1xFiB-VqD5e-YuWM4tcLSkYjeXNC5C-srdz5Lu26KdA8MRAMij9aqsK526lc9IHnDaqBCQj9L8_A0juCJ4pbw_Q12Mbl8K3emQcOHDf/s400/22282101_10210794422352804_4818012962931000294_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Originally I had wanted to do Ironman Gulf Coast 70.3 as my first race in 2018. I hadn't heard great things about Ironman Florida 70.3 and it is really early in the year. I had never done a race that early (first full weekend of April). However, when they announced it as the North American Tri Club Championships, I immediately changed my schedule to accommodate this race.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CVO3EnqNGLI3f_kHSlUME4Kn1buPqJPr0mYQTZreKofUqyxIO3VB2KcSsvRHVHT6S5o6YnACo8PmfRQ8sXjnJivd_obAcD2S97ffwlAjjzAsKr-1pxOyMCC8pdQDlIFC3Vr8TI59otRT/s1600/bsr01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CVO3EnqNGLI3f_kHSlUME4Kn1buPqJPr0mYQTZreKofUqyxIO3VB2KcSsvRHVHT6S5o6YnACo8PmfRQ8sXjnJivd_obAcD2S97ffwlAjjzAsKr-1pxOyMCC8pdQDlIFC3Vr8TI59otRT/s320/bsr01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I knew it would be a great Big Sexy weekend. When they initially announced it, they said that the tri club awards would be based on your top 5 point scorers according to the age group points rankings. I tried to recruit some big sexies last year that I knew were fast. We had over 60 BSR 'mates sign up for the race. There was a lot of training encouragement (and lame jokes) on the facebook page. I think some of it was from Russian 'bots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl74DCgDM5Pz7KaNwTrRj6mF0fRDrxW40j5VUNZZxztuAeXI67fEFlcChVPtqAeJZeQg7T3EZOFAxtlCphSQ0Bf6deKZ6U0_kOToMeG0iHPcRmbttF0mbUp_-z8K_Ize0KhI4RTqJ2p9Wb/s1600/house01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl74DCgDM5Pz7KaNwTrRj6mF0fRDrxW40j5VUNZZxztuAeXI67fEFlcChVPtqAeJZeQg7T3EZOFAxtlCphSQ0Bf6deKZ6U0_kOToMeG0iHPcRmbttF0mbUp_-z8K_Ize0KhI4RTqJ2p9Wb/s400/house01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House 'Mates!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thursday<br />
I left the house around 8am. It was about 8 hours driving time down past Orlando. A few of us rented houses in this subdivision 'Champions Gate'. It is actually in Davenport, FL right off of I-4. As normal, I stopped for lunch at Subway. The traffic wasn't bad until I hit Orlando. I don't recall ever going through Orlando without hitting some traffic. I stopped at the Publix that was right off my exit to grab some garlic bread for dinner and a couple other things. I got to the house at about 4:30pm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwxVQFFfvjUAEK0pAB3_yAtR9-CqaAg2b3vZjzwT1p7tbDlUx3i9-I5B52VM-3WMaUt0wo1dKY2eSndxgxIIhTaJ6H-JEMCs8OPZvE32A2WvrZrvQa8YGBBCB-rqAGsqqa4JIzFxpSINo/s1600/zone06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwxVQFFfvjUAEK0pAB3_yAtR9-CqaAg2b3vZjzwT1p7tbDlUx3i9-I5B52VM-3WMaUt0wo1dKY2eSndxgxIIhTaJ6H-JEMCs8OPZvE32A2WvrZrvQa8YGBBCB-rqAGsqqa4JIzFxpSINo/s400/zone06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the lasagna's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Staying in the house with me was 10 other BSR 'mates:<br />
Mark (and his mom)<br />
Lori<br />
Jamie (1st year BSR)<br />
Nicole (and her husband)<br />
Jason (and his wife) - Who I met when I raced Muncie<br />
Hugo (and a friend) (1st year BSR)<br />
Francis<br />
Anastasia (and her husband) Who I met when at Chatt 70.3 last year<br />
Eddie (who lives and Tampa and only stayed Saturday night)<br />
Kitty (who I met at Chatt Worlds last year)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqshcLoXRMM372kODu35UzEQ0dfoMmo-2cU83uAwRMJgxPOeRqDxPgE97a5aMQ9Yo_6783uoLlNa5cYOmxtZQHrpz7XxJBkIRwtDN4c1J-lQBGf_qga47LTLDfILu4xc1bIeoaWhTGK8R/s1600/zone01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqshcLoXRMM372kODu35UzEQ0dfoMmo-2cU83uAwRMJgxPOeRqDxPgE97a5aMQ9Yo_6783uoLlNa5cYOmxtZQHrpz7XxJBkIRwtDN4c1J-lQBGf_qga47LTLDfILu4xc1bIeoaWhTGK8R/s320/zone01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarWrs1zMBuJWkd9Sx6H4lr9E8w7c-R7iMcjcExPOunovbTh7OibUKLBum0Q0nEUeYhXahq2MtRvpYSUzD1n6B2_aPHkLHc772jpjvjRQ7EvW9BmaK0FqeeM3wMEvV-lBWrMj6OusacUIy/s1600/zone05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarWrs1zMBuJWkd9Sx6H4lr9E8w7c-R7iMcjcExPOunovbTh7OibUKLBum0Q0nEUeYhXahq2MtRvpYSUzD1n6B2_aPHkLHc772jpjvjRQ7EvW9BmaK0FqeeM3wMEvV-lBWrMj6OusacUIy/s400/zone05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had invited everyone that was in town to come over to our house for a gathering and dinner. Anastasia made a pork lasagna, a chicken one, and a veggie one. There was salad and bread as well. There were a fair number of people that came out, including Chris McDonald. There were a couple of representatives from Zone3, BSR's swim sponsor. They had a bunch of swim caps and race belts for us. All in all a good time to meet a bunch of BSR's I had never met and see some I hadn't seen in a while. I had a beer, and turned in around 10p.<br />
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5Zm1MpCwtAEHADkEsUDvLQFprQP_7-Glu-MQUAauYj1hLSIoszZGfI4Xh81fMyxnY2tGzPvvAqGJWcxUyyHmfNTedqwdg0WYPEJ9I3RrPqqtWfVYP_0hBu2Rv3sUNfT1Vz4Uu30Fznqh/s1600/zone101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5Zm1MpCwtAEHADkEsUDvLQFprQP_7-Glu-MQUAauYj1hLSIoszZGfI4Xh81fMyxnY2tGzPvvAqGJWcxUyyHmfNTedqwdg0WYPEJ9I3RrPqqtWfVYP_0hBu2Rv3sUNfT1Vz4Uu30Fznqh/s320/zone101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Stuff!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgSfgi-uyPbnm3EKUsavmu1v4QOr42EsuDRB-ZJRS6m0Oy0Y2PCYsKzJqX3_2MUey_Zu2_0oRd_iNahXGiCUJ7EXGJODXHhN7RVXug0x_BcyW6R9ZdZbtZLrWyLtZC9nXYEwPAEFtT6Ah/s1600/zone102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgSfgi-uyPbnm3EKUsavmu1v4QOr42EsuDRB-ZJRS6m0Oy0Y2PCYsKzJqX3_2MUey_Zu2_0oRd_iNahXGiCUJ7EXGJODXHhN7RVXug0x_BcyW6R9ZdZbtZLrWyLtZC9nXYEwPAEFtT6Ah/s400/zone102.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe I'm telling Big Sexy not to be such a pansy on the run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday<br />
It was a pretty lazy morning. I just slept in as long as I could. A bunch of us just hung out around the kitchen area drinking coffee and having breakfast. I had a bagel. Jason had flown with his bike in a Ruster bag . . . for the first time. I did my best not to regale him with the<a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2017/09/2017-ironman-boulder-703-race-report.html" target="_blank"> absolute horror story</a> that was my first trip with my bike in a Ruster bag.<br />
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Somehow he got Chris McDonald to come over and help him put it all together. Including installing his ICE Friction chain! Wow, that went above and beyond the call. On a side note, I don't think I would ever put a chain on that close to a race, but to each his own.<br />
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Eventually we headed down to the race site. I hitched a ride with Nicole and her husband (Shannon). We were to have a team pic at 1pm. We got there and it was like a big BSR reunion. Being that this is my 5th year on BSR, I pretty much know everyone, unless it's their first year. Ah the magic of Social Media. So we made a decision to check in first before we got together for the pic, as there were some late arrivals.<br />
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After that we headed back to the house. I did a little shakeout ride with Jason, Nicole, and Kitty. It was really windy. I didn't feel very steady on my bike and that worried me some. We just rode for a half hour. Then it was time to shower and get ready to head over to Chilis for the team dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4L3Y0Xz_IXljDY77l0Febc6M4iMQr-PHtiOt0WdSJYiq181FZeCi7NADKTd5vhj8sUyG7IaDdquDw2RvDRng6-Iv3ejE1czCkmDOifPPeHyztdsuw6Xnqv8LhJe2IPCHc7X8JrWtQZjE/s1600/IMG_2441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4L3Y0Xz_IXljDY77l0Febc6M4iMQr-PHtiOt0WdSJYiq181FZeCi7NADKTd5vhj8sUyG7IaDdquDw2RvDRng6-Iv3ejE1czCkmDOifPPeHyztdsuw6Xnqv8LhJe2IPCHc7X8JrWtQZjE/s640/IMG_2441.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Big Sexy and La Fabulosa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory Team Pic</td></tr>
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At Chilis we had taken up about half of the entire seating area of the Restaurant. Wyman was there to host, as he is the CEO of Chili's parent company. It was great to see him again. We met in Kona, and hung out a lot at Chatt 70.3 a couple of years ago. Really great guy. We ate and talked for quite a while before we left. We just came home and crashed.<br />
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Then I checked all the swag in the bag.<br />
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Saturday<br />
Slept in again, and Kitty and Shannon made breakfast for everyone. That was pretty nice. I did a little shakeout run with Jason and his wife just in the neighborhood. We saw Mr. Big Sexy along the way. It wasn't as windy, and I felt ok, not great.<br />
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<br />
Jason and I headed down to the race site just after lunch just to check everything out. We had a little trouble figuring out the flow of transition since they had not marked entrances and everything was gated off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYEAxSBrqhka3Z5Mm7pm11l_uDZZeF7-T7frU4gkVcXrt4e-GSLGYkcwYb3xi0MhGiTXhEQkdptAOKNSFALC5CfoQHH6Jxoc4Pz-EC0vlmKgjTzSx1P1g8KIBYz7V0wlXPsC4TscXfWzM/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYEAxSBrqhka3Z5Mm7pm11l_uDZZeF7-T7frU4gkVcXrt4e-GSLGYkcwYb3xi0MhGiTXhEQkdptAOKNSFALC5CfoQHH6Jxoc4Pz-EC0vlmKgjTzSx1P1g8KIBYz7V0wlXPsC4TscXfWzM/s400/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f0a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bikes in the "garage" at the House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
We did see bike out and that the BSR spot was a really good one close to bike out. They put all the tri clubs together, so all us Big Sexies had consecutive numbers.<br />
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<br />
They were not making you check your bikes in that afternoon. There were some storms predicted to come through at afternoon and/or evening. So I decided to just bring my bike race morning, since we had that option.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHPgdEyXAHytfrkKjpquleYO2wJ_702WIn8_bT9oIC1rxEVMWuRXWmsEfxS-6Y2raRrEr6YGZH-T3plTiw8EUw61RBEr1DRFqbytmrxWyQUASX0rs6o3XieCy8TswEKKBFSzLqXAFJbvE/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHPgdEyXAHytfrkKjpquleYO2wJ_702WIn8_bT9oIC1rxEVMWuRXWmsEfxS-6Y2raRrEr6YGZH-T3plTiw8EUw61RBEr1DRFqbytmrxWyQUASX0rs6o3XieCy8TswEKKBFSzLqXAFJbvE/s400/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The parking situation seemed to be pretty similar to Eagleman. There is no parking lot, but a lot of street parking in the adjacent neighborhood.<br />
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After we got back, I went to shower and shave. I had decided to do this race in a brief. Budgysmugglers. The banana hammock. Speedo. Old school. My buddy BSR Chad raced one at Chattanooga 70.3 Worlds last September. He was saying how it wasn't a big deal, comfort wise. As the months wore on, there was some chatter about it on our team facebook page. So I kinda decided it would be cool. Since we were getting special BSR kits just for this race, I figured it was the perfect opportunity. I got the tri top to wear upstairs. Then I was going to wear my BSR Kona brief that we all got for the Kona Underpants run a couple of years ago. It's just a swimsuit, no padding. So it's cut a lot narrower than anything else I wear.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
***WARNING***</div>
***THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT IS TOO GRAPHIC FOR ALL READERS. PLEASE SKIP DOWN BELOW THE PICTURE OF GREEN LIGHTNING***<br />
<br />
You were warned. I had to shave like I've never shaved before. I never wear anything thats' not at least thigh length. I used to swim in a 'square' suit, but I don't even do that anymore. I did a 'test run' shave the week before the race just to see how it would go. Meh, it was so-so. Undaunted, on this Saturday afternoon before the race I shaved all parts even close to showing smooth and clean. Honestly, though, I'm not sure how people do it on a regular basis. And I'm not sure what I did for Kona, but I don't remember it being such an issue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpeGaIxakI_N3FDzCxLEusnltai7n-KoEseYi1gsj4mlxK5t1rDvcgmGr1zWbahJq7CNrNi32aYk0syzDotslLEWTgBUkItDxzAYRLinVpXhNqI7JGZnu_Fp646GIs5IZtqI8XiWKNqAy/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f1f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpeGaIxakI_N3FDzCxLEusnltai7n-KoEseYi1gsj4mlxK5t1rDvcgmGr1zWbahJq7CNrNi32aYk0syzDotslLEWTgBUkItDxzAYRLinVpXhNqI7JGZnu_Fp646GIs5IZtqI8XiWKNqAy/s320/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f1f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Battle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhW67Xdi_VaylGl_RKfXhCKtGgUK_bFVv1L_naBeqZUJBV-sF5weLrIgZDYq3S7BMjz5XBnsQgy6w_hjPXuSZGFzTMaWR_9nJksWCd7KgK68zBuywc1KeokgFrPWqIFXdgVn2qbYnW3yP/s320/IMG_5042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the stuffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then it was time to chill and put the feet up. Kitty and Shannon again made dinner with potatoes, chicken, and green beans. It was really good, and a good prerace meal, before and early bedtime.<br />
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<br />
Sunday (Race Day)<br />
I had my alarm set for 4am, but as I've said, race day alarms are useless for me. I was up at 3:40. I just wanted to get down to the race site and get a good parking spot. I made a bagel with peanut butter and ate that with a banana. Pumped up the tires on my bike. Packed up and headed out about 4:15.<br />
<br />
Traffic at that time was very enjoyable. It's actually a pretty direct route from our house, just 27 south to 17 east. I took just 20 minutes. As I came into town, I turned down 4th street. I found a pretty good spot right there on the northeast corner of 4th and Oak Street. I sat there for a little bit just to make sure it was ok, since there was no one parked on Oak Street on that side of fourth. Soon after I parked everything started filling up very quickly, so get there before 4:45 if you want a good spot.<br />
<br />
I left my swim stuff in the care, figuring on coming back. I took my bag with all my other gear and my bike and headed toward transition. I saw BSR Ben and Lisa from AZ walking with Chris M so I joined them. The entrance to transition was on the very far side. I got body marked quickly as there weren't too many people then.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqG9uTx8E8R3jxRigJjFerLCoLbVcNKD9jtBvhSwHVgiAAYEE5Jmimdo7NL383ObAF9sXeU84eB11wvq2VkBLggc2dwpwJZX0upPXlqMXn7HzOYd2iN-5Ye0t_GjHr2cXSPs9gCHXcnaq/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="746" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqG9uTx8E8R3jxRigJjFerLCoLbVcNKD9jtBvhSwHVgiAAYEE5Jmimdo7NL383ObAF9sXeU84eB11wvq2VkBLggc2dwpwJZX0upPXlqMXn7HzOYd2iN-5Ye0t_GjHr2cXSPs9gCHXcnaq/s320/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get them Gators!</td></tr>
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As I got into transition and they had entrances and exits marked, it was very clear how the flow was gonna work. Probably shouldn't have worried about it so much yesterday. About 5 minutes after I got to my bike rack, they announced the water temp of 75.9 Deg F. And there was much rejoicing! Seems as though I've been doing a lot of races lately where the temp is close to the cutoff (76.1 and below is legal for wetsuits). Muncie, Augusta, Boulder, Chatt Worlds, were all within 1 degree I believe.<br />
<br />
I went back to the car, got wetsuit, and left my swimskin and my phone. I grabbed my food and headed back to transition. It was fun having transition with all my BSR mates. Lots of talking chattering, helping each other out. It was a lot of great positive energy and not all that nervous energy. I got to talk to Brian and Daniella with Lowman Endurance coaching who I have met many times with all my trips to Chatty over the last years. They both KQ'd at Chatt last fall. I was hoping some of that speed could rub off on me.<br />
<br />
Time to head out of transition. I decided to put the wetsuit on my legs before leaving transition. I will admit I was a little shy to show the world my clothing choice here or down by the water. I kinda sat at the end of the row of bike near the bushes and got my wetsuit on my legs. I then headed over to the swim start.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-90hqTbgt1mhW8J1aUIETtuE1FJzqYWVphakvaF_oYUbKF1dFVVZj6WWvjCLJsxyHzn2WeOqcyq34A7_muIoCy2aYwPB0_hZq7quz-84vM2qpBxMifLjv54oSVBhphuY2jSHS6QB0K2PA/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f3e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-90hqTbgt1mhW8J1aUIETtuE1FJzqYWVphakvaF_oYUbKF1dFVVZj6WWvjCLJsxyHzn2WeOqcyq34A7_muIoCy2aYwPB0_hZq7quz-84vM2qpBxMifLjv54oSVBhphuY2jSHS6QB0K2PA/s400/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f3e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously I'm thrilled to start the swim</td></tr>
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I hung with BSR Ed, Francis, Jason and the Millers for a bit. We just kinda sat there waiting. At this point I was crazy nervous. It just kinda hit me. I guess in transition and all race week, it was just hanging out with friends. Now we were just sitting there waiting to start. Waiting is the worst part. Idle time for me is never good. I was so nervous, I'm literally like, why am I doing this? Why am I signed up for all these races? And I'm gonna fly 10,000+ miles to do this later this year? This seemed like such a good idea at the time 6 months ago. So I decided to get up and walk.<br />
<br />
I saw Chris M with BSR Michael and we talked for a bit. Chris helped settle my nerves. I found Ed and met his family. Soon it was time to jump in line. I went through the line that had formed on the beach along the water. I got in the water (you were not allowed to do a warm up swim) and waded in a bit. I'm sure everyone else that was "just getting used to the temperature" was doing the same thing I was: Peeing like a Russian Racehorse.<br />
<br />
So for the first time at this race, they did a total rolling start. This is the same as they have been doing at Chattanooga for the last couple years. Although here they actually did have signs up and tried to keep it a little more organized than Chatty. There is more room here, so that does help. They had signs for under 30 min, then 30-33, 33-35, 35-37, then 38 to I think 44, then 45+. With a wetsuit and no current, I have swam from 35 to 38 minutes. But I figured I lie like everyone else, so I lined up in the 33-35 min area with several BSR people. They didn't have any physical corral or ropes or anything. You just stood there.<br />
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Soon they played the national anthem. Every once in a while you could see a jet ski zip along the side of the lake, evidently to scare off the gators. They were supposed to start at 6:50 and they said it would take an hour to get everyone in. With all the cloud cover it was a little dark, so they started at 6:55 letting the first people go. You could see them running in and not swimming for the first little bit. The line seemed to move slowly at first, but as we got closer it seemed to go quicker. I don't think it did, but just mentally it seemed like that. About 7:10am I crossed the timing mat.<br />
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<br />
Swim<br />
37:19 Officially 67th AG, 360th Male<br />
Garmin had 37:17 for 2,220 yards (1:41 hundred yard pace)<br />
I ran for as long as I could before I dove in to swim. The water seemed cool, and felt pretty good. I just tried to follow the stream of swimmers ahead of me. It was a little congested along that first stretch. More so than I can remember in other rolling starts. I tried to start out smoother and not kill myself the first couple hundred meters. I definitely felt "wetsuit smooth".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGpQddLx0OTl0scVZ0fr4yxUJnaB3XwnVlNETgNKkmSEo0w2fWV6YhDV2ELwc7wjF_UrTqn4CqXxno3Q-B1ohMVYfYNJC4XS-loAf_CvZW0TrHKfJ_z2reES3LQVqoR7ELwl0PNuLsSVl/s1600/gswim1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="228" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGpQddLx0OTl0scVZ0fr4yxUJnaB3XwnVlNETgNKkmSEo0w2fWV6YhDV2ELwc7wjF_UrTqn4CqXxno3Q-B1ohMVYfYNJC4XS-loAf_CvZW0TrHKfJ_z2reES3LQVqoR7ELwl0PNuLsSVl/s320/gswim1.jpeg" width="188" /></a></div>
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Everyone talks about how crappy this course is with all the turns. And, honestly, I usually don't like a course with a bunch turns as well. For some reason, I kinda liked the way that this course broke up the swim some. It's not just an 'M' shape, it's like a block style 'M'. There is a short straight segment at each top and the bottom of the M, so there are 7 segments total. It actually helped me mentally thinking about where I was on the course and that the next turn wasn't that far off. Many courses, that first segment or after the first turn it seems like the next part takes forever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4wWgGc3v09zcZKmfpx_SAKQjtPzU6nedMiEcRAyCPsvJ9zabRhVkoI4tGJgkbvLFltUHPxbKNR8d45LXCEM3HJUaKSpJH7ohwC7h_ddL9MEkfwpCgssn29WfY1DWo-LS3Z4wAcgq8fSs/s1600/swim1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4wWgGc3v09zcZKmfpx_SAKQjtPzU6nedMiEcRAyCPsvJ9zabRhVkoI4tGJgkbvLFltUHPxbKNR8d45LXCEM3HJUaKSpJH7ohwC7h_ddL9MEkfwpCgssn29WfY1DWo-LS3Z4wAcgq8fSs/s320/swim1.jpeg" width="231" /></a></div>
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But all that didn't stop me from seeing someone do the Breast Stroke! Seriously, when will it end? But I just made my turns, tried to keep swimming straight and keep focused. Someone gave me some sage advice before the race not to make a wrong turn on the swim. I took that advice to heart.<br />
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<br />
I didn't feel like I got passed by too many people, and I even passed several. So I feel pretty justified about picking my starting position. I can always say that I *hoped* to swim sub 35.<br />
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Looking at my splits, I did slow down as the race went on. I didn't really feel too tired until that last segment. I really had to focus there and keep my strokes up. The end did seem to drag on a bit. I swam until I grabbed mud, then I got up. The volunteers were yelling about some hole, but I must have missed it. I gathered myself and tried to run up the ramp.<br />
<br />
T1<br />
3:20 Officially<br />
Garmin had 3:30 and 0.27 miles<br />
I didn't see any wetsuit strippers, ahem, I mean peelers, running up the ramp. I was relieved. I had been a bit worried about using the peelers and having them pull the suit off my legs and only getting the wetsuit off. I was concerned about there being collateral pullage as I was not in a one piece suit. Especially considering that I liberally pre-lubed the area with Ruby's Lube this morning.<br />
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<br />
I got the suit down around my waist easy enough. You had to run all the way around transition. Once at my spot I pulled the suit down and then stepped on one side with my foot and pulled, then the other side until it was off. It's kinda like a T1 dance. I threw some more lube on down there, put my helmet on, then my shoes. And I was off.<br />
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<br />
Bike<br />
2:18:11 Officially, 1st AG, 5th Overall<br />
Garmin had 2:18:05 for 55.93 miles (24.3 mph avg) on 217 watts (VI=1.018); 1,014 feet of gain, 88 cadence, 159 BPM.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSnUhAAiP7lgRi_3qKHkMfnM3sFHyrgqwZ0-xiQb1tVXG6v-K5rmJsF6Fv9LcuHZyk_OWLeo7Ev3eDGRkLFt67dyOSbxMc-BU1uNGxksmJ7LFnbinXoF9pPcxaWIV4A1nBL-gWNGwJoCC/s1600/bike01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1339" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSnUhAAiP7lgRi_3qKHkMfnM3sFHyrgqwZ0-xiQb1tVXG6v-K5rmJsF6Fv9LcuHZyk_OWLeo7Ev3eDGRkLFt67dyOSbxMc-BU1uNGxksmJ7LFnbinXoF9pPcxaWIV4A1nBL-gWNGwJoCC/s320/bike01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sexy showing off them mad photog skillz</td></tr>
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The temperature felt good, and once on my bike I felt pretty settled. I had heard the first part of this course was pretty flat. I just tried to tuck my head as much as possible to stay aero. My original goal was 225 watts. Through the first part of the course there is a lot of turns. At one point after what seemed like a dozen turns, I looked down at my Garmin and saw I was only at 11.8 miles. I'm like, wow, there are a lot of turns on this course. Looking at my Garmin map there are about 19 turns in those first 12 miles!<br />
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<br />
One of my buddies warned me about some of these turns coming up on you quickly. One of the turns did surprise me quite a bit, but I managed to keep it on the road. See, I was expecting turns like at an intersection. There were several turns were the road just did a 90 degree turn right in the middle of no where. For no apparent reason. Other than it's Florida. There were some longer stretches in the rest of the course.<br />
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So with all those turns, I averaged 221 watts through the first ten miles. I felt pretty good. I was passing people pretty regularly. I was a little congested at times, but overall not too bad. That's one thing I like about these rolling starts (like Chattanooga). I'll admit it: you can kinda lie about your swim and get near the front of the race. If you are in wave 15, you don't get any choice, and you're passing 3 and 4 wide for the first 20 miles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5NygHXQCrdMY-E_NGbyAciDYq2A0ks9brFkhnTLdRNUn3eWGHJYnNG3FKY8wJv8FyzZ6TaSKQT0ugeO4IDLhlVaZuN8UW_oetVIo1YAcxipLJBPzoGJF9UqGFk2LKg-dco3x1g5A47HD/s1600/bike01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5NygHXQCrdMY-E_NGbyAciDYq2A0ks9brFkhnTLdRNUn3eWGHJYnNG3FKY8wJv8FyzZ6TaSKQT0ugeO4IDLhlVaZuN8UW_oetVIo1YAcxipLJBPzoGJF9UqGFk2LKg-dco3x1g5A47HD/s320/bike01.jpeg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aero AF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja13ktkfIYs7rFEYqTuPNuLoxEi4sO7M27XLTkL38pgCgWOUO8s1vV4I5DQITmeT7JDBEXHgTlLGlYrWYZb6gqeyMYznCHa1EGCzylAUg_lq6g7bZqt7AMh7V-WIXjjHqnpN79_ePsVEYk/s1600/Bike+29-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="759" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja13ktkfIYs7rFEYqTuPNuLoxEi4sO7M27XLTkL38pgCgWOUO8s1vV4I5DQITmeT7JDBEXHgTlLGlYrWYZb6gqeyMYznCHa1EGCzylAUg_lq6g7bZqt7AMh7V-WIXjjHqnpN79_ePsVEYk/s640/Bike+29-2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Moooving on Up", 38 AG spots in 29 miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I just kept plugging away, passing people, yelling 'Go Big Sexy' to all my 'mates. I got few cat-calls back on my 'kit'. So I came through the 25 mile mark with a 25.4 mph on 220 watts. I really couldn't recall the shape of the course enough to really know where I was at. I did pretty much think that I probably had the wind mostly at my back at this point to have that high an average halfway through the bike, even knowing that the first half was mostly flat.<br />
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Sure enough looking back on it now, the 28 mile mark puts you on the southern tip of the course. The next 15 miles were a little more tough sledding. Here you hit the hills of the course, with over 500 feet of climbing in these 15 miles. (As opposed to 190 feet in the first 25 miles). I was able to maintain pretty good watts averaging 222 through that stretch.<br />
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During the climbs, when I would get out of the saddle, it was when I noticed the effects of my "kit". When I got back in the saddle, I would have to adjust some. A few times it took me a little bit to get comfortable again. So I tried to stay in the saddle.<br />
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Over the next 10 miles to mile 50, my watts started dropping off (217 watts), but my speed through there was pretty good (25.6 mph). The last 6 miles we had a bit of a headwind. I didn't feel too tired, but again my watts started dropping off. I mean 50-55 was 215 watts, so not crazy bad, but my target was 225 so that wasn't good. Then with the headwind those 5 miles were only a 21.3 avg.<br />
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As we got back into town, I needed some relief. I couldn't get it going until that final short stretch on Ledwith Avenue. So all these people are lining each side of the road cheering like crazy. I'm coasting down that hill, letting the pee fly like there is no tomorrow. I haven't had cheers like that just for going potty since I was 3 years old. I coasted into transition as my power avg dropped to 217 watts.<br />
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T2<br />
2:37 Officially<br />
Garmin had 2:20 and 0.23 miles<br />
Perfect dismount. I made the short run with my bike to my spot. Not a lot of bikes in there at this point. I put more lube on. Socks and Shoes. Hat and Glasses. Grabbed my race belt and started running. Of course I had to run all the way around through transition. As I was doing that, I grabbed the gels I had in my race belt, pulled them off and stuffed them in the back pocket of my kit top. I had 4 gels and took them all out. I was concerned about the gels flopping around on my unprotected skin.<br />
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Run<br />
1:34:25 Officially 7th AG, 60th Male<br />
Garmin had 1:34:37 and 13.14 miles (7:12 min/mile), 574 feet of gain, 161 cadence and 173 BPM<br />
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I came out of transition actually feeling pretty good. I kept an eye on my pace for that first mile, making sure I didn't go too fast. I saw Chris and Erika had all the Big Sexy banners setup in the first half mile of the loop. I came through there and got a few high fives and it definitely gave you a shot of energy.<br />
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That second and third mile had some pretty good hills in them. There was a lot of concrete running. Not a fan. Most of the way through Eva Park and then along 10th street as well. It didn't feel too hot, but it was a bit humid. Those hills were rough the first time through, but I was just thinking 1 down, 2 to go. I had passed a couple of BSR's Paolo and Adam, smacking butts as I went.<br />
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Coming near the end of the first lap I was at a 6:41/mile average, and I felt pretty good about that. Looking back at the Ironman.com results, I was 8th off the bike and then quickly moved into 5th by mile 2.2 of the run. But the second lap started to get rough. The hills were killing me. I may have to rethink my hill training strategy (i.e. not training hills). Those next 4 miles I averaged 7:12's, and it was a struggle.<br />
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I reached mile 9 back near the Big Sexy area. Chris told my I was in 4th at that point. So I was just thinking hold on. Very soon after that a guy in my age group passed me. I tried to match his pace, and I stayed near him for quite a while. This last 4 miles was just about survival. Paolo passed me back. I was dying on the hills.<br />
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I really had hoped to have more fuel in the tank for the last lap here. I drained my bottle on the bike, along with 3 gels. I really didn't feel like I was lacking nutrition. I had 2 gels on the run, probably should have made myself take more in. I did have a salt pill every 2 miles, so I don't think that was the issue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh656OaUAcPnrHQGt6vOKvOt0FOIDw-BVMgKHROsVo-d_n9dPO-Us_VYSkdnxRqU5qg9qfnunFQJQGynYUIdKpgDN_2RKid7nqFpCwZYcZvWxiPmqbMQCuYQiq5Q0CakRSsqe4yv8ZZuSx/s1600/run14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="620" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh656OaUAcPnrHQGt6vOKvOt0FOIDw-BVMgKHROsVo-d_n9dPO-Us_VYSkdnxRqU5qg9qfnunFQJQGynYUIdKpgDN_2RKid7nqFpCwZYcZvWxiPmqbMQCuYQiq5Q0CakRSsqe4yv8ZZuSx/s400/run14.jpeg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ewww. Old Man Butt.</td></tr>
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Something was the issue though, as I averaged 7:43's the last 4 miles. A minute slower per mile that I wanted. It wasn't lack of effort. That last mile freaking hurt. My quads were screaming. I was quite happy to make that turn and see the park up ahead and know the finish was in site. I came across the finish, just hoping I held onto the podium.<br />
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Finish<br />
4:35:50 Officially 4th AG, 37th Male<br />
Garmin had 4:35:49 for 70.83 miles and 3,703 calories<br />
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I stagger through the finish, glad to be done and quiet the screaming in my thighs. A volunteer grabs my chip then I get a medal and a hat. I grab some water and drain the whole bottle. I walk the rest of the way through congratulating some guys I saw on the course.<br />
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I head over to athlete food, not because I'm hungry, but want some soda. I grab a cola and find a seat. I see BSR Adam come through the food line and he takes a seat next to me, looking pretty rough. We chat for a bit. I get another cola. BSR Paolo joins us at the table as well.<br />
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Adam is talking, then he stops. Then his eyes close. Then he starts to pitch forward. I catch him and push him back in his chair. Paolo and I start talking to him, you ok man? I try to give him some cola, but it just dribbles down his chin. A lady there seems concerned, so I ask her to go get medical. I still can't get any cola in him, so I decide we just need to take him to medical.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Dyo19F676XNWOqaQe_7mrXxLQmIuJEHPT7tS2_XnscuOdnBg7A6Ce4M1s7Fujc6JjiApA7W1i87z357LEh5OJTADBs4kBXMVZdLmDbn8CCRzA-3d-567gYeKjuFeWeurj7kWF2-LcZAl/s1600/post02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Dyo19F676XNWOqaQe_7mrXxLQmIuJEHPT7tS2_XnscuOdnBg7A6Ce4M1s7Fujc6JjiApA7W1i87z357LEh5OJTADBs4kBXMVZdLmDbn8CCRzA-3d-567gYeKjuFeWeurj7kWF2-LcZAl/s640/post02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party on the Course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Paolo and I each put one of Adams' arms around us and we walk him over to Medical. They put him in a wheelchair, and they take him in the back. I head back and grab another cola. I see the are letting people into transition even though it's not 1pm yet, so I head over there. There's a short line as they are only letting a certain number of people in. As in 2 go out, then 2 come in. I talked with a guy for a little bit as we were waiting. After 1pm they let everyone in. I grabbed all my gear and headed back to the car.<br />
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At the car, I grabbed my phone and confirmed that I had finished 4th. So turns out that guy that passed me must have been a lap down since I don't remember him at the finish. I gave my wife a call and talked about the race as I headed back down to the race site. I went by medical and saw that Adam was out, but was sitting on a bench right outside. He still did not look too good.<br />
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I headed on over to where Chris had all the BSR stuff setup. They had coolers of beer, which was awesome. We just hung out, drank beer, and cheered all the BSR 'mates that were still on the course. I hadn't noticed the signs they made until after the race. I saw one during the race, and it had sponsor logos on it, so I just thought they were all like that. But BSR Erik and his wife and BSR Jodi had made up a dozen custom signs for certain people making fun of something or another. Of course mine was swimming.<br />
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After we thought most people had come through for the last time, we packed up and headed back over toward the finish. I went to the athlete food and wolfed down two chicken rice and cheese tortillas. Then I went over to the Tri Club area where they had free beer. A bunch of us hung out there for a while as the final few finishers came through.<br />
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We all headed over to the awards area and hung out there. They cycled through the awards, and I got mine. They started going through the Tri Club awards, and to little surprise, but huge applause (of our own doing) Big Sexy Racing won the Division II North American Championship.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrKuYHfsURtJ8MizrnfIDb6b7LRBr8h15WefWZarBlgVM6vSDr3GyyPeAHsh8YzimE4ShI-GsyIHoBSr9gxVAdoqUoWTowAarXYFyBxq-P-KhfzspPbC9A4IZrZlSRA8WZPS7D-O-0BNq/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1024" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrKuYHfsURtJ8MizrnfIDb6b7LRBr8h15WefWZarBlgVM6vSDr3GyyPeAHsh8YzimE4ShI-GsyIHoBSr9gxVAdoqUoWTowAarXYFyBxq-P-KhfzspPbC9A4IZrZlSRA8WZPS7D-O-0BNq/s320/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f3a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#iheartpodiums</td></tr>
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The cool thing about this award was that it was not just based on total points. They did indeed take your 5 highest point finishers (going by the AG points system). We didn't win just because we had 56 finishers. We won because we also had some quality at the top. Bobbe won her AG (F70) and then I was the second highest point earner. Plus we had another high finish in M45, and then M40 and F55.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sCA7Pvc8651gc1i211B0rvgfnAIw1v7ibpn2TmbcRdUXa3Ro_8cRrK_Js5saGwJyhuDT103qw6wPYBfDJH4JEftncXcTWzPrJLHSwaR7XRkKgAniDqLCyGkTuNF5w40AB9l2FvNO6ALL/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sCA7Pvc8651gc1i211B0rvgfnAIw1v7ibpn2TmbcRdUXa3Ro_8cRrK_Js5saGwJyhuDT103qw6wPYBfDJH4JEftncXcTWzPrJLHSwaR7XRkKgAniDqLCyGkTuNF5w40AB9l2FvNO6ALL/s400/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f27.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kitty</td></tr>
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After the awards and all the pictures, I headed back to the house. There was a bunch of food that Kitty had made and some leftovers, so I ate quite a bit then. There was also more beer. Everyone was pretty much hanging out and talking about the race. Eventually a shower opened up and I was able to clean up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL9DBtV4p-SDPGJnxvLzmyHF40Wt2gDIHvIcs9JevTpzLboTTGL7bWQBkC0SSh_i141whj-r1JRj94RgzAVXghBHs5B3aHwNd0MGG3N2j52TH8ZTXwuRUe5GxyhQbD5rNk3IqQEefgRYk/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL9DBtV4p-SDPGJnxvLzmyHF40Wt2gDIHvIcs9JevTpzLboTTGL7bWQBkC0SSh_i141whj-r1JRj94RgzAVXghBHs5B3aHwNd0MGG3N2j52TH8ZTXwuRUe5GxyhQbD5rNk3IqQEefgRYk/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f29.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Real Diehl</td></tr>
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After a little while, I got hungry again and went out with Hugo and Kathy to this Burger Craft place. The avocado burger was simple amazing. Or I was really hungry, cause I scarfed down onion rings and finished up Kathy's fries as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nep7s68sy4WIzgjroSvBnhfGlcneMTf9Czt5ZymveYQdkCG1QM6-i2hLMK2SNtYBBGgQKxMqjeTpBD4MTqklilxL2h1EdJ8rZJ6k089Omx00JuqsJUnLKeo-6zsJ9rMpikzzNRWLVR13/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nep7s68sy4WIzgjroSvBnhfGlcneMTf9Czt5ZymveYQdkCG1QM6-i2hLMK2SNtYBBGgQKxMqjeTpBD4MTqklilxL2h1EdJ8rZJ6k089Omx00JuqsJUnLKeo-6zsJ9rMpikzzNRWLVR13/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f37.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm really not sure why I have a "Big Sexy" hand on my brief area.</td></tr>
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Back at the house, I hung out with Jason and Nicole just talking in the kitchen. I really didn't feel tired like I could sleep. Just body tired. We talked for quite a while. Even then I had a hard time sleeping, and didn't get to sleep until midnight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj307VFA9mvRiQi2HnX3OqfoTAHpHX109Jjvn510uW0ccVx-9vchjH5WGc4vKHTiMWGLVJLA0_d4_Xx9AbijlvpLtZ_6VVy1Vk7ftuHvLp_U-89gA3xQ1wNziOpcO6E8tKSGHogsHze-v6-/s1600/cd+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj307VFA9mvRiQi2HnX3OqfoTAHpHX109Jjvn510uW0ccVx-9vchjH5WGc4vKHTiMWGLVJLA0_d4_Xx9AbijlvpLtZ_6VVy1Vk7ftuHvLp_U-89gA3xQ1wNziOpcO6E8tKSGHogsHze-v6-/s640/cd+ice+cream.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing stands between Big Sexy and his ice cream</td></tr>
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Monday<br />
I decided to get up at 6 and head out early. I packed everything up, or just threw it in the car to worry about later. I said some goodbyes and headed out by 6:45am. Traffic (as usual) was bad in Orlando. Once I got past the metro area I stopped at Waffle House for a hashbrown bowl and some coffee.<br />
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Didn't hit any traffic the rest of the way, and once past Jacksonville I stopped at Wendy's for a Baconator sandwich. I mean really, if you can't eat like crap for a few days after a race, what's the bloody point? So I got home by 4pm, and spent a bunch of time unloading and unpacking.<br />
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So overall it was just an amazing weekend. It was so cool to meet so many BSR people. Many I have known for years. They have been on the team as long as I have (5 years) but we've never actually met. It was also cool be be able to spend more time than just a dinner with them. At the house and after the race. It really felt awesome to be around such great, positive people all weekend.<br />
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Obviously I was hoping to do better than 4th. I was happy with my swim and my bike. I felt good on the bike and didn't really feel like I was dying at the end like Boulder and Chatt Worlds last year. Plus to get the top time in my AG and 5th overall on just 217 watts says that I'm Aero AF. But I fell apart on the run. The first lap was on pace, the second lap was 30 seconds slower per mile than pace, but the last lap was a minute slower per mile. And I felt like I was pushing. My only consolation is that I talked to Triathlon Joe (some of you know who he is) after the race. This spring he ran a 1:21 open half marathon, but he could only muster a 1:41 on this run course.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Stuff From Sponsors!</td></tr>
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I'm going to readjust my watt goal for Raleigh and try to bike a little more even. Like not started out so hard and fading at the end. (First 15M normal power was 226, Last 15M normal power was 217). So the quest for the W continues. I may never get it, but at this point, it is my sheer motivation. That and Beer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The race accolades just don't stop. Here's one I got a week later for beating a red light. Plus Free Video!</td></tr>
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-41603841823560627912018-04-02T04:52:00.000-07:002018-04-03T04:44:56.808-07:002018 Know Your Craft 5K Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the third year I've done this race. Last year I was sick with a cold, so this year I was hoping to run a much better time. The race was a week later this year and ended up working out pretty good time wise. One week before Ironman Florida 70.3 which has been my focus the entire offseason.<br />
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I've been doing this race because some of my friends do it, it is easy to get to for me, and there is free beer. Like good beer. It benefits <a href="http://www.project2heal.org/" target="_blank">Project2Heal</a> that provides labrador retrievers to people with physical and emotional issues.<br />
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I arrived before 8am and was able to get a good parking spot on Youngblood. As I've mentioned before the only downside of this race is that there is no parking. The Triple C brewery provides a really good venue for the race otherwise. Their new barrel room and area out front work really well for a race of this size (700+ people).<br />
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I walked over to pick up my bib and saw my friends Paul and Shannon with <a href="http://www.paraguide.org/" target="_blank">Para-Guide</a>. Para-Guide helps visually impaired people do more physical activities. Then I went over and got my packet. I hung out for a little bit and then headed back over to the car. It was a little chilly as it was still in the 40's.<br />
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I put my bib on my singlet and then went for a warm up run. I did 2 miles at my normal 8 min warmup pace. I felt sufficiently warm so then I stripped down and put my shorts and singlet on. I hit a gel, then headed over towards the start. I did some striders and pickups then moseyed over to the front of the start.<br />
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Emily did her normal awesome rendition of the National Anthem. They gave us a countdown and we were off. I knew the first mile was mostly downhill, so I wanted to make up some time there. I started out pretty quickly.<br />
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When we made the turn onto Tryon Street and started uphill, the wind hit us pretty good. It was a little windier than I thought. Still, I hit the the first 1/2 mile at a 5:10/mile pace. I was in the top 5 at this point. As we continued up Tryon, I definitely slowed some. Before the first mile, a pack of 3 guys passed me. I hit the mile mark in 5:32, and knew the wind had slowed me some at that point.<br />
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I tried to push and could see that the guys in front of me weren't pulling away that fast. I really slowed some in the 1/2 mile after the mile mark probably doing about 6:10-6:15 pace. About then we turned south onto the walkway by the light rail tracks. I could feel the wind at my back and I tried increase my turnover. I did speed up to about a 5:50-5:55 pace, but that was only good to give me a 6:06 split. Killing my overall pace.<br />
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Last mile, so I tried to use the wind and push. My pace was pretty up and down with the elevation. A guy came chugging by me with a jog stroller and didn't even seem like he was working at all. That was depressing. Another guy passed me with a half mile to go.<br />
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With 1/4 mile to go we make the turn onto Griffith Street, and it's mostly uphill from here. But I was able to push and pass 2 guys there and finish quite strong. I couldn't catch the babyjogger guy. He beat me by 1.4 seconds. (Watch video of me getting beat by a jog stroller <a href="https://racesonline.com/events/know-your-craft-5k/results/2018/bib/482" target="_blank">HERE</a>). In hindsight I should have pushed more, as I split a 5:57 in the final mile.<br />
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So I came across the line in 18:22. I really thought I could break 18 again like I did 2 years ago. I think the wind and zero speed work (less than 3 min intervals) probably sunk me. I stood there with my hands on my knees for a minute or so to catch my breath before I went over and grabbed something to drink. They had some bananas, but I wasn't hungry at all.<br />
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I saw Paul and Shannon and talked with them some more. I grabbed my glass pint and headed back toward the car. I put a shirt on and then did a cooldown. I didn't really feel that bad. Not really sore or anything. After a mile, I changed and headed over to the finish to see my place.<br />
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I do like these Start2Finish races that (almost) always have a place setup that you can quickly see your placings. I had hoped to win masters and I did, with a 9th overall place. Full Results <a href="https://racesonline.com/events/know-your-craft-5k/results/2018?category_id=12473&gender=M" target="_blank">Here.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5GbLl6Z_6_kHjX4eiSPyPdogEkuXOGgz0vhcM2Olou-m-6GFTkPaelk160Z98tjinFRlqugNvDZTu6xP1AibKfOwBgRWEez_YLZ51B82S5TcXGvDTDcYhmBQ9MoS4M9rUfh_cw2Kl0Bu/s1600/Triplec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1235" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5GbLl6Z_6_kHjX4eiSPyPdogEkuXOGgz0vhcM2Olou-m-6GFTkPaelk160Z98tjinFRlqugNvDZTu6xP1AibKfOwBgRWEez_YLZ51B82S5TcXGvDTDcYhmBQ9MoS4M9rUfh_cw2Kl0Bu/s640/Triplec.jpg" width="588" /></a></div>
<br />
I saw my old friend Melissa that used to work at Inside Out Sports. We talked for a bit as we waited in the beer line. I got a Goldenboy and it sure did taste good. Soon they started the awards and I hung out with Paul as they announced my First Masters. I got (another) $25 gift card to Omega sports and a cool crisp $20 bill. Cash money, baby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHfs5N0pkRO3rnlK9k_l8CJAX8NdqwmdWTIKxrOVG9r6HdTpfBcRhNTOsEAgdxCNeLUJv19ZLc2b0YN0b9C_3ESPgIZ1u2UYGjaZwC8ty10p53-toHy1yZ2d8S_NXFbHmOtqKNbJQteiX/s1600/IMG_5029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="1600" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHfs5N0pkRO3rnlK9k_l8CJAX8NdqwmdWTIKxrOVG9r6HdTpfBcRhNTOsEAgdxCNeLUJv19ZLc2b0YN0b9C_3ESPgIZ1u2UYGjaZwC8ty10p53-toHy1yZ2d8S_NXFbHmOtqKNbJQteiX/s400/IMG_5029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I hung out for a bit through the awards and then took off. 5K's are hard. You feel like you redline the entire time. Throw in some wind and hills, and it's a party. It's a well run race, with free beer, and it was great to see some of my friends. Now, On to Florida.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9eWyP31mg6iQUyRXfGjlO7G3HoaOsMU6gx2ic3tyIlp6acTqevSe6967of59yGh16NwwIi7fNYNlgpllEp_5UmVws2OAOZikbXLnjqtJYSymcw8eX4xJrGNKbvoA8Q-F4YpmpuSXrRiu/s1600/IMG_2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9eWyP31mg6iQUyRXfGjlO7G3HoaOsMU6gx2ic3tyIlp6acTqevSe6967of59yGh16NwwIi7fNYNlgpllEp_5UmVws2OAOZikbXLnjqtJYSymcw8eX4xJrGNKbvoA8Q-F4YpmpuSXrRiu/s640/IMG_2417.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The courtyard in front of Triple C's Barrel Room</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-32143123561154887812018-02-15T05:57:00.000-08:002018-02-15T05:57:37.765-08:002018 Sunbelt Swim Meet Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRBSMad6d3GU3gSI15qcn7A9yHwVVccusWCMJGPDkagacVcCs7AYQfCnNm4ZcAYd8cjxhmHc-NPBH1DqABkIPwnETbACi7RTZpmr95DN8i1vvAV7qxyG_9IE9gQWqVeH0ODXC9eHqYahN/s1600/sunbelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="720" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRBSMad6d3GU3gSI15qcn7A9yHwVVccusWCMJGPDkagacVcCs7AYQfCnNm4ZcAYd8cjxhmHc-NPBH1DqABkIPwnETbACi7RTZpmr95DN8i1vvAV7qxyG_9IE9gQWqVeH0ODXC9eHqYahN/s200/sunbelt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I hate swimming. There, I said it. Well maybe 'hate' is too strong of a word. I severely dislike swimming. I've said many times that the only reason I swim is because the race starts in the water. Even though I 'severely dislike' swimming, I love my swim group. Joining Mecklenburg Swim Association (MSA) masters 3 years ago, was one of the best decisions I've ever made in triathlon.<br />
<br />
My friends at swim keep me coming back. Coach Patty does a great job keeping everyone engaged and encouraging them. Coach Patty has only known a life of competitive swimming, so every year she wants us to sign up for the Sun Belt Swim meet. Now in it's 44th year, this is my 3rd year of doing it. I like to do some events that are more challenging. Part of that is because I can't be competitive in any of the events. Not one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4rJuxokclreWTxET71meBqF9zAYxjDZcBAm-cpfDCRbZUXtPIlcoCx9p6FXVEdmKyLOefBIBlVQbXUI4UpI_IETlgIGRXSHtsOEUtvOiVBKW4ZCEcHHXikh2YpNxtMeyup9xBF4ffmSa/s1600/IMG_5023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4rJuxokclreWTxET71meBqF9zAYxjDZcBAm-cpfDCRbZUXtPIlcoCx9p6FXVEdmKyLOefBIBlVQbXUI4UpI_IETlgIGRXSHtsOEUtvOiVBKW4ZCEcHHXikh2YpNxtMeyup9xBF4ffmSa/s400/IMG_5023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My First Sunbelt T-Shirt</td></tr>
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On Saturday of this 2 day meet, I decided to just sleep in and not work out. I had felt pretty tired earlier in the week. I went to the Hornets game Wednesday night, then got up and ran 11 miles Thursday morning. I was just exhausted Friday night (translation: old). I just decided to rest Saturday morning.<br />
<br />
I Left about 10:30 am, and parked on the other side of Stonewall Street from the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center. As I walked up, I saw Aislin who I had been swimming with in the same lane. Not sure why she's in that lane, as she should really move up. Anyways we came in and they had a check in table this year (they didn't last year). This year they had t-shirts if you signed up early enough. So I got my long sleeve t-shirt and headed into the pool area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWMZOFCG0-j7M1Z4gw4RAA6HcQSe4jBB5qzxYna2BLA74pX4yL6jLeUf8KtEUmjk_Ql62ZOJ5E8SlWxTHkEGFL6vgmJMH-5zxQn2EA9AE6yTkeabaTL49cADYtj1al2NlBRbti3MCa2SV/s1600/IMG_2221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWMZOFCG0-j7M1Z4gw4RAA6HcQSe4jBB5qzxYna2BLA74pX4yL6jLeUf8KtEUmjk_Ql62ZOJ5E8SlWxTHkEGFL6vgmJMH-5zxQn2EA9AE6yTkeabaTL49cADYtj1al2NlBRbti3MCa2SV/s400/IMG_2221.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Pool Configuration</td></tr>
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I walked around some and talked to a few of the MSA people. Warmups had just started so people were getting in and out of the pool. They had the lane oriented 90 degrees from last year. Instead of going from left to right from the main stands there were starting on the opposite side of the pool and coming toward the stands. This gave them 10 lanes at once instead of 8. They said they had a record number of people sign up.<br />
<br />
I didn't do any warmup until 20 min before it closed at noon. I only did one dive, but it was good. My goggles stayed relatively water free. I had gotten a new pair of goggles for diving and had put them on super duper tight. Too tight to be comfortable to train, but ok for racing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZ9QmnObRRhUvhEd3nkkSrDRsnpdodrBywZCgpK6yJRqvvvZnHJfUTA0EHCYzI5wKUmUJcoD42xxUoilbWbutiVb1MlF4KZnfEU6LEOtperQVhIQ2RTybJtbKMr7RYACO0RiaNesCakxR/s1600/IMG_5025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZ9QmnObRRhUvhEd3nkkSrDRsnpdodrBywZCgpK6yJRqvvvZnHJfUTA0EHCYzI5wKUmUJcoD42xxUoilbWbutiVb1MlF4KZnfEU6LEOtperQVhIQ2RTybJtbKMr7RYACO0RiaNesCakxR/s400/IMG_5025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of T-Shirt (Jerry Clark, Sunbelt Meet Director for 20 years)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon the meet started. I signed up for 10 events, 5 on each day. I figured you pay the same entry for 1 event as you do 10 (not including relays). More suffering per dollar!<br />
<br />
50 Back 45.23 [Last year 46.39 open, 43.39 relay]<br />
I had a good start. I felt like I was really flying. I felt like I had a good turn. I came back and hit the wall. Turns out that my 'really flying' is just slow AF.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP3etNxofiC-MguFb184ZJ6y7o7DpZDHV2Deb2V2ubZC_Q_-w_yFACtD-hZWMJyVBtuh39iRyj9jVLX5i2IZh8d8hUPbSChlKyEgAe1srM8lpISGdrws1UOeTFcsfe2R9nct13u2oeRS7/s1600/IMG_2222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP3etNxofiC-MguFb184ZJ6y7o7DpZDHV2Deb2V2ubZC_Q_-w_yFACtD-hZWMJyVBtuh39iRyj9jVLX5i2IZh8d8hUPbSChlKyEgAe1srM8lpISGdrws1UOeTFcsfe2R9nct13u2oeRS7/s400/IMG_2222.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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100 Fly 1:48.69 PR<br />
This was my first time ever doing the 100 Fly, so PR! Thank you, thank you very much. But, wow that 2nd 50 was really tough. I felt good the first 50. I made good turns, but fly-fly turns are easy. I got the 'piano on the back' syndrome the last 25 and just tried to finish. 2 stroke breathing went out the window and I was sucking oxygen every chance I got. I finished and crawled out of the pool. I went over to the wall and just leaned against it for a minute. Man, that thing wiped me out! I did get my highest placing of the meet with a 5th. I just barely missed 4th by 39.38 seconds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8clfXbB9cgb1vs1cMKbV15j0fK1FA1uR-zFqex1cKlhBG-BG8Rc4196qWII-91yTajXNeTCkGeAp5RAWSxnDteYD9TpCCi61qgA4mfv_KU0bjt-Bjj_hDZD61S7aY96sZYe0W7tCa1Bl/s1600/IMG_2229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8clfXbB9cgb1vs1cMKbV15j0fK1FA1uR-zFqex1cKlhBG-BG8Rc4196qWII-91yTajXNeTCkGeAp5RAWSxnDteYD9TpCCi61qgA4mfv_KU0bjt-Bjj_hDZD61S7aY96sZYe0W7tCa1Bl/s640/IMG_2229.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supa Fly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
400 Free Relay 4:58.45 (Me 1:21.04 [1:16.51 relay last year], Rick M., Kevin P, Brad E).<br />
I led off. That, of course, put us in last place. And we stayed there. But what the hell, relays are fun anyways. I tried to go fast, but taking 3-1/2 weeks off in December from swimming really showed here. I got cut on my forearm at work in December. It required 7 stitches, but didn't quite heal right. It took that long to get cleared to go back in the water. Yeah right in the prime time of training for this meet. I guess that gives me a built in excuse, right?<br />
<br />
100 Breast 1:41.79 PR<br />
Another fist time event for me. I kinda had a funky pullout out of the dive, almost did the double DQ kick. After that it was just breast stroke. Sloooow breast stroke. You try to push, but then you realize that you are still doing the breast stroke.<br />
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<br />
50 Free 35.04 [34.26 last year]<br />
The splash and dash. I tried to swim as crazy hard as I could. So of course I had a bad turn and almost missed the wall. You're like stroke-stroke-stroke then flip-push, then nothing. Oooooof. This was one where I just wanted to get out of the pool<br />
<br />
400 Free Mixed Relay 5:24.82 (Brad, CarolAnn, Jamie, Me no split)<br />
This was fun, not fast, but fun. Lots of cheering for my 'mates. It was a 100 so I felt tired. I swam with CA and Jamie a lot last year so it was cool to do a relay with them. Even if I was the slowest one.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1acFTB5V5xpqD91-6wOuhj-YxOjAEpQeFJsedhAnPHyr15mIcXOIOv3KaXL9qq7m5JwY0qtkanp1fH9SVSqSU8IiFMQa2z3VEXnHMGHLfK1CYIPp9NhzmWIm6tgh_icNRAbT3f9t9DEh/s1600/Sat05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1acFTB5V5xpqD91-6wOuhj-YxOjAEpQeFJsedhAnPHyr15mIcXOIOv3KaXL9qq7m5JwY0qtkanp1fH9SVSqSU8IiFMQa2z3VEXnHMGHLfK1CYIPp9NhzmWIm6tgh_icNRAbT3f9t9DEh/s640/Sat05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 400 Free Mixed Dream Team</td></tr>
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100 IM 1:32.89 PR [1:33.16 last year]<br />
I like this event. It's fun. The fly felt easy, well cause you only swim like 15 yards of fly. Good turn but came up a little short on the end of the backstroke. I coasted a little bit before turning to breast. I tried to push on the free but you're just tired. I did beat Coach Patty by like 0.20 seconds. So there's that. She wants a rematch next year.<br />
<br />
So then I was done for the day. Everyone is getting ready to head out and then Karen says, hold on a second. She breaks out this chocolate peanut butter cake for my birthday. Very rich and heavenly. Everyone thought it was really good, but it's the kind of cake that you can only have about 1 piece a day. I took the last couple of pieces home with me. I left the MCAC about 4pm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4npNBdUVuYx5v50aamA1UJg3eLup-Ic9A8rgmsQPRNSLtMFxo0G2E3_VTX20glH7llJx2w08WJfIRFayYeE8iQixJzlQOKUiXD_pqPPEuZCr4CzBulpE0HxPhDcUZd-mqlXRYLi9wLDla/s1600/IMG_2226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="1600" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4npNBdUVuYx5v50aamA1UJg3eLup-Ic9A8rgmsQPRNSLtMFxo0G2E3_VTX20glH7llJx2w08WJfIRFayYeE8iQixJzlQOKUiXD_pqPPEuZCr4CzBulpE0HxPhDcUZd-mqlXRYLi9wLDla/s400/IMG_2226.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pairing the cake with peanut butter chocolate stout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunday<br />
The next morning, I left about 7:20 and again parked across the street in the other lot. I did a real short warmup. I figured that I wasn't going to feel any more ready than I already was.<br />
<br />
50 Fly 44.29 [41.06 last year]<br />
This race is actually fun. It's over quick. In the lane next to me was Mark. He is visually impaired. He's been training with the help of <a href="http://www.paraguide.org/" target="_blank">Para Guide</a> in the MSA pool. After I made the turn I glanced over and saw that Mark was killing me. So not only am I DFL, I get beat by blind people. #iheartswimming<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6kSjHiQ_dubotguBCrdgz-4AhK6ZHmveni1Gar53RZ-WesEZY1vy5DwU41Vtz9PCI0FoYCwj6DQOZiiHyAVJKXMqIHXkNYepWtn7rY0ZucmQqA6uLlwULKAmYq_8XjxlqE61rtO1IwpN/s1600/Sat01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6kSjHiQ_dubotguBCrdgz-4AhK6ZHmveni1Gar53RZ-WesEZY1vy5DwU41Vtz9PCI0FoYCwj6DQOZiiHyAVJKXMqIHXkNYepWtn7rY0ZucmQqA6uLlwULKAmYq_8XjxlqE61rtO1IwpN/s400/Sat01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark (visually impaired), Trista (craft beer impaired), and Me (swimming impaired)</td></tr>
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200 IM 3:25.07 PR<br />
Another first time event for me. Last year was my first 100IM, so I felt like I wanted to step it up a little bit. I mean I'm not going to ever be competitive, so why not do some challenging events? I am glad that fly is first. When you make that turn and start backstroke, there is some relief. I just wanted to stay relaxed. You really have to focus in this race. You basically have every turn: fly-fly, fly-back, back-back, back-breast, breast-breast, breast-free, then the free flip turn. I made them all! When you get to free, you're like, OK freestyle, let's do this. But then you're so freaking tired, it is rough. But I finished, and I felt good about it.<br />
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200 Free Mixed Relay 2:03.2 (Karen K, Me 33.55 PR, Kirsten M, Steve B)<br />
I got thrown in this relay at the last minute. One guy didn't show up, and then Judd is like, hey how old are you? Yup that'll work. I should be very grateful, as this was the only event that I participated in that actually beat someone. Karen and Steve are freakin fast. I did swim a PR 50, so there's that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuooaCaZN0NtM2NJur4Wls92rniSRegRCz7lfvbq82-wtGSE5StRLJ2jQRoAiX3Cry8DYQl5RYEchIlu08wY_y-9OcSo9mKDBcNTtmPVdpZ6Ky0uB_hucTzDbRe3f3UNs6Bxg8wilMSJN/s1600/Sate04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuooaCaZN0NtM2NJur4Wls92rniSRegRCz7lfvbq82-wtGSE5StRLJ2jQRoAiX3Cry8DYQl5RYEchIlu08wY_y-9OcSo9mKDBcNTtmPVdpZ6Ky0uB_hucTzDbRe3f3UNs6Bxg8wilMSJN/s400/Sate04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backstroke start (not me)</td></tr>
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100 Back 1:42.62 PR<br />
Another first time race. Not much to report here, other than I found out that I really don't know how to do a proper backstroke flip turn. I thought I did, then I started watching people in the meet. Then I thought maybe I was taking two strokes instead of the allowed one. So then on the second turn I ended up taking none, and coasted quite a while into the wall. I'm gonna have to work on this for next year.<br />
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100 Free 1:19.83 [1:15.69 last year]<br />
Here is where I really realized how much taking 3-1/2 weeks off of swimming in December slowed me down. High effort, but slow speed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO-kD_N1atoiWOS7xqLZfK_Dm40Vl5CHnZ3juTI7Ju2j9SadvS4BHFHYKTateia9Kl0X_TBWCMpkEaGLnyx2dO30NugP41X1Nkw9HMMJ0VzNqSm7sXcW8RR5EggK9KtI47GkMkGfjW9A0/s1600/sun02+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="585" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO-kD_N1atoiWOS7xqLZfK_Dm40Vl5CHnZ3juTI7Ju2j9SadvS4BHFHYKTateia9Kl0X_TBWCMpkEaGLnyx2dO30NugP41X1Nkw9HMMJ0VzNqSm7sXcW8RR5EggK9KtI47GkMkGfjW9A0/s640/sun02+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MSA Crew in Full Cheer Mode (including me in the towel)</td></tr>
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500 Free 8:23.23 [8:05.07 last year]<br />
And here we also saw how much slower I was than last year. Plus I did muchos more events in this year, so I'm sure I was more tired. Then I just raced stupidly: too fast first 100, and then really slowed in middle. As I approached the final 100 (Meredith was nice enough to be my lap counter) I saw that I was just behind Sarah. No shame in that, but I couldn't let her beat me. So then I had a much faster last 100. Yeah, I'm never doing that stupid race again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGF-vAljlvfPnn0ynQd-sjnyJcZKbGd-afe-xiqmcoRLXQInMv3HzYFgkB-CU4cGn4CbWdQvwGq_iZo5NYtpEV7kktNatvYQ5lW0-grn2FdsosodJwJImYeQcEVqD691a_jviF6w6RZpF/s1600/Sat02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGF-vAljlvfPnn0ynQd-sjnyJcZKbGd-afe-xiqmcoRLXQInMv3HzYFgkB-CU4cGn4CbWdQvwGq_iZo5NYtpEV7kktNatvYQ5lW0-grn2FdsosodJwJImYeQcEVqD691a_jviF6w6RZpF/s400/Sat02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organizing Relays</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were only a couple of heats of the 500 left, so I grabbed my bag and headed to the locker room. Showered and dressed and then cheered on the last heat of 500. The team competition wasn't close this year. We scored a lot more points than last year, but Swim MAC almost doubled their points. If only I hadn't missed those weeks of swimming . . .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crew at Unknown Brewing</td></tr>
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I went over to Subway at the Metropolitan, and wolfed down a footlong. Then headed over to meet everyone at Unknown Brewing. It was a really nice day, so we hung out outside. Friends were buying me birthday beers, so that was awesome. We hung out for a while and had some really fun conversations! I really enjoy hanging out with my swim people. I headed home about 4pm. Went out for dinner that night with my 11 members of my family to celebrate. I was a great way to cap off Birthday Week.<br />
<br />
During the competition on Saturday, I actually thought that I had a chance to beat someone. Anyone. I even eagerly awaited the posting of the results on the wall by the bathroom. I quickly scanned the event and the age groups to see where I placed. Yes, last place in my age group in all 10 individual events that I entered. This is the 3rd straight year. #consistency So next year I'm not worrying about that crap. I'm just gonna do events I feel like. Ones that are challenging or fun. Why the hell not? DFL for Life, Baby!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what's going on here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-15165994298978337362018-01-30T06:20:00.000-08:002018-01-31T12:32:31.782-08:002018 Joe Davis 10K Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71stfW3JGRmvuAqVd2nUvoBUCKL5Wl7W2ZCwsXGRi-1P6fKrheuNm1FxqMeaNCIoPv1BQ_Jp_dbDOxeBcM6g3at0P7NfpVXA7woYdOMsAqndmmkRs70lYgKohKZrV0ThufiM8NXAQCrQl/s1600/JD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="429" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71stfW3JGRmvuAqVd2nUvoBUCKL5Wl7W2ZCwsXGRi-1P6fKrheuNm1FxqMeaNCIoPv1BQ_Jp_dbDOxeBcM6g3at0P7NfpVXA7woYdOMsAqndmmkRs70lYgKohKZrV0ThufiM8NXAQCrQl/s320/JD.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did the Joe Davis 10K two years ago. It's a local race that is right near my house, so I wanted to support it. I really didn't like the course, so I didn't run it last year. I did come out last year to support my wife running the 10K. The course seemed a lot better, so I thought I would give it a whirl this year. They also have a 5K<br />
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It's obviously cooler in January, but this time it was much cooler than usual. The average low temp in January in Fort Mill is 32 degrees. On this balmy morning it was 11. But it was plus 11, so we had that going for us. I debated what to wear, but finally went with compression sleeves, shorts, long sleeve t-shirt under my BSR jersey, gloves and head warmer. I considered a short sleeve t-shirt, but decided to err on warmth. Just cause I'm old, I guess.<br />
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The race start is 1 mile from my house, and I could take a paved trail all the way there. But considering the temperature, I decided to drive over. I parked at the top of the hill. I jogged around for a bit just to check everything out. At this point, I had long pants and a pullover, as it was pretty freaking cold.<br />
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I saw one of my friends, CarolAnn, doing a little warmup as well. We jogged for a little bit, and I got a good 2 mile warmup in. I went back to the car to strip down to my race clothes. I headed back down to the start and did some pickups while everyone was assembling. They played the national anthem and the Boyd's talked about their brother and Keystone Recovery Center. We all just kinda huddled and listened, trying to stay warm.<br />
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They let the wheelchair people go first. Several people started running as well and had to be called back. I recognized Ethan, Fort Mill High School's top cross country runner, at the front. I asked him if he was doing the 5K, and he was. I think I could probably take him in a 10K, but definitely not a 5K.<br />
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I put myself near the front as well. As we took off I felt pretty good. The first 3/4 of a mile is flat and downhill, so that's nice. I hit the first mile in 6:07 and was pleased with that, as I felt I wasn't pushing too hard. Several guys were quite well ahead of me already. You really couldn't tell who was running the 5K or the 10K at this point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCVtX-zKZ8JOeyFNBJMEX-EesQ6kMIHKpWt08Iv5LgZxr1xShhm-dg2SyYnHnGTngt1xu4dZaVTG73mhQFd-58LdHoPsr2k8WN_Ca4VwZF7RNknWbyDgxVGbvITqy1rxXOCM2nUXpOYdI/s1600/El+and+HR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1439" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCVtX-zKZ8JOeyFNBJMEX-EesQ6kMIHKpWt08Iv5LgZxr1xShhm-dg2SyYnHnGTngt1xu4dZaVTG73mhQFd-58LdHoPsr2k8WN_Ca4VwZF7RNknWbyDgxVGbvITqy1rxXOCM2nUXpOYdI/s400/El+and+HR.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Rate and Elevation</td></tr>
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After that fire 3/4 mile, we're on the paved trail. We loop around Walter Elisha Park and then head down the trail the takes you Harris Street Park. Once you get past the big dip just past the Elisha parking lot, you can really zoom down that trail. It's a good 65 foot drop over a 1/2 mile there. I felt smooth through there and then made the turn at the bottom to start back up hill. I split a 6:10 there, as I started the climb.<br />
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I wasn't really running with a lot of people. There was one guy at the start that dropped back by 1.5 miles. Then another guy who dropped back by 2.5 miles. Other than that I was pretty alone. The climb for mile 3 wasn't as bad as I thought. 90 feet of gain in that mile, but I split a 6:30. Originally my goal for the entire race was to average 6:30. So suddenly I'm thinking I can blow that out of the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOBr3_oF6jj3nUVLqfmReE09zSGA54uSgcSFegVHJZU8j3OtNoEgqADb66a7TN-Td42MTEXDmaVK0mWXquqhTPJC8l1wTgMczeP0t_KE-f4KIOpSryYkZrcggkXtMc9Lst0nCHPwvQGba/s1600/map1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOBr3_oF6jj3nUVLqfmReE09zSGA54uSgcSFegVHJZU8j3OtNoEgqADb66a7TN-Td42MTEXDmaVK0mWXquqhTPJC8l1wTgMczeP0t_KE-f4KIOpSryYkZrcggkXtMc9Lst0nCHPwvQGba/s320/map1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter Elisha Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5HtK85Fd0tLRwhyEhGhD9-Z8jET5aBLEk8p9ebU6ROmABvtNpN6C-YxefvRX0w0yUbh9ba2SLkICmvW3rHa_Ax600TQr14e8MiBn-NaVDPjhEqDPAhD0ekLfV_g_eJ9IWVIYrrKbU3Gq/s1600/pace+and+cad.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="1429" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5HtK85Fd0tLRwhyEhGhD9-Z8jET5aBLEk8p9ebU6ROmABvtNpN6C-YxefvRX0w0yUbh9ba2SLkICmvW3rHa_Ax600TQr14e8MiBn-NaVDPjhEqDPAhD0ekLfV_g_eJ9IWVIYrrKbU3Gq/s640/pace+and+cad.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pace and Cadence</td></tr>
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At about the 2.8 mile mark, the 5K people split off. At this point, I really can't see anyone at all. I was truly in no man's land and had no idea what place I was in. I just tried to keep it smooth. Just past the 3 mile mark, you go back through the start and begin the second lap. My miles 4 and 5 were not nearly as fast as on the first lap with a 6:22 and a 6:14. Definitely wasn't dying and was pleased with the 6:14 for sure.<br />
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Now we come to the final mile and the final climb. 100 feet of gain in the last mile. I really tried to push and I was passing a lot of the walkers that were doing the 5K. I was warm enough that I took my gloves off at that point. I started doing the old math equations in my head, like what do I have to run here in the last 1.2 miles to break 40 minutes. Confident I had it in the bag, I just relaxed and went.<br />
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After really doing a lot of hill repeats in training the last few years, and then still really sucking on running hills in races, I have embarked on a new strategy. Hills are mental. You wanna run hard up a hill? Run hard and don't be a namby-pamby about it. It's all in your head.<br />
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That training strategy seemed to pay off as my second time up that hill was only 0.8 seconds slower than the first time. As I got to the top, I just tried to push the final 1/2 mile to the finish. I felt good, not great, but still kept the turnover going. The course is a little short at 6.1 instead of 6.2 miles. The last 0.1 mile I had a 5:46 avg pace, so pretty good finish.<br />
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Right after I crossed the finish line, a woman asked my bib number. I think she was with the timing crew. I felt pretty warm at the finish, and walked around some. I wasn't really hungry and didn't grab any food. I talked with some of the tri guys Keith (who won the 5K) and Matt from Fort Mill. I did grab some coffee and that tasted really good. I just hung out and talked for a while. Being a local race, I knew quite a few people there.<br />
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I saw CarolAnn finish and talked to her and her husband. Then they announced there would be no awards because the computers were all frozen up. That was a new one on me. They did announce the top overall male and female for both races. Not top 3, just the overall winner for each. So I just headed home to warm up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd Overall Twinsies</td></tr>
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They did have <a href="https://racesonline.com/events/joe-davis-run/results/2018/dashboard" target="_blank">the results posted</a> that afternoon. That's when I found out I was 3rd Overall. I gotta say I didn't think I could hold that pace for the entire race. Maybe that 2 months I took off after Chattanooga Worlds to heal my hamstring actually did some good. Maybe letting my body recover some was a good thing. Anyways, glad to support a local race, especially one that is on trails and roads that I run every week. Always happy to make the Overall Podium, because, well, #iheartpodiums<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSH2QPVobKBL3B_JL1_Iydfashs0D4yJZ_-gJGWWKYCOhC_nPJCToTL_sUoyZPJT3huxVccszQ0G_bpSw3CwJlpu2d6XLAQFnoLTBOKY6Vl3XHoMlwlyoG08okTuIsGCWPidjBlhy5Mr5P/s1600/JD+Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1600" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSH2QPVobKBL3B_JL1_Iydfashs0D4yJZ_-gJGWWKYCOhC_nPJCToTL_sUoyZPJT3huxVccszQ0G_bpSw3CwJlpu2d6XLAQFnoLTBOKY6Vl3XHoMlwlyoG08okTuIsGCWPidjBlhy5Mr5P/s640/JD+Post.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in the middle, snuggly</td></tr>
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-37359868030226701392018-01-18T12:29:00.000-08:002018-01-18T12:29:01.944-08:002018 Goals ThreadIt's been a while since I made a yearly goals post. For the last few years, my goals have been much more focused. I mean I used to make training goals to swim, bike, and run a certain amount of miles or yards. I also used to have certain time goals. Both for individual legs, and for races overall.<br />
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Lately, though, my goals have had more to do with placing, and subsequently qualifying. All my training was focused towards that. Also, now that all of my PR days are behind me, I really don't get into time goals that much. It's more about competing for masters or age group placings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not This Kind of Goal</td></tr>
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The PR thing is something I've come to grips with. Everyone always wants to get faster. Now I never will. I really hadn't thought about it much until my wife started running about 4 years ago. She can set PR's. Her friends can set PR's. I was able to set PR's in triathlon until now. Since I ran in college, and did a marathon right after college, I came to grips with not being able to set any more running PR's since, oh about 1995.<br />
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Honestly, until this year I thought I could still set PR's in triathlon. But I've realized now that I will never be faster than a <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2012/10/ironman-augusta-703-race-report.html" target="_blank">4:13</a> for a Half Iron, and a <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2014/10/2014-ironman-chattanooga-race-report.html" target="_blank">9:29</a> for a full Ironman. I think I'm ok with that. There are still other things to accomplish. I can still have other goals. I mean I've managed to not get divorced. So there's that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#BuzzwordBingo</td></tr>
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So without further ado, the extensive, comprehensive, exhaustive, all-encompassing list of my 2018 Triathlon Goals:<br />
<br />
1. Win my Age Group at an Ironman 70.3 event<br />
2. Don't Embarrass myself at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships (yet again)<br />
3. Stop Drinking Beer*<br />
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I think that covers it. Thanks for tuning in.<br />
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*Ha! LOL. Just kidding. The only reason I do tri's is to drink beer ;-)Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-16453181134110651192018-01-11T17:14:00.000-08:002018-01-11T17:14:27.990-08:002017 Year in ReviewMy training in 2017 was down a bit this year. I wasn't training for a full again, and again focused on the Half distance.<br />
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Everything was going pretty well until August when I strained my hamstring. That brought things to a screeching halt. </div>
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July was once again my biggest month.<br />
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SWIM:<br />
Yards: Unknown. See last years post.<br />
Time: 149:03 (Up 10 hours from last year, Yeah!)<br />
Biggest Week: August 28th (4:47) 3 pool swims and a OWS<br />
Biggest Month: July (16:40) Chatt Worlds had me motivated.<br />
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<br />
BIKE<br />
Distance: 3,677.6 (Down 26% from last year) More Trainer time.<br />
Time: 213:35 (Down 20% from Last year)<br />
Biggest Week: 206 Miles August 14th<br />
Biggest Month: 609 Miles in July<br />
Longest Ride: 85.5 Miles on July 22nd<br />
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Wow really down a lot from last year. And 2016 I was down from my ironman training years. I think I need to get some more miles/time in this year. I really tried to take time to recover, but that didn't seem to work any better at the end of the year. Just need to go back to hammering the miles to get stronger.<br />
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RUN<br />
Distance: 1,132.3 Miles<br />
Biggest Week: 47 Miles August 14th<br />
Biggest Month: 155 miles in April<br />
Longest Run: 15 Miles (3 Times)<br />
A bit of a dropoff from last year. But after Chatt Worlds, I took 2 months completely off from biking and running due to my hamstring. That really affected those overall numbers.<br />
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TOTALS:<br />
Time: 507:50, down from 555:59 (down 9% from last year)<br />
Biggest Month: July 62 hours<br />
Biggest Week: July 17th with 18:43<br />
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<br />
In 2017 I again got the Ironman Brand 70.3 All World Athlete Gold. My ranking wasn't as high as last year, since one of my races was the World Championships. Obviously don't get as many points for that abysmal placing. So I was ranked 45th in the world and 23rd in the US in my age group.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chattanooga 70.3</td></tr>
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2017 USAT Score was a little lower with year with a 94.238 but my local rankings were better as I moved to the 45-49 age group. I was once again #1 in South Carolina and #2 in the entire Southeast Region. My national ranking slipped from last year to 87th this year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulder 70.3</td></tr>
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2017 had it's ups and down. So close to that first AG win at Chattanooga, losing by 34 seconds. Then finished the year straining my hamstring and having another horrific 70.3 Worlds race. In between I had a lot of fun races. I was happy with Boulder 70.3 and the trifecta: Podium, Worlds Spot, and TriClub Award. It was fun to do a charity swim and another beer mile as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR_AqaXjl8ZJUUptj3b6QQFrgAE3hz_ZVun82asa8qRGRtmaw3Xc6ZMT-B5BbQ2B2hDfsUjJtrH_EYkDiiRiLSggS30cqNl_NYgefUjkfctKcKm_mZTfyjw2UXI3xsaC6Km2n9yqBoG4Y/s1600/21740457_10210612311360143_1662409377736894007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="640" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR_AqaXjl8ZJUUptj3b6QQFrgAE3hz_ZVun82asa8qRGRtmaw3Xc6ZMT-B5BbQ2B2hDfsUjJtrH_EYkDiiRiLSggS30cqNl_NYgefUjkfctKcKm_mZTfyjw2UXI3xsaC6Km2n9yqBoG4Y/s400/21740457_10210612311360143_1662409377736894007_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Chattanooga, TN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So what does 2018 hold? More Ironman 70.3's, a race I have to fly to, and a World Championships. Actually that sounds exactly like my 2017. Also hopefully I will not embarrass myself at 70.3 Worlds this year. Wait, that was exactly like 2017 as well. Whatevs. The TriClub Championships at Florida 70.3 will be amazing, as we will have over 60 BSR's racing. I will also do my first International Race, and my first Trip to Africa. Pretty stoked about that. Man, I'm ready to get this party started!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awards Haul</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-50531821471332226132017-12-04T09:21:00.000-08:002017-12-04T09:21:01.291-08:002017 Waxhaw Beer Mile Worlds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year was my very first beer mile ever. It was quite a lot of fun, and I looked forward to it again this year. After re-aggravating my hamstring at Chattanooga in September, I took a full 2 months off from running and biking. I only took 3 weeks straight off of swimming, as that didn't hurt (as long as I didn't breaststroke kick).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpakJy0I6XSVNxvgCZpLEmXtkyy4qGu-Ag9w9N2wykBnVTvj11QbCpxXFwpACsOpDOF8FRrGbdWEJ0ph9mGN-GILuqyVdz04VdAJ4ECgBIHzgC1QU_cIMPdMzM9Ipywo79HXG6hWkZ6nv5/s1600/f01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1006" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpakJy0I6XSVNxvgCZpLEmXtkyy4qGu-Ag9w9N2wykBnVTvj11QbCpxXFwpACsOpDOF8FRrGbdWEJ0ph9mGN-GILuqyVdz04VdAJ4ECgBIHzgC1QU_cIMPdMzM9Ipywo79HXG6hWkZ6nv5/s320/f01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The People Gather</td></tr>
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So the weekend before the Beer Mile was my first ride and run in two months. My hamstring felt sore, but didn't really hurt. I kept the runs short, at 3 miles. I figured that since this was only going to be a mile, it would be no problem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdlZ2v5_bupIPg8Be6UfRo4Bgk8wrjSRhOYPzorg3uZxN0ipsFEpNn9IfYnC1rFwnejOaJdUQiHSJQro4mxTPIIFe0c2fmPM1Iy-jJHKFnjmo0_Qv-4Z7JgqfvAKQrF3g_o3LK6_tJVnq/s1600/f02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="907" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdlZ2v5_bupIPg8Be6UfRo4Bgk8wrjSRhOYPzorg3uZxN0ipsFEpNn9IfYnC1rFwnejOaJdUQiHSJQro4mxTPIIFe0c2fmPM1Iy-jJHKFnjmo0_Qv-4Z7JgqfvAKQrF3g_o3LK6_tJVnq/s320/f02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instructions are Given</td></tr>
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It's about 25 minutes over to Waxhaw. I got there about 12:45pm to hang out and help set up. We hung out a little longer, as there was a big wreck on Providence road that delayed several people. We had a good crowd this year as again Karen invited the entire MSA swim group to the event. It was billed as the MSA Christmas party. Mostly because we knew that Coach Patty wouldn't be up to it this year (more on that later).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQRVdXxBzCMB3YuoPuYlFyXdnkNrSqFy6JnU-K0XCfh83xR9nMARBNlevsmHBOejtrPN1t6e1Btiy36w8oT2hYJwqq3bEsKc-LhkTrlY62goC1V597xOtHQdvTqDHRAim5Y76Zbj44-8o/s1600/f10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1296" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQRVdXxBzCMB3YuoPuYlFyXdnkNrSqFy6JnU-K0XCfh83xR9nMARBNlevsmHBOejtrPN1t6e1Btiy36w8oT2hYJwqq3bEsKc-LhkTrlY62goC1V597xOtHQdvTqDHRAim5Y76Zbj44-8o/s320/f10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MSA in the House</td></tr>
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As usual, there were a lot of EPT Racing people there was well. Although (thankfully) Laurent was unable to make it. That Canadian destroyed me last year. Mostly on the drinking part. Also 3rd place finisher Mark wasn't there either. So the biggest competition was uber swimmer Jeremy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UfTAb-bvNTrv88JTESJb4Y4_YDAIdLbr74AxG1NjvFW18PnsrVZyFsLYjM6CHd6ddengTSCe7QO2YmueMKVfa63R8ib9yUi8WsVD_Wlcja5CLZKQPQ5X1Cl-vxmPVqGTlOeU9kYdrCUN/s1600/f08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="923" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UfTAb-bvNTrv88JTESJb4Y4_YDAIdLbr74AxG1NjvFW18PnsrVZyFsLYjM6CHd6ddengTSCe7QO2YmueMKVfa63R8ib9yUi8WsVD_Wlcja5CLZKQPQ5X1Cl-vxmPVqGTlOeU9kYdrCUN/s320/f08.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I Want You to Run the Beer Mile"</td></tr>
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Since this beer mile is just for fun. We don't follow the official beer mile rules. First is the use of dixie cups. We just set up a table in the cul-de-sac, and fill up cups from a keg. Last year we some good Triple C Golden Boy. Evidently there were some complaints that it was a little heavy. I thought it was fine. I like good beer. So this year they got some Miller Lite Swill. (I added the 'Swill', that's not actually the name - I'm talking to you Trista).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzG4MFOdrZD-SCmqjWBsoLO5ya6WEw0RvRx_a2xAFTTqrjfCpFt-VtoSAzMinYcV3WijjMXq4sh2RksmAvPo4jNajq-5iaEhGyLyzO1c1VdfZHZFeTqA5JK1CgJgtucz5aYz3M0hRzdAa/s1600/g1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="913" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzG4MFOdrZD-SCmqjWBsoLO5ya6WEw0RvRx_a2xAFTTqrjfCpFt-VtoSAzMinYcV3WijjMXq4sh2RksmAvPo4jNajq-5iaEhGyLyzO1c1VdfZHZFeTqA5JK1CgJgtucz5aYz3M0hRzdAa/s640/g1.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyways, Karen gives everyone the instructions. I would guess we had 30-40 people (counting kids doing the 'juice box' mile). Someone is the "Official" timer by using their phone. Everyone grabs a cup and gets ready. I have the cup up and ready to start my garmin and drink at the same time. Someone yells go and we start chugging.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zuTF1PrrDYqt45hNGTgCM5-N16G4iUNCErM4uzZr1EYTIYyVCVUDIeQk6YC3tRAo0nN-jd39_8b-AzwVzwQXqlS-to3fm51of12ufD6r31iLgzr5F9vPkxwrsrn8TrRuX39bGVG4HGGv/s1600/g2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1531" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zuTF1PrrDYqt45hNGTgCM5-N16G4iUNCErM4uzZr1EYTIYyVCVUDIeQk6YC3tRAo0nN-jd39_8b-AzwVzwQXqlS-to3fm51of12ufD6r31iLgzr5F9vPkxwrsrn8TrRuX39bGVG4HGGv/s400/g2.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heartrate and Pace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ0jSZNItKjgbKZ3jDQ4Ej-NDB-wh_YewEGTwjDFpXdUP1TiFLW0ZScp7OB4k-uk6xI4GIiTtvyt-qJPqY3vcddOMNIkBMB6IdTUvaIjsHw90VeO2O_u5BwEIspakLa84gc4j_XRgTkPV/s1600/G0057091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ0jSZNItKjgbKZ3jDQ4Ej-NDB-wh_YewEGTwjDFpXdUP1TiFLW0ZScp7OB4k-uk6xI4GIiTtvyt-qJPqY3vcddOMNIkBMB6IdTUvaIjsHw90VeO2O_u5BwEIspakLa84gc4j_XRgTkPV/s400/G0057091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy in the lead</td></tr>
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The first one, honestly, isn't so bad. The worst part is that on this 4 loop out and back course, is that the "out" part is uphill. So you slam the beer and then try to trudge uphill. I'm probably in 10th place when I start running. I don't really catch many people on the uphill, but once it hit the cones at the top and start coming back down, I start to reel people in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8ZEF8zorQk9RInEykPCFIRC51vwNUnLmQmRGELC4VQ-pYwmD45oYd98nheh3vBMQDWE6rxIfFDWQZjEnI-lB0sVkQBmtHefTECq59BFiGm7SnssKHomrhfD3vjiL_oxXr-bNQ4AE5vLF/s1600/G0057105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1586" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8ZEF8zorQk9RInEykPCFIRC51vwNUnLmQmRGELC4VQ-pYwmD45oYd98nheh3vBMQDWE6rxIfFDWQZjEnI-lB0sVkQBmtHefTECq59BFiGm7SnssKHomrhfD3vjiL_oxXr-bNQ4AE5vLF/s400/G0057105.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proper Form: Bent Knees, Head Up, Feet shoulder width apart</td></tr>
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I see Jeremy is the first one back at the table. We had all put our names on the cups that we started with. I see Jeremy looking around for his cup. As I'm coming to the table, I decide that I can't waste any time on that. I just grab the closest cup at the table and start drinking. Even then Jeremy is still probably 10 seconds ahead of me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbJCac0CLKMhhEnOEJbHwzQmqs5wFy3CD0ADR0Kn8V8WwYD2XaV3kLO4fgxN4nVoLr6KU9BV-fSDkHULRpu6ks3bRU_LUbWGN78LgDIEQQbJUvBRrS71FH95yj4CzQDKzWYnspRaqH_oG/s1600/G0057109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1469" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbJCac0CLKMhhEnOEJbHwzQmqs5wFy3CD0ADR0Kn8V8WwYD2XaV3kLO4fgxN4nVoLr6KU9BV-fSDkHULRpu6ks3bRU_LUbWGN78LgDIEQQbJUvBRrS71FH95yj4CzQDKzWYnspRaqH_oG/s400/G0057109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Rough</td></tr>
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This time up the hill is much slower. Jer is several places ahead of me. I am still catching people, so that was good. That 2nd lap was my slowest. I get back for the 3rd beer, chug it, start running, and start burping like I may lose it. I'm like, Keep it Together, Man!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgMYOqY0JZp4i3UOhQTLSbj32Ute83mqi7smu6c4WvtZmclCQPHLhAzUpN1HCtF45xKiynmIRa6_Z8KUfguI21dHOmYMlpS82yK0wU3thb-WnKPJa6OMdzIZqrwEdC3vmoaVEw2dF7AxA/s1600/g5.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="900" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgMYOqY0JZp4i3UOhQTLSbj32Ute83mqi7smu6c4WvtZmclCQPHLhAzUpN1HCtF45xKiynmIRa6_Z8KUfguI21dHOmYMlpS82yK0wU3thb-WnKPJa6OMdzIZqrwEdC3vmoaVEw2dF7AxA/s400/g5.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuWhjRnc02WcnycGqEofFHHjIiyeDfR5_0t3eQB7PlTADVG5EZXQg9uMcqFKM6wMQDZ1MQnMUl-FQBbG8s_8nzBBwSVPGrRnx3uNuwSYJzw-QvpFL_BtlLtpLIFp89hub3A6CwEnlI3HC/s1600/G0067149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuWhjRnc02WcnycGqEofFHHjIiyeDfR5_0t3eQB7PlTADVG5EZXQg9uMcqFKM6wMQDZ1MQnMUl-FQBbG8s_8nzBBwSVPGrRnx3uNuwSYJzw-QvpFL_BtlLtpLIFp89hub3A6CwEnlI3HC/s400/G0067149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the Heel Striker I Love</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3vPrBoOl0dmgocXhyphenhyphen577zjvQvMBR6BRkmdzQJvpeCM1qCRufJk3pzH_7VUbEQ4o7VK6L2la8hl8n5UrVYJf1MFOScwFpcac6p0IPGNNgpXAMRkdOIgWpekE8R_zHzVzBh9oo0LLnSgGB/s1600/G0067157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="954" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3vPrBoOl0dmgocXhyphenhyphen577zjvQvMBR6BRkmdzQJvpeCM1qCRufJk3pzH_7VUbEQ4o7VK6L2la8hl8n5UrVYJf1MFOScwFpcac6p0IPGNNgpXAMRkdOIgWpekE8R_zHzVzBh9oo0LLnSgGB/s400/G0067157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The 3rd lap starts out the slowest, but I pull it together on the downhill some. At this point, I'm not sure I'll catch Jeremy. I get back for the last beer, and try and chug like there is no tomorrow. I turn to run, and feel like total dog crap, more burping, and hard to get the legs moving. I'm like, 2nd place isn't so bad.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6g8ADu716ba_DqjDsaCcAJzgSRZUQpln4pY3dlEaprTZwWBi7F-0iNRlyykDAZmG6ikquFtwo0XJRHr-kTGYwvBpGzG1ueTWOWSq5XpS58jrRUBqR6aP-4H47LJv-0yZ4LJbLfRJErn-Z/s1600/G0067163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1277" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6g8ADu716ba_DqjDsaCcAJzgSRZUQpln4pY3dlEaprTZwWBi7F-0iNRlyykDAZmG6ikquFtwo0XJRHr-kTGYwvBpGzG1ueTWOWSq5XpS58jrRUBqR6aP-4H47LJv-0yZ4LJbLfRJErn-Z/s400/G0067163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc5QNcH2rlMdAqeg6BWpbqNkgQHTx1WFD1Q3WTqkTbQSG625aL_54-dfSZJQrqXrMjvbqcsQi1kBJg_igNdiT-p6wyp4JwKPfsxXn21S6fqNx1orwaiUjdDYCjnfFnn_vABRh_27L6XAR/s1600/G0077192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1600" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc5QNcH2rlMdAqeg6BWpbqNkgQHTx1WFD1Q3WTqkTbQSG625aL_54-dfSZJQrqXrMjvbqcsQi1kBJg_igNdiT-p6wyp4JwKPfsxXn21S6fqNx1orwaiUjdDYCjnfFnn_vABRh_27L6XAR/s400/G0077192.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinting for all I was worth</td></tr>
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I push to the the turnaround and decide I'm not that far behind. So I try to sprint back down the hill. I catch Jeremy less than half way back down, and push through the finish for the W. I just put my hand on my knees, tried to catch my breath, and keep my beer down. That is a rough feeling. For such a fun event, you really feel like crap for a bit. Then your stomach feels better, and then you start feeling reeeeally good. It may have something to do with putting down 4 beers in less than 7 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmu3s38dE24hn3q2i6kiEywQnOR-Exq-_NLMwesFLS0bhcla04t2pVK0YFcglisRU5gI0jmcD_iTrXl3lVgm6QqL-CTiNn2GSHDDYRoH9G4HnIzxhUaAmDR8H8KzGEn71mfCB3BykJkdCz/s1600/f03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="725" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmu3s38dE24hn3q2i6kiEywQnOR-Exq-_NLMwesFLS0bhcla04t2pVK0YFcglisRU5gI0jmcD_iTrXl3lVgm6QqL-CTiNn2GSHDDYRoH9G4HnIzxhUaAmDR8H8KzGEn71mfCB3BykJkdCz/s400/f03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So that's why we all hang out for a couple of hours afterward and eat until we can drive home. After everyone finishes the race, Karen does the awards and provides the top prizes. I had brought some six-packs from my local Brewery, Full Spectrum, for 2nd and 3rd place prizes.<br />
Men<br />
1. Me, Bell's Brewing Kalamazoo Stout<br />
2. Jeremy, Full Spectrum Carolina Blue Pale Ale<br />
3. David, Full Spectrum Upstate Orange Wheat<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZSDNRXncdmdqwzBhH-MUzPOte3XYjl92jH870KBEjqnMZUTnfyfN_e_m46cZBbMkQlIQleXXU_1YW7TNp4zDz2nBvMob2vkyO_w8f-PlodjKaOblOeig_5VPHjODPHXEAogWNxidditn/s1600/f04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="797" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZSDNRXncdmdqwzBhH-MUzPOte3XYjl92jH870KBEjqnMZUTnfyfN_e_m46cZBbMkQlIQleXXU_1YW7TNp4zDz2nBvMob2vkyO_w8f-PlodjKaOblOeig_5VPHjODPHXEAogWNxidditn/s400/f04.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Women<br />
1. Karen, Bell's Brewing Hell Hath No Fury Belgian Dark Ale<br />
2. Jen, Full Spectrum Carolina Blue Pale Ale<br />
3. Shannon, Full Spectrum Upstate Orange Wheat<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb15E9xfk2j-DT7fwGHdRaDAoRjVA916D1Hl_574wDr0CQkYPU5rNujGjtHvMXNkvZTUAJo6-ez8gOhLK7JgqolWTNY6r0o4yGxQ89IYIV2YVW7iFTBssm5Wb82f65MxkJ1Rci9rRf0PW/s1600/f05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1019" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb15E9xfk2j-DT7fwGHdRaDAoRjVA916D1Hl_574wDr0CQkYPU5rNujGjtHvMXNkvZTUAJo6-ez8gOhLK7JgqolWTNY6r0o4yGxQ89IYIV2YVW7iFTBssm5Wb82f65MxkJ1Rci9rRf0PW/s320/f05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kid's winners</td></tr>
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Karen gets Bell's Brewing from Kalamazoo, MI as that is where she is from. Fun Fact: I was born in Kalamazoo as well. Whoah.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdpaUlFQQv5Gh7nBcCOWRSL_X5K3Lbh9Vd-U6p2L6kltFKE9Kmzcc3XPZkLJW-pf5KRpkAoEm4AadAWOgyr_YR0Aqv3xb3jJjJgkup7LNBn6TLNKCj9m-saxM36AVFyKtfxm9Mx-zLKzL/s1600/f06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="900" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdpaUlFQQv5Gh7nBcCOWRSL_X5K3Lbh9Vd-U6p2L6kltFKE9Kmzcc3XPZkLJW-pf5KRpkAoEm4AadAWOgyr_YR0Aqv3xb3jJjJgkup7LNBn6TLNKCj9m-saxM36AVFyKtfxm9Mx-zLKzL/s320/f06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That guy looks like he had 4 beer in less than 7 minutes, and he sweats a lot</td></tr>
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We all retired around back of the house for the food. Karen's husband was grilling up some burgers and everyone had brought a bunch of food. I hung out for a little bit letting everyone else get some food before I jumped in. That way you can tell what the good stuff is, and what people are passing over. I thought all the food was really great. It was nice to hang out and talk to everyone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxixBRebtSyQeXDahrNtB4MiGyT2OvrNW9S5ppxufoZcGgSCPRUh405IemJcDUJeJKLtchvZuda0bYw1_n5ZOfvMJv9rT0u7x2yoBuXCc4RPqddwKU4hcnaoG_Seh66d04IYMAYc2hA8Bs/s1600/f07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="879" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxixBRebtSyQeXDahrNtB4MiGyT2OvrNW9S5ppxufoZcGgSCPRUh405IemJcDUJeJKLtchvZuda0bYw1_n5ZOfvMJv9rT0u7x2yoBuXCc4RPqddwKU4hcnaoG_Seh66d04IYMAYc2hA8Bs/s320/f07.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Coach Patty came out and brought her husband Tom. He had a stroke a few weeks earlier. Physically he seemed really good, but he is still having issues speaking and forming sentences.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hioHwvOmBvt58Cm1Kho7Eaqm-2GhWxxVxSUvXRraSf2_HsJYrUG4IIgjK5rcuhoqEMUs96Lh6oEk3nkV0NZlTyfW59BNdsVRmj7jmEeO3RxsFNB9FXnt343SIKcCFWIMDjm8dYCpFon1/s1600/f09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1035" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hioHwvOmBvt58Cm1Kho7Eaqm-2GhWxxVxSUvXRraSf2_HsJYrUG4IIgjK5rcuhoqEMUs96Lh6oEk3nkV0NZlTyfW59BNdsVRmj7jmEeO3RxsFNB9FXnt343SIKcCFWIMDjm8dYCpFon1/s320/f09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those were some good burgers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All in all a fun event, even if the actual beer mile can be a little miserable at times. Next year, I may take this event a little more seriously. It would be nice to actually be in shape to run it. I had the drinking part down this year, but wasn't in very good running shape. Maybe next year I can be in shape for both. Thanks to Shannon for the pre and post race pics. Thanks to Judd for the in-race pics.<br />
<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-54940941700795739822017-11-18T06:01:00.000-08:002018-02-14T09:57:58.309-08:002017 Swim Across America Charlotte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23y3YOAytzRDUkGMvn6KOVo0YpcWe6M6U2k7vwOIiTYiO9ib0MXEUphudO7-2n1lrSvqQkDR40cZjDsaOa_baCdtW4ntWErqVlUwhjRG43_Lx_RBbAzt28LMf_Btia9-rZQ-dwvXk3Q92/s1600/Swim+Logo.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="410" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23y3YOAytzRDUkGMvn6KOVo0YpcWe6M6U2k7vwOIiTYiO9ib0MXEUphudO7-2n1lrSvqQkDR40cZjDsaOa_baCdtW4ntWErqVlUwhjRG43_Lx_RBbAzt28LMf_Btia9-rZQ-dwvXk3Q92/s320/Swim+Logo.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've never really done any charity work (other than at church) or any charity fundraising. I just donate monetarily to support local charities and occasionally national/bigger ones. So when our swim coach challenged our masters swim team to raise money for this 'Swim Across America', I initially just thought I would do the same as always. I would support my friends' fundraising, but just watch from the sidelines.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8OBXerdz2fDtOP6ZQK-rxRjQ2Ma51MF4zd8_ID4YqpWhXqwkuNAfJ7TTwKF8XF21rE1U5goA7OkL3aCefECvV74h7_9_wXxrs3uj-wYA8WV1pFu5vPaKwdhHZwjDmnJDsd6ZUZ99AWZL/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8OBXerdz2fDtOP6ZQK-rxRjQ2Ma51MF4zd8_ID4YqpWhXqwkuNAfJ7TTwKF8XF21rE1U5goA7OkL3aCefECvV74h7_9_wXxrs3uj-wYA8WV1pFu5vPaKwdhHZwjDmnJDsd6ZUZ99AWZL/s320/IMG_4998.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swag when we first signed up</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.swimacrossamerica.org/" target="_blank">Swim Across America</a> runs Cancer Research fundraising swims across the country. They started more than 30 years ago raising money in Nantucket, MA. It has now grown to over 15 open water swims and 100 pool swims each year. The organization is now based in Charlotte, but ironically this was the first year they had an event in Charlotte.<br />
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My lanemate, Kelly, is a cancer survivor. I have <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2015/12/breast-cancer-and-triathlon.html" target="_blank">chronicled her journey</a> before. We swim together all the time. At Ironman Chattanooga 70.3 this year she mentioned she was going to do this swim. For obvious reasons. She wanted me to do it as well, and I was quite hesitant. Well, because, I am not good at raising money, and I don't like swimming. Finally though, I said if you sign up for it then I will too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmww5tO_xhaHa6CyklaIEWwLE4kwoTBcxzxoHsiYZoJoQ4Ll_1rhuSSUJlM-1eTTOc55FyE1Et8sFoIHbeLHD0OyuyJUzPWPy_Nr0fE9VKNsQVbezUfdK-QFX4ss5MYF9MozQXG8l06EtL/s1600/funraising+list.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="399" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmww5tO_xhaHa6CyklaIEWwLE4kwoTBcxzxoHsiYZoJoQ4Ll_1rhuSSUJlM-1eTTOc55FyE1Et8sFoIHbeLHD0OyuyJUzPWPy_Nr0fE9VKNsQVbezUfdK-QFX4ss5MYF9MozQXG8l06EtL/s320/funraising+list.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course she signed up for it, then I did as well. The minimum fundraising threshold is not that high ($400), and your entry fee ($25) goes to your fundraising effort as well. That part wasn't too bad. You then had a choice of a 0.5 mile, 1.5 mile, or 3 mile swim. I went with the 1.5 mile. I thought a half mile was too short (who are you??), but then 3 mile is too long and not fun. Plus I've never swam further than 2.6 miles in open water. (That's what my garmin said from that swim in October a couple of years ago.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWe75p7-LgGhf1QaS-3FsTCKkZTEAPQQxgOfGTkK48GCP0OVLSdNjAAeT9NEwgfnjeTfniBmwGS-eQ6oUbWLNLb5Cko5FoevfbWJMxQBUJj3L5PoztpCRRCsvLnvOt6wy9Y2Qn3xwaTF7S/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWe75p7-LgGhf1QaS-3FsTCKkZTEAPQQxgOfGTkK48GCP0OVLSdNjAAeT9NEwgfnjeTfniBmwGS-eQ6oUbWLNLb5Cko5FoevfbWJMxQBUJj3L5PoztpCRRCsvLnvOt6wy9Y2Qn3xwaTF7S/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Norman</td></tr>
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The other nice thing about this race is it doesn't start until 4pm. So I spent 4 hours in the late morning/early afternoon selling boy scout popcorn. (Let me know if you need a hook up). So I didn't leave the house until about 2:30, that got me into the parking lot after 3pm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDimxxiabM88q3S-zNBzLIMRtM1WK9msmUGxqoOXVAbpnpCRbn7H4M7ObPWY1N6qq35tJJL8Dpd2dsSXvGtHR1_3zlMBYYnUXCYyB9oP95u2BGX3U-NDxC_Q__EjHU4hxfOY5c6eljShW/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDimxxiabM88q3S-zNBzLIMRtM1WK9msmUGxqoOXVAbpnpCRbn7H4M7ObPWY1N6qq35tJJL8Dpd2dsSXvGtHR1_3zlMBYYnUXCYyB9oP95u2BGX3U-NDxC_Q__EjHU4hxfOY5c6eljShW/s320/01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had never been to the Lake Norman Y. It's pretty popular among the tri crowd as they host open water swims all summer long. It's a pretty far drive for me, and since Nivens is so close for OWS, I've never had to venture up here. I went straight to check in at the main pavilion. They had my name on the list, and my fundraising dollar amount right next to it. That was a little embarrassing. I'll do better next year, if I do it again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYNPSd8n1SaVpUbkpQFWcCvvWGRY3YkpUlVKcSFkd2xw8C77Ie6Z3ef8Ps7Xi53K4U2Gc6uW8SIGQO8lJa98GgDV4UXq_sR6VreIYUMpoxSxCcsL59sJwTWm8oBhtWK0uTjrdrjDXN_L6/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYNPSd8n1SaVpUbkpQFWcCvvWGRY3YkpUlVKcSFkd2xw8C77Ie6Z3ef8Ps7Xi53K4U2Gc6uW8SIGQO8lJa98GgDV4UXq_sR6VreIYUMpoxSxCcsL59sJwTWm8oBhtWK0uTjrdrjDXN_L6/s320/03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Team!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J0oRKXGCB3QGKEW4RW9YG6Mw22Qi1LQFrX6lDT4RhZsNaRaWHvHB25l4t8vJbtCTrFslfzAPel9hSXTUfY4e4FTwFl_uDSoqLu6a6cPftCxqF9goow-rOrSok_BORAvkldFn7OZ9fcjr/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J0oRKXGCB3QGKEW4RW9YG6Mw22Qi1LQFrX6lDT4RhZsNaRaWHvHB25l4t8vJbtCTrFslfzAPel9hSXTUfY4e4FTwFl_uDSoqLu6a6cPftCxqF9goow-rOrSok_BORAvkldFn7OZ9fcjr/s320/04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After checkin, and grabbing all the stuff, I headed over to the other of the sand to where my MSA teammates were setup. We had 22 MSA'ers signed up. So with everyone's families, there was quite a crowd. We just hung out for a bit, but pretty soon they gathered everyone at the pavilion before the 3 milers were to go off at 4pm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTlvAXvuuTAJmzVRBEJmr9yT_m4WkMVQW0CSocXqQqWCWPaCewPWLE1aKldMSv32z4RkYKKGZt-NvmrFLBm77EiWRW8so2q_6MnosuThJfWKv336mOxsrK9Pd0-hZjfYbQ7iJIPNlHBFh/s1600/Patty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTlvAXvuuTAJmzVRBEJmr9yT_m4WkMVQW0CSocXqQqWCWPaCewPWLE1aKldMSv32z4RkYKKGZt-NvmrFLBm77EiWRW8so2q_6MnosuThJfWKv336mOxsrK9Pd0-hZjfYbQ7iJIPNlHBFh/s320/Patty1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Patty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwveJc4QY5vSrfXfiCCOaK3PaRrXob27WGWDtHiwKS08O0ET-j0AE64-N_S0oPu1kTrgm2yxW2VjXCOb9X4EuA15MgcR7uTPGFxmIR7mEEbfwLp89K9H6lvHI6_-ew900qFX-LSSnnlAPH/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwveJc4QY5vSrfXfiCCOaK3PaRrXob27WGWDtHiwKS08O0ET-j0AE64-N_S0oPu1kTrgm2yxW2VjXCOb9X4EuA15MgcR7uTPGFxmIR7mEEbfwLp89K9H6lvHI6_-ew900qFX-LSSnnlAPH/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Big Check"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They talked about the many swims they were hosting across the country. They had a girl speak from Queens University that was a cancer survivor. Then they had Coach Patty come up and speak. She was the 2nd biggest individual fundraiser for the Charlotte swim. Probably more importantly she had inspired our MSA team to be the #1 fundraising team in Charlotte. By a mile. Like more than double the second place team.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dtmwtQuYGqRF0HMjvgUtq24CWIfhCtppzPdFBKflGpt3R1LmBQ8q7GFjssw4OlXsJIjou_YDjICTKMW7JDKZxq0BChhQ7CsjkuTl_O3S5-pc8jJD_LOr3lXPKha-s4gwVC2YOuiW5QYt/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dtmwtQuYGqRF0HMjvgUtq24CWIfhCtppzPdFBKflGpt3R1LmBQ8q7GFjssw4OlXsJIjou_YDjICTKMW7JDKZxq0BChhQ7CsjkuTl_O3S5-pc8jJD_LOr3lXPKha-s4gwVC2YOuiW5QYt/s400/02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Start Chute and Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Patty spoke for a while, and got pretty emotional speaking about Brian. Brian was a member of MSA that lost his battle for cancer last December. I didn't swim with Brian at practice, ever. I had only seen him a few times. I did get to be his teammate on a relay at the 2016 Sunbelt Swim meet. He led off and I was anchor leg. Because, well, I a really fast swimmer. #anchorleg Our team is named after Brian's famous quote after he signed up for Sunbelt "I'm so far out of my box I can't see it anymore!"<br />
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Soon it was time for the 3 milers to go off. They left a few minutes after 4p. It was pretty casual start. Everyone kinda mosied into the water. Some people jumped the gun. Some people hung out for a few seconds after the gun went off. I can only presume it was that they didn't want to interrupt a good pee. This is a 1.5 mile loop, so they had to do the loop twice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1-FrzH0kGHYqffwp7ct51ibzW7cSrAsCX29uWv0F4iQ7-8K39xOx7etmkH_vO2k53O9E5gz46FfTieIOlksQm_IGgez3DVpu3y9xTqLn5xZ9d5XfP98DsIvGq8Un_O29E-7gF0ewzAz1/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1-FrzH0kGHYqffwp7ct51ibzW7cSrAsCX29uWv0F4iQ7-8K39xOx7etmkH_vO2k53O9E5gz46FfTieIOlksQm_IGgez3DVpu3y9xTqLn5xZ9d5XfP98DsIvGq8Un_O29E-7gF0ewzAz1/s320/07.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Miler Teammates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Eventually then us that were swimming 1.5 miles started gathering together. It was a balmy 88 degrees, and I just wore my regular swimsuit. I opted to skip the swimskin. I walked down with CarolAnn and Trista, and we waded in together. I really didn't have much of a plan, being that this was a charity swim. I did want to beat CarolAnn. So there's that. She was 3rd out of the water in her age group at Ironman North Carolina 70.3 last year. If I was ever 3rd on the swim in an Ironman Event, I might have it engraved on my tombstone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6bbihAerfVXpOoCQq-Qq58U9PAmiAfGGO1jxSrCo6LWpVj1A_2BjMSrT-FyIGkbeK3Hke-7FipPg_qFM-Vp_izkJJnNO4v8bOzbNzhvxkoUmfJSqcFAqMR6myhPoktdZZI-An1tsUYpl/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6bbihAerfVXpOoCQq-Qq58U9PAmiAfGGO1jxSrCo6LWpVj1A_2BjMSrT-FyIGkbeK3Hke-7FipPg_qFM-Vp_izkJJnNO4v8bOzbNzhvxkoUmfJSqcFAqMR6myhPoktdZZI-An1tsUYpl/s320/09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1.5 Milers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4z5PkvlkDiGfiCI7MyWOlgv-_Qe2-GkJyk6r5l_rL-yJ5He08ACaNbiiXmkvya6BlrDkishcF2M4pIma5VyF6AmhRkMQlNLdpKAvLNif7ezhLmya4xttjw0eC1R_cmzT-bSEipYDozTE/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="640" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4z5PkvlkDiGfiCI7MyWOlgv-_Qe2-GkJyk6r5l_rL-yJ5He08ACaNbiiXmkvya6BlrDkishcF2M4pIma5VyF6AmhRkMQlNLdpKAvLNif7ezhLmya4xttjw0eC1R_cmzT-bSEipYDozTE/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Trista, Go Trista!</td></tr>
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The gun goes off, and I start swimming. Pretty soon, I'm not really sure exactly where I'm supposed to be headed. I mean I had looked at the course map, but somehow the way we started in this mini bay, I thought we would go a bit differently. We kinda had to swim out a tiny bit, before heading west. I thought we would head straight west from the beginning. Anyways for the first 500 yards, I really wasn't sure where I was going.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjgNp9vIp6OIrkjAoiEkIJ1fuqWStQHmixOf0EbG_bkQxGnH56f2ScSFUckslnQys9XjvEPSB8CjzCRZ20N_RNQsiuugvAbBT4tEFgL1upNhnm5kVTzQ9EFGWnZvkqF-Emx7Q3h73em0o/s1600/g1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="912" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjgNp9vIp6OIrkjAoiEkIJ1fuqWStQHmixOf0EbG_bkQxGnH56f2ScSFUckslnQys9XjvEPSB8CjzCRZ20N_RNQsiuugvAbBT4tEFgL1upNhnm5kVTzQ9EFGWnZvkqF-Emx7Q3h73em0o/s400/g1.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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Instead of making a beeline southwest, I kinda looped around. then I finally kinda saw the turn buoy. The other buoys were kinda misleading. If you followed them closely, and not the shore, you would go a long way around. I felt better now that I (kinda) knew what I was doing. Then all of a sudden this pack just swam over me. About 6 people surrounded me and swam through me. Stupid fast 3 mile swimmers on their second lap. We should have started earlier.<br />
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The first turn is about 1/2 mile into the race. Right after the turn at that first buoy, I notice CarolAnn right next to me. I thought, well at least I know where she's at. That spurred me to a bit of surge, and I believe I started to pull away from her then. Of course that didn't stop me from being stampeded by a second group of 3 milers swimming through me on that second leg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTenrJ8m2YrNvPYsEiZBdjZQYIBR7db94UEq134Lk1tl0rX9L34hEC7hIVWnuwmmYwq34H2dBgYldfTj495_1LLp8IQsPJnbCkMBsJ1LnTyew21XkSv8pRtMaxBtK-3x5XfQjk7W6-JFKd/s1600/g4.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1522" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTenrJ8m2YrNvPYsEiZBdjZQYIBR7db94UEq134Lk1tl0rX9L34hEC7hIVWnuwmmYwq34H2dBgYldfTj495_1LLp8IQsPJnbCkMBsJ1LnTyew21XkSv8pRtMaxBtK-3x5XfQjk7W6-JFKd/s400/g4.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pace and Strokes</td></tr>
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There were several cool sections of the water. You would kinda go in and out of cold spots on that stretch. I did think it was kinda cool how close we were swimming to I-77 there. I have rode across that bridge many times. I practically live on 77 for my daily commute. So it was enjoyable to me to be swimming in the water, not a care in the world, as people had to drive on the 77. As Tim Krabbe wrote "the emptiness of those lives shocks me".<br />
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<br />
I tried some 2 stroke breathing to try and quicken my turnover. Maybe it helped maybe it didn't. The second turn buoy was about a mile in. I made the turn and started to head home. There were several low spots in the water. I saw many people walking. I didn't at all. I'm like, this is a swim, I want to swim. I did brush some branches and almost hit a stump. But I kept swimming.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1BJF8olqW9_iOVd2tX7iee0u4eXl0USe2djUazc0dr7IZ-bUuXmaCbPA1JeleE8ULbEgNqFon0SxrKu3PugI1WS6zLY0g_VVZ6QPTFIT9woxyYaUQnmK8awOz5NczcIUHVtRcn7jdxC3/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1BJF8olqW9_iOVd2tX7iee0u4eXl0USe2djUazc0dr7IZ-bUuXmaCbPA1JeleE8ULbEgNqFon0SxrKu3PugI1WS6zLY0g_VVZ6QPTFIT9woxyYaUQnmK8awOz5NczcIUHVtRcn7jdxC3/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Finish</td></tr>
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I finished and felt pretty good. Fellow MSA'er Trudy was at the finish, and I asked her if I had won. She said I did and directed me over to the check out table. They wanted everyone to signoff when they got out of the water, just to make sure they got everyone. They handed me a towel and got some hugs from some teammates.<br />
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I just kinda hung out near the finish and watched the 3 milers finish. When Patty came through, I gave her a big hug. Then I went and changed. Then I got some food at the pavilion. We hung out at the pavilion for a little bit. Then everyone started to head out. Some of us met up at the Dilworth Neighborhood Grill for some food and beers. I was mostly interested in the beers. We had a good group of 15 of us there. I sat next to Tom, Patty's husband, and mostly talked to them and Trista, and John, and Bill. We had a really good time. Even with all that, I was home by 9:30. Big night out for me.<br />
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I'm glad I did this event. We raised a lot of money for cancer research that will be used locally here in Charlotte. Honestly, though, I only signed up for this event because my lanemate Kelly was doing it and encouraged me to do it. Unfortunately she had an emergency with one of her friends that she had to attend to and did not make it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really Nice Big Finisher Towel</td></tr>
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I will do this again next year, if the schedule works out. I don't like swimming, but I like hanging out with my swim friends. Sometimes it's the smallest things in our lives that make the biggest difference.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Swim 'mates Trista and CarolAnn</td></tr>
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-77046299620097884672017-10-17T09:48:00.000-07:002017-10-17T09:48:11.766-07:002017 Ironman 70.3 World Champs Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A couple of years ago when WTC announced that 70.3 Worlds was coming back to the US, I was in. I mean I wanted to do it again. I did 2013 Worlds and it was the worst half iron race of my life. Initially the location of the 2017 race came down to Lake Placid, St. George, and Chattanooga. I actually kinda wanted it to be St. George, to be more of a destination race. But Chattanooga it was, a venue that I'm quite familiar with.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Signage Up</td></tr>
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As avid readers of my blog know (don't judge), I qualified 14 months ago at Muncie. I kinda petered out at the end of last year. But this year started out strong with a 2nd place AG finish at Chattanooga 70.3 in May. I rested, trained hard, and felt I was ready. Or as ready as one could possibly think they are.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquarium</td></tr>
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Thursday<br />
We headed down Thursday morning after the boys had gotten to school. We went the Asheville/Knoxville route from Charlotte instead of the Atlanta route. For the May race, I had gone through Atlanta. This time, we figured with the Hurricane Irma evacuations going on from Florida, that it was best to avoid all of that.<br />
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Mostly uneventful, as we stopped at Subway for lunch, and eventually pulled into the Hilton Garden Inn right at 3pm. We were able to check in and get all the stuff into the room. We freshened up a bit and walked over towards the Aquarium for the Parade of Nations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line for Bike Tech. Suckas!</td></tr>
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I wanted to check out the Parade of Nations, as it was about the only thing that I didn't do the week of Kona. They said they had 91 countries at this race. I don't know if they all had someone carry the flag, but there were quite a few. There were some big contingents from Germany and Australia. I saw BSR Mark with the New Zealand Crew and gave him a shout. We had watched it all go by on Broad Street in front of the Aquarium, and then we headed over to Ross's Landing to see it finish up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parade of Nations Staging</td></tr>
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They had Mark Allen and Dave Scott at the beginning of the parade. At the end at Ross's, they were up on the pier and they both spoke a little along with Andrew Messick. We hung out there for a little bit and then made our way over to the souvenir tent. We checked that out a little, noticed the long line for check in, and then headed over to Chili's to meet up with the rest of the BSR crew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa-Y5lFarddOnA1oA2AQjGdKeZcm6U0wPglWYzHxTf7A_wUEXNMqF4JbEZL9Ajf2hJnHNt-6Y00q6Zz9VIReNxw2d-dz5JX4yAnl4ZzaIJF8MbHWf12uZ42LID2BVjUN1cEs2V6T4rk0P/s1600/07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="1535" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa-Y5lFarddOnA1oA2AQjGdKeZcm6U0wPglWYzHxTf7A_wUEXNMqF4JbEZL9Ajf2hJnHNt-6Y00q6Zz9VIReNxw2d-dz5JX4yAnl4ZzaIJF8MbHWf12uZ42LID2BVjUN1cEs2V6T4rk0P/s320/07.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'MURICA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Africa!</td></tr>
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We had quite a big group there. I got to meet quite a few sexies for the first time. We ate dinner, talked, hung out, and of course got a pictures. #chilislove<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H_kPQ2oyYv1j2ej0wborw7flbN5wUGSSIa0qnutZLt_4qy5B-x7F7dW_lh1-ZfY-5M7n4U2FJy8L2ytQLhU_ViN7bMjqJ7hc4QmJDtLvmTg4LJu8jGMgYaKU0We9adX7KWFXfZmLeIS-/s1600/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H_kPQ2oyYv1j2ej0wborw7flbN5wUGSSIa0qnutZLt_4qy5B-x7F7dW_lh1-ZfY-5M7n4U2FJy8L2ytQLhU_ViN7bMjqJ7hc4QmJDtLvmTg4LJu8jGMgYaKU0We9adX7KWFXfZmLeIS-/s320/04.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vendor Village</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next Year</td></tr>
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We headed back to the hotel pretty early. Since it was just Thursday and I wasn't racing until Sunday, we went down and had a drink at the hotel bar. Then it was to bed pretty early.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYg8Bizte_7n3qzimXaMotCipqQpfDUFS_hw6X9BixTIm-KEA0Y6KXJl7jxHHqP8fwG6WjXNglZrHK2zziArajI99qxDU-nmdiHqwQlPNIPecaq9NOmC_xh6cBORsXjammpxyoYcXMTQk/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYg8Bizte_7n3qzimXaMotCipqQpfDUFS_hw6X9BixTIm-KEA0Y6KXJl7jxHHqP8fwG6WjXNglZrHK2zziArajI99qxDU-nmdiHqwQlPNIPecaq9NOmC_xh6cBORsXjammpxyoYcXMTQk/s320/11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Name Wall"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BSR Crew Pre Race #ChilisLove</td></tr>
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Friday<br />
Quintana Roo hosted a breakfast for all the teams that they sponsor (BSR, QT2, Dynamo). It was over at Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant. Honestly until this weekend, I didn't realize that it was a restaurant as well. I've always seen it right next to the aquarium but never went in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qTzwf6IRyEBcuC-5LPiQo2f3vpiRfBtPLk9ql2Q_VPy_bvSK9R5Y76KZ9s0XNV1e0sLxL0ZKLA6Thfcly4JlSVn05c6Ts-vURRa7MBP0RTMY8lcU6xR19DcPRN6-wa3bhj8C8NLhtWjJ/s1600/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1181" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qTzwf6IRyEBcuC-5LPiQo2f3vpiRfBtPLk9ql2Q_VPy_bvSK9R5Y76KZ9s0XNV1e0sLxL0ZKLA6Thfcly4JlSVn05c6Ts-vURRa7MBP0RTMY8lcU6xR19DcPRN6-wa3bhj8C8NLhtWjJ/s320/03.JPG" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Chad aka "The Stache"</td></tr>
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The CEO of QR, Peter Hurley, was there. Along with some marketing guy for WTC. But the new head of USA Triathlon, Rocky Harris, was also there. We sat with BSR people at one of the tables. I got to meet a few more sexies that weren't at Chilis. I also got to talk with BSR Lisa, who I hadn't seen since Kona. (I just like saying that). We had a good buffet breakfast. All the aforementioned people spoke a little bit. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkin Tent</td></tr>
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I went up to Rocky Harris and had a good 10-15 minute conversation with him. He really wants to work with WTC and Lifetime to grow the sport. He doesn't see them as competitors, but as partners. He asked me specifically what USAT could do better. I just said that working with everyone was a good start. I also said they should do a better job of announcing race dates/places further in advance. But maybe it's just me that tends to plan my schedule a year or more in advance. Anyways he seemed willing to listen, which is good.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IM Village</td></tr>
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We went back to the hotel and my wife chilled. I changed and went down to Ross's Landing to meet BSR Chad for a quick spin. We headed out on the course all the way until we hit the start of "the climb". At that point we bumped into BSR Harold. We hung out and talked a little bit there. Then we all headed back to Ross's. After, I went for a quick run, and felt pretty good. I had strained my hamstring a couple of weeks ago, and hadn't run much since then. In fact, with this run I had only logged 10 miles in the last 17 days.<br />
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We met up with some of my MSA swim 'mates, CarolAnn and Karen at Mellow Mushroom for lunch. We had fun catching up and I got some good nutrition lessons. After lunch we went back to the hotel and my wife chilled. I headed down to check in.<br />
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I had kinda waited until Friday afternoon on purpose to try and avoid the lines. The women's checkin ended at 1pm, so I figured it would be pretty light. I was correct, as there was no line whatsoever to check. Standard checkin. Pretty well organized, although we were not given a timing chip or swim cap at checkin. We were told timing chip at gear check, and swim cap on race morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5V4XFOmbmkkhRFbbILGvn9IK7OONZfkVumU9pQAOZfuegwYBWb8UtcnXyrymtXHM_Lp1TOp__9u5mAveuAay09lAZErL0RRn9KHK19pba2EbdIfU7-YQANQiO9nAt10gaH_MjooPtFUz1/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5V4XFOmbmkkhRFbbILGvn9IK7OONZfkVumU9pQAOZfuegwYBWb8UtcnXyrymtXHM_Lp1TOp__9u5mAveuAay09lAZErL0RRn9KHK19pba2EbdIfU7-YQANQiO9nAt10gaH_MjooPtFUz1/s320/IMG_4830.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pro Women's Rack</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moto Officials</td></tr>
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One difference is that it doesn't empty out into the merchandise tent. This IM Village was set up a little different. You had to go through the merch tent to get into the village. Then you had to snake your way all the way through all the vendors to get to check in. And no, there wasn't an exit over on that side, you had to snake your way all the way back through the vendors to get out. The marketing people put some thought into that one.<br />
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Back at the hotel, I organized my stuff a little, but not everything as I wasn't racing the next day. We walked over to Big River Brewing for dinner. I knew it was a big place and I didn't want to have to wait to eat. I had a 10 oz beer and the dinner was good. We hit the bed early.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My swim 'mates</td></tr>
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Saturday (Women's Race Day)<br />
We just had breakfast at the hotel. We went down to check out action at Ross's landing. We found my swim mates and got to talk with them. For some reason, the race was miraculously wetsuit legal. They were starting in the last wave like I was so they still had plenty of time. We watched them get into the water, and then hung out until they were on the bike. We were down there from about 8 am to 10 am.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVL6N9boxR3JXclVaatnvNU8DGRXjQipghyphenhyphenqGV9wJiXHONIagePTBMygGzIzXDsZaCSZ_8S9soyACJh3Omeoql2SZKRxz-mY5bYOK9rfl_GGgtNXSZOmc8UmQ-pAIlQVwUbqm1EoSy3gh/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVL6N9boxR3JXclVaatnvNU8DGRXjQipghyphenhyphenqGV9wJiXHONIagePTBMygGzIzXDsZaCSZ_8S9soyACJh3Omeoql2SZKRxz-mY5bYOK9rfl_GGgtNXSZOmc8UmQ-pAIlQVwUbqm1EoSy3gh/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramp down to Swim</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Wave Staging, Self Seed by Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swim Chutes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLetjRyBwXzdHJ1jDmaGt6eaFRqq3tVhRXKUJrHZwD8sbAsVjkkGypKfTgfh_FScK9NMZUNZ4OpbvIhH0Fysd5A4clELngrIb034d8qCzsvJHeGSdKObqsUz2CzmZfWfbATCyTuHd9jmpz/s1600/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLetjRyBwXzdHJ1jDmaGt6eaFRqq3tVhRXKUJrHZwD8sbAsVjkkGypKfTgfh_FScK9NMZUNZ4OpbvIhH0Fysd5A4clELngrIb034d8qCzsvJHeGSdKObqsUz2CzmZfWfbATCyTuHd9jmpz/s320/05.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off they go</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0HROsVMnQMhyphenhyphenD5dK6Z0wH50EvVXgir27p2W6km1s28T6r3QwiKWQ-YL8ZplL404dQuerI5znhRXdYziZWt8sMDCTRLS01qf_Nq-t3mL7OCxephIRNe_9d3k2bNasdX883CAL0DwVIVfg/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1600" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0HROsVMnQMhyphenhyphenD5dK6Z0wH50EvVXgir27p2W6km1s28T6r3QwiKWQ-YL8ZplL404dQuerI5znhRXdYziZWt8sMDCTRLS01qf_Nq-t3mL7OCxephIRNe_9d3k2bNasdX883CAL0DwVIVfg/s320/10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Start Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went back to the hotel and chilled for a little bit. Then we headed over to Walnut St and Aquarium St, where BSR Jonathan had setup a canopy. We watched a bunch of the women who went off in the earlier waves go through.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstream Section</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzIUor3HfR5OWBykLyVO6hdSKxSnZCTnercPKHZrfuxtnNExUiCy_7tCy_Ti76mlanSn-gbpZLm4HVtasGfiiZLtkdM8BnC1Mrr2LPbAHkqEaPuf_eGHdox_a4zs3fD36b2rAzdgOVa6_/s1600/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1304" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzIUor3HfR5OWBykLyVO6hdSKxSnZCTnercPKHZrfuxtnNExUiCy_7tCy_Ti76mlanSn-gbpZLm4HVtasGfiiZLtkdM8BnC1Mrr2LPbAHkqEaPuf_eGHdox_a4zs3fD36b2rAzdgOVa6_/s320/02.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen's relaxed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MPhmiJMqgJn3jgk-XRB1nINb7dzYIHndPTFp0kNWa38ivWX03Nl82ZVCJnKs4hYLYw7gg63sKJhd-WBrlMZFF6aYKMgJX350FDaTIxL_KNdek5KOVmLHcKnBTD3XSdr8kvGsneabM37G/s1600/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1600" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MPhmiJMqgJn3jgk-XRB1nINb7dzYIHndPTFp0kNWa38ivWX03Nl82ZVCJnKs4hYLYw7gg63sKJhd-WBrlMZFF6aYKMgJX350FDaTIxL_KNdek5KOVmLHcKnBTD3XSdr8kvGsneabM37G/s320/03.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Exit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNWS1CcEkSsMsLt1gdl4w-0DGcT2H4FNiHNQoCVZioTCjIF9l54_UpbuONaQJmWKbyniVyTcXr6-ajKOFBrWKlFN0BgSupHyMNkG37WIfZBfTF8NZHx_NuGCzbyLm19SGQBg9Ep6otDGQ/s1600/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNWS1CcEkSsMsLt1gdl4w-0DGcT2H4FNiHNQoCVZioTCjIF9l54_UpbuONaQJmWKbyniVyTcXr6-ajKOFBrWKlFN0BgSupHyMNkG37WIfZBfTF8NZHx_NuGCzbyLm19SGQBg9Ep6otDGQ/s320/04.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShYCqQ5mP0PyXc3DWSAgPANQkTyx7TVsazorJMVNBPfnEL01wLlIiMnjo3EOhclTWKMkKJ1L_hgPUZHZjrDjcReAZ7y1RB1Y0b5v9ye85zavWj7WZjUi1U6yFYXwBeAmAz5SyiAsOjA2e/s1600/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShYCqQ5mP0PyXc3DWSAgPANQkTyx7TVsazorJMVNBPfnEL01wLlIiMnjo3EOhclTWKMkKJ1L_hgPUZHZjrDjcReAZ7y1RB1Y0b5v9ye85zavWj7WZjUi1U6yFYXwBeAmAz5SyiAsOjA2e/s320/05.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wetsuit Strippers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0c9NpdSgql0mepzSIDUVPxgG9Ysx82uAJ7qAnqLnJjVRYrN3WBdUewd3YQQkUf7D6t0cE5hIIiQnzpTKXAaH2-XB2O-t8TjmOjPxix6x2hopdQu3NV7dSJAAI3ibMVBJNf_H_hdPVLvXh/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0c9NpdSgql0mepzSIDUVPxgG9Ysx82uAJ7qAnqLnJjVRYrN3WBdUewd3YQQkUf7D6t0cE5hIIiQnzpTKXAaH2-XB2O-t8TjmOjPxix6x2hopdQu3NV7dSJAAI3ibMVBJNf_H_hdPVLvXh/s320/IMG_4860.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bag Grab</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP5JXNnFhFACDmheZTkWMfBtWIHdlASq99NOCowwajEwBsOiEGNT971PIHF-XvTx05UNIInWcTgEHcnLzlmIwX666JKIt4RHCMqcdq2fmUW3GN7xU_knY6Ax0FnuDrJUb5hwokGxARvID/s1600/IMG_4877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP5JXNnFhFACDmheZTkWMfBtWIHdlASq99NOCowwajEwBsOiEGNT971PIHF-XvTx05UNIInWcTgEHcnLzlmIwX666JKIt4RHCMqcdq2fmUW3GN7xU_knY6Ax0FnuDrJUb5hwokGxARvID/s320/IMG_4877.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T1 Changing Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kHilV4-QYd7zHygRWTCE-caFazpUZlzuR7pstszqnL8ru0FFfK-vvDDun7BykonPhRyQN7_nEWeRifxvtD6Xu_mpwgtI7AywG6EnAnORLQWlU1XYJOF8ydjOOGtJeVt56qEjBZvbGuI5/s1600/IMG_4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kHilV4-QYd7zHygRWTCE-caFazpUZlzuR7pstszqnL8ru0FFfK-vvDDun7BykonPhRyQN7_nEWeRifxvtD6Xu_mpwgtI7AywG6EnAnORLQWlU1XYJOF8ydjOOGtJeVt56qEjBZvbGuI5/s320/IMG_4882.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T1 Entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We walked over to Panera Bread with BSR Paolo (originally from Italy) and had lunch. We then went back to the canopy. We watched the rest of the BSR women go through and my swim friends. We then went back to the hotel and I got all my stuff organized for gear check.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI149vWArD-G1EXAk4I5S5bGlYrtxzJQnisDD2pGdd3nuvCn7LY_ZiKSVq4BwWC2obt8bglCYJ-2NUWQ9ajtpn2va9tKDkYlaQ31QCR34DiGcL9iEMc4HZmKT53TQr3kI_xnsLHLBGd8_f/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI149vWArD-G1EXAk4I5S5bGlYrtxzJQnisDD2pGdd3nuvCn7LY_ZiKSVq4BwWC2obt8bglCYJ-2NUWQ9ajtpn2va9tKDkYlaQ31QCR34DiGcL9iEMc4HZmKT53TQr3kI_xnsLHLBGd8_f/s320/01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH_7K93TtW9EqnYg4aeOPNgk1q6JpXAz3Av96J9SG-kkSmO3IQLXt5hzX9Et-a6CPWuoa0U1nTU4Q50Fnm3nyoS-CgkdPbBCbVcjw6ZToRZQ-1bgqhaACJ2wPyF41koMmjyheJPMphyphenhyphenLm/s1600/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1600" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH_7K93TtW9EqnYg4aeOPNgk1q6JpXAz3Av96J9SG-kkSmO3IQLXt5hzX9Et-a6CPWuoa0U1nTU4Q50Fnm3nyoS-CgkdPbBCbVcjw6ZToRZQ-1bgqhaACJ2wPyF41koMmjyheJPMphyphenhyphenLm/s320/02.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl-tvxsk42EK5CfRglrHjncUlKsj1ZSvYCt84II13N-iki4oG08boi5sn2qKW1dWtj2U9cLdpVAMefmSrfWVGe7P6PvKEAWhOqw9l6MEx42sScgKhyUpwxPducWrWKMarfmwRhM_KpSKt/s1600/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl-tvxsk42EK5CfRglrHjncUlKsj1ZSvYCt84II13N-iki4oG08boi5sn2qKW1dWtj2U9cLdpVAMefmSrfWVGe7P6PvKEAWhOqw9l6MEx42sScgKhyUpwxPducWrWKMarfmwRhM_KpSKt/s400/05.JPG" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryf for win again</td></tr>
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I headed over to Bike/Gear Check around 5pm. It is definitely nice to stay at a hotel right in the middle of everything. I got into transition and found my spot on the far side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tyQBCL99ek0X2hpOsldCnrXBdwK0zVsw3mpu4aKuWxFjHsflmuNmAK9nCYa7HGgjXAKF9M1-vCmGzcOoB1cRFfZmnEHov_gDMdfGDSEAXUufALrfp38rwb_d5Aq1TNDFwQXYqk2XHeXk/s1600/21430192_10212639414839196_1008442394568770690_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tyQBCL99ek0X2hpOsldCnrXBdwK0zVsw3mpu4aKuWxFjHsflmuNmAK9nCYa7HGgjXAKF9M1-vCmGzcOoB1cRFfZmnEHov_gDMdfGDSEAXUufALrfp38rwb_d5Aq1TNDFwQXYqk2XHeXk/s320/21430192_10212639414839196_1008442394568770690_n.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv3Ng4kLxF-G8RdyByTpqD7NVWtoVL0Ajl0DOoz0VdkY6UOPAAfuzVpFZCFOG4r50DNtn2sMG5jhnJEVeHyZnbYk6-FupgHV4nefwjRwg9AoijBzJNF2yggQ65cFyHQtfHqqkM48P9WiB/s1600/21430224_10212639415119203_51753132795982799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv3Ng4kLxF-G8RdyByTpqD7NVWtoVL0Ajl0DOoz0VdkY6UOPAAfuzVpFZCFOG4r50DNtn2sMG5jhnJEVeHyZnbYk6-FupgHV4nefwjRwg9AoijBzJNF2yggQ65cFyHQtfHqqkM48P9WiB/s320/21430224_10212639415119203_51753132795982799_n.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carol Ann</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTOaILQsoiwNN8neOGwE6-y1VV6T4HE3epHP5tQaPgMISeYZ3EiXMFVj5Xg18R1QfsqUS9tND4hFuwKx04p9GM4z2l4Mh2bwTAnQmCZlZYs1ddHUQVEI9cxlNVqbt9D_dyF_HFaZoC3_g/s1600/IMG_2762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="483" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTOaILQsoiwNN8neOGwE6-y1VV6T4HE3epHP5tQaPgMISeYZ3EiXMFVj5Xg18R1QfsqUS9tND4hFuwKx04p9GM4z2l4Mh2bwTAnQmCZlZYs1ddHUQVEI9cxlNVqbt9D_dyF_HFaZoC3_g/s320/IMG_2762.jpg" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0XajS5IRt_P2O1Yz7q097_sVhLSkLgZ1vc6agkbefFPs4SZ31YTIMcxSHRmkawdOeJf9eUt4FRYYGSbGneHZriFXlgmBeECWluYb4QgkWmJveSJ52yR77UW-wHDrMJGAB_OBPn68L0zC/s1600/IMG_2763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0XajS5IRt_P2O1Yz7q097_sVhLSkLgZ1vc6agkbefFPs4SZ31YTIMcxSHRmkawdOeJf9eUt4FRYYGSbGneHZriFXlgmBeECWluYb4QgkWmJveSJ52yR77UW-wHDrMJGAB_OBPn68L0zC/s320/IMG_2763.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAed7AoFPNQew5TBIlpWduGOzC-AKYBlLP4vHPljPko2yw9jTT4CJOFme2w4jd2SGztnCUGlH06WloeKzqC6EA7RO1zL4Rgmuq56sv5wjnS3Rj1CFeECKWZSEpF206-ka0KHFH_U5riCP1/s1600/IMG_2773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="733" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAed7AoFPNQew5TBIlpWduGOzC-AKYBlLP4vHPljPko2yw9jTT4CJOFme2w4jd2SGztnCUGlH06WloeKzqC6EA7RO1zL4Rgmuq56sv5wjnS3Rj1CFeECKWZSEpF206-ka0KHFH_U5riCP1/s320/IMG_2773.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQSI3i_YTiPm9C32pzu1ofIWwx2-RFfMrLMnwXoJY2m_iq19YLjW26jSg6YMhM0h42vyqApRoPIM90DTZCMIl-Wwenc_P5jWwIVHl0vlUAwIil_tbghsXymDUiCS1QBsyY9LnELS8oZGA/s1600/IMG_2774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQSI3i_YTiPm9C32pzu1ofIWwx2-RFfMrLMnwXoJY2m_iq19YLjW26jSg6YMhM0h42vyqApRoPIM90DTZCMIl-Wwenc_P5jWwIVHl0vlUAwIil_tbghsXymDUiCS1QBsyY9LnELS8oZGA/s320/IMG_2774.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meredith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsuqoCJXK2qnEZPwZ4PatNQn6vOb3m0EtFCRBI_pU9LvbTd5tSW55NHOfZO5mWeS2q2u9htkTe7bUUomozmgLNvf363Zl6nT4TtRdhl9p5D7oJ0T3aSbnrGEmJfa2Ew0vwppi-mo6BwQo/s1600/IMG_2776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsuqoCJXK2qnEZPwZ4PatNQn6vOb3m0EtFCRBI_pU9LvbTd5tSW55NHOfZO5mWeS2q2u9htkTe7bUUomozmgLNvf363Zl6nT4TtRdhl9p5D7oJ0T3aSbnrGEmJfa2Ew0vwppi-mo6BwQo/s320/IMG_2776.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ali</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluWTf6mXiMO9Xuxuii8EmmwdVzrqzU8veDf7rpffUOIOs37_N0eZMf5amz77utcGiBlGXV2seekSSJwcWlWgl1z_KIj-lWVaGFhTVUoqgnyhWTpwNJX9fbrjqWXrq7ryjYNrOhOCw2rf6/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluWTf6mXiMO9Xuxuii8EmmwdVzrqzU8veDf7rpffUOIOs37_N0eZMf5amz77utcGiBlGXV2seekSSJwcWlWgl1z_KIj-lWVaGFhTVUoqgnyhWTpwNJX9fbrjqWXrq7ryjYNrOhOCw2rf6/s320/IMG_4937.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downhill Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI_yHmjS3jbhvKHTabT2Iql9EaCdCtl5bMkVtEDQ8wvmUUASHdywZo4oPiHF8h4JEoGBQ-Ej84Ec_1Wm-CVxq_qEKCsbMhMG1aAewe6fod78vW2od46ckSQ6DwjFdi-17LmTJbgYvq5Zl/s1600/IMG_4944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI_yHmjS3jbhvKHTabT2Iql9EaCdCtl5bMkVtEDQ8wvmUUASHdywZo4oPiHF8h4JEoGBQ-Ej84Ec_1Wm-CVxq_qEKCsbMhMG1aAewe6fod78vW2od46ckSQ6DwjFdi-17LmTJbgYvq5Zl/s400/IMG_4944.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BSR Jonathan's Tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nr_PAQ_xGeboGcGGSDzy7PLuTqf9cdbimkX-6wdRMJuQvQADmAX-Han2zBNdjX45bWjBcm0aQppreGooKIvCk5Uom1hsLMF6Qk7ID7epmVvolp-wahxaHBviwTXe_T1wl7SdJq-COv1q/s1600/IMG_4945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nr_PAQ_xGeboGcGGSDzy7PLuTqf9cdbimkX-6wdRMJuQvQADmAX-Han2zBNdjX45bWjBcm0aQppreGooKIvCk5Uom1hsLMF6Qk7ID7epmVvolp-wahxaHBviwTXe_T1wl7SdJq-COv1q/s320/IMG_4945.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walnut Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I then spent quite a bit of time figuring out the race flow, picking up bags, dropping them off and such. I picked up my chip, which kinda makes sense that they would want to use chips from the women's race, for the next day. <br />
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I dropped the Red Run bag off near the Hwy 27 bridge. The tables were jammed packed and bags were piled on top of one another, and some on the ground. <br />
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They really needed more room for bags. I kinda found my numerical spot and put my bag there.<br />
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I walked around transition and dropped the Blue Bike bag off on the water side of the road. We went down the hill and they had an area setup with red carpet just after the swim exit. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFT_Zv3gCT_B6HC-srVxXO_eLxbQCIOqhQFsk7bjOwDpkVSyl5wtG1EVZ1AZeEC8q9tfhD8gS3I77ZtK6tuivJCvM-wwtpzMguJEKEWR-_QINHbyh3hfR9H2kx-CmRtx-AmZrkUlstKCI/s1600/IMG_4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFT_Zv3gCT_B6HC-srVxXO_eLxbQCIOqhQFsk7bjOwDpkVSyl5wtG1EVZ1AZeEC8q9tfhD8gS3I77ZtK6tuivJCvM-wwtpzMguJEKEWR-_QINHbyh3hfR9H2kx-CmRtx-AmZrkUlstKCI/s320/IMG_4963.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run Bag Tables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I put my bag down there in order and it was on the middle row, so I figured that would be easy enough to remember<br />
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We walked over to Taco Mac for dinner and again were pleased that it wasn't too crowded. We had a quiet, early dinner, and early bedtime. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyEMa55R3gB7cqxiqa1Sfbax9msesVjCfOQZtBomP-oVplWo9VJ7-ZBVHo7O0esZ4cXckhH_5Drso11wUolm-Ps7f5vhJoEvSTAN-n1eXypFyhEmzwTyX8pDfEPPk5ypoGHI4H0Hzdhie/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyEMa55R3gB7cqxiqa1Sfbax9msesVjCfOQZtBomP-oVplWo9VJ7-ZBVHo7O0esZ4cXckhH_5Drso11wUolm-Ps7f5vhJoEvSTAN-n1eXypFyhEmzwTyX8pDfEPPk5ypoGHI4H0Hzdhie/s320/IMG_4978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Bag Layout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I didn't really feel nervous. I mean I really didn't put much pressure on myself like I do for a normal race. There was nothing to qualify for, no podium to make. Plus I didn't know how my hammy would hold up. I had basically decided to try and enjoy the day. Quite possibly a first for me.<br />
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Sunday (My Race Day)<br />
I actually slept pretty well. Woke up a little before 6. I went down to transition around 6:30 or so, since it was closing at 7:30. I saw people with the wetsuits on. I still couldn't believe it. Never in a million years did I think this race would be legal. My wave didn't start until 9:23am. I checked my tires, got my hydration setup, put my garmin on. There really wasn't much else. Everything else was in the gear bags. I didn't see anyone I knew at all, so I just headed back to the hotel.<br />
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So then I just hung out for a bit. I did feel a little nervous then. Just the hanging out and waiting kinda stunk. I got my wetsuit on my legs and headed back down around 8:30. Hung out for a little bit there. Then eventually dropped my morning bag off, and headed over to the start corral.<br />
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Going from the bag drop, we had to cross over the athlete swim to T1 chute. I had to wait a little bit there, but then got through. Walked all the way to the other side of transition, near the bridge to walk down the sidewalk to get in the corral. Basically, the start of the run course.<br />
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Got down there and got my Gold cap. Finished another gel, salt cap, and pickle juice. I had an aussie guy help me get all the way into my wetsuit. We talked and hung out a bit. Then I peed in my wetsuit. Yeah, full disclosure. Once you got past that swim chute, there was no where to pee. What did they think would happen? At least I didn't pee on a T1 chair. So then they started herding us like cattle. I lined up 2/3 of the way toward the back. They had swim time signs, so I actually tried to be honest. <br />
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Then at 9:23 they started us. It wasn't a wave start, though. They had these chutes that you lined up in, like you were getting on a roller coaster or something. Maybe that is an accurate description of the day, now that I think about it. There were about 10 lanes, and we went off every 15 seconds. I patted the guy in front on me on the shoulder and wished him good like. Pretty soon I heard my beep, started the garmin and I was off. So I didn't get into the water until 9:30am. <br />
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<br />
SWIM<br />
Officially 40:50, 289th AG of 334<br />
Garmin had 1.27 miles in 40:25 for a 1:49 per hun yard avg<br />
I jumped in feet first. One hand on my goggles and the other on my nose plug. Even with the staggered/rolling start, it was pretty congested at the beginning. I got knocked in the face a couple of times before I could really get going good. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey! Look at Me! I'm a Horrific Swimmer!</td></tr>
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It wasn't too far to get across the river. Pretty soon we were there and making the 850 meter segment upstream. I tried to stay as close to the shore as possible to reduce the effects of the current. With the wetsuit on, you really couldn't feel the current much. I mean it's not like when you're running and you can look at the pace on your garmin. With swimming, you never really know how fast you are going until your'e done.<br />
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I just tried to push, like I always do. I had planned on trying to increase the turnover during that segment, and that lasted maybe 10 minutes. My arms just get so tired. It always annoys me that I can push hard on the bike, but I just can't on the swim. Somehow I need to learn how to push. It took me 20:30 during that upstream section.<br />
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Honestly, once I made that turn at the buoy and knew I would be with the current, I did take it easy. With the wetsuit, it's easy to glide. I just glided home. I was thinking, I could kill myself and try and swim 1:35-1:40 pace, or I could glide and swim 1:45. I took the easy way out. Interesting to look at the splits and see that the one split I had totally against current was 2:05 / 100 yards (500 yards) and totally with the current was 1:28 / 100 yards. As always, I was happy to hit the ramp.<br />
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T1<br />
Officially 4:09, 141st AG<br />
Garmin had 0.33 miles<br />
Popped up the ramp, saw the 40:xx on my garmin and that was pretty much what I figured it would be. I got some strippers to help with the wetsuit, then took off for my bag. One upside of being one of the last people out of the water is that there aren't many bags left. A volunteer had it for me and I grabbed it. Saw my wife and gave her a smile.<br />
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I got up to the changing area on top of the hill and took a seat. My lense had popped off my helmet, so I had to put that back on. Also the little magnet wing had fallen off. Unfortunately I put my helmet on first then realized it was off, and then tried to put it on. Total failure. After trying for like 15 sec I gave up. I grabbed my shoes and ran with them in my had around transition to my bike.<br />
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Once at my bike I put my shoes on and started scampering toward bike exit. Nothing was really too congested. Got past the mount line and had room to get on easily. Then I was off.<br />
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<br />
BIKE<br />
Officially 2:32:21, 31st AG<br />
Garmin had 56.03 miles in 2:32:12 for a 22.1 mph avg on 206 watts (NP 219) and 163 avg HR with 87 avg cadence (3,255 feet of gain)<br />
Since this was my 3rd race in Chattanooga in the last 16 months, and I rode the course in May, I kinda knew what to expect these first 5 miles. Some of the road is rough, watch out for the railroad tracks, and it is pretty much a parade with the congestion and blocking. <br />
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As we made the turn onto 41st Street I knew we were hitting 'the hill' quickly. I shifted down into the little ring and got ready. The first part is the steepest, and I shifted down into the 28. The 28 felt pretty good and I was able to crank away. <br />
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After an initial 370 watt surge to get started up the hill, I mostly maintained 250 to 280 watts up the hill. It was long and slow. I seemed to be cranking for a while, but then looked down and I was only at 5.6 miles. Ugh. It was just long, I didn't seem too bad, just took a while. Definitely made the right decision to go with the 28. Seeing the "Rock City 2 Miles Ahead" sign didn't help matters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDis4uXZ_OxrUN9HDmxGoxMk9ByH0OzvGwu5GiuuDWmPk1pgbHtm_Lv2_KjL-FPnQVhcGplNLv7uUzG23Oh_vTwKJfDNUzOopwAIWr0ll07oTi8-DERHEwttm3TK9x7_rUjhAaSUOY-u4D/s1600/gb2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1553" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDis4uXZ_OxrUN9HDmxGoxMk9ByH0OzvGwu5GiuuDWmPk1pgbHtm_Lv2_KjL-FPnQVhcGplNLv7uUzG23Oh_vTwKJfDNUzOopwAIWr0ll07oTi8-DERHEwttm3TK9x7_rUjhAaSUOY-u4D/s640/gb2.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation and Speed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I jokingly asked some people along the side of the road if we were almost there yet. I was consistently passing people on the way up. I felt pretty good about that since I'm not normally very good on the hills. It was probably just because I was at the back of the pack for the entire race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXvq0Cq-EyvmBrkLMlOQoqiNZ8nGRD7Gd9z7EEyDO8_MVfY8j5uFcu0hMF_ghLr5aA_flPlmwuQqm0fQwsrMaL_s3MgenE1l8aGOJ2uD_02zSuwyPgeFtYpXOnR6uPiZI0gLdOKnhx-xT/s1600/gb3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1554" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXvq0Cq-EyvmBrkLMlOQoqiNZ8nGRD7Gd9z7EEyDO8_MVfY8j5uFcu0hMF_ghLr5aA_flPlmwuQqm0fQwsrMaL_s3MgenE1l8aGOJ2uD_02zSuwyPgeFtYpXOnR6uPiZI0gLdOKnhx-xT/s640/gb3.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HR, Cadence, Power</td></tr>
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So I just kept grinding. Eventually I came upon Rock City, and I knew I was cresting it. I felt pretty good at that point and was able to enjoy that last 1/2 mile to the turn on Lula Lake Road. As you came to that turn, there was all kinds of people packing each side of the road. It was pretty cool. They were yelling and going crazy. It kinda like you finishing some climb in the Pyrenees during the Tour de France. I really enjoyed it. Yes, I will say I had fun. I know I said I never do, but I did on this day.<br />
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Now come the rollers for a while. Got some speed through that section and hit over 44 mph. Overall didn't get through that section with a very fast average. I felt good with a 228 watt average over the first 20 miles. Turns out I probably should have cranked more watts at the beginning.<br />
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After hitting the top at mile 23 and then making the turn, really just coasted all the way down that mountain. For 3 miles, I didn't turn the pedals. But that only took me 4 min and 20 seconds (41.5 mph average). My top speed was 48 mph. I continuously passed people, even some who were pedaling. It pays to be aero.<br />
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I kinda expected my power to be crap to mile 30. From mile 20 to 30, I only averaged 164 watts, so that brought my average way down. But now it was time to go to work. The problem was that I just couldn't get it going again. I only averaged 212 watts for the next 10 miles. There wasn't a lot of traffic, I was able to pass people continuously. The watts just felt hard.<br />
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They changed the out and back section that was originally on the course map. I saw something about it earlier in the weekend (not sure where). We did it at mile 30 instead of later on Hwy 341. I think they moved it so they could get the whole 56 miles in. My prerace ride had the original course short at 55.5 miles.<br />
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I didn't push too hard. I kinda knew with my swim and no faith in my hamstring, that I wasn't gonna kill it today. I was still passing people and felt good about that. I did not see hardly any drafting. No draft packs at all. I did hear about some, so I'm sure that part of it was that I was all the way at the back of the race. But being able to split the men up so much and start them in the water over a 2 hour period definitely helped.<br />
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From miles 30 to 55 my speed was good, but it should have been a lot faster. I averaged just over 24 mph, but my watts were only 202. My HR was steady at 161, and my cadence was good at 89 for that stretch. Seems the last couple of years in these late season races, I can't seem to push on the bike. I lost a lot of time in the back half of the course.<br />
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I knew it coming into town. I did the math on a 22 average, and figured I would be about 2:32. Best Bike Split had me 5 min faster at my target watts, but I couldn't hold that target today. But I brought it in, with a perfect dismount to see what I could do.<br />
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T2<br />
Officially 2:31, 96th<br />
Garmin had 0.17 miles<br />
Bike catchers are nice. Just gonna throw that out there. Took me a little bit to find my run bag. There were more of the bags there and the volunteers hadn't grabbed it for me, despite me yelling my number out. Grabbed the bag, ran to the seat, and changed pretty quickly. I got going as best I do for a T2<br />
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RUN<br />
Officially 1:45:11, 150th<br />
Garmin had 13.18 miles in 1:45:16 for a 7:59 avg on a 168 HR and 157 cadence (866 ft of gain)<br />
I got out of the chute and felt pretty good. Some racer next to me yells 'Hey Runner Rick', I'm like hey man. He goes, I better make your blog! And you did. I wished him good luck and off I went. <br />
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I started out pretty conservative. The plan was to go out at a 7 flat pace, and see how it felt up that first hill. I was a little slow in that first mile with the hill, but felt ok after that. Felt relaxed on the road and the first section of Riverwalk. I came through 3 miles with a 7:02 average, right on track.<br />
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Then the hills started coming. Didn't feel so great on the hills, but the first one is a short one, so not too bad. As I came out onto veterans bridge I saw some old BSR friends and gave them a high five. I pushed across the bridge to the next hill.<br />
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That one was a little tougher and slowed my pace some. I didn't feel hot, the weather was pretty much perfect. (Translation: weather cannot be used as an excuse). I crested the hill there on Barton ave and tried to make up some time on the down hill. Up until this point my hamstring was fine. As I came to the bottom of the hill and made that right turn, Bam, somebody punched me in my right hamstring.<br />
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I mean I had already slowed some, but still I was at a 7:15 pace through 5 miles, that still would have put me in the mid 1:30's for the run. I hobbled up the hill somehow hoping it wouldn't get any worse. I had to cut back on my pace as it felt like someone jabbing a dull instrument into my hamstring every step. <br />
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As I came across the walnut bridge, I saw my wife there at the Ironcology tent that BSR Jonathon had set up. I told her my hammie was bothering me and she just yelled at me that I was doing great. Then I was back out on the flat and down hill section and I was hoping that would help. But by mile 7, even on a slight uphill, it hurt so much I had to walk.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YO3Eq4UZX55FQNiikymC045mCaKPOUu2Rj-wtxRaInTXWwVNWigAeoGOi1PJUILedX5-yzMlcGDzYejvB8IpwiS0RaQCYTkVv_b2TzvdWQdz3QKbntosDUM1f9qmfaYB8GDuJjdneftq/s1600/gr3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1541" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YO3Eq4UZX55FQNiikymC045mCaKPOUu2Rj-wtxRaInTXWwVNWigAeoGOi1PJUILedX5-yzMlcGDzYejvB8IpwiS0RaQCYTkVv_b2TzvdWQdz3QKbntosDUM1f9qmfaYB8GDuJjdneftq/s640/gr3.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation and Pace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'll admit, that at that point, I was in a bit of a dark place. I still had 6 miles to go to finish. I was suddenly worried about cutoff times, if I had to walk the entire last 6 miles. I just couldn't DNF. I can't bear to have that on my record. I just couldn't. I will also admit that I did really want that sweet finisher shirt, hat and towel. I'm not gonna lie, that stuff I saw the girls get the day before was pretty nice. Call me vane or materialistic or jealous or anything you want. Just don't ever call me a DNF'er.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r1v1s8WRa9zvMhZSQD7Lmbp_C3CUImmpdpW1Kg3rPnuIg654EApZOf9An4wORNN1GmFu_eOMd4GSWNrKAfjHLfCWdE8i7bR2aGEDy6lh5SKJP8HfgN9DoBKMSMZv3hCMfK6FKsoIPwru/s1600/07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r1v1s8WRa9zvMhZSQD7Lmbp_C3CUImmpdpW1Kg3rPnuIg654EApZOf9An4wORNN1GmFu_eOMd4GSWNrKAfjHLfCWdE8i7bR2aGEDy6lh5SKJP8HfgN9DoBKMSMZv3hCMfK6FKsoIPwru/s320/07.JPG" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suck it up Buttercup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon after I started walking I heard someone yelling my name (friends I saw on Veteran's Bridge). I'm like who knows my name? Damn, now I gotta run. So I ran by them and it hurt like a mothertrucker. I got by them and then kept running, slowly. Miles 8 and 9 were 9 min miles.<br />
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On that short steep hill just after Mile 9, right before Veterans bridge, I walked. I walked the whole thing. I grabbed some Red Bull from the guy and thanked him for it. So mile 10 was a 9:33 mile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zzR1qWPH7vWxIPOccA_ZnyWFrtsEWEswpSAgJdpSFJ6cOeoov484S4aIcjPfotVAPvt2UgAMXHutTfQbeuPDvZHy4hkzTtiDRF8d0f1He-9RZl-BDiobj2lAu6VlqHoA9TN0naN3hX4J/s1600/gr5.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1577" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zzR1qWPH7vWxIPOccA_ZnyWFrtsEWEswpSAgJdpSFJ6cOeoov484S4aIcjPfotVAPvt2UgAMXHutTfQbeuPDvZHy4hkzTtiDRF8d0f1He-9RZl-BDiobj2lAu6VlqHoA9TN0naN3hX4J/s640/gr5.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HR, Cadence, Temp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After that, I just decided, screw it. I can't walk up and down Barton avenue. So I don't know if I just got used to the pain, or it got better. But I didn't walk again on the last two big hills. Now I wasn't exactly lighting it up., as I was averaging 10 to 10:30 miles on the uphills. Once I got to the Girls Prep school, I knew the worst was behind me.<br />
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I came down that hill striding it out well below 7 pace. I just pushed. I wanted to be done. I wanted to finish strong. I just ate the pain. The more it hurt, the more I pushed. I saw BSR Matt on the bridge and his yelling spurred me on. Saw my wife after I got off and I was hurting. So after averaging 8:40's from mile 5 to mile 12, I split a 7:18 for mile 13.<br />
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<br />
I came down the hill to the finish at just over a 6 flat pace. I was pretty happy to be done! I came onto the red carpet and heard my name over the loudspeaker. I came through, hit my garmin, and I was done.<br />
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<br />
Finish<br />
Officially 5:05:02, 115th AG, 1,126 Overall<br />
Garmin had 5:04:40 for 70.98 miles, My results <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/70.3-world-championship-mens-race/results.aspx?p=6&race=worldchampionship70.3m&rd=20170910&agegroup=45-49&sex=M&y=2017&ps=20#axzz4va9d9YP3" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
Passed the chute, they threw the towel over me. A guy came up and checked my t-shirt size. Then he gave me the shirt and the hat and a food ticket thing. I grabbed some water and walked through. I saw a couple people and said hey. I didn't feel that bad. I mean I didn't run hard, I just couldn't push through that dang hamstring. I didn't feel hungry but a cola sounded good, so I asked where the food was and headed over there.<br />
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It was on the water side back past the finish chute. I started walking and then saw this huge long line. I'm like, come on. But what else was I gonna do? I got in line and it was moving slowly. There were a couple of guys from Asia, I think, in front of me. They weren't really moving with the line and people were constantly jumping in line ahead of them. So I just walked past them and got back in line. I tried to congratulate the guy in front of me, but he just smiled, gave me a thumbs up and said 'China!!'. <br />
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I finally got to the tent and they were making sure people only grabbed one thing of food. I just grabbed whatever, the tacos. They had 3 things, but nothing looked good. If Muncie has the best food on the IM 70.3 circuit, then this was the worst food I've had at any IM70.3. I found the drinks, slammed 2 cokes, and grabbed a 3rd for the road.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNeUDLbeow76yAjBcxhRwNEPj2nZG2zKwmh_5SZdY5fpn9IDnwc76p52f2U4bYZT5T7CY9QNyHQwhShl2eZZQhuq2k4eUwoUAYCtZOVbPOt8hOqFO9rcWS_hjJGKljxYA-8G2bsToLt12/s1600/f2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNeUDLbeow76yAjBcxhRwNEPj2nZG2zKwmh_5SZdY5fpn9IDnwc76p52f2U4bYZT5T7CY9QNyHQwhShl2eZZQhuq2k4eUwoUAYCtZOVbPOt8hOqFO9rcWS_hjJGKljxYA-8G2bsToLt12/s320/f2.tiff" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Inside the food area, I saw Andrew Messick. I went up to him and said hey. I told him how I shook his hand in Kona right before I got in the water. I thanked him for putting on this great event. He said that every year they want to make this race a destination event where ever it is. Like every race will have a theme and showcase that location's best parts. Then he goes, if you'll excuse me, I have to do something about this long food line.<br />
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<br />
I walked back over to the port-o-lets on Power Alley road and found my wife. We walked back up to the hotel. I was obviously pretty dejected. We got back to the room, and I showered, ate the rest of my tacos, and rested a bit. I kinda checked my splits some, but I really wasn't into it.<br />
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I started feeling better, and started wanting some beer. Luckily it was time to head over to Big River Grill and meet up with some of my Sexy teammates. We got there and Ed already had a table. We ordered beer and food. Soon Mark and his wife showed up. Then Chad and his girlfriend and aunt came, so we moved to one of those long high bar table things.<br />
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We had a good waiter, but I do believe that smokin' the Chronic your entire life has some effect. Like no memory of what people ordered, and possibly an inability to split up a bill 4 ways. Especialy when different parties start ordering at different times. In his defense we did test his limits. Anyways after we settled up the tabs we headed over to Moccasin Bend Brewing Company. I was pretty happy about this since I had been to Chattanooga Brewing and sampled some Hutton and Smith (another local brewery) but had not had any Moccasin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BSR Crew Post Race</td></tr>
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We hung out there until they kicked us out. But it's a microbrewery so it wasn't too late. It was a great time. I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Of course I can't really remember the last time I had that many beers either. Probably a coincidence. It's nice to have a designated driver. (Love you honey!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZ9hMVBsNjlPo7V6SyBMv32hUVVGP4NFNoiV7QpVNITQ-CN1DrjOjdQDJrShdOAE7MPDclaYc3S6N7AQ9FeY0SvMqtWqxhb-U5hJaIFyt93203Hx1Co2VbbaTt3n67wUUt3RDySvlC0iL/s1600/IMG_2804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZ9hMVBsNjlPo7V6SyBMv32hUVVGP4NFNoiV7QpVNITQ-CN1DrjOjdQDJrShdOAE7MPDclaYc3S6N7AQ9FeY0SvMqtWqxhb-U5hJaIFyt93203Hx1Co2VbbaTt3n67wUUt3RDySvlC0iL/s320/IMG_2804.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My main man Chad</td></tr>
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Got to sleep pretty easily that night.<br />
<br />
Monday<br />
Slept in a little, showered, packed up and then drove over to the Maple Street Biscuit Company. Ran into a Dynamo Multisport guy who I seem to see all over Chattanooga. Finally introduced ourselves, and I recognized his name and his buddy. They are pretty fast guys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-n3qo1iNeOwyJ-h9vfFK_BM4TpDxm8y6VpMLLmJS4uZjGHSg20FIOtm6br5FbJ-QiXy75NANje64r3KgS7r1kGyz9DS6kpM2jS5SZCXQwhNWX0PdyPv27Mm5oUn080isdgcs76H6zIoM/s1600/G4156542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-n3qo1iNeOwyJ-h9vfFK_BM4TpDxm8y6VpMLLmJS4uZjGHSg20FIOtm6br5FbJ-QiXy75NANje64r3KgS7r1kGyz9DS6kpM2jS5SZCXQwhNWX0PdyPv27Mm5oUn080isdgcs76H6zIoM/s320/G4156542.JPG" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Man, The Myth, The Legend, The Chad</td></tr>
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<br />
It was a rainy morning and we hit the road. We went back through Knoxville/Asheville again, stopping at Wendy's for lunch. We got so lucky with the weather. It literally rained on Wednesday, the day before we got in town. Was perfect for the 4 days we were here, and then started raining as we left. Took a while to get home and we were pretty spent when we got there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYnYDfQzoW4EKAUlU0eCUpT_l01ZFd_yMliZNXF4sK5c9rEx2pNgc-iLoZgFwfOqRfeBnpjU8KdqMILJVi7eanQUFYgKRZg2cH8np_Os4NLT4MyG11FMeyKeSShsUlIuCHbIOhd2Q5PVA/s1600/G4156544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1263" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYnYDfQzoW4EKAUlU0eCUpT_l01ZFd_yMliZNXF4sK5c9rEx2pNgc-iLoZgFwfOqRfeBnpjU8KdqMILJVi7eanQUFYgKRZg2cH8np_Os4NLT4MyG11FMeyKeSShsUlIuCHbIOhd2Q5PVA/s320/G4156544.JPG" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitty Cheering us on</td></tr>
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So once again, I had a terrible race at Worlds. I've done 18 Half Iron distance races. I have been under 4:45 in all but 2 of them: 2013 Worlds in Vegas (5:06:30) and 2017 Worlds in Chatt (5:05:02). It's so pathetic that I really can't find words to describe it. At least I didn't suck at Ironman Worlds (aka Kona). I actually feel pretty good about my performance at that race.<br />
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But as has been well chronicled, I am a glutton for punishment. Evidenced by the fact that I am doing 70.3 Worlds next year. Third time's a charm, right? First order of business is learning how to swim. I've always kinda joked about my swimming. And the fact of the matter is that I have been pretty successful in triathlon with being a terrible swimmer. I have always said that I am the worst swimmer in the history of organized triathlon to qualify for Kona without a rolldown. Look it up.<br />
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<br />
So I'm getting with my masters coach for some individual instruction. I've actually decided I want to swim faster. Next September we'll have wetsuits again. If I can come out of the water at least middle of the pack, I think I can break 5 hours. If not, I'm going on one of those walking safari tours. Without a gun. And getting a selfie with a rhino.<br />
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-61155087394959391822017-09-04T13:36:00.001-07:002017-09-04T13:36:54.686-07:002017 Ironman Boulder 70.3 Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After my disappointing finish at Chattanooga 70.3, I was pretty motivated for the training for Boulder. Last year I had decided to do this race for several reasons. My wife and I went through Boulder a couple of years ago, but didn't really get to spend any time here. It looked great, so we wanted to come back. I like to do one kinda 'destination' race each year, and Boulder fit that bill for us. I also knew there would be a ton of BSR 'mates out here. This race is also a qualifier for 70.3 Worlds in 2018. And they have 25 breweries just in Boulder. Kinda seemed like a multiple win scenario. Except for the flying and the altitude, it's perfect. I did not have the goal to win my age group at this race because I really didn't know what the altitude would bring. So I just had my usual goals of making the podium and qualifying for Worlds. (Oh and strap in. This may be my longest blog post ever.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yo, Stop, Collaborate and Listen.</td></tr>
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Tuesday<br />
This race report starts early in the week, due to the fact that we were flying to Denver for this race. I've only flown to two triathlons in my life. Those were Las Vegas in 2013 for 70.3 Worlds, and Kona in 2015. So I guess it makes sense to fly in 2017 (every other year). Those other trips, I shipped my bike using Tri Bike Transport. This time I didn't want to have to be without my bike for so long, so I decided to bring it with me. Like check it as luggage on the plane. I know many people do this like 18 times a year, but it was completely foreign territory for me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan doing Work</td></tr>
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Luckily I have a friend that has one of those Ruster Sports bags that you can check as luggage and not get charged extra. When he said I could borrow it, I was like 'Great, Thanks!' . . . . . uh . . . I have absolutely no idea how to break down my bike and pack it in there. You gotta help me!! Yeah, it was pretty pathetic.<br />
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<br />
So I picked up my bike from Inside Out Sports on my way home from work on Tuesday. Yes, because I wanted them to check everything out, and put my ICE Friction chain on there for me. Because, well, I don't know how to do crap. I think we already covered that.<br />
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So Nathan came over that night and we went to work. And work, and work. I figured we take the handlebars off, and the pedals. But then he's like yeah, and the fork and the derailleur. I'm like, what about the seat. Oh yeah. That too.<br />
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We went to work. I took many many pictures and videos on my phone. Luckily my QR PRsix is very simple to work on. Nathan said so. Everything was going quite swimmingly until we heard a piece bouncing around in the frame. Some time later it fell out, and it was for tightening the seatpost. Quite important as it turns out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vmqfjPyMOanaRCOWOVg-YEjizVd0R75bdaIbOaCsrsrWRgM57OZVGbVOqtHbsE4HbbrgKsIp8qe340sKe4dwhxGIryKI4SIziG1_0bbqJzXXBWCQTULNOztlxExIJb8XubSIgg5k0KG2/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vmqfjPyMOanaRCOWOVg-YEjizVd0R75bdaIbOaCsrsrWRgM57OZVGbVOqtHbsE4HbbrgKsIp8qe340sKe4dwhxGIryKI4SIziG1_0bbqJzXXBWCQTULNOztlxExIJb8XubSIgg5k0KG2/s400/IMG_2573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then he showed me how to pack the frame up in the one bag, and then the wheels in another bag. We put the bike frame in upside down as to not bounce on the crank halfway across the country. It took about an hour from start to finish. I felt quite a bit settled after we had that done. Then we had some Full Spectrum beer and Green Lightning was ready to go.<br />
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Wednesday<br />
This night was spent packing everything else up. I wanted to make sure that everything I needed to race was coming with me on the plane. We were going to check the two bags for the bike and another duffel bag. Then my wife and I each had a roller and a backpack. I easily got all my stuff in the roller. I finally made good use of all those Ironman Luggage tags you get at every race. At that point we were ready.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7UmavdpFPzQpzMq0DJsWqyoi8ALw1_RhRmmp4e3zn0uAkxJE2aJRpm5hJlpUmJ-bKL_Lvv6FfbBqTenobzQiHzh7jCyAdVhawrRgv9k_3cLRABvxsyyyiQpr0mNdCifYkE-gKaYAGTDj/s1600/IMG_2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7UmavdpFPzQpzMq0DJsWqyoi8ALw1_RhRmmp4e3zn0uAkxJE2aJRpm5hJlpUmJ-bKL_Lvv6FfbBqTenobzQiHzh7jCyAdVhawrRgv9k_3cLRABvxsyyyiQpr0mNdCifYkE-gKaYAGTDj/s320/IMG_2580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We packed lightly</td></tr>
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Thursday<br />
We had an early start as we had a 7:30am flight. We were gonna take the 9:30, but this flight was $250 cheaper for the two of us. We left around 5 am, so it really wasn't much more of an earlier morning than usual. Normal parking at Park-N-Go, which was nice not to have to lug all those bags around more than you have to. (PNG picks you up right at your car). I did give the guy a good tip, as we had 7 bags total.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58OfCPavsodTtfOwNrCwsYFfhOG6Ni9OH2KZV9WyVR2NxfuQF9Kwaoj_kkrgRTKCYqnKF39uD1RlHpUAqq7_QG1roR-DneRxTeAZYTfhvfHfjtGzonVPBlbM7hd8AMIIpafIqYn7CPyGO/s1600/IMG_2583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58OfCPavsodTtfOwNrCwsYFfhOG6Ni9OH2KZV9WyVR2NxfuQF9Kwaoj_kkrgRTKCYqnKF39uD1RlHpUAqq7_QG1roR-DneRxTeAZYTfhvfHfjtGzonVPBlbM7hd8AMIIpafIqYn7CPyGO/s320/IMG_2583.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone's a happy camper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Got to the American Airlines kiosk, and checked in easily enough. Paid for the (3) bags ($85 total). As I put the bag with the frame on the scale to check it, another attendent walks by. She's like, What is that? I don't lie, it's a bike. She's "We have to charge extra for that". I just say that it fits the weights and dimensions. She keeps going on about how it is a bike. Finally she gets a supervisor. The supervisor takes one look, and she goes, it's ok, that's fine. Thank you ma'am.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJdjKqM2papzbeXKmbejnM311OQ4sb7icz7Zm5DpPNvNURMmnn9nIqhepAIpwjiOwrSJutYMQbfDCa3yAkq7u1ZhN_6___c3f8rvmpaStreQJCuY5NnKlXRClkOFZdhSzyWG6_GFYUtNF/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJdjKqM2papzbeXKmbejnM311OQ4sb7icz7Zm5DpPNvNURMmnn9nIqhepAIpwjiOwrSJutYMQbfDCa3yAkq7u1ZhN_6___c3f8rvmpaStreQJCuY5NnKlXRClkOFZdhSzyWG6_GFYUtNF/s400/IMG_2588.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A boulder in Boulder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk9VDwT5viUsr_q0y2HFX88iwXapy6XnKz4rXO3EwCEDREdEwdClFbRieRqhKgbWCncjSYwrtQmPbH39qEh_xBwbWo3AkhyphenhyphenHs0cgTIm-BCcE89za37gSmG-gMn4o9BE-M584BpvFUqI7E/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk9VDwT5viUsr_q0y2HFX88iwXapy6XnKz4rXO3EwCEDREdEwdClFbRieRqhKgbWCncjSYwrtQmPbH39qEh_xBwbWo3AkhyphenhyphenHs0cgTIm-BCcE89za37gSmG-gMn4o9BE-M584BpvFUqI7E/s320/IMG_2589.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Flanders Brewing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysa36vrV9V6UY9bKvYlP7MYmdKTM7B2j0GR_AIAJyqiUMntfut77V5rKyhG4OmX86zT4Lfo2bmfCqyvIqBgdW7YaH8Am2YRN3XeEpNqgs4yI2v2soUSHrCeoOQ6C67EcTNKFQUyWpb2h7/s1600/IMG_2648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysa36vrV9V6UY9bKvYlP7MYmdKTM7B2j0GR_AIAJyqiUMntfut77V5rKyhG4OmX86zT4Lfo2bmfCqyvIqBgdW7YaH8Am2YRN3XeEpNqgs4yI2v2soUSHrCeoOQ6C67EcTNKFQUyWpb2h7/s320/IMG_2648.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pearl Street Mall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They seemed to be quite hung up on what is in the bag, instead of just making the weight and dims. Not sure exactly why. Maybe they are all gunshy by the thousands of bikes that went through the CLT airport the week before for the BMX World Championships. Then she's like, If its a golf bag, it must have golf clubs in it! Uh, OK.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bBoFqEhzftyfTyhCsv2WmiHk3TnJ3-OBocoN_RJFQFrv9CJUL7NaJXyPRd6_XSSsRhlgP8Fw-UubpMdqMlgEyjYiAH4CP4Uh9tZmVkQgx2buLPEq_HfE186O-6hOY6517BTfrAR1XcSt/s1600/IMG_4712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bBoFqEhzftyfTyhCsv2WmiHk3TnJ3-OBocoN_RJFQFrv9CJUL7NaJXyPRd6_XSSsRhlgP8Fw-UubpMdqMlgEyjYiAH4CP4Uh9tZmVkQgx2buLPEq_HfE186O-6hOY6517BTfrAR1XcSt/s320/IMG_4712.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Boulder Reservoir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVpd8XEY4LEHJZFvHSJzmcoQw_rX1WvtkcnEacnb75RzsXe0gtXRbadqAPrO37pqfr1ftjRXTvFxBwjzdkA42qzQNI5NnJyu_3a8kgFYT8FsxIsLOFbmoMvQ8RXt6DAFh3srST0QfI6Ee/s1600/IMG_4688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVpd8XEY4LEHJZFvHSJzmcoQw_rX1WvtkcnEacnb75RzsXe0gtXRbadqAPrO37pqfr1ftjRXTvFxBwjzdkA42qzQNI5NnJyu_3a8kgFYT8FsxIsLOFbmoMvQ8RXt6DAFh3srST0QfI6Ee/s320/IMG_4688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IM Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another hurdle passed, but many more to go. Security line wasn't too bad, although there was a little girl who passed out in the line in front of us. I'm like cool, less people. I'm kidding! Besides she was OK and got back in line in front of us anyways. Since we had plenty of time we enjoyed a nice sit down breakfast.<br />
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Finally it was time to board. They kinda stopped announcing groups and people just got in line. We were near the back of the line. They then decided that there wasn't enough room on the plane for all the roller luggage. He wanted to give me tag to check it all the way through to baggage claim. I explained how I had all my gear for the race in there. He didn't care one little bit. So he gave both me and my wife the tag. I was uber calm and plead my case, but didn't say much. I figured the steam coming out of my ears was enough.<br />
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As we get down the jetway. I took as much stuff out of my roller and stuffed it into our backpacks as I possibly could. I did pretty good, and got just about everything except my bike shoes. Then we get on the plane, and walk back to our seats. Shockingly there is plenty of overhead space to put both of our rollers. Not sure that "pissed" properly describes it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4l0_SfHYfBRZ1i5wXtjv64zS3yhHPEb8WRHhzi1opQSxbki9GhH7I-36zHRpS4YY4MSjYjiAKMa95unY8yPPCPD4Xv2ERPvWu-o85Lp6axwJdAws5Ws1CcFNrSokivjW37gaeoguio42/s1600/IMG_2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4l0_SfHYfBRZ1i5wXtjv64zS3yhHPEb8WRHhzi1opQSxbki9GhH7I-36zHRpS4YY4MSjYjiAKMa95unY8yPPCPD4Xv2ERPvWu-o85Lp6axwJdAws5Ws1CcFNrSokivjW37gaeoguio42/s320/IMG_2591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandatory. Ha.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_waRTuVfx-1wK_-LgECIwXMxfYtSw_T3DCIjtgrcy3X3u1eCenZPpZg5L0JqQtjX8eDOzAbELRL-BkZOtHIfD-PA6pL3oO37UprwHqaD_QNVVhhp6ipkg6cQ9Lg9ck9NEsdbdzI4vsg_/s1600/IMG_2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_waRTuVfx-1wK_-LgECIwXMxfYtSw_T3DCIjtgrcy3X3u1eCenZPpZg5L0JqQtjX8eDOzAbELRL-BkZOtHIfD-PA6pL3oO37UprwHqaD_QNVVhhp6ipkg6cQ9Lg9ck9NEsdbdzI4vsg_/s320/IMG_2600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least one thing went my way: Green Swim Caps</td></tr>
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The nonstop flight to Denver was fine, 3 hours in the air. Although I did think about my bike shoes more times than was healthy. When we got to baggage claim, my original checked bag was first off the conveyor. I felt that was a good sign. I then saw the 'oversized' luggage holding area off to the side, and my bike and wheels were both there. I didn't have to sweat too long as both of our rollers came off the conveyor. I guess I should put more trust in the baggage check system.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfv1L3eU1bK4KP3h2L5FccsAaK9uP28qQO4GRjt222HeIuKx7x3_YyaIx2MdfGNv2UwCFDCCnM_axCsap7gdIo4tuc0r1d7GoG8ykoc1rmcls7IEujLjc19e0vg_Zli4zDlQrwJwAGLb6/s1600/IMG_2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfv1L3eU1bK4KP3h2L5FccsAaK9uP28qQO4GRjt222HeIuKx7x3_YyaIx2MdfGNv2UwCFDCCnM_axCsap7gdIo4tuc0r1d7GoG8ykoc1rmcls7IEujLjc19e0vg_Zli4zDlQrwJwAGLb6/s320/IMG_2592.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Day I will be worthy of M-Dot Ice and Cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztpY0Rhy0ebvRvaIXa8ke_z60xfI0OT1L2SQ4sAFUiTBMS_qNooNgtV5Ps5jtvqwypUWTAVZo3zaftI3bMKj5C90A4UfnZtMDcdRLm8I9lWjYEeOj2AaN50RovKD8K-ubZQAOIc8G_XFO/s1600/IMG_2594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztpY0Rhy0ebvRvaIXa8ke_z60xfI0OT1L2SQ4sAFUiTBMS_qNooNgtV5Ps5jtvqwypUWTAVZo3zaftI3bMKj5C90A4UfnZtMDcdRLm8I9lWjYEeOj2AaN50RovKD8K-ubZQAOIc8G_XFO/s320/IMG_2594.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am worthy of M-Dot Grilling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAD4sxhXzws86naTlUYhLGQIz0TEFhE8Tk-rpSNbv4pLL7FBhq8USEiqZZdBfDqgzYGslmwjFUhL6hfyH8lGdQJztMbU-eMlgcLKPzC1H2rZktxSfJAQip2nCLIZhOH1f9DHhke1P-LEH/s1600/IMG_4710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1527" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAD4sxhXzws86naTlUYhLGQIz0TEFhE8Tk-rpSNbv4pLL7FBhq8USEiqZZdBfDqgzYGslmwjFUhL6hfyH8lGdQJztMbU-eMlgcLKPzC1H2rZktxSfJAQip2nCLIZhOH1f9DHhke1P-LEH/s320/IMG_4710.JPG" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souvenirs!</td></tr>
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Took the shuttle to Advantage Rent a Car, and only a 15 min wait for our car. (Suck it Dollar/Thrifty). The Kia Sportage was plenty big enough with the back seats turned down for all of our luggage. We headed straight to the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. I knew this was an area for restaurants and shops. Although I didn't know it was a 4 block long walking mall. I thought it was quite nice.<br />
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We stopped at West Flanders Brewing for lunch. I just had a half pint, and the food was good. We walked around a little and checked out the Chocolate store was well. We then headed up to the Holiday Inn Express there on North Broadway. It was only 1pm, but they allowed us to check in. Nice to catch a break in this mildly stressful day of travel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIoFZFOFNGX1BRuZ2eFADMYEB4PtXBJDp6CTex04OEhyphenhyphenaoq4MXSWu_z-vZ4ELGqgAAlrxhaH_1JsSF0VsB4uhyphenhyphenlN3cNMTPopz5VPjOEqQFFPVhHuJZFlvTvMTFPZg82Pz_c9i5_1B9FdI/s1600/IMG_4705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIoFZFOFNGX1BRuZ2eFADMYEB4PtXBJDp6CTex04OEhyphenhyphenaoq4MXSWu_z-vZ4ELGqgAAlrxhaH_1JsSF0VsB4uhyphenhyphenlN3cNMTPopz5VPjOEqQFFPVhHuJZFlvTvMTFPZg82Pz_c9i5_1B9FdI/s400/IMG_4705.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SWAG</td></tr>
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After we got everything unloaded we headed out to the Race site at the Boulder Resevoir. We parked on the dirt to the right just past the entrance (no fee for racers). It was a bit of a walk. The Ironman village and transition are strung out, as there isn't a ton of real estate between the road and the water. So when you park on one end, it's over a half mile to transition.<br />
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As we walked by Tri Bike Transport, I asked them if they were going to South Africa next year. They said they were and if I was planning on going. I'm like, we'll see, I'm not gonna say that yet. Standard IM checkin. No line so that was nice. I did get a couple of things at the merchandise tent: Visor, Bottle, and a sticker. Pretty well in check I would say. We'll see what happens at Worlds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtakmQq3hqOCFXhvhM_aCslg5KLtb3ljX7XQmt9Gbp8eLn8qzr3lZUfRqKqjLfzNVRjXH-XZXWWfxq58I7NRHOLfknb_rWBPyizI9IcUZmlgsRF1EpC7jpCvYjqE71quWODBz3lIyg8SB7/s1600/IMG_4706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtakmQq3hqOCFXhvhM_aCslg5KLtb3ljX7XQmt9Gbp8eLn8qzr3lZUfRqKqjLfzNVRjXH-XZXWWfxq58I7NRHOLfknb_rWBPyizI9IcUZmlgsRF1EpC7jpCvYjqE71quWODBz3lIyg8SB7/s320/IMG_4706.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's been a Triathlete explosion in the Hotel Room</td></tr>
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We went back to the hotel and I went to work on my bike. When I opened the bike bag, I see that TSA has completely taken the bike out of the back and put it back in - rightside up, opposite of the way I put it in. It took me about 45 minutes to get it put back together. I noticed that the front fork was a bit stiff, but I figured that was just bolts too tight. But the crank seemed really stiff as well. I wasn't sure if it was the derailleur or the crank. Both brakes were also pushed to the side. I was able to adjust the front, but couldn't really get the rear. I wasn't too worried as I had already planned on taking it to bike tech at the race site in the morning. I put the bike numbers on so it was ready to check into transition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu3uDGDtiUGf7mB6tL1SvTo2OfVyaNQZIwmoVUROxcsj2Hl07rRyuaF2EivMAkQnSl8z85E3_F9RUYZG5hj77_tkRAcYAQKiNPnSLdVvf6aDNKk085LxMxVWz-qFdOnsrgdPlz0B1kwon/s1600/IMG_2640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu3uDGDtiUGf7mB6tL1SvTo2OfVyaNQZIwmoVUROxcsj2Hl07rRyuaF2EivMAkQnSl8z85E3_F9RUYZG5hj77_tkRAcYAQKiNPnSLdVvf6aDNKk085LxMxVWz-qFdOnsrgdPlz0B1kwon/s320/IMG_2640.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mark of the Devil</td></tr>
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We headed back down to Pearl Street for dinner. We went to Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery, which was a really popular place. I got the sense it is quite the local hangout as well. The food and beer were really good. They had a good bit of Mexican stuff on the menu. You can get a drink at the bar, and you don't pay for it then, they transfer it to your table. Also, they don't take credit cards. Just cash or check OR she said we could send money later. Like after we left. Serious honor system. We paid in cash. It was an early night. With the 2 hour time change we hit the bed as soon as we got back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJci_RdhEuvC2TxIpruBNtcgxcBMBjQ4Cl4vT7am-TUVwwMgB9ipRfrTH08nUjjbravdEngj7InnovDAgrO0W1bqDtBKlq3pzXi2eDN74rjS060bEvuKjMWg8fMr0_-XpD3HF69ZL0bDjo/s1600/IMG_2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJci_RdhEuvC2TxIpruBNtcgxcBMBjQ4Cl4vT7am-TUVwwMgB9ipRfrTH08nUjjbravdEngj7InnovDAgrO0W1bqDtBKlq3pzXi2eDN74rjS060bEvuKjMWg8fMr0_-XpD3HF69ZL0bDjo/s400/IMG_2601.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not too shabby work</td></tr>
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Friday<br />
I slept in as much as I could, which wasn't even til 6am. I went over to Red Rocks Coffee around 7am for a mocha. Oh, and to meet up with the Big Sexy himself: Chris McDonald. I hadn't seen him since last summer, so it was good to hang out. You don't really 'catch up' because you see everything facebook, etc. I also got to meet a couple of BSR mates Rob and Chad. But probably most important of all was finally getting to meet La Fabulosa herself: Erika. Wife of Big Sexy, and pretty much runs Big Sexy Racing. We hung out for a while and it was a lot of fun. I successfully resisted the urge to get a selfie with them and embarrass myself.<br />
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<br />
After that it was bike tech time. I was down at the IM village in the bike tech line by 9:15am. I stood in line and got to the front at about 9:45am. The "Bikes and Life" Shop owner was quite nice. He got all my info in the computer and I got a text verification. I explained the issues to him and he said it would be about an hour. I just hung out right there. I talked with a few people I knew, including BSR John. I watched as they put the bike on the stand, worked on it and then took it off the stand by 10:45am. By 11am I still had not gotten a text so I went over to talk to him.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full Cycle Outside Seating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
He said they fixed the front end, and the brake, but weren't really sure about the crank. We got the bike off the rack and the crank wouldn't turn at all. The bike tech is like, the bearings are all seized up. There's nothing we can do. I thought that now would be a pretty good time to panic. Evidently that was written all over my face. The Bikes and Life guy was was like, "don't worry, I'll call a local bike shop. You can take it down there. Don't worry about making the bike check cutoff. I'll be here really late and you can always leave it with me, and I'll take it into transition for you." I started to feel slightly better, but then he's "don't worry you always can just go over and rent a bike if you have to". That was not the pep talk I was hoping for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjeICRVdRdVKB0vZ_Lqa6rC9B11K1J2clpTh6JyFFYQ5CcmRFLsEYsXw1MoZRYrRG0c1r8eoDoBBOve-eUqCgnLxI0AlTDOpPKw7pIUOzzifJz7xJaM1GH22VaQLZwunTQycA4xCJkpT0/s1600/IMG_2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjeICRVdRdVKB0vZ_Lqa6rC9B11K1J2clpTh6JyFFYQ5CcmRFLsEYsXw1MoZRYrRG0c1r8eoDoBBOve-eUqCgnLxI0AlTDOpPKw7pIUOzzifJz7xJaM1GH22VaQLZwunTQycA4xCJkpT0/s400/IMG_2604.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm . . . Beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
So he calls Full Cycle, which is right next to the Pearl Street mall and talks to them for a minute. He says they can take care of me. I grab the bike and head straight down there. I tell them the situation and they put it right up on the stand there. They start taking the crank apart, and yup, both bearings are shot. They start scrambling around to see if they have any. He finds one in a drawer at the counter and a few minutes later they find another in the back. I'm starting to feel a little better. Then he explains to me what that need to do, I'm like, whatever . . . you . . . need . . . to . . . do . . . to . . . fix . . . it. Just so we're clear. I don't care what needs to be done. He says it'll take him a couple of hours. I'm like OK, here's my number.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghO5CrfRcYXwLnaiHRNfZ7fmZ5SH5xrOQSo4YOLxArSn6JBSqpfhVog0YPpXBSL-jqGlrUkEwsFQmVfXRChbWR4SukN-akPMkjueOa4NHx85mZeX03jg9hhbfwzhX7YBnf87gNtbA8cea3/s1600/IMG_4725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1600" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghO5CrfRcYXwLnaiHRNfZ7fmZ5SH5xrOQSo4YOLxArSn6JBSqpfhVog0YPpXBSL-jqGlrUkEwsFQmVfXRChbWR4SukN-akPMkjueOa4NHx85mZeX03jg9hhbfwzhX7YBnf87gNtbA8cea3/s320/IMG_4725.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views on my Wife's Run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I went back to the hotel and then my wife and I went to lunch. We just went to Subway right there near the hotel. I get the call about 1pm that my bike is ready. Pretty good timing, so I head back down to Full Cycle. On the way, I get a call from them that I missed and they left me a voicemail right when I arrive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhB-N_PhvfPx6Jy5O4cbkJ6hND87AomWsi4nwgsSTJolZbYpeN48ZNNSkvmHpEAiDGdPmfhdjZKRLELFIkOpHxdKfGPeT9xHuo5p67X4f9OrFCVrcUYAuWstaUZqKjb9d1NgaIIyz7XcGY/s1600/PDXC7298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhB-N_PhvfPx6Jy5O4cbkJ6hND87AomWsi4nwgsSTJolZbYpeN48ZNNSkvmHpEAiDGdPmfhdjZKRLELFIkOpHxdKfGPeT9xHuo5p67X4f9OrFCVrcUYAuWstaUZqKjb9d1NgaIIyz7XcGY/s320/PDXC7298.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shakeout Ride</td></tr>
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<br />
I come in the back door and see the guy who worked on my bike. He's like 'I saw your rear cable was frayed and so we replaced that. Then I took it for a test ride and the chain broke.' Seriously? He's like we can fix it, but I'm not sure it will last. So you think we should replace it? Yes. OK dude, just do what you gotta do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPrvL1_JoRU5tQwEvxhjI4rOToCNbu03LuXiKwnPM_e5l6WMnWQ6onWy8nnS1UayjgSpq3FHiNIROK0sCYPpLBby4bL9w5s6OKu6GXnKlt72RJm4iwrjgmyUZpfm651fqsa2Js5-8_C1M/s1600/YBWS0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPrvL1_JoRU5tQwEvxhjI4rOToCNbu03LuXiKwnPM_e5l6WMnWQ6onWy8nnS1UayjgSpq3FHiNIROK0sCYPpLBby4bL9w5s6OKu6GXnKlt72RJm4iwrjgmyUZpfm651fqsa2Js5-8_C1M/s320/YBWS0670.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shakeout Run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I had a few minutes to walk around. Full Cycle is kinda cool in that they have a full bar right in the bike shop. No, not just coffee, I'm talking alcoholic beverages. I don't drink beer the the day before a race, but if ever I was, today would be that day. Very tempting, but I was able to resist the urge.<br />
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Pretty soon they were done. I paid up, and took Green Lightning for a little spin around the block before I left. Everything seemed in order, so I put her in the back of the Kia and headed back out to the Res. I lucked out on the parking this time and got into the paved lot right next to the IM Village. I then went for a real short ride. <br />
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I wanted to ride out past transition like we would in the race, but I didn't see anyone going out there. So I just rode back out the main entrance and down 51st street. It was only 3.7 miles, put I tried to crank some watts a couple of times just to see if anything else would fall apart. Satisfied I came back to the car and got my run gear. Just a quick 1.2 mile run to kinda shake the stress off. I felt OK, and didn't really feel the effects of the altitude too much at that point.<br />
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I did a quick change and grabbed my bike and made the long walk to transition. I checked the bike in around 3:30pm. I checked out the flow of transition, just to make sure I knew were I was going. My path through transition was pretty simple as I was on the outside row right next to the fence and some boats that were parked there. For the bike out they had the timing mat at the bottom of this hill, and no mount line marked. I thought that would be a tough start, so I put my bike in the small ring. Satisfied that I had it all figured out I headed out. I felt much better about my bike and the race at this point. It is what it is.<br />
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<br />
Back at the hotel I got all my stuff together and ready for race day. I really hoped to be able to use my wetsuit. They had made it sound like it would be close at the race briefing, but I felt like I needed to catch at least one break for this race.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpSSLGpuvV05XqVUuX0NK2JQdLcrqBDEEnd40I2pXTkRjCbWf_7ukxvO8msxrpTm_fHzhbpnOJ-QUp-qx-jZVdq0WuA6THEgqXBJjCFfovVGpM8c2V0faEok12vCb9N6j7wJYBwlrcbHS/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpSSLGpuvV05XqVUuX0NK2JQdLcrqBDEEnd40I2pXTkRjCbWf_7ukxvO8msxrpTm_fHzhbpnOJ-QUp-qx-jZVdq0WuA6THEgqXBJjCFfovVGpM8c2V0faEok12vCb9N6j7wJYBwlrcbHS/s400/IMG_4757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We headed out for an early dinner. Again we went right near the hotel to Bracco Trattoria and Mozarella Bar. We got one of the mozarella apps, and I had some, not a lot. I had the chicken and the food was quite good. We hit the bed early, but I did not sleep for crap. I mean, I usually don't sleep well the night before the race, but this was way worse. I just kept thinking that if I can get off the bike without a mechanical, it will be a win.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qRG4wm8IBgeH2_QqdFPWzMCrVoHr5KJN8N7S0dlwvDKIAOnsD3IdydSfx2zK8l6IfTVjd4YU2xPa2U_hcmFRAQ5briqHIPbQSvz19MZgXFrvgAc2SVOSaIQZIqW10J7YfR5eg3PQafJ3/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qRG4wm8IBgeH2_QqdFPWzMCrVoHr5KJN8N7S0dlwvDKIAOnsD3IdydSfx2zK8l6IfTVjd4YU2xPa2U_hcmFRAQ5briqHIPbQSvz19MZgXFrvgAc2SVOSaIQZIqW10J7YfR5eg3PQafJ3/s320/IMG_2616.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mozzarella Appetizer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<br />
Saturday RACE DAY<br />
Obviously then I was up way before the alarm. I gathered all my stuff and went down at 5:30 to catch the shuttle. There were 2 buses sitting there. Evidently no busses had left our hotel yet. There was just one girl on the bus when I got on. Then another girl got on, the driver decided to leave about 5:40am. We didn't go down Jay Ave, but swung down around and came up the Diagonal highway. When we got close to the light there at Jay and Diagonal the traffic was at a standstill. It was backed way up on the other side of the Diagonal heading south, as well as Jay Street both ways heading toward 51st street.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCyuIs7WJLUxNQw4Owj-8VxHwYP_kof_GtnyKD9x0cP0WtPvpvePABRBsb3FDzajz7FVoOVsnBszpOXFC9220xSTaaBXK__WQtNxqsXZp_zKWGUSjj-ZcL0WKTsTXDYjhLAGGwSznfdaU/s1600/IMG_4753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="1600" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCyuIs7WJLUxNQw4Owj-8VxHwYP_kof_GtnyKD9x0cP0WtPvpvePABRBsb3FDzajz7FVoOVsnBszpOXFC9220xSTaaBXK__WQtNxqsXZp_zKWGUSjj-ZcL0WKTsTXDYjhLAGGwSznfdaU/s320/IMG_4753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So we sat, and crept along, and sat, and it was taking a loooong time. Honestly I didn't feel stressed about it. It gave me some time to eat my peanut butter bagel and a banana and drink some. We had a lot of conversation along the way. I'm glad I wasn't driving, because then I would have been freaking out. We heard on the radio that one of the busses for the other hotel, went to the wrong hotel. At least we were on a bus. It was a total mess. Which I really couldn't figure out. I mean they've had this race for like 10 years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LbP8HEjE3LTGV5A71CYR9UB564oqm0ro1tKUO6Gy1ZzfAxqkdPMeDnRlpE74hLOchVSvzRyRAx17tQFBiNo5u-lKabFsMiZ8UuZNuTPpqhSk2r-TqTSdWML6KybQdoQRLFY7l8bUGSwN/s1600/IMG_4754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LbP8HEjE3LTGV5A71CYR9UB564oqm0ro1tKUO6Gy1ZzfAxqkdPMeDnRlpE74hLOchVSvzRyRAx17tQFBiNo5u-lKabFsMiZ8UuZNuTPpqhSk2r-TqTSdWML6KybQdoQRLFY7l8bUGSwN/s320/IMG_4754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is a 10 minute drive from the hotel to the Res. It took us 1 hour and 5 minutes to get there on race morning. We saw people bailing out of the busses and jogging (with all their gear) to transition. I just couldn't figure out why the didn't have the busses come in from the opposite end. From what I heard after the race, they usually have a designated bus lane, which they did not have this year. I'm sure they will next year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnjAzmDEGr35x4R9rnxHugoXTvloY2eKomElbaEl44cX3sCBylaP0V11Ls6dQGtpHVmXNnlDW_UsrbnnKyGz42IWq_jMC46CzhQh5QtGo5H7t2rRXuwscYc-Swui7pGjWNIy5QbNNBff3/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnjAzmDEGr35x4R9rnxHugoXTvloY2eKomElbaEl44cX3sCBylaP0V11Ls6dQGtpHVmXNnlDW_UsrbnnKyGz42IWq_jMC46CzhQh5QtGo5H7t2rRXuwscYc-Swui7pGjWNIy5QbNNBff3/s320/IMG_4755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We got dropped off at 6:45, with transition set to close at 7:00 am. I made the walk to transition and setup my stuff. I saw people with wetsuits have on, so that was a good sign. Later heard that the official temp was 72.0 degrees, not even close. I did forget my velcro strap that hold my front BTA bottle on. I borrowed some electrical tape from the guy next to me and strapped in on there nice and tight. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIEpyYhxuppYMhhpvb-ykFEcURcWHKc1intmoRDFnlkntzMvYEXCBMlHuOeeaGY6-BubRKT1OdlT4S5YsnE8unOCGL6FQToJ_bVogQczH6COwt9fc2rrvwvF82DTBZ5R6fcG8jTt7BqXB/s1600/IMG_2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIEpyYhxuppYMhhpvb-ykFEcURcWHKc1intmoRDFnlkntzMvYEXCBMlHuOeeaGY6-BubRKT1OdlT4S5YsnE8unOCGL6FQToJ_bVogQczH6COwt9fc2rrvwvF82DTBZ5R6fcG8jTt7BqXB/s320/IMG_2622.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything electrical tape can NOT do?</td></tr>
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I saw BSR Diane and Terence in transition. Then they announced that there would be a 15 min delay in all the age group starts. So now I wasn't starting until 8:05 (the very last male wave). One guy was still kicking everyone out of transition at 7 though. So I started making the walk to swim start. I found a big group of Big Sexies and got to meet a bunch for the first time.<br />
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<br />
I mostly hung out with BSR Scott and his wife. They are local, so that was good to get some last minute intel on the course. They had a section of Res to swim in. I believe it was the normal recreational swimming area to warmup in. I did not, but I did wade in to my waist so I could pee. Soon it was the normal IM wave line wait. We slowly sauntered forward. We waded in, and it was a stand up start.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtAwG5HFgHuhHC5H-WMi2ccxpFduQW0xOUzbBIICjuAmGF8DuedUnPDZ6tsmUclDfhQCZ5hRAqSrmMbtTb6sIK4otXGU25ObxW2g2DCYe02kN8tWJEWrDq8XzCoDNQ73H7xumTV_uRpvi/s1600/13_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_036765-10191749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtAwG5HFgHuhHC5H-WMi2ccxpFduQW0xOUzbBIICjuAmGF8DuedUnPDZ6tsmUclDfhQCZ5hRAqSrmMbtTb6sIK4otXGU25ObxW2g2DCYe02kN8tWJEWrDq8XzCoDNQ73H7xumTV_uRpvi/s320/13_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_036765-10191749.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br />
SWIM<br />
38:00 Officially, 46 / 149 Age Group (M45-49)<br />
Garmin had 37:58 and 1.22 miles for a 1:46 / hundred yard average<br />
The water did not get deep quickly. I jogged for 30 yards or so before I dove in. I was definitely glad to have the wetsuit. The start was not too congested, and I felt ok. I definitely felt a little low on energy. The first leg of this "U" shaped course went pretty quickly. It got congested a little at the first turn, but not too bad. There was a guy hanging on the turn buoy, but not really in anyone's way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtZGYeAY-uTQyeFDXDxAwuzRtpdk7VSwl6EIJ_KIvMOBHKj0ZFTVxYTyajzTpQYUP9h1n9n8awNwyCs_iy-6V6fIcuYEBeOddqtgo6vYg4x6oRdtQP2MDm2wEtBydkdbcSKWJRCJhlJkG/s1600/14_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_036766-10191750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtZGYeAY-uTQyeFDXDxAwuzRtpdk7VSwl6EIJ_KIvMOBHKj0ZFTVxYTyajzTpQYUP9h1n9n8awNwyCs_iy-6V6fIcuYEBeOddqtgo6vYg4x6oRdtQP2MDm2wEtBydkdbcSKWJRCJhlJkG/s320/14_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_036766-10191750.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD2miZWAcufDD8BMZGFjbqobkhN9rxd9kxXLrCVCIUENuYrPklJOcH5MnWR5JVHX1O5xAW0vpYTtgTjPQUDYFUOq2buvSqI8wbArJlpqyBcrP1cvhnRc4mDU8KOu7wIaCxoaoenB6g8w4/s1600/swim2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="749" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD2miZWAcufDD8BMZGFjbqobkhN9rxd9kxXLrCVCIUENuYrPklJOcH5MnWR5JVHX1O5xAW0vpYTtgTjPQUDYFUOq2buvSqI8wbArJlpqyBcrP1cvhnRc4mDU8KOu7wIaCxoaoenB6g8w4/s320/swim2.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvgOGzsWaEMtb4Hr4dKRRou2-_oX6VUnzYettXPap4pJ-ra0GHpAlhyphenhyphenWxWy-JusFP_4cWkAz14M5qcQ9VmFglegky3sjPnCjRjKpX8AOcNB8ADkBcS0PanfSQAOrZL6wLnNiCZqLoeipw/s1600/18_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_040822-10191754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvgOGzsWaEMtb4Hr4dKRRou2-_oX6VUnzYettXPap4pJ-ra0GHpAlhyphenhyphenWxWy-JusFP_4cWkAz14M5qcQ9VmFglegky3sjPnCjRjKpX8AOcNB8ADkBcS0PanfSQAOrZL6wLnNiCZqLoeipw/s320/18_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_040822-10191754.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even when you swim as slow as me, you still want to know your time</td></tr>
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On the backside, I really started breathing mostly every 2 strokes instead of my normal 3. Everyone that was faster seemed to take off right away, and then I was kinda hanging with some people and catching a few stragglers from the wave in front, as the faster women from the wave behind were catching me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfOEFiLOspPmh91hFyCvP8fixstYwTnP9ak_y_WJxzVOyTrkUhgdbzQJbcHdgZt-GxlR-Esy342KV14o5wzKcD5kBCf68swg-quorrY8kupnLvGujwF9peTaLKNsVTe8DNxOhy9GeJvZu/s1600/15_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_036767-10191751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfOEFiLOspPmh91hFyCvP8fixstYwTnP9ak_y_WJxzVOyTrkUhgdbzQJbcHdgZt-GxlR-Esy342KV14o5wzKcD5kBCf68swg-quorrY8kupnLvGujwF9peTaLKNsVTe8DNxOhy9GeJvZu/s400/15_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_036767-10191751.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kuZZNzWLg8XIFpogwQ-VEZIabvaCgAHV1wIpwbJAwYrfCBW7ZREXAXB3U8pk0ugP9ksBTGoWWM6Rfl1boKvsRVT6RJ692BuzuG9AIszaE8wyrKi0QtgrYCiAMPLsCmAb-R_dr0Izu4_i/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kuZZNzWLg8XIFpogwQ-VEZIabvaCgAHV1wIpwbJAwYrfCBW7ZREXAXB3U8pk0ugP9ksBTGoWWM6Rfl1boKvsRVT6RJ692BuzuG9AIszaE8wyrKi0QtgrYCiAMPLsCmAb-R_dr0Izu4_i/s320/IMG_4746.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run up from the Res</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon I was on the homestretch, almost always breathing every 2 strokes. I felt like I had to correct my course a lot more often then I'm used to. I guess 3 stroke breathing does help to straighten out your swim line. The final stretch seemed really long, as it often does for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrQdx-mqLoY9E-XXGFmAQixvYoRQsWxXIIE1IJ1Si7MDY61_kTG6lVt4C2cJvCvMTrWqiJy5jNZmnnKxggz983mlMwtyeRXFr90XdM3W45Yj5sQRAclVWZrs5d3ETWbrT0_8GeVawFgtF/s1600/IMG_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrQdx-mqLoY9E-XXGFmAQixvYoRQsWxXIIE1IJ1Si7MDY61_kTG6lVt4C2cJvCvMTrWqiJy5jNZmnnKxggz983mlMwtyeRXFr90XdM3W45Yj5sQRAclVWZrs5d3ETWbrT0_8GeVawFgtF/s320/IMG_4748.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More run up from the Res to T1</td></tr>
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I kinda started to feel a little dizzy. I actually had to tell myself 'keep it together man'. I was thinking, just 10 more minutes of swimming, ok, just 5 more minutes, I can do this. Finally, finally reached the end. I grabbed sand on a couple of strokes and then stood up to run through the gate.<br />
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<br />
T1<br />
2:34 Officially, 9th in Age Group<br />
Garmin had 2:57 and 0.21 miles<br />
I saw the 37:50 something on my watch and that was pretty much what I expected. I had hoped for a 37, so I was just a minute off. I felt more wobbly than usual coming up the hill. I found some free wetsuit strippers and they peeled me off. Overall I had a pretty good T1. I put my shoes on and ran with my bike to the inflatable arch. Everyone was running to the top of the hill, so I guess that's where the mount line was. Pushed up the hill, got on and I was off.<br />
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<br />
BIKE<br />
2:10:25 Officially, 2nd in Age Group<br />
Garmin had 2:09:52 for 54.01 miles for a 25.0 average on 201 watts and 85 cadence<br />
It was the normal expected Ironman 70.3 congestion at the start. A 1/2 mile on the service road and were were out on the Diagonal Highway (DH). This little back and forth on the DH is a little odd. You only go about 2.7 miles and then you take a 'no passing zone' bike path around, under the highway that puts you back on the other side. So now you're North bound, or Northeast bound. And it's slightly downhill, so you're flying.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Only time it is OK to pass on the Right</td></tr>
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<br />
I was doing 30 to 35 mph most that way out to the next bike path turnaround just past mile 10. On this path, a dude passes me. Really? What are you gonna do, it's not there is any sort of official out there checking people.<br />
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At my first 5M split, I was only averaging 200 watts, but there was a lot of coasting during that path turnaround. On the second 5M split I hit 216 watts, but averaged 31 MPH. I was feeling fine, but the watt average was low. After that path turn, you come back down the DH and make the split onto Jay ave just past the 17 mile mark. That section coming back was mostly uphill. Still, through 15M I was at a 26.5 mph ave on only 208 watts.<br />
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It was basically a constant climb to mile 20 (384 feet up, 0 down). I did ok on the 5M split averaging 213 watts. Watts seemed hard, I mean I still felt good at this point, but it was just starting to feel hard. I didn't see any drafting, just a constant string of people. It reminded me a little of Muncie. I didn't have to worry about being in the draft zone too long, because as soon as I passed someone, I was in the zone to pass the next person. Starting in the last male wave (when will this blatant discriminatory Alphabetism stop!) definitely put a lot of people ahead of me.<br />
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Pretty much constant passing. There were also quite a few non-racer riders out. I mean in most races I'll see 1 or 2, but there were a lot here. And not just going in the opposite direction. I passed a group of about 6 women, just out on their Saturday ride . . . on the race course. It is a very scenic place to ride.<br />
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<br />
As I crested that hill, I still couldn't get my watts up, but I was zooming down. On the 10 miles downhill and flat to the 30 mile mark, I could only muster 207 watts, but averaged 28.5 mph. So at the 30 mile mark, I had a 26.0 overall average. The next hill was rough: 561 feet gain in the next 5 mile stretch up to almost 5,700 feet. I was able to keep the watts respectable up that hill. After that the watt wheels kinda fell off. My hip was cramping up, which seemed odd. And later my fingers. Definitely not good signs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6rgBkTxR6nrXie0l9Ie508YvNW3aOyxDoI85O-Z_bWZDdCozQtCabFwQ3SLSPbgFOm7MCY7OU1JlfS2yMsT-Zn8cgSRHSTZMdDzf9rOWw8Xp7W8Am8Zp8u1pKQggHnedRydobq6p_ShZ/s1600/33_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_055482-10191769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6rgBkTxR6nrXie0l9Ie508YvNW3aOyxDoI85O-Z_bWZDdCozQtCabFwQ3SLSPbgFOm7MCY7OU1JlfS2yMsT-Zn8cgSRHSTZMdDzf9rOWw8Xp7W8Am8Zp8u1pKQggHnedRydobq6p_ShZ/s400/33_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_055482-10191769.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Art of the Pass" or "Fancy Bikes aren't Fast when you're not in Aero"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the 35M mark, it is mostly downhill and flat. I just couldn't pump any watts. The roads are mostly good, so you can cruise. I could barely hold 190 watts over the next 15 miles, but my speed was over 27. I really started to hurt. Once I hit 50 miles, I just wanted it to be over with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTfVLXJishEK-y7UW4QAZKPTaAP6EjW03hwhAD9nS_RqWIzWy4qtm5S__tzzCuQ3kQHx_8HMRfTiG27Wi2lAVA1G-iib9aUgsxe8XoyD0JWUVqeXzKzprfBadIvD9RI8jR1Xv6g9CaJvg/s1600/29_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_048636-10191765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTfVLXJishEK-y7UW4QAZKPTaAP6EjW03hwhAD9nS_RqWIzWy4qtm5S__tzzCuQ3kQHx_8HMRfTiG27Wi2lAVA1G-iib9aUgsxe8XoyD0JWUVqeXzKzprfBadIvD9RI8jR1Xv6g9CaJvg/s640/29_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_048636-10191765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0lDZDtM5ylHZvi59k05RHzL1FBVo2u7TQxmO6JpDxDxKT49FHaTxIcZBxpyVjafXAbolrkQJj6RdeCMOugUC0Bsi2_uNc0zM1Lwmkzj-4Z55eO_FxvTfAbem-0pbOxHdvv6td2KHT7lH/s1600/bike4.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1542" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0lDZDtM5ylHZvi59k05RHzL1FBVo2u7TQxmO6JpDxDxKT49FHaTxIcZBxpyVjafXAbolrkQJj6RdeCMOugUC0Bsi2_uNc0zM1Lwmkzj-4Z55eO_FxvTfAbem-0pbOxHdvv6td2KHT7lH/s400/bike4.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Based on the times I saw from last year, I figured I needed to avg about 26 on this course. As I made the turn back onto the DH, I was only at a 25.0 average, and I thought, man I'm in trouble. But then I saw the Res and I'm like 'I think that's transition'. Then it dawned on me that this course was short.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW6e4icM841ZW5689pUgkvcZMxAQJMhU-VSmOy0XsqokO8zP54xTpNAlkPox243HBV2d36F_FugSqNaSc7P3g_t_3O3cf3Wvfig53b6jub3vYcJ_hMjGhrCQWesvjjtBmGaLTo1QEMgg6/s1600/1_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_000698-10191737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW6e4icM841ZW5689pUgkvcZMxAQJMhU-VSmOy0XsqokO8zP54xTpNAlkPox243HBV2d36F_FugSqNaSc7P3g_t_3O3cf3Wvfig53b6jub3vYcJ_hMjGhrCQWesvjjtBmGaLTo1QEMgg6/s400/1_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_000698-10191737.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
So my bike time was right where it needed to be, despite only averaging 201 watts. I was saying to myself that I should be able to run like the wind only biking that average, but I didn't really believe it, the way I felt. I'm not sure why I got so dehydrated. I had 3 salt pills, ate my 3 gels, and drained my bottle mix. Just what I normally do. I never did pee like usual.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebKtWXPY-klkU0GmY4-qDoG9Jmvy-klhowz4qsNKN-azbfjs4hza2UMth-42tHAZKeQG2GgNzbbHGFUOJyJKzMqmxMPHXv3Fsgfip0Sd2K73U8tRwUZyJYWd-Q82CF1GR1uWix46LTLr9/s1600/2_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_000699-10191738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebKtWXPY-klkU0GmY4-qDoG9Jmvy-klhowz4qsNKN-azbfjs4hza2UMth-42tHAZKeQG2GgNzbbHGFUOJyJKzMqmxMPHXv3Fsgfip0Sd2K73U8tRwUZyJYWd-Q82CF1GR1uWix46LTLr9/s320/2_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_000699-10191738.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5RgMUI3VkSX9x9qgppBmoFxuNg3IdIdHOzLi1nd-p0x6Bj3AFV6t0Gfls8EbseoT7YV2Oc6sdeZZl6XR8bnovP4zort9vzYnFWgzeSpJta905fFUEfTb1Pf0IFavUovo2WOPwLFW4UQL/s1600/3_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_000700-10191739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5RgMUI3VkSX9x9qgppBmoFxuNg3IdIdHOzLi1nd-p0x6Bj3AFV6t0Gfls8EbseoT7YV2Oc6sdeZZl6XR8bnovP4zort9vzYnFWgzeSpJta905fFUEfTb1Pf0IFavUovo2WOPwLFW4UQL/s640/3_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_000700-10191739.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming in Hot<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
T2<br />
1:54 Officially, 9th in Age Group<br />
Garmin had 2:02 and 0.15 miles<br />
I once again had a perfect dismount, and tried to slow my running down the hill. It seemed like a surreal dream, coming down the hill with my bike, dizzy and dehydrated. But I had a pretty good transition and started out on the run.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1tUclmzudbBNr5pCefMr9FP6mXCbNydU7n9UmkR2kJ6XoqqFc1V_I05H3TGph6AhyV9lLsg37HSxjrFkDuq1tSDQFty9km74mqib2S4xNjdqeI_IKzTaurK0nwfZ1lVXcfYQeA9nSmkL/s1600/t2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="550" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1tUclmzudbBNr5pCefMr9FP6mXCbNydU7n9UmkR2kJ6XoqqFc1V_I05H3TGph6AhyV9lLsg37HSxjrFkDuq1tSDQFty9km74mqib2S4xNjdqeI_IKzTaurK0nwfZ1lVXcfYQeA9nSmkL/s320/t2.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
RUN<br />
1:43:56 Officially, 11th in Age Group<br />
Garmin had 1:43:58 for 13.17 miles for a 7:54 average and 165 HR, and 158 cadence<br />
I saw some of my family right at the start of the run. My sisters and cousin had come out to Boulder to celebrate my youngest sis' 40th Birthday. The first half mile, I felt OK. I started the run conservative, as I knew I was in trouble with hydration. I definitely felt like I didn't have it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJTvOKldq5k3gtcNz3XHAen29b2i7M-EXL4v5c9R4nrFb60xrWmZaCETQXyjVUOe1itZjciFawX8KJqmiP7dJ6RgG6GrjmPkolETMznOCjQDwGe89nIOv12bLEBVxJ0eHuGoF0nZ0oBuK/s1600/5_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_008863-10191741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJTvOKldq5k3gtcNz3XHAen29b2i7M-EXL4v5c9R4nrFb60xrWmZaCETQXyjVUOe1itZjciFawX8KJqmiP7dJ6RgG6GrjmPkolETMznOCjQDwGe89nIOv12bLEBVxJ0eHuGoF0nZ0oBuK/s400/5_m-100777077-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-1929_008863-10191741.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoutout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSJ2XzzgzMQUDGCoE-X1B9BJGKTpWYLR_D6CJiLjqpppSoJytVl9SNBWgh2SSjpdfe-pwko-HxkhMtWVYkQzGM0NkMpE3lXZvW5IxeuXJ-hbMCuBPZgnN6l6_MA9zKPDKL3S2qljhRL7B/s1600/run1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="477" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSJ2XzzgzMQUDGCoE-X1B9BJGKTpWYLR_D6CJiLjqpppSoJytVl9SNBWgh2SSjpdfe-pwko-HxkhMtWVYkQzGM0NkMpE3lXZvW5IxeuXJ-hbMCuBPZgnN6l6_MA9zKPDKL3S2qljhRL7B/s400/run1.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At this point, I knew I just had to push and finish. I figured with my swim and bike time I was probably in 5th place, so I just needed to hang on. I also knew from previous results, that this run is slow. So I wasn't panic'd yet. Honestly, after getting off the bike without a mechanical problem made me feel like I had already won the day.<br />
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<br />
First mile was a 7:07, and I thought, this wouldn't be so bad. Overall the course is not hilly. There is a lot of packed gravel/dirt roads and trails. Very little cover from the sun. The temperature creeped up into the upper 80's. Honestly though it did not feel hot for me. But I'm sure that didn't help with the dehydration. <br />
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<br />
The first 5 miles were respectable at least, averaging 7:25's. Almost a minute slower per mile than I like to do in a half, but whatevs. Just after the 5 mile mark on Monarch Road is where the Big Sexy Crew was setup. All hanging out eating, drinking, yelling, cheering. That definitely gave me a bit of a boost.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx7izrc_4HLcgLWQI6HrWSjqtTrmudOAglM5c6745wLoKBvs2KLzIPK6naC3UlxMxjtA5BiogGyo4WjTDM0Y0laPe7wAm8v90aru9e2S4hJ0A384VvQw27b8XqFeFgsAun1UxlQOzcmir/s1600/run3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="369" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx7izrc_4HLcgLWQI6HrWSjqtTrmudOAglM5c6745wLoKBvs2KLzIPK6naC3UlxMxjtA5BiogGyo4WjTDM0Y0laPe7wAm8v90aru9e2S4hJ0A384VvQw27b8XqFeFgsAun1UxlQOzcmir/s320/run3.tiff" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Evil Out and Back at Miles 7 and 12</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then you make the turn onto 63rd and you have some pavement, which is nice. Then back on the winding trails with some loose dirt as come along side the Reservoir. So around mile 7 you have this stupid short out and back. You basically go down this steep hill and right back up. It stunk. But then you're on a causeway and headed back toward transition for the end of loop 1.<br />
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<br />
I saw the fam at that point again, and then I was back out onto the second loop. I was doing 8+ min miles at that point just trying to hold on. I took a salt pill every 2 miles, but even then my calves started cramping up pretty bad on that second loop. I tried to get some water or coke at every aid station at this point. I only took 2 gels, but I didn't feel hungry in my stomach at all.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0zgHGaKKfJK38Ag4Je63l9PLzyVCaKkfmW9FDnk7mDu8xVnTDw7Ls5fgQ-2OsLgsFLL2R7ztuceQ6qswDMP9SEfCYpaOjMnCRtAxlO8xnFyN3TWJt9FXtSTHMtGMIGrHmy8vTQgIrBuO/s1600/BSR+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0zgHGaKKfJK38Ag4Je63l9PLzyVCaKkfmW9FDnk7mDu8xVnTDw7Ls5fgQ-2OsLgsFLL2R7ztuceQ6qswDMP9SEfCYpaOjMnCRtAxlO8xnFyN3TWJt9FXtSTHMtGMIGrHmy8vTQgIrBuO/s640/BSR+run.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming down Monarch Road and the Big Sexy Cheer Squad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgpyzcbXlMlfM0Ls4KUXJU2LalAoQqAaPzy_N3V_slSShmRWRg3beiP6EZ3juXCBg_JaRfssB8p7ciUB-gXU1T8WlJBxm9mXGhCeDhpaQrPIfRZpjOJ2Jy7p8RZ5rhyphenhyphenS5rxi6z6Fy2Qay/s1600/run4.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="648" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgpyzcbXlMlfM0Ls4KUXJU2LalAoQqAaPzy_N3V_slSShmRWRg3beiP6EZ3juXCBg_JaRfssB8p7ciUB-gXU1T8WlJBxm9mXGhCeDhpaQrPIfRZpjOJ2Jy7p8RZ5rhyphenhyphenS5rxi6z6Fy2Qay/s400/run4.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I walked for like 2 seconds on the hill at mile 9, but then was like, this is stupid, so I just pushed. The BSR crew gave me some energy. That mile 11 was my fastest after the first 5 miles. Then the whole mile 12 I spent telling myself I was going to walk up that stupid out and back hill. When I got to that point of course I did not walk it. I just wanted to finish.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9rJO_rYclK_xHzxjI_55hLvF5pPAdTh4znKLu_ZjPm-N4jsWyJRS_VHqCd9OPUtbRZB7JNfsnlYG3DpYTiTFgyCqW-RD9o9Kv-AEKwpYgr3lpnNVzcyu3p8Kp7qpYSHsKWMBJX8K7qrC/s1600/BSR+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9rJO_rYclK_xHzxjI_55hLvF5pPAdTh4znKLu_ZjPm-N4jsWyJRS_VHqCd9OPUtbRZB7JNfsnlYG3DpYTiTFgyCqW-RD9o9Kv-AEKwpYgr3lpnNVzcyu3p8Kp7qpYSHsKWMBJX8K7qrC/s320/BSR+Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BSR is Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Those last two miles were slooooow. But with the calf cramping getting worse, I was just happy to hit the grass past transition, hear my name being called and cross that finish line.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRUiQHyW7K5jWXTu1ypE-8qIcUMIhVvXrRc54CBTXohdCIRnvRE9ej0Wcoyt3AzrqdgeJubUZREL_okXEB2_8ZMAh35bPdMqYSL5cyqo7C7KOjZ5ecMYzDv2iNvb0nOO2QVamv9Lh0o_m/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRUiQHyW7K5jWXTu1ypE-8qIcUMIhVvXrRc54CBTXohdCIRnvRE9ej0Wcoyt3AzrqdgeJubUZREL_okXEB2_8ZMAh35bPdMqYSL5cyqo7C7KOjZ5ecMYzDv2iNvb0nOO2QVamv9Lh0o_m/s640/IMG_2636.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sexy Yelling in my Earhole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
FINISH<br />
4:36:49 Officially, 4th in Age Group<br />
Garmin had 4:36:49 (Did a nice job with the start and stop on my Garmin!)<br />
I stumbled around a little through the finish line. Honestly I hadn't felt that bad at a finish since the full Ironman Chattanooga. The guy helped me, and kept asking if I was alright. A medical person gave me some salt water. It didn't taste the best, but I kept drinking it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR7w4Ou5omm5wpNLNggsGbqJ8GPJZpXKf1jqerOzoXogaxq5FDFVNbvrdVJWpTOZcdbZPh5PBc3sLMHIRfNTv33RoffhTdpOeAMONGGtPGYGx3e1Ay9p5Ix4IDcLO_N6cO9cd09j_zx4N/s1600/multi1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="899" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR7w4Ou5omm5wpNLNggsGbqJ8GPJZpXKf1jqerOzoXogaxq5FDFVNbvrdVJWpTOZcdbZPh5PBc3sLMHIRfNTv33RoffhTdpOeAMONGGtPGYGx3e1Ay9p5Ix4IDcLO_N6cO9cd09j_zx4N/s400/multi1.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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Found my wife and the rest of the family. We all got some pics together. They checked on their phones and saw that I was 4th. About where I expected. They headed out soon after as they had some hiking plans. I wasn't really hungry, but did jump into the massage tent before they got busy. I told her about my calf cramps so she worked on those. Several times they cramped up really bad while she was working on them. She brings another guy over and he asked where I'm from. 'South Carolina' and he's like Ohhh, ok. Like that explains the cramping or something. I didn't know that was a thing.<br />
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<br />
Evidently the altitude makes you breathe deeper. That may be true. I mean I didn't feel like I was breathing hard or fast all day. According to some 'experts' you lose water through respiration twice as fast at altitude above 5,000 feet than normally. I guess it was true for me.<br />
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<br />
I finally started feeling better and grabbed a coke and some pizza. One really nice thing about my wife taking the shuttle over from the hotel as well, was that she got a wristband to access the athlete food tent too. So she was able to grab some soda too. We walked back over to the bus, and only had to wait about 10 minutes (during which I ran over to the port-o-john).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d2KPpZ3Vk5AELmBzZoGWPxzZKgHEhPmecSQqZ4JqphMUNOdDSRm32DsxxXQfOZKeFuqL_Oimz4dmBNEzdqulBtt6IJHhOkl0qI2daD0Y2BVCUClj4H7hORZR9ikf-UzppHfJOcUxRdDd/s1600/20604305_10155704211804444_6338599687209284294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d2KPpZ3Vk5AELmBzZoGWPxzZKgHEhPmecSQqZ4JqphMUNOdDSRm32DsxxXQfOZKeFuqL_Oimz4dmBNEzdqulBtt6IJHhOkl0qI2daD0Y2BVCUClj4H7hORZR9ikf-UzppHfJOcUxRdDd/s400/20604305_10155704211804444_6338599687209284294_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Minnesota Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Showered and changed at the hotel, and then just chilled for a little bit. We headed back over to the race site by 3:30 so we could park and get my bike before the awards started. We had to park in that dirt lot again, so it was a long walk to transition, and back to the car, and then back to the awards area.<br />
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<br />
I got back with my wife before 4pm. Just in time to hear they were delaying the awards til 4:15p. Luckily the awards were right next to athlete food. I grabbed some more pizza as I was starting to get hungry. They did the Pro awards at 4, and then after that they posted the slot allocations. I walked up to check them out and the slot numbers were exactly as I thought: 2 in my AG. The starter numbers surprised me a little. Younger demographic out here in Colorado, I guess. <br />
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<br />
They go through the awards, and I am the only one in my AG to show up. I guess the applause was all for me! I get a couple of good pictures and sit down. Then I realized, this bodes well for slots, if the first 3 guys are gone. I wanted to go to South Africa. I talked to my wife about it last year, and we decided we were in. I felt like I missed out a little bit on 70.3 Worlds in Australia. That race was the year after I went to Kona (and our trip out west), and we just couldn't swing it. When they announced this race, and I did a little research on it, my heart was set.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrwjDaoLFGJUFeNu2AF7iKz15Vf2mkL-47RiQ6xDgzBd1kbmmeTy2o5_SpZ9LgrIkS2SuGq6nCE4TQWH02RghQUXaJpLaPF9kkbIVJG8Xby0yUvaHqoRVoMfK5yJv_xzauPm1EGcR7do-/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrwjDaoLFGJUFeNu2AF7iKz15Vf2mkL-47RiQ6xDgzBd1kbmmeTy2o5_SpZ9LgrIkS2SuGq6nCE4TQWH02RghQUXaJpLaPF9kkbIVJG8Xby0yUvaHqoRVoMfK5yJv_xzauPm1EGcR7do-/s320/IMG_2624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This only tastes good right after a race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My wife was excited about going as well, so she was a little nervous at the Allocation/Rolldown. The upper age groups really didn't roll too much. Once they got down to 50, there was some rolldown (one of the women's AG ended up rolling all the way out and got re-allocated to a different AG).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QRSEuisxtRPBWe_2iqFPv9AVwMZcPOIndgRHP5IKBMY37WagnZWVGxgOy-Btv1SxKVIRgU7VFXBZfu46qJbJeYvoBgG4PrAT8YnZu3UvUZIclnRFPpbdyRdor1-nReSIKcDfAb7qVbpc/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QRSEuisxtRPBWe_2iqFPv9AVwMZcPOIndgRHP5IKBMY37WagnZWVGxgOy-Btv1SxKVIRgU7VFXBZfu46qJbJeYvoBgG4PrAT8YnZu3UvUZIclnRFPpbdyRdor1-nReSIKcDfAb7qVbpc/s400/IMG_2625.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They get to my AG and my wife is biting her fingers off. I didn't really feel nervous. I was confident I could get a slot next year if I needed to. They say the 1st place name. Nothing. Then 2nd Place. Nothing. I just needed 2 rolls, so I got a big grin on my face. I stand up and take a couple steps forward. I wait for him to say the 3rd place guy. Nothing. Then he says my name and I give a yell and walk up. Triumphant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFQ5ltzkG2AfqGKobEsubT9t9mWbpZlPS10dhT3dyDhSEOnZSwEEtUhn-leBvV2P5-yQHrs5fVGML9OtNm65rKfYys5-F2IHe3Djg0AOg80JVE6Rb82rXech2B78HpCPLSLoIr1zcjixd/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFQ5ltzkG2AfqGKobEsubT9t9mWbpZlPS10dhT3dyDhSEOnZSwEEtUhn-leBvV2P5-yQHrs5fVGML9OtNm65rKfYys5-F2IHe3Djg0AOg80JVE6Rb82rXech2B78HpCPLSLoIr1zcjixd/s320/IMG_2646.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
I fill out the paperwork and get in line to pay. The other slot in my AG rolled to 6th, so not too far. I talked with him in line as we waited. Finally got to pay my $450 plus $36 Active fee (and later the $7.50 daily fee for Triathlon South Africa). I get the coin and the letter and I'm all set. I ask about the Tri Club awards, but they don't have them yet. The woman told me to email her, which I did. They sent me the award about 10 days later. We then headed back to the hotel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17bGjEOp6-uNIEoMpSf6GOTQpbxmXJ_c46BJPw_iReer6j3_zbMpMXiDNU2B994LKqumO2rM52cMW5oPIWAWLM6QvT56Bc05Itdql4wQ-10uaCX2f4PDDHezZ88uFQr8xQba7SBhXdQo_/s1600/20638413_10213677220382340_7213363768661421162_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17bGjEOp6-uNIEoMpSf6GOTQpbxmXJ_c46BJPw_iReer6j3_zbMpMXiDNU2B994LKqumO2rM52cMW5oPIWAWLM6QvT56Bc05Itdql4wQ-10uaCX2f4PDDHezZ88uFQr8xQba7SBhXdQo_/s400/20638413_10213677220382340_7213363768661421162_n.jpg" width="363" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Smc88O2K03yTBlKbalfL3NfvE2xk40o4cdqa6zLbOobxxphzYlvzbQJHIJL2vs6kgvC2iXcGIeglN07Xbeu_gGCcAlNUJZdeUQgqmYFSLzOAzIXkiEB07wyntDorlK_VwDFzmwEf0Uqj/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1552" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Smc88O2K03yTBlKbalfL3NfvE2xk40o4cdqa6zLbOobxxphzYlvzbQJHIJL2vs6kgvC2iXcGIeglN07Xbeu_gGCcAlNUJZdeUQgqmYFSLzOAzIXkiEB07wyntDorlK_VwDFzmwEf0Uqj/s400/IMG_2633.JPG" width="387" /></a></div>
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By then it was 5:30 and were meeting up with BSR peeps at 6p. We just 'freshened up' and headed out. We met everyone over at the Rayback Collective. Basically its a tap house with food trucks and outdoor bar games. They had really good selection of beer. We got some food from the food truck with the shortest line. We had a really good time hanging out with everyone, Especially Big Sexy Chris and Erika. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhJerN7yzjWmskMPoKzbkPjQpf_cVyLWlCZq5-cdVO_hC5VjcEcevtwZNP4XtGB-fmaXya9psxLGS1I8HhwJwNtfBQWj0lAPwg_6kLzH9-0jGNN5EHlL0lRs5u22mfNnxvPSDgyYkymLy/s1600/IMG_2631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhJerN7yzjWmskMPoKzbkPjQpf_cVyLWlCZq5-cdVO_hC5VjcEcevtwZNP4XtGB-fmaXya9psxLGS1I8HhwJwNtfBQWj0lAPwg_6kLzH9-0jGNN5EHlL0lRs5u22mfNnxvPSDgyYkymLy/s320/IMG_2631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2exnhT__bY0s34yxoz2Zwms4YGp8uISbWNsnL_1-R6YIlQmOtKaBhc22HnFnY-HBa8rTEiocL6C-hRnk0JH7BbTvVMzcj4sJJzsXM9BMJ3ZzIGSh9bt0CMh1VxbViUbnPYRUjxnio9niE/s1600/Rayburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2exnhT__bY0s34yxoz2Zwms4YGp8uISbWNsnL_1-R6YIlQmOtKaBhc22HnFnY-HBa8rTEiocL6C-hRnk0JH7BbTvVMzcj4sJJzsXM9BMJ3ZzIGSh9bt0CMh1VxbViUbnPYRUjxnio9niE/s640/Rayburn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My BSR Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a while a few of us headed over to Upslope Brewing. Chris says that's his favorite one. It was right next to out hotel, which was nice. After a bit, I felt very tired and we soon headed back to the hotel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei3SwHEV_YHIdizE-kZw4r0ccqwWE7gsWUYMX4a_FbXt_ObE20rhE5RJ0N7CH1KamSIL3XZOpQWvORVVFyIQiM2i2LFBXeHZrFkkGMQvnGafLq67pHr141fC2KXVQq0fqoytAk5C8w2aI/s1600/IMG_2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei3SwHEV_YHIdizE-kZw4r0ccqwWE7gsWUYMX4a_FbXt_ObE20rhE5RJ0N7CH1KamSIL3XZOpQWvORVVFyIQiM2i2LFBXeHZrFkkGMQvnGafLq67pHr141fC2KXVQq0fqoytAk5C8w2aI/s320/IMG_2632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sunday<br />
Slept in as long as we could, like til 6:30am. Hung out at breakfast for quite a while, since I could, as my wife went for a run. Went to work on breaking down Green Lightning and getting it packed back up. Definitely seemed to go smoother this time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yp0rVP3YEX4_PqHvce3Gw2hCIY52u8LhSsADd9F5cZlJShWsg8ySDpBsluuc9PnJIOxC9WkHqdwl9a8qMfbaeK9ixTiCGdy34wOD9vmHgxr1nKM0MyDP8B1oD7f63Qz3FchLTxnXKdTd/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yp0rVP3YEX4_PqHvce3Gw2hCIY52u8LhSsADd9F5cZlJShWsg8ySDpBsluuc9PnJIOxC9WkHqdwl9a8qMfbaeK9ixTiCGdy34wOD9vmHgxr1nKM0MyDP8B1oD7f63Qz3FchLTxnXKdTd/s320/IMG_2637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We went down to Boulder Beer for lunch. Again good food and beer. Seems to be a trend here. We went back over to Pearl Street Mall to get some souvenirs. We parked on the west side and walked in, seeing some parts we hadn't seen before. After that we just went back to the hotel and relaxed before dinner.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4_AEEU5myFfvLIxFGm3sqRql0xlcbMwofnyY-hcqgulaWHmlB066lVdbrfBKJrSN4goGyC3mF2pO3-PMCXblbyYjBg3NZqZDlNhwzreJfuOFfS7hzdtnSdXdPQlqn2Wb4gDrN_mumHnV/s1600/20638189_10210816446993366_8389666889637345803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4_AEEU5myFfvLIxFGm3sqRql0xlcbMwofnyY-hcqgulaWHmlB066lVdbrfBKJrSN4goGyC3mF2pO3-PMCXblbyYjBg3NZqZDlNhwzreJfuOFfS7hzdtnSdXdPQlqn2Wb4gDrN_mumHnV/s400/20638189_10210816446993366_8389666889637345803_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avery Brewing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had dinner over at Avery Brewing with my sisters and cousin. We ate outside and enjoyed the day. It was nice to catch up with everyone some and be able to talk without chasing kids around. Back at the hotel we finished packing up and we were ready to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfsFbhgDNw1xCVkOaaUtPWDd_qYfgGF_c_y3cVUmJ-9EwCcug632GLR8VlWC4_1LQwqdFALYjwbA8HO4GLPCxktwhYS4pvszVgfX4Zjjxu_WVssIhotvPeZyOn6tWtbT75toIVMMcGhyy/s1600/IMG_2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfsFbhgDNw1xCVkOaaUtPWDd_qYfgGF_c_y3cVUmJ-9EwCcug632GLR8VlWC4_1LQwqdFALYjwbA8HO4GLPCxktwhYS4pvszVgfX4Zjjxu_WVssIhotvPeZyOn6tWtbT75toIVMMcGhyy/s320/IMG_2651.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Monday<br />
We were up early, still not used to the time change. So we just headed to the airport even though our flight wasn't until 10am. It's a good hour drive to DEN without traffic, and there is always some traffic. No problems checking the bike this time. I think Denver is much more used to handling bikes than some other airports. We had time for a nice sit down breakfast after we got past security.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_jWHYgk9Njb9KOFLvXi_ewOUCsVohN7thi6qR_uY948FoeMQWBrl2OXsYa1WtwQgDdhqm4kCNn0__Yoi-fzYngctLIRaAjUzGOlU0AoBVugco4VKEMlC7tiU8SAgrSE9La2P55N4G9eP/s1600/IMG_4761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_jWHYgk9Njb9KOFLvXi_ewOUCsVohN7thi6qR_uY948FoeMQWBrl2OXsYa1WtwQgDdhqm4kCNn0__Yoi-fzYngctLIRaAjUzGOlU0AoBVugco4VKEMlC7tiU8SAgrSE9La2P55N4G9eP/s320/IMG_4761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d3YFj2FzKyBJuqMbUCF69vc9BTPKWyXdUQAv2iUil15hwiHeny8t9LeBKDIN2RyzEm0BFHh43T05q2MCZLD-f_2YW8vDrxwAmWRm5L621WfljzrIsM31oOsAo-tD1f74fxawNBkCGSMU/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d3YFj2FzKyBJuqMbUCF69vc9BTPKWyXdUQAv2iUil15hwiHeny8t9LeBKDIN2RyzEm0BFHh43T05q2MCZLD-f_2YW8vDrxwAmWRm5L621WfljzrIsM31oOsAo-tD1f74fxawNBkCGSMU/s400/IMG_4762.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie Dogs Everywhere! (I'm told they're protected).</td></tr>
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Happy to report no issues with travel at all. Our bags were the first one's off the conveyor in Charlotte. Shuttle, Car, Highway, Home. Exhausted but happy with a great trip. I'm pretty sure I set a PR by going to 5 different breweries in one weekend. I put my bike back together that evening. It wasn't too bad, and I can see how people do it all the time now. I did take it into Inside Out Sports for a once over before I rode it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlxkm6vEO09hoV3V7pGwSvrAgsYCJkc6yZfqICVlHx5sO8WYqQ5WEYvjIQEnllyN0sgI0iIij67rVxmFhvaKvHwpjY7SlXGyGXY0IYmHuxKytlyHhmFxC5_KeY5lPKUOFlu5CP_Pr6mPZ/s1600/IMG_2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlxkm6vEO09hoV3V7pGwSvrAgsYCJkc6yZfqICVlHx5sO8WYqQ5WEYvjIQEnllyN0sgI0iIij67rVxmFhvaKvHwpjY7SlXGyGXY0IYmHuxKytlyHhmFxC5_KeY5lPKUOFlu5CP_Pr6mPZ/s320/IMG_2644.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkgLS_twW43h2Rzlyd5iqq7W-DBY0q6KeT7kPkwqYoLd4ja27QctnSvePh85Py13_NmyWVNqYEgbc4_Otd2OWv82-LzQjVzBUkAjUZI94zyHs1kLGbGMmF1nEgucZI4bLmSKeUXGAU4Me/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1485" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkgLS_twW43h2Rzlyd5iqq7W-DBY0q6KeT7kPkwqYoLd4ja27QctnSvePh85Py13_NmyWVNqYEgbc4_Otd2OWv82-LzQjVzBUkAjUZI94zyHs1kLGbGMmF1nEgucZI4bLmSKeUXGAU4Me/s320/IMG_2645.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
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The total tally with bag check fees (both ways), Life+Cycles at bike tech, Full Cycle, and Inside Out, I spent $333 dollars to ship my bike out there and back in working order. Tri Bike Transport is usually $350 for domestic, and you can usually get a discount if you book early. So I didn't save any money at all. It was nice to be able to ride my bike the weekends before and after the race. Tri Bike is usually 2-3 weeks before and 10-14 days after. But let's just say I will be using Tri Bike for South Africa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHcXi1gn7VdvwlcNtK51xYTbyUWBMtsSZ5LB9-t30ighJ1850MYOBIl8A6CRL5UrUx0GyXzt6PBk_jgGxS2TOv5kiOsC1XvL4bua3FsIQiZSXSL0jYr7BXc2gC4GFYrVnOHT0CY5p7dUo/s1600/IMG_2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHcXi1gn7VdvwlcNtK51xYTbyUWBMtsSZ5LB9-t30ighJ1850MYOBIl8A6CRL5UrUx0GyXzt6PBk_jgGxS2TOv5kiOsC1XvL4bua3FsIQiZSXSL0jYr7BXc2gC4GFYrVnOHT0CY5p7dUo/s320/IMG_2641.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Letter"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That race was hard. I have never been so stressed out the day before any race. The altitude was worse than I thought. So I'm pumped to make the podium and (again) punch an eeeeearly ticket to Worlds. Races are not fun. I'm not even sure if I like racing. I love training. I love the weekend of an out of town race: getting away, hanging with friends, finding new beers. I like the meticulous detail that goes into all the gear and setup for a race. But from that start gun to the finish line, there is no fun.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAEa5uRSvPrwtlIEnOWrBHd4VWH9uNFUw0dRt2dOtmCRDiIag-NkpRc6X5H0Ch3w0wnoBZ_bBu2ZpbBUb_XlRbb7jX2E7RN4riGdjsrufBFqLzfJ2WOKC8dgis9SLjUNEv6VcvJc9GlRP/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAEa5uRSvPrwtlIEnOWrBHd4VWH9uNFUw0dRt2dOtmCRDiIag-NkpRc6X5H0Ch3w0wnoBZ_bBu2ZpbBUb_XlRbb7jX2E7RN4riGdjsrufBFqLzfJ2WOKC8dgis9SLjUNEv6VcvJc9GlRP/s400/IMG_2662.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TriClub Champs, Qualifying for Worlds, and Making the Podium are Fun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sometime during the course of every triathlon swim, I start thinking: this stinks, I don't like this, this is not fun, I don't ever want to do this again. But eventually I finish, and making the Podium makes it all worthwhile. That and qualifying for Worlds makes me forget 4 and a 1/2 hours of suckage. Then, before I know it, I'm suddenly signed up for all these races. How did that happen?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRJ5n1AEoEDqQYdOappYWCZRVV1jrHs55yu7PyATgrfuCjTS1YtjAiTVJjNvTQdMYhxxRAs66MKdXLwDHSwDw6hyphenhyphenFGK9IMUrRCLJHNb8A6lxfzXW-__tpPzjfHJTAm0eVAaf-BvkBks9z/s1600/Races.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="408" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRJ5n1AEoEDqQYdOappYWCZRVV1jrHs55yu7PyATgrfuCjTS1YtjAiTVJjNvTQdMYhxxRAs66MKdXLwDHSwDw6hyphenhyphenFGK9IMUrRCLJHNb8A6lxfzXW-__tpPzjfHJTAm0eVAaf-BvkBks9z/s400/Races.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Ironman.com Account</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
P.S. Sorry for all the race pics that kinda look similar. This is the first triathlon I've bought the stupid race pix, and I'm gonna use every single freakin' one. Suck on that Wayne Brady!Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-10410352659778719712017-08-16T03:55:00.001-07:002017-08-16T03:55:31.348-07:002017 Tri Ballantyne Relay Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXILr7ry_YK5lM6PL1Ai2KEfChmT1SSqmJcl7zbcNOwpbMQGF1VqMuEceAV-tb74zOBZS92haMwEZUMJzeBmKZQypXtuIXFdVx78vQuvmkqjO3G7-g2Ql4ZeVjewz4aRfnrEhxr6dI02cq/s1600/2017-Tri-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXILr7ry_YK5lM6PL1Ai2KEfChmT1SSqmJcl7zbcNOwpbMQGF1VqMuEceAV-tb74zOBZS92haMwEZUMJzeBmKZQypXtuIXFdVx78vQuvmkqjO3G7-g2Ql4ZeVjewz4aRfnrEhxr6dI02cq/s400/2017-Tri-Logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've heard of Tri! Ballantyne before. It's been going as long as I've been doing triathlons. Honestly though, pool swim tri's don't really interest me much. However, when my friend Paul, the head of EPT racing asked me about doing a relay, I had to say yes. And this was only about 5 days before the race. Evidently their original runner had injured himself in a freak spatula incident.<br />
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Paul told me to pick up my packet on Friday. So I stopped by on my way home from work and got to the Morrison YMCA about 6pm. They had packet pickup in the back and I had to walk all the way through the Y to get there. Jones Racing had everything setup and organized, so it went pretty quickly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reppin'</td></tr>
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Saturday morning<br />
I got there around 6am. I parked in the school parking lot next door as there was a path through the treeline. Good parking spot, close to where you want to be, but seems like not everyone had figured that out. The first (front) lot at the school had filled up and that back lot had not yet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EPT and Me!</td></tr>
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Epoch Performance Therapy Racing had a really nice setup there. Paul does a great job with EPT for this race. They had signups for people to bring different food and drink. So I just hung out and talked to a bunch of people.<br />
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<br />
Our team consisted of Tall Jennifer on the swim. Paul and Chester riding the tandem on the bike and then me on the run. You could say that we kinda stacked the deck a little bit. The tandem bike is a bit of an unfair advantage. But hey, Life Ain't Fair.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall Jennifer</td></tr>
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Jennifer started the swim at 7:14am. There were ten EPT relay teams racing. I think we were the last to start. Everyone was together in T1 as all the teams started and were numbered in succession. Jennifer came out after most everyone else.<br />
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It was my job to transfer the chip on the chip strap from Jennifer to Paul. I think I did pretty good. I wrapped it around Paul's ankle, gave it a slap and was like, Go Go Go! So they were off running through T1 to the exit. So now I figured I had 25 to 30 minutes. I went for a warmup and ran some with Keith, Joe, and Laura. I did some pickups and then went back to transition for the transfer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Land Ho!<br />
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<br />
Jennifer transferred chip from Paul to Me. And I took off. I started out a little fast. But in my defense, it is a little downhill. And the adrenaline is pumping, starting there by myself in front of a bunch of my friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Jt0pkQxTPj0IKRSXJDVbpc4HQbKS1XTUzoa8lHcQhDIeN812HiFuaR92KdpOQY3TcmzpgzquEhUcsH-YN6FaxI-KCpedHJe38csO2nS54MQK6Ve9yE9_nr5dFWAZk5CPQqzK0UCXixhv/s1600/05.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Jt0pkQxTPj0IKRSXJDVbpc4HQbKS1XTUzoa8lHcQhDIeN812HiFuaR92KdpOQY3TcmzpgzquEhUcsH-YN6FaxI-KCpedHJe38csO2nS54MQK6Ve9yE9_nr5dFWAZk5CPQqzK0UCXixhv/s320/05.tiff" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map with Mile Markers</td></tr>
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<br />
Once I made it out of the Y complex and made that first left, there was a lot of sidewalk. Coming down Community House road, I saw tons of EPT bikers coming in as I was going out. I pushed down the sidewalk and came through the first mile in 5:34, but didn't feel too bad.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbETr5SeJng6VMXmc5duVCztj5AWiKCSH9ct9iYxDe4utKEnp-QUi_Cgfi8HUN5N6ndBZD4uNcRCPu-SMHvmBaat9NqkjrordR68PN7pNqmxHf4-WfEMU86HkE37PrnGNxdi8MnJPQRjA/s1600/07.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="605" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbETr5SeJng6VMXmc5duVCztj5AWiKCSH9ct9iYxDe4utKEnp-QUi_Cgfi8HUN5N6ndBZD4uNcRCPu-SMHvmBaat9NqkjrordR68PN7pNqmxHf4-WfEMU86HkE37PrnGNxdi8MnJPQRjA/s320/07.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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We hit a little turnaround and the entrance of this neighborhood. I slowed a bit on the uphill coming back out of the neighborhood. I tried to push back out on the main road. I tried to give a "medium high" five to as many EPT runners as I saw coming down the road. I tried to lean forward and keep the pace. I felt OK at two miles and came through it at 11:37, for a 6:02 second mile split.<br />
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After that you kinda get out into no man's land, as you go back by the baseball fields (slight uphill) and then just turn around at the end of the parking lot. I did kinda lose focus a little bit there before the turnaround. When I made the turn I just tried to push for home. After I cleared the trees and could see the finish, I pushed. I split 6:03 for mile 3, so not too bad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8HkvfrM1nrDsZyEKY-ShsW559qimjkNQfNwTHCVxQb85cz0pMqxCsKI3adO5_jC_XijOZ2dbOjiJ7je5tf3OU4SHJmSigAWimNp2rO_XQuHaJIPjuGV2Y6Wr_dPEX11UkV848KndaBqa/s1600/09.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1566" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8HkvfrM1nrDsZyEKY-ShsW559qimjkNQfNwTHCVxQb85cz0pMqxCsKI3adO5_jC_XijOZ2dbOjiJ7je5tf3OU4SHJmSigAWimNp2rO_XQuHaJIPjuGV2Y6Wr_dPEX11UkV848KndaBqa/s320/09.tiff" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cadence and Pace</td></tr>
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I felt pretty spent at the finish and drank a lot of water. I walked over and talked to some of the fellow tri guys from Fort Mill. Then I walked back near the finish line with some of the other EPT folks. We hung out there for a bit and then headed up to the EPT tent near transition.<br />
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I ate some food and drank some mimosas (they were actually pretty good). Then we just hung out for a bit and ate and drank. Some people did the body slide, but I passed. I decided to hang out for the awards. I ran into some more Fort Mill people, which was cool. <br />
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<br />
So obviously we won the Relay and had the fastest overall time of the day. Officially, I split a 18:01 for the 5K. Full Results <a href="http://jonesracingcompany.com/2017-results/triballantyneoverall/" target="_blank">HERE. </a> So then I thought it would be a good idea to go for a bike ride in the afternoon. But not just a stroll. Because of the CMS TT I did on Thursday, I wanted to get in an interval ride. Yeah. Not such a good idea. It was an epic fail. I guess the TT and the 5K took it out of me. Anyways, super glad I did both. It's always good to get some short fast stuff in to get your legs moving. <br />
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Tri! Ballantyne is a great event. A lot of people do their first tri there. They even have a kids' tri in the afternoon. Fun for the whole family. Maybe I'll get something organized for next year! It would be a good time.Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-80082885512474973132017-07-26T09:13:00.002-07:002017-07-26T09:13:26.877-07:002017 Charlotte Motor Speedway Time Trial (July)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a long time since I did the Charlotte Motor Speedway Time Trial. You have to go way back to 2011. Back when I was a newbie really. I've always wanted to make it back up here but, I don't know, just never seemed to work out. Obviously wasn't a priority.<br />
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So this year I made it one. I did the Rock Hill Time Trial back in April, and that got me wanting to come up to CMS. They are usually on Wednesday nights, but for some reason (unkown to me) this one was on a Thursday. I decided to just put it in my training schedule, and not alter anything else.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy Thursday Morning Run</td></tr>
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Thursdays are usually long run in the morning and then interval ride that evening. I just switched my usual interval ride to the weekend and used this as my tempo ride.<br />
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I left straight from work, since I work north of downtown anyways. Little bit of traffic getting to 85, but wasn't bad after that. I stopped at the Subway there in front of the Great Wolf Lodge and grabbed a footlong. Then I drove to the speedway. You have to go all the way around the back to go through the tunnel under the track. I just followed some people in front of me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Garage</td></tr>
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I parked on the far side of the garage on the end away from the track. I did remember from before that this end was where the bathrooms were. I ate the sub in the car, then headed over to get my number and chip. That was at the other end of the garage.<br />
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As I was walking back I saw Paul, and he said to setup with them. I changed into my trisuit, grabbed my stuff and walked over to their area in the garage. Paul was getting the tandem ready to ride with Chester. Other EPT racers Christa and Shannon were there as well.<br />
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I pumped my tires up and got ready to do a warmup. By this time, they had already started people on the track, so it was closed. I rode on the warmup track inside the main track. That's when I first noticed the wind. There was a really good headwind as you went in the direction of the front stretch of the track.<br />
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I started putting my bib number on. I had a little trouble and had Paul help me put on the last two pins. Sufficed, I went to lineup at the start line. I adjusted one of the pins to try and pull the bib number tighter (as in more aero).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practice Track</td></tr>
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They list start times on the website. These are based on what speed you think you will ride. When you register, you select under 24mph, 24-26 mph and over 26 mph. I selected over 26. Then they have all those riders just listed alphabetically, so my start time was 3rd from last.<br />
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But it's more of a guideline. You can just go up and get in line to start. They aren't calling out anyone's name or anything. They take your number when you get up there and write it down. And everyone has a timing chip as well.<br />
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They form two lines, and start 1 person every 15 seconds. Each line has a "holder" so you can clip in before you start. So each holder is sending people off every 30 seconds. There were about 4 or 5 people in front of me in the inside line. A couple of guys were chatting about The Tour, as we waited our turn.<br />
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Finally I got to the front. The "holder" held my bike. They gave me a 10 second warning, then 5, then GO. I started a little hard, but you feel good and you have a lot of adrenaline pumping.<br />
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The first minute I averaged 403 watts, and even through the first 5 minutes I was at a 331 watt average. The first mile felt pretty good. Then I hit that frontstretch for the first time. That wind was pretty stiff.<br />
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Plus the track is not flat. You would think that it is, but it is not. As you come around the 4th turn back onto the frontstretch, there is a slight uphill. I had some pretty wide variances in speed. Basically I was hitting 32 to 34 mph on the backstretch going downhill with the wind. Then on the front I was at 23 to 24 mph against the wind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvrIPF0xTFkNcvkfNQhghu1BkNbpv5VfdrnVpYzZtWIpQnDSC7D8tQqHQe5ZTGEHfCOm7lVRQ39OyERG-d4nZopztKOtwLnd883Mg7jPQGCrki9FliZb0bav5lB-MZ-BwJuhvR5UFbc5l/s1600/bike2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1507" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvrIPF0xTFkNcvkfNQhghu1BkNbpv5VfdrnVpYzZtWIpQnDSC7D8tQqHQe5ZTGEHfCOm7lVRQ39OyERG-d4nZopztKOtwLnd883Mg7jPQGCrki9FliZb0bav5lB-MZ-BwJuhvR5UFbc5l/s400/bike2.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speed and Cadence</td></tr>
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This race is a little harder mentally than the road course in Rock Hill. For 7 laps you really have to keep your concentration. Through the halfway point I was averaging 308 watts and 28.4 mph on my Garmin. I was really cranking the pedals as well with a cadence of 99 at that point.<br />
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It got pretty tough in the middle, mentally and physically. Laps 4 and 5 were my slowest ones. I could see the power start dropping off. I tried to push, but I'm sure some of it had to do with the 15 mile run I did that morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhoVF_RBCKgou5uJSz5z4rjOxTx4LIVIv4FR-h9PgjvB65or_Iday01SH9G3BZIrurLx2FDX6Mww202E70UO4_TsUXTHf-DVabEjxmKqVSoEDcWOEpSBuf1E8WBYq3s4CNx2pes8MKXBx/s1600/bike3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1507" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhoVF_RBCKgou5uJSz5z4rjOxTx4LIVIv4FR-h9PgjvB65or_Iday01SH9G3BZIrurLx2FDX6Mww202E70UO4_TsUXTHf-DVabEjxmKqVSoEDcWOEpSBuf1E8WBYq3s4CNx2pes8MKXBx/s400/bike3.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mo Power</td></tr>
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Once I got on the 6th lap I was able to push a little more. I just kept telling myself, this was it. Push hard now, the last lap will take care of itself. Once I hit that last lap, I just went for all I was worth. I steadily increased the power on that last lap. I got to turn and just cranked home at 490 watts from there.<br />
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SPLITS:<br />
Lap (1) 2:55 MPH Avg: 29.39<br />
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Lap (2) 2:58 MPH Avg: 28.89</div>
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Lap (3) 3:01 MPH Avg: 28.41</div>
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Lap (4) 3:05 MPH Avg: 27.80</div>
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Lap (5) 3:05 MPH Avg: 27.80 </div>
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Lap (6) 3:02 MPH Avg: 28.26</div>
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Lap (7) 2:54 MPH Avg: 29.56<br />
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I was d-e-a-d at the finish. I layed my bike on the grass and walked around some. I went back to the garage, got so more water and walked around some more. I changed, and then went over to the finish area to get a printout. The timing and results are much improved now that they have Start2Finish running everything. Very organized and very smooth. <br />
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The results say I averaged 28.5 mph which I was pretty happy with. It would have been nice to break 21, just 3 seconds off. My garmin only said 9.96 miles, and I couldn't quite hit the stop button as I was coasting at the end, so it had a 28.3 average. I was glad to have averaged 300 watts. I did more at Rock Hill, but I'll take it after running 15 miles. <br />
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That put me 5th overall, and the first 'recreation' race. Meaning other than tandem or CAT rated riders. Times were pretty slow across the board with the headwind compared to early races here. Full Results <a href="http://racesonline.com/events/cms-time-trial-series-4/results/2017/dashboard" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QXmy-cPrF_tWt6CYOpPL5t1F8tNZN-Ybj1UBdhV9UJzunWFHYKA-hYe5cGkb6Kv7MoDO6ox0loqFXRktMZSTIb-XQ4bIPXrjzkqDYKfHhu9No04QwZaVppexJpYjdFnEfl00dYqodqhK/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QXmy-cPrF_tWt6CYOpPL5t1F8tNZN-Ybj1UBdhV9UJzunWFHYKA-hYe5cGkb6Kv7MoDO6ox0loqFXRktMZSTIb-XQ4bIPXrjzkqDYKfHhu9No04QwZaVppexJpYjdFnEfl00dYqodqhK/s400/IMG_4681.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Number and 'Ownway Apparel' Suit</td></tr>
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We ended up going to Texas Roadhouse after with Paul, Shannon, Chester, and Chester's wife. I really wasn't that hungry, but the beer sounded good. I ordered a burger, ate the side and pickle, and took the burger to work the next day for lunch.<br />
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Got home after 11pm, pretty late for me. Put everything up. Set the alarm for 4:30am so I could work on my true passion: swimming.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9KhzeZW_itqt9p3HGBvnn8bnO3PiI-NSVkifyDRZ82ptlbjYN3gDlWaIm0EQdckMYybYpd3V5XVCD_FllEvV4Gl4GsY9D9rCnuCaYEYx1Yhp9g-JpphaRml8pDVmTjTclFLdlbWVodGb/s1600/CMS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9KhzeZW_itqt9p3HGBvnn8bnO3PiI-NSVkifyDRZ82ptlbjYN3gDlWaIm0EQdckMYybYpd3V5XVCD_FllEvV4Gl4GsY9D9rCnuCaYEYx1Yhp9g-JpphaRml8pDVmTjTclFLdlbWVodGb/s400/CMS.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Paul, and Chester</td></tr>
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Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-19086539015815503202017-07-13T11:08:00.001-07:002017-07-13T11:12:11.326-07:002017 Tri The Midlands Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfgcNwp_5t33Vxc2Ip99wd6llzXmTDgujTqIkp1OfGWWODLpU5Zf6-AZBecH7p2xDPfyH-Iq1gr1zti_dHvWb_PU0Pt2WVhDDIlvFsCIDiJMzgRRWcwHP-urHa5p43vi7CwE1uJAQr7ks/s1600/logo.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfgcNwp_5t33Vxc2Ip99wd6llzXmTDgujTqIkp1OfGWWODLpU5Zf6-AZBecH7p2xDPfyH-Iq1gr1zti_dHvWb_PU0Pt2WVhDDIlvFsCIDiJMzgRRWcwHP-urHa5p43vi7CwE1uJAQr7ks/s1600/logo.tiff" /></a></div>
After Ironman Chattanooga 70.3 I really didn't have anything on the schedule. But I didn't want to go 12 weeks without racing a tri. So I modified my training schedule to jump into Tri the Midlands Sprint. It's only an hour from my house and only has a 500M swim compared to the usual 750M sprint swim. This is the 10th year of this race. Although I believe that over the years it has had several different courses. <br />
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I got everything ready Friday night. It didn't seem like as much stuff as my normal races, I guess as I wasn't spending the whole weekend at the race venue. I was up at 4:30. I pumped my tires up, toasted a bagel, and packed everything in the car. I left by 5, and the 1 hour drive got me parked around 6am. I had googled the parking area, and it looked like there was a parking lot, but when I got there, I didn't see it. People were just parking on the street, so that's what I did.<br />
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I got all my stuff out of the car, and put my BTA bottle on my bike. I decided to walk down to the transition. In hindsight I probably should have hopped on bike instead of walking. The website said it was a half mile walk, but it was more like 3/4 miles. Anyways, I figured it was a good warmup.<br />
<br />
I knew I was bib 16, so I went straight into transition and racked my bike and put my stuff down. I then walked over to checkin. Showed my driver's license and USAT card, and I had my stuff. They said I needed to check back later because I signed up too late to be guaranteed a t-shirt. I went over and got my chip and then headed back to transition. Nice thing is that all that is like 10 steps from transition.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transition</td></tr>
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I'm setting my transition spot up and this guy walks up to me. Are you Rick? I'm like yeah. He goes Hey, cool, I recognized your bike! Green Lightning's reputation precedes him. So I talk with Javier for a little bit about what races we are doing this year. Cool guy.<br />
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Then I decide I need visit the port-o-let. I don't see one at transition. The guy on the PA says there is one at swim start. But I decide to hike back up to the finish to use those. Again, a good little warmup. Prolly the right call as there was no one there.<br />
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I get back to transition, put my swimskin on to my waist, take one last look and I head down to the swim start. As I'm walking down, I figure it's time to turn my Garmin on. It's then I realize that I forgot my garmin. It's back at home charging up for the race. Oh well I think, it's only a sprint. I don't need it for the swim, I have my 820 for the bike, it's just a 5K run.<br />
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I run into fellow Fort Mill'an Peter. We met a loooong time ago when both our kids were playing t-ball. He's starting doing tri's and we've kinda reconnected. We talked for quite a bit, til I decided I wanted to get my swimskin all the way on and do a little warmup.<br />
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I had just gotten this Kiwami Aquarush full sleeved swimskin about 10 days ago. I needed a new swimskin and used Father's Day as the excuse to lay out the cash. I really wanted a sleeved one, since my tri suit is sleeved, and there aren't many options out there.<br />
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When I got the suit, my wife couldn't get it on me. I had debated even bringing it to the race, since it was only a 500m swim. But I thought it would be a good test before Boulder and Worlds. And as the saying goes, always try something new on race day. I pulled it up and found a lady near the swim start to help me zip it. It zips down from the top like the Blueseventy stuff does. I warned her that it was a little hard. She didn't seem to have any trouble at all.<br />
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The fit is good, very tight. I waded in and did a very very short warmup. Prolly only 100 yards. Then they had a few instructions, the national anthem, and then announced that the open wave would be in 3 minutes. The 13 of us in the open wave stood waist deep or so.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tri The Midlands" the T-shirt</td></tr>
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I really hate starting in the open wave. I mean I realize that I need to race open, and not age group in these local races, so that's what I signed up for here. But I'm just such a terrible swimmer that it's embarrassing how far behind I am coming out of the water. Luckily in this race, the next wave was only 3 min behind us, and you really can't see the finish from the start. Not like my 'run of shame' last year at the Jimmie Johnson where 200 people watched me get out of the water in DFL place.<br />
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Anyways, I digress. I told the guys around me good luck. They gave us the countdown, and we were off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venue Overview</td></tr>
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SWIM <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SCTriSeries/videos/1966343450058495/" target="_blank">Video of the swim start</a> I'm the slow one off to the right.<br />
11:55 Officially 8 / 9 Open Males 29 / 98 Overall Men<br />
Most everyone zoomed out ahead of me quickly so it wasn't too congested. Just a little bit in the first 100 yards or so. The main group kinda went way off to the left. I just kept sighting on the buoy and kept a straight line to it. We got out to the first turn buoy pretty quickly. I felt fast in my suit, and was still with a couple of open people at the turn.<br />
<br />
On the backstretch, I actually thought the water was pretty rough. I was kinda surprised, and looked around one time to see if there were boats going back and forth. The lake isn't really that wide, so I'm not sure where the waves were coming from. So my normal swim: people pulling away, me flailing away.<br />
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Finally made the second buoy and the turn for home. Just tried to push, but it seemed to take a while to get to the shore. My hand finally touched land and then I stood up to run out of the water. So I only beat 1 person in the open wave, which was pretty much what I figured. I also go passed by 3 guys from the male wave as well with a 3 min stagger. Yeah. Thinking about contacting Kiwami and see if they will sponsor me. The deal would be that I not tell anyone I swim so slow in their suit. Cash money, baby!<br />
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TRANSITION 1<br />
0:50 Officially 8 / 9 Open Males 25 / 98 Overall Men<br />
I tried not to sprint up the hill for all I was worth. At the Jimmie Johnson last year, I did that, and it put my heart rate up so high, I couldn't push any watts on the bike.<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SCTriSeries/videos/1966296936729813/" target="_blank">Video of my run up T1</a> I'm the guy in front.<br />
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My T1 was kinda slow as I put on my shoes. But going out is a slight uphill and I didn't want to have to fart around with getting my feet in my shoes.<br />
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BIKE<br />
35:09 Officially 2nd Overall<br />
24.7 MPH average<br />
Once I got going on the the bike, I passed people pretty quickly. I looked down at my Garmin and got the (unfortunately) familiar "---" watt reading. Damn you Batteries! So after forgetting my Garmin watch, and now dead Power Meter Batteries, I figured I was destined to race "Old School".<br />
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No biggie, it's a sprint. I mean really, there's no pacing, just pain. Go hard, Redline the entire race. So I got in a groove and just tried to crank them pedals hard. I kept passing people pretty regularly. This course has a few rough roads, when you are cutting across from one more major road and back. There are also a couple of hills, but not too bad. Especially when you are just trying to hammer the whole time. I only averaged 23.6 the first 5M split as it had some uphill out of transition and a few turns.<br />
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The second 5M was mostly straight and slightly downhill, so I cruised through there with a 27.3 average on ?? watts. I hit that 10M mark, my garmin beeped the split. I looked down to see the time. When I looked up, all I saw was SQUIRREL! But just as fast as I saw him directly in front of me, he was gone. <br />
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Remember when you were in school and you would lean back in your chair, kinda balancing on the back two legs? Sometimes you would lean back a little too far, and it felt like you were going to fall over backwards, but then you would grab the desk and catch yourself at the very last instant. That feeling is what the squirrel encounter was like. I spent the next couple of minutes just trying to calm myself down.<br />
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Once we made the turn back into Carolina Lakes I basically soft pedaled. There was a guy in front of me and cars parked on both sides, so we just came into transition together.<br />
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TRANSITION 2<br />
0:41 Officially 7 / 9 Open Males 19 / 98 Overall Men<br />
I had my usual good dismount. My spot was right next to the guy I came into transition with. I got my shoes on quickly. No socks for a sprint. I used the Jen Keith baby powder trick in the shoes. I looked over and saw there were 3 bikes already racked. So we were in 4th and 5th place.<br />
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RUN<br />
19:35 Officially 3rd Overall<br />
I came out of transition about 2 steps behind the 3T guy. As I passed him, I patted him on the back and told him nice job. He offered me some of his water, but I said I was good. Then I went to work.<br />
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I tried to get a pretty quick turnover at the beginning. There was a slight uphill coming out of transition. I think the first mile was pretty quick. Obviously I really have no idea. I felt ok until I started up the big hill sometime in the 2nd mile, after the bridge.<br />
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It's a pretty long hill. As I was struggling up, I could see the top 3 guys coming down. Fast. You really feel slow when you are going up a hill and you see guys coming back down flying. I kinda died near the end of the hill and was glad to finally come around the bend and see the turnaround.<br />
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As I made the turn and came back around on the sidewalk I could see everyone right behind me. There were 3-4 guys that were quite hot on my tail. But then I thought, I really need to crush this downhill and do what I do. I think the last mile was pretty fast as well. I ran with my hair on fire all the way back down to the turn back onto the main road. I gave a look back as I made the turn, and didn't see anyone. Then I just pushed for home and felt good at the finish.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1sL6jxJfnP7VsbECk1jlrnXY5GTM3g-MM8VcHRInMOWsdCfWNvweEvDYGkoOrwn1fLzgnO1m-I3O9ezlyGRE46MCQ7APFD3yiDTw6lKREJUdBQwkheY5TCPGTQ3RTn_3x0jqsho80-0r/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1sL6jxJfnP7VsbECk1jlrnXY5GTM3g-MM8VcHRInMOWsdCfWNvweEvDYGkoOrwn1fLzgnO1m-I3O9ezlyGRE46MCQ7APFD3yiDTw6lKREJUdBQwkheY5TCPGTQ3RTn_3x0jqsho80-0r/s400/IMG_2452.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So if the course truly was a 5K, then I averaged 6:19 per mile. Which kinda makes sense. The first mile could have been 6:00 to 6:05 pace, then the second mile probably near 7 flat. then the last mile could have been 5:55 to 6 flat. That would all average out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-KlE9pSGj1hUtloNGo368GukBLR4JKAAVtLQyi7wGwzMpeX6llDccB-3SrVEm4hnDU4WUOWaoqpIoWq43nx1hWSu3hNqZQD4yWu_HjmV6yNeh0J7c3lMU1OaNU0uXs-eOmT9Mifk9X8z/s1600/IMG_2453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-KlE9pSGj1hUtloNGo368GukBLR4JKAAVtLQyi7wGwzMpeX6llDccB-3SrVEm4hnDU4WUOWaoqpIoWq43nx1hWSu3hNqZQD4yWu_HjmV6yNeh0J7c3lMU1OaNU0uXs-eOmT9Mifk9X8z/s400/IMG_2453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
FINISH<br />
1:08:09 Officially 4th Overall 1st Masters<br />
Came through the finish and grabbed some water. It started to get a little warmer, but still not too hot. I went over and talked to the top guys at the finish, and some of the 3T guys. I got more got water, and soda. Peter was over by the soda, so we talked for a bit again. Full Results <a href="http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_results&id=5152" target="_blank">Here.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S0zcnng4vRQ1bwDKGTM0yEi5C7ElCYGYzjeL1hmLbxuNAAKtpYko6ZiGc8n4pFtuXvVRuCoEJVtYWAnEvQFPPaQeC4tw6lP65kmSD5dfnenvMBcDL6Dzb28IOVSbV_lPEqJn6Xpfd4y4/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S0zcnng4vRQ1bwDKGTM0yEi5C7ElCYGYzjeL1hmLbxuNAAKtpYko6ZiGc8n4pFtuXvVRuCoEJVtYWAnEvQFPPaQeC4tw6lP65kmSD5dfnenvMBcDL6Dzb28IOVSbV_lPEqJn6Xpfd4y4/s400/IMG_2450.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrolling Results</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83bdpXc8Fi9sgabx-fOAtkJPubPBtKVD2NhBfsZkS_yRcCSiTGqXqqEauaVAiANT3ez4u2MTUgFyQSCWv4ZmIypsx1u5alVa1VAp0C_CBtSYyj6flbv8K_w_YtbumpQaEx_aZxqP4a3rU/s1600/IMG_2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83bdpXc8Fi9sgabx-fOAtkJPubPBtKVD2NhBfsZkS_yRcCSiTGqXqqEauaVAiANT3ez4u2MTUgFyQSCWv4ZmIypsx1u5alVa1VAp0C_CBtSYyj6flbv8K_w_YtbumpQaEx_aZxqP4a3rU/s400/IMG_2455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I saw one of the canopies had t-shirts. I went over and asked for a shirt. I got a Large, as they only had a handful left. Then I jogged back down to transition to pack all my stuff up. I saw some other 3T guys as I was leaving transition. They were asking me about the 70.3 World Champs course, and how tough it is gonna be. I rode my bike back to the car, threw it in and then drove back down to the finish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFpJ_PrGQuzIKXc2JjQHqxF2wXDfNntC45-UPEFhNPdYZRHDYl8UxMYh64vPmv1FjMHYOmxAzvsk_e__EcbA1UJnkXnv4-WaeSYSN9uex_Vusy6L7aPyRLaBDbyJow9QIX74KlHrDXiKS/s1600/IMG_2441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1582" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFpJ_PrGQuzIKXc2JjQHqxF2wXDfNntC45-UPEFhNPdYZRHDYl8UxMYh64vPmv1FjMHYOmxAzvsk_e__EcbA1UJnkXnv4-WaeSYSN9uex_Vusy6L7aPyRLaBDbyJow9QIX74KlHrDXiKS/s320/IMG_2441.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepMsswUT3vJYW_biuwV-TcBAM9KNUzSznVa76u6mNFSqTSivn63-hK8-og_A7_gSdGav8KrBC5sCfmGek6hOeMC9V4vRSZp7JeVyDKDtRsM6h2HwUZwfzcAIQRrzr9DI1MciCkx8ykIlH/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="1600" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepMsswUT3vJYW_biuwV-TcBAM9KNUzSznVa76u6mNFSqTSivn63-hK8-og_A7_gSdGav8KrBC5sCfmGek6hOeMC9V4vRSZp7JeVyDKDtRsM6h2HwUZwfzcAIQRrzr9DI1MciCkx8ykIlH/s400/IMG_2448.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I changed and put on my Podium shirt. I got some food and then hung around for the awards. I hung out with EPT Racer Christa. She was super pumped to get 2nd in her AG as she outsprinted 3rd and beat her by 2 seconds. I was pretty pleased to nab 4th Overall and finish as the first overall masters. As they went through the awards, they jumped around all the different AGs. No real order after the open awards. So Christa's AG, F40-44 was last. She got her award, and I took some pics. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAuUC68UV-wDOwqlIjuPcmJaUS9IHA45TX2NeWo08gcJ907dham9tu9Gt6vslx9vsN3GJ_iiHEEz7SvdgB7rW2q0reu8Frw5pJwscYgk59c8BkRx9eYs10VLy191SqmPabyG5qPDFiGeg/s1600/IMG_2462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1586" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAuUC68UV-wDOwqlIjuPcmJaUS9IHA45TX2NeWo08gcJ907dham9tu9Gt6vslx9vsN3GJ_iiHEEz7SvdgB7rW2q0reu8Frw5pJwscYgk59c8BkRx9eYs10VLy191SqmPabyG5qPDFiGeg/s400/IMG_2462.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
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I then hopped in the car for the drive home. I took the afternoon off, but Sunday morning I did an interval ride and a 8 mile run at sub 7 pace. I kinda like these sprints. I should do more. I just rested for a few days and felt fine for the race. Then they just don't wipe you out like a half and you can literally jump right back into training the next day. I'll have to find some to do next year. For now, back to the Half at Ironman Boulder 70.3 in August. That will be fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9r0UJEG4uExHUvVyUL5bH3emRgAkp68XSkftfcsBCBJTIlfprAftQCLXnDm9TynfvziBVoJ-2Q_kgrQSPeCnRV-MtPFB147RSmmhLtILrwWqTpCLOGH8XAyEErLmDT5z8YslBmoZLU-7/s1600/IMG_2461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9r0UJEG4uExHUvVyUL5bH3emRgAkp68XSkftfcsBCBJTIlfprAftQCLXnDm9TynfvziBVoJ-2Q_kgrQSPeCnRV-MtPFB147RSmmhLtILrwWqTpCLOGH8XAyEErLmDT5z8YslBmoZLU-7/s320/IMG_2461.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Place in ..... ? Anything you want.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-41954296691672915822017-06-17T11:15:00.000-07:002017-07-09T07:01:28.406-07:002017 Ironman 70.3 World Champs Course Recon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E3-tqp-ajAELd5sBdWAmD__QJX6GWJFZb2FnN0BYjeNrPYUOSXyu4mzZwptKTDOglr4gJpV_LlCrQYy9efcEsTUvve7lTkA9GHt4ygr3QP4RcQhkYopYZjjSPIiEx7iQHIhyphenhyphen-NVAXSL7/s1600/WC+Logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="470" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E3-tqp-ajAELd5sBdWAmD__QJX6GWJFZb2FnN0BYjeNrPYUOSXyu4mzZwptKTDOglr4gJpV_LlCrQYy9efcEsTUvve7lTkA9GHt4ygr3QP4RcQhkYopYZjjSPIiEx7iQHIhyphenhyphen-NVAXSL7/s400/WC+Logo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As I've wrote about before, we go on family vacation in the <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2014/08/mountain-training.html" target="_blank">North Carolina Mountains</a>. The training up there stinks so I usually plan it as a recovery week. The upside is that it is only 90 minutes from Chattanooga. Usually a 5-1/2 hour drive from home, this locale allows me to make a pretty easy day trip. I'm not much of a "pre-ride the course before race day" type of person. In fact this is only the second time I have ever done it. The first was my first full Ironman in Chattanooga (which I rode/ran twice).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52eVbq4E4zj5HWwPiq1O-ZRQCk9L4jFnsW3ZWkVAMmdmXH3n0OQSt7AR9fSS3saoxumw_ubGYE9rQNMj4wKNqWwenitw9LLecx6YH7bGO2SVWSWwyQIYxBl1gm_Nax7-kiwVLZ6ylwbv0/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="1600" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52eVbq4E4zj5HWwPiq1O-ZRQCk9L4jFnsW3ZWkVAMmdmXH3n0OQSt7AR9fSS3saoxumw_ubGYE9rQNMj4wKNqWwenitw9LLecx6YH7bGO2SVWSWwyQIYxBl1gm_Nax7-kiwVLZ6ylwbv0/s400/IMG_2343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So I jumped at the excuse to hop on over to Chatty for a little World Championship course Recon. This course is somewhat different than the 70.3 course we did in May. It ends up being a nice training day. I did not swim, partly because I really don't like to swim. But mostly because you can't swim this course. The Swim is a loop in the river in front of Ross's Landing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5Pjvd0jjnqRMvczJ0Trf5rOmiZQ5P93_3BG8vu1a4fOHi_whLcHjGzZVsTXF1HtmPCXmV-vx6FFw5hP0DHrnKETz-Y5p0Qfar4LTAWnqc-sjk9PGLlgslD2uTaajkE9R5QaTnge_qPFL/s1600/Swim1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="975" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5Pjvd0jjnqRMvczJ0Trf5rOmiZQ5P93_3BG8vu1a4fOHi_whLcHjGzZVsTXF1HtmPCXmV-vx6FFw5hP0DHrnKETz-Y5p0Qfar4LTAWnqc-sjk9PGLlgslD2uTaajkE9R5QaTnge_qPFL/s320/Swim1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A lot of people have been freaking out about this swim as we are going about 800 meters upstream against the current. I guess I'm not freaked out even though I'm a crap swimmer because I've actually done (almost) this course before. <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2014/05/usms-open-water-championships.html" target="_blank">Back in 2014</a> I did the US Masters Swimming 1-3 Mile Open Water National Championship. Actually a long name as I type it out. Anyways, it was part of a <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2014/05/chattanooga-training-weekend.html" target="_blank">training weekend</a> for my first Ironman in Chattanooga.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5ZlG04pbCX6Sf-KB5lhU28_M07G1XgN1Yxh3NfSrZXDwNbugnjfLBFHcQkMs4z9kEoeRITVlpNYq42y-NOmsQQPIoqHrV8ovpeC8uO-FJp0X04gE_BTrAXi5agQmy8gbeDvi6OqdclAx/s1600/Swim2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="564" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5ZlG04pbCX6Sf-KB5lhU28_M07G1XgN1Yxh3NfSrZXDwNbugnjfLBFHcQkMs4z9kEoeRITVlpNYq42y-NOmsQQPIoqHrV8ovpeC8uO-FJp0X04gE_BTrAXi5agQmy8gbeDvi6OqdclAx/s640/Swim2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USMS Race Course</td></tr>
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As you can see, we started a little further up the river and on the other side at Coolidge Park. For that race, we did 2 loops, so 2.4 miles. BUT we had wetsuits, which we will not have for the World Championships. The current was not that bad that day. I really don't remember it being much of an issue. Just gotta stick as close to the shore as possible on that upstream segment where the current is not as strong. If the current isn't bad, this swim won't be bad. But it could be . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV9ky2Zi55hUjEBq1nN5sNjA0iyHigdMqr5OtNxt-8xlTP69hhsIk_1bMMrCwgsI2z-cFWUQUax1pJOGi9igCjfhunOoxPT2BJO5giuSFM3n7eZlinM17Uzp0eSoplJzkUUea1p9K953C/s1600/KIRG8362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV9ky2Zi55hUjEBq1nN5sNjA0iyHigdMqr5OtNxt-8xlTP69hhsIk_1bMMrCwgsI2z-cFWUQUax1pJOGi9igCjfhunOoxPT2BJO5giuSFM3n7eZlinM17Uzp0eSoplJzkUUea1p9K953C/s320/KIRG8362.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the bike ride, I arrived into Ross's Landing parking area just before 7am. This is the home to transition for all the Ironman Brand races. I hit the bike course around 7:15 am, so I was a little ahead of the traffic. I had wanted to get past Rock City before it got flooded with the touristas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZaiPV90v8IkCOO5PlNDSSQfOuHRTus2po9gkSEL0mYAct1Oxt_2EoyUX315xzGD2qI68JhsfKYlDpL08ZCZlZ0YdjZKIEzuJ_s4fvxEewUBiH7lfyO_E7aGdUj8odoYVjH5P7St_gKFh/s1600/bike1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZaiPV90v8IkCOO5PlNDSSQfOuHRTus2po9gkSEL0mYAct1Oxt_2EoyUX315xzGD2qI68JhsfKYlDpL08ZCZlZ0YdjZKIEzuJ_s4fvxEewUBiH7lfyO_E7aGdUj8odoYVjH5P7St_gKFh/s640/bike1.JPG" width="616" /></a></div>
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I hit start on my Garmin right as you go under the Highway 27 overpass. This is where the other races start. So I wound my way through town. The first 4.8 miles of this course is the same as all the other races. Then, instead of heading out on Hwy 17/193 you go straight across at 41st Street. And basically straight up. It is a steeeep 3 mile climb.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADlEk3NOiAhksLoS5KMtFWXM6jv6uIzjO2L-YyU-v8XxA6VXWHXkdV1C1e5BW1PTDaVlx80Vk_m1NwGuweRzl7FZhJNuGzivbi-Q0wfzcV4dZf33ZSRm8ZoN9RQGFw53Zrm0IMQV3SSe0/s1600/G3744976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADlEk3NOiAhksLoS5KMtFWXM6jv6uIzjO2L-YyU-v8XxA6VXWHXkdV1C1e5BW1PTDaVlx80Vk_m1NwGuweRzl7FZhJNuGzivbi-Q0wfzcV4dZf33ZSRm8ZoN9RQGFw53Zrm0IMQV3SSe0/s400/G3744976.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See Rock City</td></tr>
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The elevation map on the Ironman website is pretty misleading. The actual Garmin file is more accurate.<br />
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Everyone knows that, yes, the first climb is very steep and 3 miles long. You basically have 1,000 feet on gain in that 3 mile stretch. But what you really need to know is that after the nice downhill to mile 10.5, you have ANOTHER 1,050 feet of gain to mile 23. That is where the actual top of the climb is. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxO_ISK0EzozpfZsKc_l1EPYzis3ThDO-UanbNNTShrA0KR0R9HjLHuFvsXlQPBaTJ_Cf7am-GbZjjHgjOJAR-iwcRus1fTww8SbRjhJguRz8kI-dRCVq8ddP15NUxXQ1v3LJqUSGtKWp/s1600/bike+el.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="916" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxO_ISK0EzozpfZsKc_l1EPYzis3ThDO-UanbNNTShrA0KR0R9HjLHuFvsXlQPBaTJ_Cf7am-GbZjjHgjOJAR-iwcRus1fTww8SbRjhJguRz8kI-dRCVq8ddP15NUxXQ1v3LJqUSGtKWp/s400/bike+el.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironman.com: Fake News</td></tr>
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The Ironman.com map makes it look like after 8 miles, you're good. But you're not. Once you get to mile 23, you're good. Mentally, I will be ready for that. This race takes place in the first 23 miles.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming up Lookout Mountain</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Then you make a turn and it is a loooong downhill. So long my arms got tired trying to crouch down with my chin on my aero bars, and I had to take a brake. I took a couple of rests during that stretch, meaning that I just sat up and enjoyed the view. I only tapped my brakes a couple of times. There isn't any switch backs or right turns, so you can really fly.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the top section of Lookout Mountain</td></tr>
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Now you're basically on flats and rollers. You cut across on Hwy 196 back over to 341 where the normal course is about the 31 mile mark of the course. Less than a mile and half later there is a little out and back section. You take a right and go about 0.8 miles do a u-turn back to 341. After that you follow the normal course back to the finish.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9s4b7Wx8eIHtYkOHbTpCRbFO01g_ne5Lysjo4rHKMxnuPkyaeqNJ_orIlZdzPBdi-PKnyxycxmtMOH_58QoGn0hNKts_n_rwlyFZgVj4NsB6E1wpm_eiRY4i1aFTXSgeWATMXjGmxQ-P/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="1600" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9s4b7Wx8eIHtYkOHbTpCRbFO01g_ne5Lysjo4rHKMxnuPkyaeqNJ_orIlZdzPBdi-PKnyxycxmtMOH_58QoGn0hNKts_n_rwlyFZgVj4NsB6E1wpm_eiRY4i1aFTXSgeWATMXjGmxQ-P/s400/IMG_2399.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mountain Behind Me</td></tr>
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At this point, the only significant hill is just past the 40 mile mark after you go through Chickamauga. This one isn't too bad and it has a good downhill. If there aren't a bunch of guys blocking, you can fly down here pretty good. Other than that it's country roads, that in pretty good shape. After Lookout Mountain, there are some rollers, but not too bad. Sometimes there can be wind in your face in the last 10 mile stretch back into town.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRECmkCNnrp9UnONIE_qkcJoBvNVp74xYpAl_3l2ErhdcLItq5IhgpLi6pbdWgpESGmv518LelynrqeQ64HsPwDW1Zr-XRrhrtCP25G20ZfRV3ZVOvbV5wvRMg-iQibRI0XpIojkPUnf0/s1600/garmin.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRECmkCNnrp9UnONIE_qkcJoBvNVp74xYpAl_3l2ErhdcLItq5IhgpLi6pbdWgpESGmv518LelynrqeQ64HsPwDW1Zr-XRrhrtCP25G20ZfRV3ZVOvbV5wvRMg-iQibRI0XpIojkPUnf0/s320/garmin.tiff" width="208" /></a></div>
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Other than the Lookout Mountain part, where I train is more hilly. I stopped my Garmin as I came back under the overpass. Again, just like all the other races. I only had 55.5 miles, so a little short. 3,225 feet of gain for the entire course. Of course 2,270 of that is in the first 23 miles. So less than a thousand feet of gain over the last 33 miles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQL-fCYF6mAtk211Hzg4n9wttHSq0_-FKR5hTuHe5ZGRx2_Jq78cMuaKZT5BAb8pzEA_YJu1DX3rmrPFj9i_8ln8_droaRbmUR-pD5K2lujZwwK9oOWxzhWSNzwKqAQ6YiNJaQ4WYZCSwb/s1600/g2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="812" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQL-fCYF6mAtk211Hzg4n9wttHSq0_-FKR5hTuHe5ZGRx2_Jq78cMuaKZT5BAb8pzEA_YJu1DX3rmrPFj9i_8ln8_droaRbmUR-pD5K2lujZwwK9oOWxzhWSNzwKqAQ6YiNJaQ4WYZCSwb/s640/g2.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
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Overall it's going to be a slow course. Maybe not for the Pro's, but definitely for everyone else. I didn't even average 20 mph with 204 watts. I ran 53/39 chain rings with a 11-25 cassette. I had thought about running a 11-28, but I'm going to stick with the 25. (EDIT: Now I've waffled on this and will probably run a 11-28 as the Shimano Ultegra 6800 cassette is the same except for the last two cogs). I will be much lighter on race day. My race wheels (Reynolds Element Disc and FLO90 full carbon) are heavier than the 62mm Reynolds Strikes I ran on this ride. However everything else will be lighter with my helmet and clothing, and all the stuff I run for training that I won't race with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2-FaXWB9T79_e654c2a8sYkffLoeWCLkiGLRxgjWeBTS8ZVRyINUKsfodcyFAbQF2DBMTixwrWoZbII441S_hWJJA5yfnqWp69SGJ6k10Cc0jtYFINkDicdVSMaJSyPG0kDdCY9AtgEm/s1600/imrun.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1069" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2-FaXWB9T79_e654c2a8sYkffLoeWCLkiGLRxgjWeBTS8ZVRyINUKsfodcyFAbQF2DBMTixwrWoZbII441S_hWJJA5yfnqWp69SGJ6k10Cc0jtYFINkDicdVSMaJSyPG0kDdCY9AtgEm/s400/imrun.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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I got back to the car and did a quick change. I headed out of the parking lot and hit start on my garmin where the "run out" usually is at the Ironman races here. I took a left and then quickly went down the Riverwalk path as the IM map and the turn by turn describe, shown below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue3ua0TjF3kfkzGURrAR6STBnt2341to0Yexv0DFPdsa-iIIBIcCibScAeivjXTIdreiMnnw4rtY8FUlVzOFFWKpUNFJskEuv79Q4Dm6cd9Oz11QjGYjJJCaOi0RdeQc6NTSw2tUw_K3R/s1600/g4.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="864" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue3ua0TjF3kfkzGURrAR6STBnt2341to0Yexv0DFPdsa-iIIBIcCibScAeivjXTIdreiMnnw4rtY8FUlVzOFFWKpUNFJskEuv79Q4Dm6cd9Oz11QjGYjJJCaOi0RdeQc6NTSw2tUw_K3R/s400/g4.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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You have a good little uphill in that first mile, with almost 100 feet of gain. Once you get past the first mile and you're on the main road, it's not too bad. The next couple of miles can be fast. They've taken out the 3 u-turns in that section. Also everyone will be going in the same direction on the Riverwalk, unlike some of the other races. You will get some sun that first couple of miles.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bridge on the Riverwalk</td></tr>
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So you can cruise til you hit that hill on Battery Place right before you go onto Veteran's Bridge (just past mile 3). That's a short punchy hill. I'll definitely need to push through that. It's mostly shaded through the Riverwalk area. Then the bridge is in full sun, but mostly flat. Once you get a across the bridge, you start making the climb to the top of Barton Avenue. Yes, the famed Barton Avenue hill of the full Ironman.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BJ89068OJykNE3HhO_6Wds-6occkt-9Hsql_zL2u0Jk6JsPWWsHdLb7BiPxsrx4fpYFoVx-pqM6aoZqOXVzOFQjGQ9Oi7rYtoZoN_M-cxG2mgipuWafEGSITtrvaZyzDdRTQXLk1bt0u/s1600/G3855142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BJ89068OJykNE3HhO_6Wds-6occkt-9Hsql_zL2u0Jk6JsPWWsHdLb7BiPxsrx4fpYFoVx-pqM6aoZqOXVzOFQjGQ9Oi7rYtoZoN_M-cxG2mgipuWafEGSITtrvaZyzDdRTQXLk1bt0u/s320/G3855142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veterans Bridge</td></tr>
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This hill is about 90 feet of gain in 0.4 miles. It doesn't look bad, but started to wear on me near the end. So then you crest that hill, and basically go down to the bottom, and come right back up. You do run back up about a block over.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwnvAfYqc2uqgeEQEeKWAyPruzYyTIvRc4fTGoUUd_SSH_fAtlhP-p9MBO2fjUq69D9sBCHMTmE4nMuspWBQoLzB5-DN6bL_Ezn3r8n9co3WI_-IT_8WQ9h6aDiRDVHmJIFrmt6R5I2Iw/s1600/run+el2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1475" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwnvAfYqc2uqgeEQEeKWAyPruzYyTIvRc4fTGoUUd_SSH_fAtlhP-p9MBO2fjUq69D9sBCHMTmE4nMuspWBQoLzB5-DN6bL_Ezn3r8n9co3WI_-IT_8WQ9h6aDiRDVHmJIFrmt6R5I2Iw/s640/run+el2.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
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This hill is long. About 1/2 mile long with about 120 feet of gain. It doesn't seem that steep, though. I am not looking forward to this the second time through. It is much more significant than the elevation gain on the Ironman website.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiAJcdwQEQeffbwZaUGbEqeBNykMGvNxE6_ESI3K-mLimhvfXoEaMkNmWaIf5Cy_uhRFeBiiOwAqj6c1xI0P4yinoTqI1-Ds89GBwitLye68Mp6il4EMZZG-8ssHkTwZCuZNbJyLlLxow/s1600/run+el.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="1064" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiAJcdwQEQeffbwZaUGbEqeBNykMGvNxE6_ESI3K-mLimhvfXoEaMkNmWaIf5Cy_uhRFeBiiOwAqj6c1xI0P4yinoTqI1-Ds89GBwitLye68Mp6il4EMZZG-8ssHkTwZCuZNbJyLlLxow/s640/run+el.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You Sit On A Throne of Lies</td></tr>
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Once you get to the top of the hill at the Girl's Preparatory School, you have a good downhill. There is a slight uphill as you go through that commercial district to Walnut Bridge. Mostly sun through there and on the bridge. Once you get to the halfway point of the bridge, it's all downhill to the finish. Unless you are on the first loop!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u25_Sh1-Kyd6k2PDbeF1D-79imWxzW9y5PFBegZdHMoUf7jYtmss7EPbMR3Jcc59j5-YX0gW9LdLxLZrYI1iPQdvOWaeyruH8W25AenafpljWsQOQZVBN56ncqZR2UvBCiCrG1V0tRn0/s1600/IMG_2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u25_Sh1-Kyd6k2PDbeF1D-79imWxzW9y5PFBegZdHMoUf7jYtmss7EPbMR3Jcc59j5-YX0gW9LdLxLZrYI1iPQdvOWaeyruH8W25AenafpljWsQOQZVBN56ncqZR2UvBCiCrG1V0tRn0/s400/IMG_2398.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walnut Bridge Overlooking the Aquarium and John Ross Bridge</td></tr>
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Oh yeah, you get to do the whole thing twice. The good thing is that once to get on the Walnut bridge, you have about 3 miles where it's flat or downhill. But after that, those last 3-4 miles are gonna be rough. Overall this course is hillier than the normal 70.3, there will be over 900 feet of elevation gain. I am glad they took out all 9 of the u-turns from the other course. Yes there are 9 u-turns on the 70.3 course in May. Not a fan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFeaAEwHpQPaOy2F9k23EjZLxAQMnhhtwCAWApERp6kOTx3puEB5NtEHwSI3y5WG1NfLGz2qtXFGrIAdBgoi4Y227y8hrGIIdzcgL6ESZXqk96NKsjiiB9ecuP0EYwuvah49EUkr_er0I/s1600/g3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="487" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFeaAEwHpQPaOy2F9k23EjZLxAQMnhhtwCAWApERp6kOTx3puEB5NtEHwSI3y5WG1NfLGz2qtXFGrIAdBgoi4Y227y8hrGIIdzcgL6ESZXqk96NKsjiiB9ecuP0EYwuvah49EUkr_er0I/s400/g3.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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Overall a tough course. As it should be. The loop swim against the current with no wetsuit will be rough on me. That first part of the bike will definitely take it out of you. I'm just glad you hit those climbs in the beginning. At least what you go up, you will come down. Unlike the net 700 foot gain on the Vegas Championship course. The run is hilly, but offers some spots to make up time. I like all the different sections. The roads, Riverwalk, and bridges keep it interesting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDCgv_4-2McVhJ4LDgAUKZjS_uwiykoEhlrGdQ0o6B3povAkd-gmbNvwEDMIHIiwDshxn0OGtYFCZBfahWH0y5TLHj4kjz4Bw-SzrWe9Mvc29wCbF406HhgGnjjV8gxF52brqGM8QzDpV/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1600" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDCgv_4-2McVhJ4LDgAUKZjS_uwiykoEhlrGdQ0o6B3povAkd-gmbNvwEDMIHIiwDshxn0OGtYFCZBfahWH0y5TLHj4kjz4Bw-SzrWe9Mvc29wCbF406HhgGnjjV8gxF52brqGM8QzDpV/s320/IMG_4595.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tennessee Aquarium</td></tr>
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I'm really looking forward to the weekend. It will interesting watching the women's race on Saturday before we race on Sunday. Kinda wish it was the other way around. I want to cheer all my friends on, but also don't want to be standing around in the sun all day. So we'll see how it goes. Less than 3 months to go before the Triathlon World descends upon the Scenic City. See you there.</div>
Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-54911152219813657522017-06-14T17:31:00.001-07:002017-06-16T06:39:31.753-07:002017 Ironman Chattanooga 70.3 Race Report<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfyVeCvgbdR2iJQwlPs1hIcAze6F3H9h_aHANAinyI4viRaFCPwPYwAKmZTzyWAOoScKyp1x3WaU19PV-KZ5VGECDhFahtyJcIrZOJn6rW3ze2yuUAf-wZJz03vUaqr_KUvJHpXZcwus5/s1600/IMG_4523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfyVeCvgbdR2iJQwlPs1hIcAze6F3H9h_aHANAinyI4viRaFCPwPYwAKmZTzyWAOoScKyp1x3WaU19PV-KZ5VGECDhFahtyJcIrZOJn6rW3ze2yuUAf-wZJz03vUaqr_KUvJHpXZcwus5/s320/IMG_4523.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tennessee 70.3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday:<br />
I planned to head out on Friday morning. I slept in and got the car all packed up. Then I went out for breakfast with my wife at the Waffle House. I left there and hit the interstate a little after 9 am. Getting to Chattanooga is not difficult from where I live, as it is all intersate. Unfortunately there is no real direct way to go. It's about 350 miles going near Atlanta, around the bypass. I decided to go that way since I got an early start and it wasn't raining.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my hotel room</td></tr>
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I believe I've mentioned before that I really liked this Chattanooga venue. There are very few races where you can park at the hotel and not drive all weekend if you don't want to. You can walk to transition, IM Village, Awards, all the restaurants right from your hotel. In fact, Kona is the only other race I've done where you can do that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GL's spot in the room</td></tr>
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I stopped outside of the Atlanta beltway for a bathroom break, lunch, and gas at a QT. The Atlanta traffic was good to me. Going the opposite way of me on I-285 not so much. Two lanes shut down for an accident, traffic backed up for 7 miles.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expo</td></tr>
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I made it nearly to Tennessee and it started to rain. I rained hard for a couple minutes, and then there was an accident. Everyone was out of their cars walking around. Luckily I got through it early. Some friends hit it later and they sat for almost an hour.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check In Tent</td></tr>
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I checked into the Hilton Garden Inn (downtown on Chestnut) right at 3pm. I brought a bunch of stuff up to my room. I decided I had enough time for athlete check, so I walked down to the athlete village and started the check in process. I ran into fellow Sexies Jason and Erika Ball, as well as Jon Kolb and local sexy Ed Rusk.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get your IM Crap Here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually think this towel is kinda cool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You Get A Hat! You Get a Hat! YOU Get A Hat!</td></tr>
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Standard Check in procedure. Dumps out out to the merchandise tent. I did check out what was new in the realm of IM stuff. They had some neat kits, nothing that really moved my meter too far, though. I still have not bought any Ironman stuff since Kona (although averaging that out over the last 18 months is still a lot). Maybe in Boulder, definitely at Worlds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooooooh, Stealth</td></tr>
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After that it was time to head over to the Quintana Roo Headquarters for a little tour. QR had posted this event on Facebook, and I was really looking forward to it. I'm going to do a separate blog post just on the event. But it was fun. We got a tour, then there was a nutrition presentation and free food.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just the CEO of Quintana Roo and Lite Speed</td></tr>
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After that I went back and parked at the hotel and then walked over to Luipi's Pizza. I met some of my MSA Swim teammates there. I had always wanted to try Luipi's and it was quite good. Then I went to bed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christa, Laura, Sarah, Kelly</td></tr>
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Saturday:<br />
Normal routine: sleep in, coffee, shave. Put the new bike kit on and got ready to head out for some shakeout work. It did a short ride and ended up at the QR booth in the athlete's village. I talked with Peter and Bryanna for a bit and then headed back to the hotel. Changed and went out for a real short run along the river. I felt pretty good.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QR Booth</td></tr>
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As I was coming back, the 11am athlete briefing was about to start. I sat down and listened to most of it. I DON'T KNOW WHY!! Stop asking. I just do OK? Maybe in my heart of hearts, I think that someday I will actually glean some new or useful piece of knowledge. It's a pipe dream, yes. But as they say "Don't Let the Flame Die Out!"<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athlete Briefing. YES!</td></tr>
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I tried to keep the day as low key as possible. I walked over to the Philly sub place, grabbed a sub and brought it back to the hotel. I got all my gear ready, and my bike setup for checkin. I made up my drink mix as well. The weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow was absolutely nasty. <br />
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I ran into former Sexy 'Hammer Holiday'. He was convinced that the swim was going to be cancelled. I brought about a dozen walmart plastic bags to use. I doubled bagged my bike and my run shoes. And brought extras just in case.<br />
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I went down to bike check around 3:30p. There were a fair number of bikes in there already. I put Green Lightning on the rack by the bars and not the seat again. I wrapped my ICE Friction chain in plastic bags to try and keep it out of the rain. I decided to not let the air out of my tires. <br />
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Everyone seemed to be deflating tires. I've read differing opinions on whether your tires will blow out in transition due to the heat. I ran into Brian Lowman and talked with him a while. I wandered around a little by the art fair in front of the aquarium. Then decided to roll on over to the Big Sexy team dinner at Chilis.<br />
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Many people were already there. They again had chips and salsa and guac out for us (Thanks Wyman!). I met a ton of sexies for the first time. Along with some that I have known for quite some time. It was really a great evening to get to talk to everyone. It was a pretty early night, as I got in bed probably around 8:30pm. <br />
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I actually didn't feel too nervous about the race. I was more nervous about the weather. It had already started raining hard. The forecast I saw said it wasn't going to stop raining until the next afternoon.<br />
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Sunday (Race Day)<br />
I woke up at 4:05. The first thing I did was look outside and see that it was not raining, and the ground was completely dry. I packed all my gear up and all my stuff and took it to car. I was checking out of the hotel, so I needed to get everything in the car. I did take a room key with me. Just in case the race got somehow changed and maybe we did a bike/run but not starting until later in the morning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Start near the Girls Preparatory School</td></tr>
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I got into transition and checked my tires. They felt good. That was a bit of a relief. I setup my spot. I put everything in plastic bags. One of the bags on my chain had come off so I put that back on. I setup my garmin and my BTA bottle. I decided it was good and headed over to the shuttle buses.<br />
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Rode over to the other side of the river and they dropped us off near the port-o-lets. I used it and then headed down the road. I didn't see any of my fellow BSR 'mates so I just took a spot. I sat for a little bit and tried to eat my bagel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pier of the actual start</td></tr>
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So then some volunteers come up and say that they are organizing the line by swim time. They called out where you should be if you're gonna swim 30 min, or 40 min, or 50 min. So everyone gets up and starts moving toward the front. The problem is that the line is usually really long, and the divisions of where the different times are were all clustered toward the front. They kept saying that there were going to have signs, but they never brought any out. So instead of a line spread out taking up half the road, everyone was huddled up together. Before we had room to sit and stretch out. Now we were all shoulder to shoulder. These self-seeded starts never really work. No one wants to start near the back.<br />
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Anyways, I did see Kelly, one of my swim mates walking toward the front, so I went with her and hung out with my MSA teammates. Then fellow BSR 'mate Matt joined us. We all got our suits on as the pros went off. <br />
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After the women pros got around the first turn buoy 300 meters upstream, a boat went over there and started towing the buoy downstream. I'm like, Hell Yeah, baby! Everyone is just kinda looking around at each other wondering what is going on. Then the announcement comes over the PA. He starts by saying that everyone will have their PR on the swim today. They thought the upstream portion was too difficult to the pro women, so they decided to cut that section out. We were now going to jump off the dock and swim diagonally to the far side of the river and then go straight from there. Some people didn't like it, but most people (obviously) were happy. I was like, well there are no excuses now. So we finally got started about 7:20 am.<br />
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Swim<br />
19:34 Officially, 78th of 253 (M45-49), 471st of 1,370 Overall Male Non-Pro<br />
Garmin had 1,416 yards (0.80 miles) so a 1:23 per hundred yard avg. Official water temp was 73.6 Deg F.<br />
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I jumped in feet first hanging onto my goggles. Then I started at it. It was my typical swim: arms got tired in the first five minutes. Just tried to maintain focus and go. It wasn't too congested. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Love You Ironman.com!!</td></tr>
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I did run into some people a few times. I swear I saw someone doing backstroke. BACKSTROKE! Oi. Anyways, you could tell it was fast. As you go by the buoys you feel the speed. <br />
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<br />
I got under the first couple of bridges pretty quickly and the last one seemed to lag. Nevertheless, Ross's Landing did seem to come up pretty quickly. I turned toward the exit ramp and it still wasn't too crowded. I did have a little trouble getting on that first step of the ladder and grabbed the hand of a volunteer to get up.<br />
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<br />
T1<br />
4:10 Officially (Garmin 3:27) 1st was 3:37 (last year was 3:49)<br />
I looked my watch and saw the 19. I really didn't know what it meant, other than that I had more energy for the rest of the day. Got up the ramp and started jogging, getting my suit unzipped. Then I started going a little faster as I caught my breath. I hit the strippers (or peelers as is more politically correct) and they got my wetsuit off without any issues. Then it was up the hill and the long run around transition to my bike spot.<br />
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<br />
I ripped open my bike shoe bag, and got my helmet off. I took the bags off my ICE friction chain. I had a little trouble getting my shoes on. I was definitely slooooow in T1 (and it cost me dearly). In hindsight I should have taken everything out of the bags, as it didn't rain hardly at all the whole day.<br />
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<br />
Bike<br />
2:16:46 Officially, 1st in AG, 11th of 1,370 Overall Non-Pro<br />
Garmin 820 had 2:16:35 for 56.64 miles for a 24.9 mph avg on 217 watts average (225 NP), and 1,965 feet of elevation gain and 91 cadence. Gear: Quintana Roo PRsix bike, Rotor chainrings and 3D crank, ICE Friction chain, Lake cycling shoes, Reynolds Disc Wheel, Ownway Apparel trisuit.<br />
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<br />
As we headed out along the parkway I just mostly stayed to the left passing people climbing up the incline. I kept looking to make sure I wasn't blocking. But there were a lot of people. The shortenend swim definitely congested the bike. At one point on Market Street, we were basically just all packed in, from the shoulder of the road to the double yellow line. I got up out of aero, and looked at the guy next to me and kinda just waved my hand like 'what are you supposed to do?'. When we finally go onto highway 193, you could finally start to ride. That's more than 5 miles out.<br />
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<br />
Still, with the congestion I hit the 5M mark with a 24.5 mph avg. At that point I just tried to keep cranking out the watts. I was doing my best to slingshot around everyone that I passed. Over the next 15 miles I averaged 231 watts. My speed didn't pick up significantly through that section as I hit 20M with a 24.7 avg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RNbyFotEAAwsZZIkEDsS_PX2B0MbLlnH-ecgNEyP1QT-_HdiFPGp7o1d87T0zyTuxBG98gw5MwNY7fdiQJrdBSipyvbuv6Mj61ww6zn9jckzEEWRjoFnzPVkGopS0V_WTAHXTks_NmFg/s1600/gbike4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1501" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RNbyFotEAAwsZZIkEDsS_PX2B0MbLlnH-ecgNEyP1QT-_HdiFPGp7o1d87T0zyTuxBG98gw5MwNY7fdiQJrdBSipyvbuv6Mj61ww6zn9jckzEEWRjoFnzPVkGopS0V_WTAHXTks_NmFg/s400/gbike4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power, Elevation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Over the next 15 miles I was kinda on cruise control as I averaged 218 watts. I had originally wanted to average 220 to 225 watts. So I felt good that at 35M I was at about a 224 watt avg and 24.9 avg speed. It was through this section that I ran into a draft pack of 6 or 7 guys. They were literally all sitting a foot off of one another's wheel. They didn't care, they didn't even try to hide their cheating. I ran up on my former BSR teammate Matt. We passed one another a couple of times and then after the draft pack came by we then worked our way back up through them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LAZDhyphenhyphenmSObr1i2FWuZQlVm0HxUZH2zx67rmiqm6eDgwZKzczbozFzs4tZaBTL4inBs0M340T31Zz3LxEcB_D2Y09U1LaS7PrPLyuOfHriZcI7kOhQez313OcsX3DV-YGq7DQ0f-MuCPH/s1600/gbike5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1519" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LAZDhyphenhyphenmSObr1i2FWuZQlVm0HxUZH2zx67rmiqm6eDgwZKzczbozFzs4tZaBTL4inBs0M340T31Zz3LxEcB_D2Y09U1LaS7PrPLyuOfHriZcI7kOhQez313OcsX3DV-YGq7DQ0f-MuCPH/s400/gbike5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cadence, Speed</td></tr>
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<br />
I was kinda annoyed at this point, so I put a little surge in. So over the next 5 mile stretch I cranked up the watts again to average 232 watts on that stretch through Chickamauga. I averaged 25.9 on that segment. As we made the turn from Lee onto Chickamauga Road, I looked behind me to make sure I didn't cut anyone off. That's when I got kinda pissed. That whole draft pack was right on my butt. That's when I knew how much they were cheating horribly. I dropped a 26 mph watt bomb for 5 miles and they were all right there with me.<br />
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<br />
So we all jockey back and forth up the only real significant climb on the course. It's so congested with all these guys that on the downhill I can't even pedal cause half of them are blocking. Literally for almost a mile I'm just coasting down this hill.<br />
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<br />
We make it back onto 193 for the stretch home. Matt and I are complaining that there are no officials out there. I let the pack get ahead of me. So now they were all drafting off of Matt in the front. Then I finally hear it. The sweet sound of the motorcycle and the race official. I was back of the pack riding quite legal. The moto pulls up just ahead of me and is riding like 10 feet in front of me on the left. I see the official talking into their phone. At this point I'm basically soft pedaling, not wanting to creep any closer to the guy ahead of me.<br />
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<br />
Then the moto pulls up further and nails 3 guys with a blue card. Blue for Justice. How sweet it is. By this time we are almost back into town and back into the turns and a little congestion. The moto had pulled further ahead, but a guy after the race said they busted 3 more people on the Tennessee St/40th Ave/Market St section.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheater Cheater, Pants on Fire!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hit the 50M mark just under 2 hours. On the last section there on Riverfront Parkway, it's basically downhill. I did quite a bit of coasting and took a leak. As we came down the hill it started sprinkling some. At that point I though, here comes the rainstorm. Perfect timing. But that little sprinkle was all we got. I came down the end and I got my shoes out, ready for the dismount. I came in off to the left with a perfect dismount and went flying by the guy next to me.<br />
<br />
T2<br />
2:15 Officially (Garmin 2:10) 1st was 2:01 (Last year was 2:10)<br />
Was glad to have a sweet transition spot. But again I had to rip open the bags for my shoes and run gear. I got me socks on pretty quickly. I took off and put my racebelt on as I went. I actually put it on correctly this time, so I was happy about that.<br />
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Run<br />
1:27:37 Officially, 2nd in AG, 25th of 1,370 Overall Male Non-Pro<br />
Garmin had 13.03 miles so a 6:44 avg.<br />
I knew on this course I didn't really have to worry about going out too fast. This first mile is mostly uphill (and a u-turn). So I just went with it. I came out of transition pretty fast, but felt good. With the uphill I split a 6:36. I quickly fell into a rhythm down Amnicola Highway, and averaged 6:26 for the next two miles.<br />
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Then came the u-turns and the uphill on Battery Place. That hill just kills me. I split over a 7 min mile and finally made it out onto Veterans Bridge for the first time. There still were not a lot of people out on the run course. It was also still overcast, so it wasn't hot. It was a little muggy. I settled down a little bit after 5 miles and averaged 6:41's over the next 4 miles. That brought me through 9 miles with an overall average pace of 6:40.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speed, Cadence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At that point I knew I really had to hold that average through the finish. But I just couldn't. With the turns and hills before Veteran's bridge I just kinda fell apart the next 2 miles. I mean, I knew I had to hit that hill at Battery Place hard, but I just didn't. I've spoke before about how there is "the decision" in every race to push through the pain or not. I definitely did not push the pain here.<br />
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I struggled up that last hill on the north side to the turnaround. I made the turn and pushed off the curb kind of awkwardly and my left hamstring cramped. I stopped for second and stretched it out. Oddly in the same part of the course that I cramped up when I did the Chattanooga Full in 2014. This wasn't so bad, as after I stretched it out I was fine.<br />
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My mile 11 split was pathetic. Even with closing my last 2 miles with a 6:35 and 6:31, my average over the last 4 miles was 6:52's. I finished hard, but when I saw the 1:27 on my watch I was disappointed.<br />
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Finish<br />
4:10:22 Officially, 2nd in AG, 23rd Overall Male Non-Pro <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/coverage/athlete-tracker.aspx?race=chattanooga70.3&rd=20170521&y=2017&sex=M&agegroup=45-49&loc=#axzz4jnVr6NHz" target="_blank">Age Group Results Here</a><br />
I came through and did the little one step forward, and then one step back like I was gonna fall down. So they quickly handed me some water and a volunteer walked me to the end of the chute. He asked several times if I was OK. I assured him I was. I did not want to go to medical.<br />
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So I came out of the chute and shook hands with several EMJ guys who had finished ahead of me. I wandered over to get some food and drained a coke and ate some pizza. I'm typically not hungry but that pizza was good.<br />
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I walked back over near the finish and found BSR Shannon and Matt. Her husband Jonathon was there as well. He looked me up on the tracker and goes, you were second, but you had the fastest bike (true) and the fastest run (not true). I'm like how the h$%& can I be second then? Shannon's like, you need to get to the pool. Thanks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsudKm3_RViBGK13Jxgh7bpGU94qVXKlqtIwuvdIo2gL82WBVhe06nXqca2ouW8CbtOZ44lLuARYj7QgvK8f8RWFP-zsWqvz0UDuNd5_feihib4uIvQoGWmbqOhpCHYW1-pmhrnDoogOm/s1600/18582345_10209716680609934_8209076046827589092_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="671" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsudKm3_RViBGK13Jxgh7bpGU94qVXKlqtIwuvdIo2gL82WBVhe06nXqca2ouW8CbtOZ44lLuARYj7QgvK8f8RWFP-zsWqvz0UDuNd5_feihib4uIvQoGWmbqOhpCHYW1-pmhrnDoogOm/s640/18582345_10209716680609934_8209076046827589092_n.jpg" width="523" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon, Matt and Me</td></tr>
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So I went and got a couple more cokes, and talked to several people that I knew. I hung out for a while, and ran into Liz Bauer. She's a Pro sponsored by Qunitana Roo that I had met on Friday. She didn't have a great race as she was sick. Eventually I grabbed my morning clothes bag and headed up to my car parked at the Hilton. I went into the lobby bathroom and cleaned up a bit and changed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZQ8Jjviq1mdsXNF6Sn7FAV_R5vtC6cIj_hC6Cb5c4LHuhx39Cwy8_fJPM8tLZxADZOXpshy3GQuNgKt8pVcHXlSgQjXBaEntd-oLDVzO_s3E1maZzw8OkB2uecjaZS_trYYpervoWC8j/s1600/splits1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="774" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZQ8Jjviq1mdsXNF6Sn7FAV_R5vtC6cIj_hC6Cb5c4LHuhx39Cwy8_fJPM8tLZxADZOXpshy3GQuNgKt8pVcHXlSgQjXBaEntd-oLDVzO_s3E1maZzw8OkB2uecjaZS_trYYpervoWC8j/s400/splits1.JPG" width="353" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9rcgg-Nd3GuWo05Tx4nJvf_f2-E88nChlgK8u_WZ6ks6fUPZV9ppzEn_W3Kk2hyKMeYa84K85znTtCDj8PbjqcmQ_3nzjjPuQmWqM34f7MeqRDJpmG-nmfNUuZ2VbZNQrIZoF6OKqrsT/s1600/18557463_10213112191504839_8940012991614399924_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="960" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9rcgg-Nd3GuWo05Tx4nJvf_f2-E88nChlgK8u_WZ6ks6fUPZV9ppzEn_W3Kk2hyKMeYa84K85znTtCDj8PbjqcmQ_3nzjjPuQmWqM34f7MeqRDJpmG-nmfNUuZ2VbZNQrIZoF6OKqrsT/s400/18557463_10213112191504839_8940012991614399924_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I headed back down to transition to get my bike. I ran into BSR Jamie. She said she had crashed and got a concussion. She seemed ok and said she was waiting for her Dad to come get her. I stayed with her for a bit, but she assured my her dad as coming. In transition I saw my swim peeps. They all had good races. I ran into Pro Kim Schwabenbauer again and talked to her for a little bit. She is pretty gracious. I finally grabbed all my stuff and headed back up to my car and packed everything up, ready to head out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyJaykpTt-teiu9AFeKVTYRE3exccwRX9wzCUNwVanvs_hJIgU2i7YSaytsgY5upxv47WaWNV5uhnIKqMMoJQPu1ssJ5XCX9ABI9eAFmTtjbjIbzNygws9NVvw5MMa0STKWBdC5uNBHSa/s1600/IMG_2366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyJaykpTt-teiu9AFeKVTYRE3exccwRX9wzCUNwVanvs_hJIgU2i7YSaytsgY5upxv47WaWNV5uhnIKqMMoJQPu1ssJ5XCX9ABI9eAFmTtjbjIbzNygws9NVvw5MMa0STKWBdC5uNBHSa/s320/IMG_2366.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Like Beer</td></tr>
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I walked over to Big River Grill for a couple of beers, as I wasn't really hungry. I hung out there for a little bit and then headed back over to the Ironman Village. I ran back into BSR Matt and we hung out for a little bit until it was time for Awards. We went and got a seat there and Matt was kind enough to get my Podium Pic. I stayed and hung with them through rolldown and the tri club awards. I talked with a couple of buddies who finally punched their ticket to Chatt in September.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3ESiDr_aPfQDrclojbAipYkbFGZcwwtvVT8P-IzjrQkU3fAyV4ztFQ7Ga7KprENsjOZn3BZeSoDnQ0mIxFeNSLpE0nnhQUJwdBChDuZJSBdWEum090oJ0oB9QLW5IaQ7RDoNI-Tccbky/s1600/IMG_2367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3ESiDr_aPfQDrclojbAipYkbFGZcwwtvVT8P-IzjrQkU3fAyV4ztFQ7Ga7KprENsjOZn3BZeSoDnQ0mIxFeNSLpE0nnhQUJwdBChDuZJSBdWEum090oJ0oB9QLW5IaQ7RDoNI-Tccbky/s320/IMG_2367.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dcedj2A8H_oxw1Ze5wP1FXxdLWEQwvA8BZuGdogn9HChNDx6i-YLjK31jzvvpRVwFxoqu1-VjP3D76f_2kf7Hv8tnxch_x-mNY9V0g0EmhhuLS3qWogBEd9SlD2zHslXL9DSANnYv4sf/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dcedj2A8H_oxw1Ze5wP1FXxdLWEQwvA8BZuGdogn9HChNDx6i-YLjK31jzvvpRVwFxoqu1-VjP3D76f_2kf7Hv8tnxch_x-mNY9V0g0EmhhuLS3qWogBEd9SlD2zHslXL9DSANnYv4sf/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the ceremony, I walked over to Blue Plate to get something to eat. I just took a spot at the bar next to some old guy. I ordered a beer and he had his award up on the bar: 1st Place Male 75-79. He asked me how I did, I was like, not as well as you. So we got to talking. He basically just travels around doing races. Living the Dream. He's done 15 Ironmans. He's DNF'd 10 more due to not making the cutoffs. He's qualified for Kona 3 times and raced it twice. He's angling for Kona again this year. Be on the lookout for Howard Glass. Originally from the UK, but now kicking ass in America.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5l__XtVsiRdqZmSgPYf8kESJtbbpaGAmNEokpNf_NJijrpHP4h609Tml4HnLJ0t4_8ylHJAFF5T1_My5fhTko_hdvfMQaXIvp7sg5El1uYhC6ff_WIphau9H8yr34jsdw17H8DXuQuHw/s1600/IMG_2377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1402" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5l__XtVsiRdqZmSgPYf8kESJtbbpaGAmNEokpNf_NJijrpHP4h609Tml4HnLJ0t4_8ylHJAFF5T1_My5fhTko_hdvfMQaXIvp7sg5El1uYhC6ff_WIphau9H8yr34jsdw17H8DXuQuHw/s320/IMG_2377.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURbvfZsRRELlipcgS0xVyROW8RWV0G1_96B0Igx4xBWigoq_zUjekS7W_EXUyPvYn7VuxmVKi5FK0TsroGliZZYxEcZ42Z8ynfFdKcQNepMfJmtHtbU1yMznoU0YfcfGYLNKy20xZ_THM/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1149" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURbvfZsRRELlipcgS0xVyROW8RWV0G1_96B0Igx4xBWigoq_zUjekS7W_EXUyPvYn7VuxmVKi5FK0TsroGliZZYxEcZ42Z8ynfFdKcQNepMfJmtHtbU1yMznoU0YfcfGYLNKy20xZ_THM/s400/IMG_2378.JPG" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone knows had to dress for the Podium</td></tr>
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So after that I head out and hit the interstate. No traffic, which was nice. I stopped at Chilis after I got past Atlanta. If you haven't had the Loaded Boneless Wings with Jalapenos, you haven't lived. I eventually got home at half past midnight. Unloaded the car, hit the sack, slept in, skipped swim, and back and work early Monday morning. Yeah.<br />
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To say I was disappointed with my performance is an understatement. As I told my wife, this was win or go home for me. Anything less than an AG win would be a failure. Especially with the swim that was perfectly setup for me. This race (as was Augusta) was served up to me on a silver platter. And I didn't take it. 34 seconds was my margin of failure. My total swim bike run time was 13 sec faster than 1st place. He beat me by by 47 seconds in the transitions. That's a pretty bitter pill to swallow. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAA216QfD6TrxmMYaPwKBamiO2bbB46qjeJe5kTd5s4QyR7NkBsZeH5wuOpedHoETOxeTs3nnR89O58-ctu9aZn23dVJHTm5BcbPCVmamQs4_iwyER07VlQy2M1AG8FpFynedixNIq_qa/s1600/IMG_4612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAA216QfD6TrxmMYaPwKBamiO2bbB46qjeJe5kTd5s4QyR7NkBsZeH5wuOpedHoETOxeTs3nnR89O58-ctu9aZn23dVJHTm5BcbPCVmamQs4_iwyER07VlQy2M1AG8FpFynedixNIq_qa/s400/IMG_4612.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I read somewhere (and this was referring to Olympic Medalist) that Bronze medalists, overall, were happier with their finish than the Silver medalists. Obviously no one is more happy than the Gold medalist. The reasoning was that the silver person is always thinking what could I have done to win gold? Whereas the bronze medalist didn't have a shot at gold but still got a medal. I've definitely been happier with my two 3rd place finishes (and my 4th at Muncie) than I have been with my three 2nd place finishes. You constantly second guess yourself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-VYI7_3-gLaqgpOqfSuHw_2_b4WaM5ltpKPu-ZsQRxElgnnNxwF7Dm3LlZufi2fCXHt36m4MTrVdgMvVlNnVfTt0_GBko3Rknv3Np9oqK3J-TSlbr-_ASl5gxqQRWkRmiAgtg5UuC6zS/s1600/IMG_2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-VYI7_3-gLaqgpOqfSuHw_2_b4WaM5ltpKPu-ZsQRxElgnnNxwF7Dm3LlZufi2fCXHt36m4MTrVdgMvVlNnVfTt0_GBko3Rknv3Np9oqK3J-TSlbr-_ASl5gxqQRWkRmiAgtg5UuC6zS/s320/IMG_2379.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loaded Wings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So as they say, "Failure makes the heart grow fonder". No, that's not right. "Without struggle there is no triumph?" Not sure that applies. "You must lose before you win"? I've done enough losing. Anyways, we'll still be on the lookout for that elusive W. Maybe when I'm 75.Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-33658308144855537212017-05-01T17:45:00.001-07:002017-05-02T09:47:58.931-07:002017 Rock Hill Time Trial (April)I last did the Rock Hill Time Trial race a <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2015/06/rock-hill-time-trial-series.html" target="_blank">couple of years ago</a>. I can't really remember if I knew or not, but that year, they actually had a slightly different course as one of the bridges was being repaired. Anyways, this was back on the 'regular' course. As I said, I really like this road course TT. I didn't do it last year at all. Being that they are all on Wednesday nights, I usually am going to Church. <br />
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Also last year, I upgraded my race wheels to full carbon with my FLO 90 and Reynolds Disc. I was using the aluminum FLO 30's in training. So to swap them out I had to swap out the brake pads as well. Honestly it's not a lot of work, but that means I need to change them to carbon on Tuesday night (after riding Tuesday morning). Then I have to change them back Wednesday night after the race, so I can be ready to ride when I get home from work on Thursday. And you don't really feel like doing after that TT effort.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPE8LP8NmwTVu5lmAoZ5kXs5liUf8Q9wdbPmhn0w3Fxq1R_IY6hwglJ3s6AUHeTwPmm48pAbuLa_E9JE5NsfqwZ-y19xdVRUsOtuOxdxaYAQUrOvH3MunnGQx8CcKMKti7uKE550QYMm5/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPE8LP8NmwTVu5lmAoZ5kXs5liUf8Q9wdbPmhn0w3Fxq1R_IY6hwglJ3s6AUHeTwPmm48pAbuLa_E9JE5NsfqwZ-y19xdVRUsOtuOxdxaYAQUrOvH3MunnGQx8CcKMKti7uKE550QYMm5/s400/IMG_2287.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signup Here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So this year I got some full carbon Reynolds Strikes for my training wheels. I also got my front light setup on a velcro strap, no zip ties. So it makes it pretty easy to strip everything off (lights and water bottle cages). Then swapping the wheels takes like one minute since I don't even need to touch the brakes. Honestly taking off the water bottle cages takes the longest.<br />
<br />
So basically this all makes it much easier to make a quick decision to get Green Lightning race ready and head on down to Rock Hill South Pointe High on a Wednesday night. And that's what I did. My wife had a middle school meeting, so I jumped on the opportunity for 20 minutes of pain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIAh67WLxteFRnxYbbvPq0rJGTGJccNkEwooLUwChYb2h89hrX5MabFy69rtXdD9e-H6RjGA3Z6l-Dp-TAR436-mtFMyZSHqTaogLFRMGQ5booXM-18jNQr0nP5TFB9l9njVveoxxx975/s1600/garmin1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIAh67WLxteFRnxYbbvPq0rJGTGJccNkEwooLUwChYb2h89hrX5MabFy69rtXdD9e-H6RjGA3Z6l-Dp-TAR436-mtFMyZSHqTaogLFRMGQ5booXM-18jNQr0nP5TFB9l9njVveoxxx975/s400/garmin1.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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I left the house a little before 5:30 and got there about 10 to 6. There were already quite a few people warming up. I parked and went to where Cheryl was signing people up. It is quite nonchalant. I put my name on the sheet and mentioned that I hadn't done it in 2 years. Cheryl was still able to look up my time from then to see where to start me. They start slowest to fastest. She did a little bit of finagling as that time was from a different course. She asked me if I was gonna be faster or slower than that. I said that since that this was April and the the last time I did it in June, that I would probably be slower. I threw a donation on the jar and headed back to the car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybPjxShx3YESmp54M1IqsAVIu3xJ26P1AJ0wQZ0dwg671zC-9_vsEwWuf3cXMa2_NxpmL1-8fN4y-MMSzulO_YgTinhYGQBFOSsvRH0HdGIL_SJ-QXl8zi0l_fjz9vIzxB-_OvUOQVlUb/s1600/IMG_2286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybPjxShx3YESmp54M1IqsAVIu3xJ26P1AJ0wQZ0dwg671zC-9_vsEwWuf3cXMa2_NxpmL1-8fN4y-MMSzulO_YgTinhYGQBFOSsvRH0HdGIL_SJ-QXl8zi0l_fjz9vIzxB-_OvUOQVlUb/s400/IMG_2286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I got my bike pumped up and start getting suited up. I drank some HiBall energy water to get me ramped up. I ate a banana and a couple of gels. I put some water in my BTA, and then I was pretty much ready. I saw Bernie, who I swim occasionally with. We spoke for a bit. I headed out for a warmup and just went out and back on the beginning of the course. Did a couple of quick hard spins to try and get everything warmed up. It's a little difficult in that you really don't know exactly when you are starting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg53Zc9qqrBpW1UzmX5pWPrPhBfQAq8MvOEhpYh8Elorz66jP_G88FKWVW7xA33OAOh6kgT-B6fbgnFKjSjI-8ZscluoB_ByprU4AgxtcRCDE5NrnGY-fWQnepZKVeAepmaTsRFvaSPgcM/s1600/g3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg53Zc9qqrBpW1UzmX5pWPrPhBfQAq8MvOEhpYh8Elorz66jP_G88FKWVW7xA33OAOh6kgT-B6fbgnFKjSjI-8ZscluoB_ByprU4AgxtcRCDE5NrnGY-fWQnepZKVeAepmaTsRFvaSPgcM/s400/g3.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation and Cadence</td></tr>
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The first rider goes off at 6:30 but I knew I would be further back in the starting order. But you don't know how many people they will have on any given night. So I moseyed back to the start line after they began starting people. Another lady was lining people up in the correct order. I sat in the line for about 10-15 minutes before I made it up to the front.<br />
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At the front, you have about 30 seconds. Chris Reinke will hold your bike for you before he participates himself. Once there, I asked where the actual finish was, since last time it was right here on the alternate course. Easy enough, it was right on the road up from where we signed in. Cheryl gave the 10 second countdown, Chris gave me a push, and off I went! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5HkXKfBB5y7ktKoe0zPB1iT42J0IHMvHi7ZQz2C9FNtxhp-fQfhl5VOd2bcg4Dx-VBbXzmmBHh4jtN4ZfJm74zXZRj7ecLvuAYUVsRL6Nc8oGi2utJrmF5WPvoNXWPXeQlqmXvFyuRru/s1600/g4.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5HkXKfBB5y7ktKoe0zPB1iT42J0IHMvHi7ZQz2C9FNtxhp-fQfhl5VOd2bcg4Dx-VBbXzmmBHh4jtN4ZfJm74zXZRj7ecLvuAYUVsRL6Nc8oGi2utJrmF5WPvoNXWPXeQlqmXvFyuRru/s400/g4.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speed and Power</td></tr>
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Initially you have a slight downhill, then right away you have to largest hill on the course. Well it's only a 110 foot climb, but it's not nothing. I pushed hard out of the box and averaged 414 watts in the first minute (just over a half mile). Once you get over that hill, you really start cruising. I knew I had started fast, as I was gaining on the 2 guys in front of me pretty quickly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClrvozC77lAw84ObLs0qQLiQZfvOgOHHjcHIFltd5qrP6XCQf5Tqhoqb5Vp-4R58a53lba59a4I8onoVs7p7WSmFb0mr6Uf_61qUYjQnOVV6U5ysUVLY25pqswMfaGpYGCqcisHw-t8Qe/s1600/IMG_2285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClrvozC77lAw84ObLs0qQLiQZfvOgOHHjcHIFltd5qrP6XCQf5Tqhoqb5Vp-4R58a53lba59a4I8onoVs7p7WSmFb0mr6Uf_61qUYjQnOVV6U5ysUVLY25pqswMfaGpYGCqcisHw-t8Qe/s640/IMG_2285.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmup</td></tr>
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I hit my max speed of 43 mph on that first downhill at about the 1.5 mile mark. I kept the pressure on and was averaging 338 watts through the first 5 minutes (2.4 miles). I caught 2 guys before the first turn at the 4.6 mile mark. Just my luck that right before the turn I caught the next guy. So I had to go wide around that turn. Then you make another right less than 2 tenths a mile. I couldn't get around him, so I had to wait until we were onto Ogden road before I could get past him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZuoFp3UN4IYzyxE3CIqCxhoBmNvpUzn_4Vp_6jw8c9gqDmHjot2FE6gS1kzr_UJPhKMvkNaLTRGRXkUAh8i-XNeA_N3S4fVxsyrEk1CiZxjgiIamazyHgmt4DJXcMRNnyYadwOFQymFD/s1600/g2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZuoFp3UN4IYzyxE3CIqCxhoBmNvpUzn_4Vp_6jw8c9gqDmHjot2FE6gS1kzr_UJPhKMvkNaLTRGRXkUAh8i-XNeA_N3S4fVxsyrEk1CiZxjgiIamazyHgmt4DJXcMRNnyYadwOFQymFD/s640/g2.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I figured I really needed to get away from him, or he would be annoyed with me, or think I was drafting, or I couldn't ride or something. So I cranked it up to 489 watts and dropped him. Now you have about a 4 mile straight stretch back up Ogden road before the next turn. I wasn't doing too bad. I was just trying to keep my watts above 300. I hit the 5 mile mark with a 27.4 mph average on 313 watts (cadence: 98). So I thought, halfway, I can do this.<br />
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Then about the 7 mile mark I felt like I kinda hit the wall. 300 watts seemed really freaking hard at that point. I was breathing like a freight train. Looking at my power graph, it doesn't look like I dropped off the watts too bad. But at that point I just focused on getting to the next turn. As luck would have it (again) I came up on another rider just as we were hitting the turn. I took it really wide as I knew the next turn was gonna come quick. You basically hit these 2 turns and it points you straight back to the finish. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz0C0Z9XhQW2yoPyfNfE_UHXIhPHJ9VbG2zGLasxUOIcjENkfmlz6CNPp1KIXQGyWVZ8tFtjf3QaoqFrfMp1ERCXHlAAp8ggIBmtGvdppltgOHk5RWfKwu1-xl_WugOsOMJdxaxENUVcg/s1600/g5.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz0C0Z9XhQW2yoPyfNfE_UHXIhPHJ9VbG2zGLasxUOIcjENkfmlz6CNPp1KIXQGyWVZ8tFtjf3QaoqFrfMp1ERCXHlAAp8ggIBmtGvdppltgOHk5RWfKwu1-xl_WugOsOMJdxaxENUVcg/s400/g5.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Summary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She yelled at me to turn right. She must have thought that I didn't know about the turn. But I wasn't in aero, so that should've told her. Anyways I took both turns wide and came across the railroad tracks, then she yelled Go Go Go! So I did. I cranked 420 watts coming out of that turn. At that point I figured just 5 minutes, we can do this.<br />
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I just tried to maintain the 300 watts. Then the last half mile, I tried to crank it up. There is a slight uphill, and I saw my Garmin averaged had dropped to 27.1 and I really wanted to average over 27. So I just pushed up the hill until I hit the line.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCTFl-T1Y8KaUqs16F11HkA0HARtRYN3D8KrYPeUcpjTM9mGy9sMuxjNEm8Zy-vllYsS9qL39RKIpdFBV3UUO-_mcZh7sr6or6-r782NxXoKivDcHCs07bGlsZJP3ni2XX0io9nt7hWmG/s1600/g6.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCTFl-T1Y8KaUqs16F11HkA0HARtRYN3D8KrYPeUcpjTM9mGy9sMuxjNEm8Zy-vllYsS9qL39RKIpdFBV3UUO-_mcZh7sr6or6-r782NxXoKivDcHCs07bGlsZJP3ni2XX0io9nt7hWmG/s640/g6.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really kicked some Garmin Segments tonight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I went about 50 yards and pulled over to the side and got off my bike and laid there. Just trying to catch my breath. Someone offered me some water but I had some. I eventually got back on the bike and did about a 5 min cooldown to try and work some of the lactate acid out. My Garmin ended up with 9.89 miles in 21:55 for a 27.1 average on 307 watts and a 97 cadence. I averaged right at 300 watts after the 5 mile mark, so I was pretty happy with that. I was pleased with the 27 average and the 307 watt overall average.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSvYr2oAf5W-Dz-69zllITdOjiweAzGRnBlyNS81bZNQkyP3MRyyKAwvT5ftds7G6fgeya73B7K-jJVDvtBfeEKYu_f_Z4-2DwE9KpZxS6uAXRitkypjJhHu_sy2hhny2AKJQ3I3ZNep4/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSvYr2oAf5W-Dz-69zllITdOjiweAzGRnBlyNS81bZNQkyP3MRyyKAwvT5ftds7G6fgeya73B7K-jJVDvtBfeEKYu_f_Z4-2DwE9KpZxS6uAXRitkypjJhHu_sy2hhny2AKJQ3I3ZNep4/s400/IMG_2279.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Results</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I got back to the car and threw everything in. I took the top of my suit off, and put some clothes and shoes on. I walked over to where Cheryl was compiling the results and stood with Bernie while she compiled. I apologized to the woman who I came up on at that second set of turns. She seemed to understand that is was just random bad timing.<br />
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Just a few minutes later, Cheryl said they had a record 44 riders toe the line tonight. It was a really pleasant night for a TT. She started <a href="http://www.rockhillbicycleclub.com/upkeep2/bikeclub/files/files/2017RHBCTT03Speed.pdf" target="_blank">reading the results</a>, slowest to fastest. I knew my time, but didn't know how I stacked up. Eventually she said, and here are the top 3, then announced someone else. I thought cool I'm top 2. She said my name and an average of 27.36 mph. obviously that is based on a full 10.00 miles. She goes, Where is Rick? Here. She's like, you said you would be slower. I'm like it's April, I'm still trying to get in shape.<br />
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Then she announced the man, the myth, the John Patterson. Dude broke the course record averaging 29.17 mph, a 20:33 time. At least the guy who beat had to break the course record! I'll fail to mention he destroyed me by over 80 seconds. Anyways, hopefully I'll make it back this year. It's a good test of pain. It is truly the "Race of Truth". Plus they usually go have some beers at Legal Remedy afterwards. And isn't that what really matters?<br />
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-87956003114841143232017-04-18T16:49:00.001-07:002017-04-18T16:49:50.093-07:002017 Know Your Craft 5K Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDF-KdIeXwg8zGzHoSCypOBlYkACDeUYVHMbTMWHAXA2160U9Px0ESiwAvDElLAs3CTAnFb53dUDb8EjForZSSl5NwBaPoD2q81RDfboJ9T0Eq8UJC9JoCsem9TDcQ6MfH-MvToImQUtk/s1600/KYC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDF-KdIeXwg8zGzHoSCypOBlYkACDeUYVHMbTMWHAXA2160U9Px0ESiwAvDElLAs3CTAnFb53dUDb8EjForZSSl5NwBaPoD2q81RDfboJ9T0Eq8UJC9JoCsem9TDcQ6MfH-MvToImQUtk/s320/KYC.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If there's one thing that I have learned from consistently training and racing over the last few years is that I'm constantly learning. Every workout offers new learning opportunities. Every Race certainly does that as well. As I get older, I find that many of the things that I "knew", are unfortunately no longer true. My body reacts differently, and mentally I react differently. I find that I need more rest after hard weeks. This old body just doesn't bounce back like it used to. When I started to feel a little under the weather the Monday before the Triple C 5K, I didn't really worry about it much. I usually just feel sick for like a day and a half.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgteoJvjG_EIJbx3C5grzfyfWnY8c4A2abVd7Gy8T-D76brFglhBdfK1oGoEdSyyC1Vh1bNaGhDDlQ-5jiXPFN1NhPxKc5QbcNqlUtOvfuInq59iJ989veMItW38KOz8-NkC7F2Ly5xe9/s1600/IMG_4487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgteoJvjG_EIJbx3C5grzfyfWnY8c4A2abVd7Gy8T-D76brFglhBdfK1oGoEdSyyC1Vh1bNaGhDDlQ-5jiXPFN1NhPxKc5QbcNqlUtOvfuInq59iJ989veMItW38KOz8-NkC7F2Ly5xe9/s320/IMG_4487.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jersey</td></tr>
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I was going into a recovery week, but I was still going to do some shortened interval workouts. Well, I felt so tired that I skipped the interval run Monday and the interval ride Tuesday. I did swim all week, but other than that, just ran 3 miles Thursday morning. Even that was a struggle. Honestly, if this had been any other race, or longer than a 5K, I would have stayed in bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvEWGgLu7JOMylXimRi7ViG8YhJa8_FjVWPtkrlhqu0lzxVhcYvHQOhxXCD8NCpd73MjNo6_2IlEOcBWIgIbPkFeiZ9kxo1qQfpK-snXlOC6HgAw9N5mlfluq0ppoEXWnG3o-u5Dq35n4/s1600/IMG_2225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvEWGgLu7JOMylXimRi7ViG8YhJa8_FjVWPtkrlhqu0lzxVhcYvHQOhxXCD8NCpd73MjNo6_2IlEOcBWIgIbPkFeiZ9kxo1qQfpK-snXlOC6HgAw9N5mlfluq0ppoEXWnG3o-u5Dq35n4/s320/IMG_2225.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lead Vehicle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But this race is so fun. So many of my swim friends would be there. You get a free pint glass. And there is free beer. I wasn't that sick, just felt extremely tired, and wasn't really getting any energy back as the week went along. Luckily this race isn't until 9am, so you don't have to get up super early.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL0rvH4d5wwhoDYaaRVQdpScSIm0jYTimnAHREZu59k-QgfT88te78WaVTIgbl-0R24COF_MCVSq8ph_w8ZhCUpyXIWezLEvGyFrvOspuj12xTHqGlOywG28YcL8WBNFmM4AfxUkYfmXa/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL0rvH4d5wwhoDYaaRVQdpScSIm0jYTimnAHREZu59k-QgfT88te78WaVTIgbl-0R24COF_MCVSq8ph_w8ZhCUpyXIWezLEvGyFrvOspuj12xTHqGlOywG28YcL8WBNFmM4AfxUkYfmXa/s320/IMG_4483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice shirt again this year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Parking this year was a little more difficult than last year. Many of the apartment buildings that were under construction last year are now finished. Last year I just parked on Youngblood a block and a half from the Triple C Brewery. This year I had to park several blocks away at the Wells Fargo bank parking lot at South Blvd and New Bern St.<br />
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I parked there and walked over to get my race number at the brewery. I saw Jeremy helping with packet pickup, and then I talked to Karen for a bit. I saw Paul and some of the other EPT racers. Then I decided it was time to get changed. I walked back over to the car and pinned my number onto my race singlet. Grabbed a gel and drank some water, hid my key and I was off on a warmup.<br />
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I actually didn't feel that bad on the warmup. I mean it was at a 8 min pace, which is what usually do. After the warmup, I did some pickups back behind the start line to stretch out my legs and get used to the pace. I was feeling OK when I toed the start line. It was a nice morning, about 50 degrees. Really perfect for a 5K. We listened to Emily's incredible rendition of the National Anthem. They gave us a countdown, and we were off.<br />
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I knew the first mile was fast from last year. Especially the first part. I split a 5:20 opening mile last year. So I was pushing really good. It really felt bad. And not like normal bad. Like my whole body just ached. I was kinda hoping it would settle in, but I came through the first mile and split a 5:33. Right then I knew I was pretty much off my game. I mean (what seemed like) more effort for a slower split.<br />
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Then after the first mile you start coming up to the turn off of Tryon Street. Then at a slight hill, I was just like ooof. This is getting bad. I started getting passed. I tried to push and it felt like I was, but the pace was just not coming. More pain in the second mile coming back on the light rail trail. I split a 6:25. So now I'm like running a slower pace than I averaged for the ENTIRE half marathon at Corporate Cup a few weeks ago.<br />
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Now in the last mile, I'm like, is this thing over yet? As I come down near the end of the rail trail, Laurent passes me. Great. Then as we make the turn at New Bern Station, I see Jen yelling at me. We start to make the weave around back to the brewery and CA is there as well cheering people on. I tried to push to the end and catch someone. Anyone. But the body would just not have it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speed (haha) and Cadence</td></tr>
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Laurent almost took a wrong turn, but alas someone yelled at him and he was able to finish comfortably ahead of me. I sauntered in with a 19:26. Full Results <a href="http://racesonline.com/events/know-your-craft-5k/results/2017?utf8=%E2%9C%93&category_id=9501&age_group_id=&gender=&search_term_display=&commit=Search" target="_blank">Here.</a><br />
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After I came across, I grabbed some water and just sat on a rock for a few minutes. I was pretty tired. I grabbed a banana and some more water. I obviously didn't win Masters again, but I was able to win my age group. But then again, this race is less about place than it is about friends.<br />
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Eventually I found the Epoch/Performance Therapy Team people and we all got in line for our free beer. The beer actually tasted pretty good at that point. I do like me some Golden Boy. So we hung out for a bit until the awards, and walked over there. Many (most?) of the EPT crew got awards. I got a really nice pair of Balega socks and a $20 gift card to Omega Sports (are they still open?). After that everyone pretty much started to head out. I walked back to the car and headed home myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still got got Stuff!</td></tr>
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At home I laid in the recliner and watched TV for the rest of the day. Not really moving much. I didn't do anything on Sunday either. But by Monday I was feeling much better and was able to resume training. So in summary: Racing Sick Stinks. Hopefully I will never do it again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the EPT Crew!</td></tr>
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-44615233960332812032017-03-26T10:19:00.000-07:002017-04-18T14:37:12.311-07:002017 Corporate Cup Half Marathon Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Corporate Cup race has been around for a long time. 37 years the website says. I had always heard of it but never ran it. This year, after the Sunbelt Meet, I just kinda felt like doing it. I usually do a early spring half marathon. I didn't last year, so this year I felt like it would help with a little bit of the winter training motivation.<br />
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The race starts and finishes in downtown Charlotte. It is basically the Thunder Road (now Charlotte Marathon) half course. So I had kinda done it before. I picked up my race packet on Thursday since it was at that Run for Your Life over on Kings Street. Friday packet pick was downtown, and I didn't want to have to deal the parking downtown and Friday traffic.<br />
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I've done some packet pickups before at this RFYL. Kinda on my way home, although the traffic afterward is not good. Basically fight the traffic back up Morehead so I can fight the traffic on I-77. Hardly anyone was in there so it took like 2 minutes to get the packet and get out of there. More time to fight traffic.<br />
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Race morning, I fixed a bagel with cream cheese and I headed out around 6:30am. It was nice not to have to fight traffic on I-77 for once. Found the parking deck easy enough. Just took College up and then left onto 2nd street (well MLK Blvd now). The parking deal for this race is pretty sweet. Free parking in the Two Wells Fargo deck. It's like a 1/2 block from the starting line. I parked on the first ramp so it just took me a second to get out and onto the street. But I didn't leave right away, I just hung out in the car. I had a banana and a gel and chilled for a bit.<br />
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I just wanted to make sure I was parked. I left the car around 7am and checked out the situation. I found the start and then walked back over to the atrium where most of the people were hanging out since it was in the 30's. I found Justin and Amanda and hung out with them for a while. I really didn't see anyone else. Eventually I took another gel and headed out for a warmup.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying Warm</td></tr>
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I just did a mile to get the body a little warm. I did do some pickups and sprints to get the feel of the quicker pace. I had grabbed an old long sleeve shirt out of my bike cleaning pile to keep me warm. I did run into my buddy Nathan and Matt, and their friend Christian. They just kinda take this race as a training day and have some fun with it. Nathan asked me if I was going to race hard. I said, I don't know how else to race. So I stood near the front, second row. They played the national anthem and then I threw off my shirt, and we were ready to go.<br />
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At the gun, everyone went out pretty smoothly and quickly. I didn't want to start out way too fast, like the 5:30 opening mile I put down at Charlotte Racefest a couple of years ago. So I glanced down at my watch to make sure I was over a 6 min pace. Honestly the first couple of miles were pretty flat and the pace of the first couple of miles felt relatively easy as I came through in 12:14 at the 2 mile mark. <br />
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The next couple of miles however, seemed a LOT tougher. My breathing got a little out of control and I started thinking I would not be able to hold this pace. By mile 4 you get out of downtown and start heading down the longer stretches. I split over a 6:30 mile in mile 5, but started feeling a little better. I was still averaging 6:15's at that point.<br />
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By mile 6 I started to settle in a bit. I would struggle going up the hills, but then make up some time on the downhills and flats. I kept going back and forth with a guy who was really good at climbing the hills, but my pace on the flats was faster. We went back and forth like this all day long.<br />
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I fell into a pretty good rythm after 5 miles. I got my breathing under control. The hills were taking it out of me. However, as I crested them, I was able to push and catch back up. I had brought 2 gels with me and had planned to take them at 4 miles and 8 miles. I never really felt hungry, so then I didn't eat either gel. I did take water at about 5 or 6 aid stations. I eventually warmed and took my gloves off, and then later my head band. I had the intention earlier of throwing the gloves away. Then I thought I may need them again if I make a turn and suddenly the wind was at my face.<br />
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Over the next 6 miles I averaged 6:22.5/mile to bring me to mile 11 and an overall average pace of 6:19.2/mile. Now: The Morehead Climb. It took a little bit, but the guy racing me finally caught me again and started to put some real distance between us.<br />
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So over the last 2 miles, when I should have been dropping the hammer, I slugged up the hill. I mean, I didn't blow up or anything. It took me 13:07 to go from mile 11 to mile 13. My racing buddy kept his 6:22 pace, but my 6:33 pace per mile put me 20 seconds behind him at the finish. And of course he was in my age group. So I walked away with the "First Loser" award.<br />
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I came across the finish line pretty spent. I shook hands with the guy who beat me, grabbed some bananas and water and then found a place to sit. I sat there for a few minutes, not getting cold, even though the temps were still in the lower 40's. A guy walked up and introduced himself to me. He recognized me from my Big Sexy Singlet. We talked about tri for a while. Then I was ready to head back to the car. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqchJDY9ekdtYvvVUJIccVJ-lcoGILU7SDuzYaUHtyPh9nfnWdBw2sPBCkogJaAARfZuCvbygp_tELk9VrtqmWx5JksK9Wg6Nm02nkt1E3o5sc4eXaiGMoQSxaY7C7HabFDH1Amy7yEA4p/s1600/cooldown.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqchJDY9ekdtYvvVUJIccVJ-lcoGILU7SDuzYaUHtyPh9nfnWdBw2sPBCkogJaAARfZuCvbygp_tELk9VrtqmWx5JksK9Wg6Nm02nkt1E3o5sc4eXaiGMoQSxaY7C7HabFDH1Amy7yEA4p/s400/cooldown.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooldown</td></tr>
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I was finally starting to get cold, so I put on some warmer clothes and did a cooldown run. That felt pretty ugly. I just did a mile to try and loosen things up. I then wandered around back toward the finish line to see if I saw anyone else I knew coming through. I did see Heidi (from swim) but that was about it. So then I just went to the atrium to see what kind of place I came in. They had the little kiosks setup so you can punch in your bib number. So then I saw I was second. The awards ceremony was just for first place finishers. For 2nd and 3rd placers you just picked up your award at the kiosk. That sped things up quite a bit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is this thing?</td></tr>
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I grabbed my 'glass' and just headed out. It was nice to have a really close parking spot. The attendant was just letting everyone drive right out, not even checking if they had bib numbers or not. So I was home relatively quickly.<br />
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Overall pretty happy with being able to hold the pace. I mean I didn't run super fast, but for the first week of March, not too bad. My overall Garmin average pace was 6:20.5, but my slowest mile was only 6:34, so I never really died so that was good. Official Results <a href="https://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-28398" target="_blank">Here.</a> Those hills just get me. It seems no matter how much I do hill repeats, in my old age those things just zap me. We'll definitely have to work on that in the coming months. But we'll get there.<br />
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Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-38964315794395591052017-03-03T13:04:00.000-08:002017-03-03T13:04:35.332-08:002017 Sunbelt Swim MeetRight after last year's Sunbelt Swim meet (my first ever swim meet) I was excited to do it again. As the year wore on, it kinda got pushed to the back of my mind. Especially after my burnout to end the season, and my six weeks off. When I did finally get back in the pool in late October, I started thinking more about Sunbelt. I really wanted to do the 100 IM. That's Individual Medley. As in Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle. Yes all in one race. Fly/Back/Breast/Free as they say.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcQ3RGaz-iRPZXAiuwRKD58papOStr_yGKPnYD2CzHy9Y3V6tiCCOL5lYT5AnYEFwvuCmxfyteUeCsGZbM4dkBc1eVEih19vbGG_xQoN4StOcOaunIjD5nqrQmEhcDFF3NTyvAPLboxI6/s1600/IMG_4468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcQ3RGaz-iRPZXAiuwRKD58papOStr_yGKPnYD2CzHy9Y3V6tiCCOL5lYT5AnYEFwvuCmxfyteUeCsGZbM4dkBc1eVEih19vbGG_xQoN4StOcOaunIjD5nqrQmEhcDFF3NTyvAPLboxI6/s320/IMG_4468.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swim MAC Pool</td></tr>
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So I started concentrating more on my off stokes. Really trying to do more fly and back in practice when it was called for or when we had choice on a Fast Friday. I definitely refined my backstroke. Not sure if fly will ever be refined. I also had to work on a lot of different turns. Since I was doing all the stroke 50's in addition to the IM, I spent a couple of practices where I just did a lot turns.<br />
<br />
Seriously. Not growing up swimming, these things aren't natural. My freestyle flip turns have gotten better, but the rest, I needed practice. Fly to fly and breast to breast are pretty similar, but fly to back is different. The biggest thing (for me) is that back to breast and back to back are TOTALLY different. Anyways, it's not like the gun goes off, you run, hit the finish line and stop. You can be disqualified for not doing these turns and pullouts correctly. So that's fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87W90pL8kRDENzGO8dwhw7ntUL2IDkikMUWlSYPFdA8HV9B5A7miutq_WrpFeg2-0RhdUcGUrcurs77yg3imVd4PasbdYsyIT4wjpyMDPHFC-YiY9GoG64g1191KinXcY1_J4BPpV7IS9/s1600/IMG_4467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87W90pL8kRDENzGO8dwhw7ntUL2IDkikMUWlSYPFdA8HV9B5A7miutq_WrpFeg2-0RhdUcGUrcurs77yg3imVd4PasbdYsyIT4wjpyMDPHFC-YiY9GoG64g1191KinXcY1_J4BPpV7IS9/s320/IMG_4467.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmups</td></tr>
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This year I was able to participate in both days of the meet. It was back at the newly renovated Mecklenburg Aquatic Center (MAC). I had swum at the MAC a few times before for lessons before I had started swimming with the Mecklenburg Swim Association (MSA) Masters team. They upgraded the entrance, adding a workout room. They pushed the far wall out further for more seating, and added more permanent seats on the entrance side. The locker rooms were upgraded and I heard they also upgraded a lot of HVAC stuff. The pool itself was pretty much the same. I do not think they updated any of the diving blocks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MSA</td></tr>
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Saturday<br />
I arrived at the MAC around 11:45 am and parked across Stonewall Street at that government building. The MAC parking lot was full, but there was plenty of parking across the street. When I got inside, I found all my MSA teammates. I put my stuff down and went over to cheer on Jeremy who was finishing up the 1,000 yard free (I think everything over 500 is free). Pretty soon that event was over, and right at 12:30 people started doing their warmups. I kind of stayed out of the frenzy for a while, and waited until it died down. I did some warmup laps, practiced the different strokes and the different turns. Then I did a few dives. I had gotten a new pair of goggles just for diving. In practice I had mixed results. I did find that they did better when I put the straps underneath my swim cap. But still in the practice dives, the goggles only worked about half the time. They didn't come off ever, but half the time they filled with water. Needless to say I was uber nervous all morning. The warmups helped, but I was anxious to get that first race over with.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching and Cheering</td></tr>
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50 Back, 5th, 46.39 (A New PR!)<br />
Luckily in this event you don't dive in head first. You don't start on the blocks. You get in the water and pull yourself up and jump backward at the beep. So no probs with the goggles. Off I went. I whirled my arms around (it felt) so fast that I was a windmill in a hurricane. For some reason the clock didn't show how fast (I seemed) to be moving. But I got to the flags, counted my strokes, turned on my stomach, did the flip and I was on my way back. A Full. Legal. Backstroke. Turn. Jeah! I continued my whirlwind on the way back and made a good touch at the end. One event down.<br />
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200 Medley Relay 2nd of 3, 1st leg, 50 back 43.39 (A New PR!)<br />
My next event was essentially the same as the first. I led off the the relay which meant another 50 back. I felt pretty good. Evidently the first race warmed me up some. My split was 3 seconds faster than the open race. Then it was Dan who did breaststroke. Kevin did Fly. Paul brought it home with the freestyle. We actually beat a team! That felt pretty good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79haKwN9Yqdqb1oa0W9tOkLRKTUDqpwfifjWsBlTYUixsFQmCl8zGcW9WWFPCWeuMWq0Lh87EVf9gJOQIZj6iQg2BNs8oLRaYuUFLs6preDCF845gdJm4IxT-hnAa_PmwAlASzUxGD_Me/s1600/16266139_10212387329587852_860379753384968276_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79haKwN9Yqdqb1oa0W9tOkLRKTUDqpwfifjWsBlTYUixsFQmCl8zGcW9WWFPCWeuMWq0Lh87EVf9gJOQIZj6iQg2BNs8oLRaYuUFLs6preDCF845gdJm4IxT-hnAa_PmwAlASzUxGD_Me/s320/16266139_10212387329587852_860379753384968276_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach and Jeremy</td></tr>
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400 Free Relay, 2nd of 3, 3rd leg, 1:16.51 (A New PR!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK-jc0JYtLjvnusRraa2dhAn0mQWkiE_bTuMwOosLWVn0oaTPWSXafGUay8FdIY1mB5CwPEaB6vI-TgYlAGKsNhRXBhuj8036JaxEpmoMhsT9BKV5xUN_-E7k3k6SIFTbgxVecN3JBBJy/s1600/16194869_10212387332827933_273259509011899839_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
Next up was another relay, and my first dive of the day. I was the third leg. Brian led off, then Kevin again. Then it was my turn. As Kev is coming in I'm getting ready. I swing my arms like I've seen Jen do. Not sure why you do this in a relay and not an individual race. Maybe to time your leap. Anyways, I erred on the side of caution as I didn't want to take off too early and get DQ'd. I dove in as he hit the wall and just tried to push and make good turns. I started to tire some in the 3rd 25, but I made the turn and pushed home. Then Brent took off and smoked his leg. Again, we beat a team in our Age Group. Booyah!<br />
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50 Free 11th, 34.26 [35.35 last year] (A New PR!)<br />
This is the hammer event. The 'Splash and Dash' as they call it in the Olympics. Although in this pool we make a turn. You jump in and just hammer. I don't think I really had my head around how hard you need to swim this. Maybe next yeat. I did beat my time from last year, though.<br />
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100 IM, 6th, 1:33.16 (A New PR!)<br />
This was my marquee event. I wanted to do this event because it sounds so cool when you say you swam the individual medley. Like I'm a real swimmer or something. I guess mostly because it was a challenge. I mean a year ago, there would be no way I would have ever considered it, but here I was. I once wrote a blog about how I've never done a <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2014/01/racing-just-to-finish.html" target="_blank">race just to finish</a>. I can no longer say that. For me, the only goal in the 100 IM was to make all the legal turns and just finish the race. No time goal. No place goal. Just show up in the standings.<br />
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So I get on the block, and I'm literally mouthing to myself "flybackbreastfree flybackbreastfree flybackbreastfree". Just a little mental exercise so I don't embarrass myself. The beep goes off and I jump. I dive in and my goggles fill up with water. Both sides. OK, I think, this isn't too bad. I can see ok on the Fly because your head is straight up. Plus you spend almost half the length of the pool under water. I hit the wall and make the turn. Now I'm on my back and I cannot see anything except a big white blur. I feel like I'm literally blind. <br />
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I pull my chin down a couple of times just to make sure I'm going straight. Then I'm thinking, how the hell can I make this turn if I can't see the flags to count my strokes? I just keep going, hoping I haven't missed the flags. Finally I do recognize the flags and start my count. I make another legal turn and now I'm on breast. Again not too bad since your head is straight up again. I try to push. I make the turn and head home freestyle. I still can't hardly see, but it's not as bad as the backstroke. I hit the wall. And I have completed a legal 100 IM. Damn that felt good. I felt like a freakin' swimmer.<br />
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I hung around until the last events were over and then headed home. I was exhausted.<br />
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Sunday<br />
I left about 7:15am for the final morning session. This time I could park in the MAC parking lot, as there were plenty of spaces there. Definitely a lighter crowd on the second day. I basically went through the same routine. Practiced some fly and breast and pullouts. I did a little diving. Goggles always stayed on, but sometimes got some water in them.<br />
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50 Fly, 7th, 41.06 (A New PR!)<br />
I dive and get some water in my goggles but not too bad. I dolphin kick and stay underwater as long as I can. I come up and pretty smoothly transition to the butterfly stroke. As I get near the end of the pool, I thought, well this isn't really too bad. I actually feel pretty good. I make an ok turn and push for home. About 2/3 of the way back, the piano falls on my back. I'm sucking oxygen like there is no tomorrow. All's I'm thinking is 'where the hell are those damn flags'. I finally get to the end and touch. I roll out of the pool and lay there. That was rough, but I did it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKh-1z9Hl3Rpy_MGyPdS-KxkAWU-TKGmX6ormXYLe0k9CwNUv-UaUa_NU1-_p3Npeai3KTLbsV13ZIpRUCM_AnUXNPYyc8sp5OFe28GuquReY_MkAm7T8Ftzn7tNg3_tV-I9nkvuMhX2pd/s1600/16195786_10212390927237791_6582704018043585919_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKh-1z9Hl3Rpy_MGyPdS-KxkAWU-TKGmX6ormXYLe0k9CwNUv-UaUa_NU1-_p3Npeai3KTLbsV13ZIpRUCM_AnUXNPYyc8sp5OFe28GuquReY_MkAm7T8Ftzn7tNg3_tV-I9nkvuMhX2pd/s320/16195786_10212390927237791_6582704018043585919_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey! That's Me!</td></tr>
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50 Breast, 5th, 47.62 [44.95 Last Year]<br />
I had done this event last year. Maybe that's why I wasn't as mentally ready. Maybe because I wasn't so nervous about it. Anyways, there is a specific way you can start this stroke after you dive in. You are allowed one kick and one stroke underwater before you come up. I had been working so much on dolphin kicking as much as I could on my starts, that when I dove in here I did a double kick and then a pull with my arms. Yeah, that's illegal. I realized I had done it immediately and I was just deflated. I didn't really swim that hard. Then on the turn (right in front of the referee) I didn't kick at all. Just and arm pull and then above the water. I couldn't really push and just wanted it over. I got out of the pool and went straight to the bathroom. I didn't want to see my teammates. I took a few minutes before I went back over. No one saw what I did, but 'I felt shame' as the saying goes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVOofrmSvJ1jaN4i3Q8yY3WSbL3m6mx0n-LmNld8OMpq_ckButzPWHa2SbHFTKCfv3xSZFQRc0pdvLfZphv_J2wePZHQVa8Jne0dfciwxZcy4lkSj0JynyCnQ_lCneNPOKlbWddFYjrLa/s1600/16143143_10212390918357569_4834144589828152736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVOofrmSvJ1jaN4i3Q8yY3WSbL3m6mx0n-LmNld8OMpq_ckButzPWHa2SbHFTKCfv3xSZFQRc0pdvLfZphv_J2wePZHQVa8Jne0dfciwxZcy4lkSj0JynyCnQ_lCneNPOKlbWddFYjrLa/s320/16143143_10212390918357569_4834144589828152736_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MSA Lining up to Help count laps</td></tr>
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100 Free, 9th, 1:15.69 [1:19.80 Last Year] (A New PR!)<br />
So time for a little redemption. I got a good start, goggles held, and I just tried to push. I made some good flip turns and was pretty happy to finish over 4 seconds faster than last year. Still DFL in the age group, but I was happy with the time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jz_aWPPTBSXLu6GYDdPMhhkz0IVR7joYD07kvaoKTg40VbJ7ldFcL6lY80VFQia553NGJM87JWsOxjpkneWAxp6bMBD7kRr1I4RIxQeboMO5q57slWZlHhy0Wt9Yn6zik0xJqG3qh-NH/s1600/16142530_10212390927597800_2287880946318156512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jz_aWPPTBSXLu6GYDdPMhhkz0IVR7joYD07kvaoKTg40VbJ7ldFcL6lY80VFQia553NGJM87JWsOxjpkneWAxp6bMBD7kRr1I4RIxQeboMO5q57slWZlHhy0Wt9Yn6zik0xJqG3qh-NH/s320/16142530_10212390927597800_2287880946318156512_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theo counting my laps in the 500</td></tr>
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500 Free, 3rd, 8:05.07 [8:23.82 Last Year] (A New PR!)<br />
Last event for me, last event of the meet. The 500 (unlike all the shorter events) runs the heats from fastest to slowest. So I was in the 2nd to last heat. It was kinda cool because 6 of the 8 lanes were MSA swimmers. It was the MSA heat. I had a good dive and my goggles stayed clear (YES). Kind of a big deal in a longer race like the 500. I was able to push some in the beginning. I definitely slowed a bit in the middle. It kinda felt like a long triathlon swim, well that's what came to mind anyways. Theo was counting laps for me and I eventually got into a (slow) groove. I tried to start pushing in the final 150 and finished the last 50 strong. I even out touched my MSA mate Kevin by 0.7 seconds. I was pretty happy with the almost 19 second PR.<br />
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I went and got showered and changed. I came back out to cheer on the final heat. MSA's Kim was swimming and MSA lined the pool. We have people yelling on both ends, and all along the one side. I was yelling and waving my towel on the starting block end. It was pretty fun. We were all cheering her on like she was trying to win Olympic Gold. After she she finished we all yelled and clapped.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9WbDWJWUoQJ6dDAn1ZJMs7UL8trMrq5X47QTmEjFzlG6gpScGlIkq0ZvhaS_X534eg7Ubip1i3s_-OpQa9s1SyFP1vJzTqPWJZCt3ICMx1JVzU-7unGbQygtWI7TYnVKI2wzC79l2dl6/s1600/16194931_10212390937598050_8630671971433260176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9WbDWJWUoQJ6dDAn1ZJMs7UL8trMrq5X47QTmEjFzlG6gpScGlIkq0ZvhaS_X534eg7Ubip1i3s_-OpQa9s1SyFP1vJzTqPWJZCt3ICMx1JVzU-7unGbQygtWI7TYnVKI2wzC79l2dl6/s320/16194931_10212390937598050_8630671971433260176_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coveted Prize!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PFSLMiM2UgmzNoOVi3mJP9P2r-WsSUzA7CPKeVz-TUlX2AnTnkK8UzK_faR4Z3457JEiT740DpfFqEQY4niV2zJI1hfJjs9T93rXzakwG4SuZPWPtd6x6ruAczsx28Z5iI0lMg_jis1s/s1600/16114361_10212390930597875_2385275934246556432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PFSLMiM2UgmzNoOVi3mJP9P2r-WsSUzA7CPKeVz-TUlX2AnTnkK8UzK_faR4Z3457JEiT740DpfFqEQY4niV2zJI1hfJjs9T93rXzakwG4SuZPWPtd6x6ruAczsx28Z5iI0lMg_jis1s/s320/16114361_10212390930597875_2385275934246556432_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
That was the end of the meet. Jen said we were in 2nd place to Swim-MAC by 36 points heading into the 500. It did not take them long to give the final results. There were not a lot of people from the other teams left. They came over the PA system and announced the top out of state teams. Then they announced the in state teams. Greenville Splash Masters . . . then . . . Swim-MAC Master. We all kind of looked at each other for a second. Then it sunk in. Then we all started yelling again. We couldn't even hear them announce that we had won. It was crazy, jumping, clapping, cheering, hugging. I see a couple of guys start reaching into Coach Patty's pockets and emptying everything out. I guess they had this all figured out already.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4g7STYelxJaDebvbpKr7OmCGgHCHy5FJHwVusQTXdOLz7sSNb_PNwXUmXtzj54PiyV_L2ErjDNZFMZ1squ-NoNMCuy_Ei_BTVRz5VBuPPYZPQlkyViPYXBRhhCsAGsR1gZLLL-Zuok1x/s1600/16195585_10212390932717928_4669368886778546938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy0X9q9lAFo7ICFN7RWMMKnt9o7aYnWqMKxiiFmq9oJVvfWJUpOKrh3Rz_Bu_ucnpPqm6QnGtVS0xrfqKyFSXGl-3ToEI826H_gwkFbY3zsatoiw_CcPB_87RDaB2_crnBuj1kbJsQ7To/s1600/16174732_1382648065092613_8706827861373876670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy0X9q9lAFo7ICFN7RWMMKnt9o7aYnWqMKxiiFmq9oJVvfWJUpOKrh3Rz_Bu_ucnpPqm6QnGtVS0xrfqKyFSXGl-3ToEI826H_gwkFbY3zsatoiw_CcPB_87RDaB2_crnBuj1kbJsQ7To/s320/16174732_1382648065092613_8706827861373876670_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4g7STYelxJaDebvbpKr7OmCGgHCHy5FJHwVusQTXdOLz7sSNb_PNwXUmXtzj54PiyV_L2ErjDNZFMZ1squ-NoNMCuy_Ei_BTVRz5VBuPPYZPQlkyViPYXBRhhCsAGsR1gZLLL-Zuok1x/s320/16195585_10212390932717928_4669368886778546938_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
Coach is going in the water. She jumps off and dives in to thunderous applause. She treads around a little bit and gives the #1 sign. Coach didn't say much going in, but this was really important to her. She had just encouraged as many people to sign up as possible. But now, when she spoke about it, it literally brought tears to her eyes. As coach says, MSA is about "We" not "Me". It was awesome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDeaW5V7co-vBUt1Npm-SyKtesdDZfff3Mt0t6VER_eAeVfUoF4N70C74ySGq4gBISuMg3y4rCDhyphenhyphenf3ucOCesuvmEPy88RvFnndhxGQa9CdXJgA_tCLT9WZ4OSPRWdsmfScjTZyW4DaST/s1600/16113989_10212390940238116_8953913699535002051_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDeaW5V7co-vBUt1Npm-SyKtesdDZfff3Mt0t6VER_eAeVfUoF4N70C74ySGq4gBISuMg3y4rCDhyphenhyphenf3ucOCesuvmEPy88RvFnndhxGQa9CdXJgA_tCLT9WZ4OSPRWdsmfScjTZyW4DaST/s320/16113989_10212390940238116_8953913699535002051_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W4xbnk-dIEolsxRgEuAtrjpsK-vBDRol4IcSiAeRCevT1Zd3IAwQHuRGObtjwF99cIP4UfcrEfhZV8gtKjGpi81UkcWWWM2rP3Y4MNL6eiE0Y88yekhng1hepN0-YUy9cSFLr-wOk1IK/s1600/16113915_10211868238767106_3204567773745108637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W4xbnk-dIEolsxRgEuAtrjpsK-vBDRol4IcSiAeRCevT1Zd3IAwQHuRGObtjwF99cIP4UfcrEfhZV8gtKjGpi81UkcWWWM2rP3Y4MNL6eiE0Y88yekhng1hepN0-YUy9cSFLr-wOk1IK/s320/16113915_10211868238767106_3204567773745108637_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
So everyone gets cleaned up and we head on over to Unknown Brewing for the post-meet celebration. We grab a table and quite a few people come. A few people bring in food, but I just replaced carbs with beer. It was fun hanging out and talking with a lot of the people with MSA that I don't normally talk with. There are a lot of people and there are different swim days and times and and lanes. You tend to know just the people of your ability and your practice times. It was great to hang with everyone.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_KGJHe3muI4nxRD-e3ai149Z7kyTiemXMQvtB1XGE1fibG3DVJ6ThwTd89O5gPkMCprOt5Y24UNYdd8t7qOwNqPegwUEwCwbyYQ_O6Ejx2XYF8L2xKtqJ2l3aqujVn9skaxFiC_v1-G1/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrv0U4ub0_7bO4-_QJPGzDXI1VABUygSSAPe9Zb0jFssPA39jS-H7HFepdSRBunlVZWrLAQV6-d2QfL3T0Ap9TFLaffcCA65jmaxnLvTVKJaggXzTuyNfJ3NYuH3s3qBkQoidbNS74lCo/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrv0U4ub0_7bO4-_QJPGzDXI1VABUygSSAPe9Zb0jFssPA39jS-H7HFepdSRBunlVZWrLAQV6-d2QfL3T0Ap9TFLaffcCA65jmaxnLvTVKJaggXzTuyNfJ3NYuH3s3qBkQoidbNS74lCo/s320/IMG_2160.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_KGJHe3muI4nxRD-e3ai149Z7kyTiemXMQvtB1XGE1fibG3DVJ6ThwTd89O5gPkMCprOt5Y24UNYdd8t7qOwNqPegwUEwCwbyYQ_O6Ejx2XYF8L2xKtqJ2l3aqujVn9skaxFiC_v1-G1/s320/IMG_2158.JPG" width="320" /><br />
Honestly, there is a lot of frickin' positive energy with everyone. It makes a difference. Not just at the meet, but everyday at practice. Swimming with MSA was definitely one of the best things I have done. A grand total of 6 PR's for this Meet! Gotta be happy with that! So next year . . . what do we do to raise the stakes? Longer non-free races? More IM? We shall see.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfEbEb2cTjaWb8IhuPVMbe2NC1TnRUTwzukgDLNOe97o2UG1hrAOksM-nth7COFmGpEDmh2qVE48S0N0-oe9YASadhSH4p9JtAlzakTAy962HPg41VcIBq86ku5LfNO-ksJgFtzt30WAS/s1600/Results.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfEbEb2cTjaWb8IhuPVMbe2NC1TnRUTwzukgDLNOe97o2UG1hrAOksM-nth7COFmGpEDmh2qVE48S0N0-oe9YASadhSH4p9JtAlzakTAy962HPg41VcIBq86ku5LfNO-ksJgFtzt30WAS/s640/Results.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-86719074044651824622017-02-27T17:56:00.001-08:002017-02-27T17:56:20.968-08:002016 Year in ReviewMy training in 2016 was a lot less than the past couple of years. I guess that is to be expected as I focused on the Half distance as opposed to Full Ironmans. It was also by design. I did not care to put in the long hours of training that the full distance requires.<br />
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Overall I was pretty consistent. My running kinda took a hit in August as I strained my calf. </div>
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Interesting that June was my biggest month (by time). Usually it is July (sometimes August).<br />
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SWIM:<br />
Yards: Actually Unknown. Garmin Connect no longer allows you to go in and change your swim distance. So everytime I do drills or kicks it doesn't record it properly. And I stopped logging everything into Slowtwitch. It just got to be too much to keep up with.<br />
Time: 138:59 (Down 2:23 from last year or 2.4%) Not too bad really<br />
Biggest Week: June 27th (4:29)<br />
Biggest Month: November (13:57) Getting motivated for Sunbelt!<br />
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BIKE<br />
Distance: 4,987.7<br />
Time: 261:29<br />
Biggest Week: 248 Miles August 22nd<br />
Biggest Month: 782.1 Miles in June<br />
Longest Ride: 90 Miles on April 30th<br />
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Down 800 miles from last year, but . . . only down about 16 hours from last year, so a lot more trainer time in 2016. I did six rides over 80 miles. Basically I felt like I didn't need to ride more than 4 hours in training for a 70.3 race.<br />
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RUN<br />
Distance: 1,269.6 Miles<br />
Time: 155:21<br />
Biggest Week: 50.4 Miles June 13th<br />
Biggest Month: 171 miles June<br />
Longest Run: 17 Miles<br />
Significant drop from last year, almost 400 miles less. Partly due to not training for a 140.6 and partly due to injuring my calf after Lake Logan. So I should be fresh for the upcoming season, right?<br />
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TOTALS:<br />
Time: 555:59 down from 642:28 or 11.0%<br />
Distance (Bike and Run):6,258 down from 7,424 or 15.7%<br />
Biggest Month: June 72:30<br />
Biggest Week: June 13th with 20 hours 5 minutes<br />
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2016 Races:<br />
01.09 Joe Davis Memorial 10K<br />
Fun local race. Was happy to get 1st Masters.<br />
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03.05 SunBelt Swim Meet<br />
My first swim meet. Not a total disaster.<br />
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03.26 Know Your Craft 5K<br />
Another fun race with a lot of friends.<br />
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04.02 Cooper River Bridge Run<br />
Kind of a Bucket List race. Interesting Experience.<br />
<br />
05.22 IM Chattanooga 70.3<br />
Good start to the tri season at probably my favorite venue. Best finish in an Ironman Brand race.<br />
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07.09 IM Muncie 70.3<br />
Mission accomplished to Qualify for 70.3 worlds against a stout field.<br />
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07.26 Cane Creek Sprint<br />
A sprint, on a weeknight. Fun for all.<br />
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08.06 Lake Logan Half<br />
Tough course and didn't feel rested.<br />
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09.25 IM Augusta 70.3<br />
The wheels finally came off. Still a fun weekend.<br />
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11.12 Charlotte Marathon Relay<br />
Not too shabby for being pretty out of shape.<br />
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11.19 Waxhaw Beer Mile<br />
My first beer mile. It will be on like Donkey Kong next year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnhDvEsIS-5NaWkh0tKmdd37MXEb1U_jzjJCTxqNxNCzIIPtE92hCC8Ly1V2zI71w2AvuicE729qBgsgIZiIsxTkITWul6_eEfuUGu1COaSbw7vI0esp6JSA54j6IMERLhtfoVhELqmlW/s1600/IMG_4428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnhDvEsIS-5NaWkh0tKmdd37MXEb1U_jzjJCTxqNxNCzIIPtE92hCC8Ly1V2zI71w2AvuicE729qBgsgIZiIsxTkITWul6_eEfuUGu1COaSbw7vI0esp6JSA54j6IMERLhtfoVhELqmlW/s320/IMG_4428.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 for 3 Division I Tri Club Champions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In 2016 I finally achieved Ironman Brand 70.3 All World Athlete Gold. Mostly due to the fact that I actually did 3 races in the 70.3 distance. The last 2 years I was silver on 2 races. So in part it is a frequent flyer program, as I don't think that many people do 3 expensive Ironman brand races in one year. This past year was the first time that I did. But I was kinda pleased to see that I was ranked 23rd in the world and 8th in the US in my age group. That's gotta count for something, right?<br />
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2016 USAT Ranking a little lower this year. Ranked 2nd in South Carolina and 3rd in the Southeast Region with a 95.713 (down from my 97.3 last year). So my nationwide ranking fell from 44th to 78th in M40-44<br />
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Overall pretty happy with 2016. Got an AG award at all 3 Ironman 70.3's I did. Qualified for Worlds at each one. In those 3 races, Big Sexy Racing also won the Division I Tri Club Award. Hard to complain about that.<br />
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So what does 2017 Hold? More Ironman 70.3's, a race I have to fly to, a World Championships, and an Ultra Run. Hopefully also some sweet placings in my new AG: 45-49! And hopefully that will help me not embarrass myself at 70.3 Worlds this year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Lightning Coming to a Race Near You in 2017</td></tr>
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-37161937611808174002016-12-30T10:50:00.001-08:002016-12-30T10:50:36.095-08:002016 Waxhaw Beer Mile Race ReportI've always wanted to do a beer mile. It's gotten so popular lately, that it seems like a lot of people are doing them. I hadn't heard of any actual organized beer mile races, in my area. I know there are some around the Raleigh area. I'm sure there is one or two in Charlotte, but I guess I'm too lazy to look into it. Being the offseason and all.<br />
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Anyways, my buddy Paul told me that they have a low key one every year. This year it was announced to everyone in our MSA swim group. I actually was almost excited about it when I first heard about it. One of the woman in our swim group hosts it over in Waxhaw. This year was the 5th Annual.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Paul, Laurent, Karen, and Jen</td></tr>
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It happened to be the weekend after the Charlotte Marathon Relay. So as I was not in any sort of real shape, I didn't expect much. At least I had gotten in a hard 6.2 mile run the weekend before. Still, as the race got closer, I could barely contain my excitement and went to twitter:<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Laser focused training the last 6 weeks. Put the finishing touches on my taper at <a href="https://twitter.com/BirdsongBrewing">@BirdsongBrewing</a> One more sleep until my A race <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beermile?src=hash">#beermile</a></div>
— Rick Weslock (@RickWeslock) <a href="https://twitter.com/RickWeslock/status/799749207502585856">November 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
The "race" was scheduled for 1pm. I arrived at 12:45 pm, and parked a block up on a side street. I talked to some people I hadn't seen in a while. Like Steve. I swam with him like all of 2015, but this year he was MIA. People started slowly streaming in. Paul had gotten a Keg of 'Golden Boy' from Triple C Brewing. So this was not ordinary beer mile swill fest. We had good beer.<br />
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The course was just and out and back from the cul-de-sac. So 1 lap was supposed to be 1/4 of a mile. Beer, then a lap. Do that four times. Sounds pretty straight forward. Karen explained the rules to everyone. They were giving a prize for the top overall. They also had a kids juice division. We had to wait for the mail carrier to come through the cul-de-sac, then we got ready to go. They had red solo cups setup on a table filled with beer. Everyone had a cup with their name on it. A couple people were going to be filling cups as the race was going on. Carolann was the official starter and timer. I put the cup in my right hand and put it up to my mouth. I put my left hand up with my Garmin, so I could hit the 'start' button and begin drinking at the same time. A countdown, then the GO!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd0td5j-DIOvMmxjUFUMAFWaVH8TSiZtSeTME9DW4UcaBuMj8v3Vy2aX8sRX53X5zGAAw1-L-CR9oxFHEZQo2mpQ3Moj24en-2KC47S7TebnFuswtatARtcdqz1uWJketKgIGKfdg4eVG/s1600/garmin2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd0td5j-DIOvMmxjUFUMAFWaVH8TSiZtSeTME9DW4UcaBuMj8v3Vy2aX8sRX53X5zGAAw1-L-CR9oxFHEZQo2mpQ3Moj24en-2KC47S7TebnFuswtatARtcdqz1uWJketKgIGKfdg4eVG/s320/garmin2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garmin Tracking</td></tr>
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So I started Chugging. I wasn't doing too bad, but some people really knocked down that first beer. I was definitely in the middle of the pack as I downed that first brew. And off I went. So at the end of cul-de-sac we're at the lower end of a slight downhill. So we start off running uphill. With a beer sloshing around your stomach. It was much harder to get the legs churning than I thought it would be. Still, I managed to gain on people and started passing as I came back down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx5kUca3d0UTE39rj4e-ZkFMHqimTU7k-wfg-aCykxQcChiv0-pQzpHP6MefstuiCGv4hyxGFxoNSg7epgObTnlTTDLvjHba7VL321tGeoFalt9jZ2ocIzcN8hrOetoKup6yeXMgtyqdr/s1600/garmin3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx5kUca3d0UTE39rj4e-ZkFMHqimTU7k-wfg-aCykxQcChiv0-pQzpHP6MefstuiCGv4hyxGFxoNSg7epgObTnlTTDLvjHba7VL321tGeoFalt9jZ2ocIzcN8hrOetoKup6yeXMgtyqdr/s320/garmin3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation, Pace, Cadence</td></tr>
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Beer number 2 was harder than the first to get down. The uphill was about the same. It was similar as I gained on people going up the hill, made the turn at the orange pylon and then passed them on the downhill. For some reason, beer number 3 went down smooth as silk. I passed Jeremy at that point which put me into second behind Laurent. I pushed as much as I could on that lap to bring me home for the final beer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2glxEK8xgrstM8QLWURWHSxM5u5v2GHu7Gdbf3VkBSf4qz8_0W97NZ5rvf3ufSF55wc4fSZF8rCMFva6011iWZ7GjCfW8uvB96GAlsS8eecB7A71gtgS2gHLIx1xUoRLojFUpJOvTZYz/s1600/garmin1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2glxEK8xgrstM8QLWURWHSxM5u5v2GHu7Gdbf3VkBSf4qz8_0W97NZ5rvf3ufSF55wc4fSZF8rCMFva6011iWZ7GjCfW8uvB96GAlsS8eecB7A71gtgS2gHLIx1xUoRLojFUpJOvTZYz/s320/garmin1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mind that crazy straight line, I accidentilly hit Start later in the day.</td></tr>
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Admittedly beer 4 was a struggle, but I didn't want to lose second place. I downed it, gained my bearings and took off on the final lap. I was too far behind to catch Laurent, so I pretty much cruised home in 2nd. Laurent definitely won it on the beer chugging. He is originally from Canada, so there's that. My Garmin had 6:37 for 0.94 miles. Maybe we can get a more accurate course next year. That calculates out to a 7:02 pace for a mile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG9IFZl4NQcLAGgWM4QPuw_7Ma-1VoH6goVUvJkUYayD2mv1Zqq2DGLck1KzjBY2aAwGzzDWjjTu2g9vMZuhfWauEhl5yOdmw4_OtJWwSC-PZJKaf49QqGsP09uz9kuip-lNq3HVZIeJm/s1600/group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG9IFZl4NQcLAGgWM4QPuw_7Ma-1VoH6goVUvJkUYayD2mv1Zqq2DGLck1KzjBY2aAwGzzDWjjTu2g9vMZuhfWauEhl5yOdmw4_OtJWwSC-PZJKaf49QqGsP09uz9kuip-lNq3HVZIeJm/s640/group.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Crowd for the 5th Annual Beer Mile</td></tr>
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So I was a bit loopy after the race. Well, do the math: 4 beers in 6-1/2 minutes will probably do that. Karen had food setup on their back patio, so everyone hung out for a while and ate. It was great to hang out with everyone with a little competition thrown in. Next year I will know what to expect. Hopefully I can bring home the Win. For America. #makeamericanbeermilegreatagainRunner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051253378489329373.post-856360482731638622016-12-23T08:36:00.000-08:002016-12-23T08:36:30.221-08:002016 Charlotte Marathon RelayLast year at the <a href="http://trirunnerrick.blogspot.com/2015/11/thunder-road-marathon-relay-race-report.html" target="_blank">Charlotte Marathon</a> I anchored a BSR/EPT mixed team. We ended winning the mixed (coed) and it was really fun. So this year I was hoping that Paul would ask me again to run and sure enough he did.<br />
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We met at 6:15am at the Harris Teeter that was near the first exchange there at Queens and Providence. Everyone slowly gathered. There were two EPT teams this year, plus Jeremy who was running the full monty. People got coffee and/or used the facility. We eventually figured out who was going where and piled into the cars. We left the parking lot around 6:45am.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99p4Oyxk2_llFpOKkryzTvNx-cCB_maIXm5JSX0RnDnFHOXuzUlkrDr9WZGDO8Zng1blqItyqxmvfJ1xqwsV3IrhH6TUdksEqTSKSbqeej_CXoU71woW5d7yTnYvmxN6XafyweqjV8WG-/s1600/relay3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99p4Oyxk2_llFpOKkryzTvNx-cCB_maIXm5JSX0RnDnFHOXuzUlkrDr9WZGDO8Zng1blqItyqxmvfJ1xqwsV3IrhH6TUdksEqTSKSbqeej_CXoU71woW5d7yTnYvmxN6XafyweqjV8WG-/s320/relay3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> And we got more rhymes than your whole damn crew</td></tr>
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Our team (in order) was Steve, Karen, Jen, Carolann, and Me. We referred to our squad as the "World Championship" team. For next year, Jen and Karen are racing the Ironman WC, and Carolann and I are racing the 70.3 WC (and Steve has raced Kona before). The other team was Laura (who I did not know), Laurent, Laura (who I do know), Heather and Paul. Paul, Jen, Laura, and I got in Paul's car and headed out to the 10 mile mark and the first exchange.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqFjoaKZEpbmf3U82iqT3A5XZF7GWweOmKCXcuVeE6vWTX-cfTNOBVgQRLF2OhRzwXD33XV68Oieh2e8pqVevHLpMk4ntkr-HppkB7sc57xMZyCt7dxnM3VSVwpWMObjDq7p5uASpgNIk/s1600/relay6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqFjoaKZEpbmf3U82iqT3A5XZF7GWweOmKCXcuVeE6vWTX-cfTNOBVgQRLF2OhRzwXD33XV68Oieh2e8pqVevHLpMk4ntkr-HppkB7sc57xMZyCt7dxnM3VSVwpWMObjDq7p5uASpgNIk/s320/relay6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' at Einstein Bagels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We got there with lots of time to spare. Jen and Laura did some warmup drills and then went out for a warmup run. Paul and I just kinda hung out on the corner. Evidently we looked like very official. Several people stopped and asked us for parking and race course information.The first leaders came through about 55 minutes, which I had expected. Steve came after his leg and we all went down to the exchange point. We watched the exchange of the EPT teams, and then Paul and I headed out to Mile 20, our exchange point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWabZSWPFeRax4wg1O5BmAezMatTCmWYZWvFvh-y4H_qf7llYDKGb6GjpvBmRByLByn5pFKZr-n5MlGMmLvs-klxcrj1aJ-LgmvIResQ5j_nkd8aBxS5Dva-V8nZBkKgWPIHcLvTnvGPS/s1600/relay4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWabZSWPFeRax4wg1O5BmAezMatTCmWYZWvFvh-y4H_qf7llYDKGb6GjpvBmRByLByn5pFKZr-n5MlGMmLvs-klxcrj1aJ-LgmvIResQ5j_nkd8aBxS5Dva-V8nZBkKgWPIHcLvTnvGPS/s320/relay4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen to Jen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurent to Laura</td></tr>
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We hung out for a little bit in the car and then went and found a port-o-let. Jen and Steve pulled up and I got the race belt with a number from them. We kinda forgot out race numbers. Last year I got the numbers the night before and just pinned them on my singlet. We didn't do that this year, and we didn't have any pins. Luckily some people brought some race belts and we just used a couple of those to trade off. I did a short 7 minute warmup and got back to the exchange point with about 2 minutes to spare.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygj951Val8yfwKnfJkRtezjDutQ1igqL8oEOR_BLBNXXK4HVFOXjO54C3dirtPK1Cb0VZAQzCWG0F9RO9utL6kubXwn_sN1kQbgPr_9UXE3rfMqORgGKOAMicCXWV20PtS8niiYg031M0/s1600/warmup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygj951Val8yfwKnfJkRtezjDutQ1igqL8oEOR_BLBNXXK4HVFOXjO54C3dirtPK1Cb0VZAQzCWG0F9RO9utL6kubXwn_sN1kQbgPr_9UXE3rfMqORgGKOAMicCXWV20PtS8niiYg031M0/s320/warmup.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmup Run</td></tr>
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Carolann and Karen came around the corner. Karen ran with Carolann after Karen had run her Leg. #hardcore. I was on the wrong side of the timing mat, but quickly jumped over to the right side. Carolann looked pretty good. I took the wrist strap and took off.<br />
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I actually felt better than I had expected. I was thinking it would be pretty ugly since I had only run 3 times since Augusta. But I came through that first downhill mile only 5-6 seconds slower than last year. I figured that my stamina would not be there as the miles (and hills) wore on.<br />
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I had to ask directions several times. Being where we were at in the Marathon (and it not being that huge of a race) there were not a lot of people around me. I actually started to make a wrong turn one time. Coming down Hawthorne avenue you are supposed to cross Central. I started to make the turn onto Central and the cop yelled at me. I corrected my course and thanked the policeman as I went by.<br />
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So the miles and hills kept coming. When I came through miles 3 and 4 and split 6:41 and 6:31, I was pretty happy. Like I said, I felt a lot better than I thought. Unfortunately this course is the same as last year with that crap last mile.<br />
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You still finish with a perfectly straight last mile on Stonewall. Slightly uphill, against the wind. It just zaps you. I fought back and forth with a marathoner and he was hanging pretty tough. I was impressed. Then some official on a motorcycle rode alongside me for 3/4 of a mile. Not sure what that was about. I felt good at the last turn and tried to kick it in. I gave Hugo a big double high five after I crossed the finish line.<br />
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I saw Jen and Steve at finish. I didn't feel cold in just my singlet. We grabbed a free beer and I met some other EPT people. We hung out for a while, and got our second beer. Very fun day. I rode with Robbie, Carolann and Laura back to my car. I stopped by Sugar Creek Brewery on my way home to celebrate a little. I was very sore from the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Sup Hugo?</td></tr>
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Overall we finished in 3:03:49 (overall 7:00.7 min/mile average) good for second mixed. <a href="https://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-25404" target="_blank">Results here.</a> We were 15 minutes faster than last year! Much stiffer competition this year. We may have to up our game next year. Here is how it shook out by leg in the Official results (in order):<br />
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Steve 4.2 miles in 26:35 for a 6:19.8 average<br />
Karen 5.8 miles in 39:13 for a 6:45.7 average<br />
Jen 5 miles in 38:05 for a 7:37.0 average<br />
Carolann 5 miles in 38:19 for a 7:39.8 average<br />
Me 6.2 miles in 41:36 for a 6:42.6 average<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheerleading Gone Wrong</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "World Championship" Crew</td></tr>
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Already looking forward to doing this again next year. It would be great to get the same team together, but that rarely works out. However it shakes out, we need to get that "W" again!<br />
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<br />Runner Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01314585972845783636noreply@blogger.com