Timberman 70.3 Half Triathlon-Lake Winnipesaukee NH—The End

Resting on our laurels......

A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION!

 

As I head down the final chute, I search the crowd hoping to see my wife Jennifer & baby Drew.  Suddenly off to the left I see them & stop to give each of them a kiss & tell them I love them.  Sprinting to the finish line, I cross it in 5:53:44–a total of 70.3 miles completed in less than 6 hours, just like I had planned.

 

I must admit the feeling of accomplishment was amazing.  I was humbled to just be able to finish & honestly amazed that I was able to hit my goal time.  It was a phenomenal experience & one I hope to do again very soon. 

 

The final numbers surprised me, surpassing my expectations.   I was 728 out of about 1475 finishers.  I was 98 out of 162 in my age group and 609 out of 1095 in the men.   

Timberman 70.3 Half Triathlon-Lake Winnipesaukee NH—Part 4

THE RUNNING LEG—13.1 MILES

 

The realization that this would be my longest run of the year was certainly at the forefront of my thoughts.  Until that day my longest run was 12 miles, and it wasn’t at the end of an hour swim or a 56 mile bike ride.  The enormity of the task before me certainly weighed heavily on my already tired legs but I chose to take this heat just like all the others, one mile at a time. 

 

The loop was essentially 4 consecutive 5 kilometer runs.  I settled into a pace and the first mile marker quickly came into view.  I glance at my watch and saw that I was right on pace:  a 9 minute mile.  If I could hold this pace I would be able to finish in about 2 hours. 

 

Before long the 1st aid station came into view and we were greeted with water, salt capsules, cold sponges & other things to help ease our physical pains.  My main goal during the run was to stick to the plan & maintain my own pace to meet my goal time.  To do so I knew I’d have to stay both cool & hydrated.  To that end, I stop & take some sponges putting them inside my running shirt & grab a glass of water. 

 

Heading back out, it wasn’t long before the second station came into view.  This one had a pleasant surprise, however; snowballs!  There was a large pile of snow which they are making into snow balls & throwing to the runners.  I grab one out of the air & rub it over my face.  After another drink I am back to running at my steady pace. 

 

The first turn around is quickly approaching & I notice my friend John coming back towards me.  I’m sure we both looked rough at this point but we cheer each other on & keep up our individual paces.  I quickly do the math in my head & realize John & I must be running comparable times.  With renewed vigor I try to keep my pace & concentrate on making the first turnaround.  I make a turn into a shaded development & the mats for the first turn around come into view. 

 

As I made the turn I also made a crucial mistake.  My sock had slipped down a bit & I wanted to keep moving without slowing down.  As my leg came up I reached down trying to adjust my sock while still running.  The maneuver instantly sent my hamstring into an excruciating cramp.  I was forced to stop to stretch it out &nd begin a hobbled gate in an attempt to keep going.  Quickly blocking out the pain I settled back into a pace that would keep me on schedule. 

 

The scenes were quickly changing along the roadside as I went from grabbing oranges from some residents, to enjoying a group of cheerleaders cheering everyone on and listening to a stereo set up playing “Eye of the Tiger”.  This sunny stretch of the road quickly gave way to shade & we were back along the shores of the lake.   The snow pile quickly came into view & I found myself welcoming another snowball as I shouted “over here!”   A snowball sailed over the other runners & landed in my appreciative cupped hands.  With another cool snowball to supplement my water, I push on. 

 

Running back on the first loop I came to the crest of the last hill before the downhill run back into the park.  I crossed through the archway that would mark the final mile of the run the next time I come back through it.  With resignation I accepted that this lap wasn’t that much anticipated last mile and began the downhill run into the park.

 

As I made the left turn into the running chutes I seeded myself into the one that would send me back out for another lap.  I made the turn back out onto the course realizing that I was now halfway through the run course; only 6.5 more miles to go!  Heading back out onto the course I glanced at my watch again, noting that I was now a few minutes under my goal time. 

 

By this time I was heading back into the shaded shoreline quickly overtaking Team Hoyt.  Mr. Hoyt was along the side of the road & appeared to be adjusting his shoes.  With a shout of encouragement I pass them & say a prayer for them.

 

At this point in the run there were many people on the course.  Some were running a fast pace while others were walking.  I repeated the cycle of checking my watch at each mile marker & making a silent note of my times.  As each aid station came into view I methodically repeated the hydration process & worked to keep up my pace. 

 

One of the mind distractions created for participants that were employed throughout the run course, were little signs with funny or illogical statements on them.  Some that I remember were:  “power corrupts and absolute power is kind of cool!”, “why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?”, and “a fool and his money are quickly parted but he can throw one great party!”  There were many more that I can’t remember.  I’m also sure that in my fatigued state they were probably seemed much funnier than they do now.

 

The miles quickly passed as did the aid stations.  This time around the scenery was familiar & seemed to come up much quicker.  By now there were many more people who were walking & I methodically weaved my way in & out of the different groups of runners.  I ran back by the snow pile passing John again.  Glancing at my watch I guessed that we were now close to the same pace.  I shouted encouragement to him & received a thumbs up in response. 

 

Putting my head down I headed back into the turns that would mark the turn around point for the last 5K back to the finish line.  Making the final turnaround I began the run back. 

 

My hamstring was still hurting but I was determined to finish within my goal time.  I was able to maintain my pace until I got to the last hill on the run.  I ended up walking up the hill, giving some of my time cushion back.  As soon as I crested the hill I began to push to make myself get back into the rhythm of running. 

 

Quickly the archway marking the last mile came into view & I made the turn down into the park & the final ascent down the hill.  Getting closer to the park, the crowds begin to increase & the shouting did as well.  I hear the clang of cowbells as people shake them & see a blur of homemade signs as I make the final few turns. 

Timberman 70.3 Half Triathlon-Lake Winnipesaukee NH—Part 3

THE CYCLING LEG–56 MILES

 

Quickly stripping the wetsuit off, I threw on my bicycle gear and began the jog out of the transition area.  A glance at my watch told me that I was getting out of the transition area in under an hour.  To hit my goal of a sub 6 hour goal I had planned a 1 hour swim, a 3 hour ride and a 2 hour run.  I was glad to see that so far I was sticking to my goal.  As soon as I crossed the line I mounted my bike and headed out for the 56 mile bike ride.

 

After the first turn the road quickly turned upward and we began the slow climb out of the lakeside area and up into the hills.  Mindful of the drafting rules, I checked my watch and quickly began overtaking people who had passed me on my swim.  It wasn’t long before I’d made my way back into my own age group and swim wave. 

 

Following the first climb and quick descent I made the left hand turn to what would be the largest climb on the course.  The hill rose up before us and the pace of the group quickly slowed down.  I continued to push on trying to pass people yet keep my heart rate in check. 

 

It wasn’t too long before we heard sirens coming down the hill.  Professional Andy Potts came behind the lead vehicle tucked into a tight aerodynamic position.  Glancing at my watch I noted the time and did the math to realize what a rapid pace he had to be riding to already be on the return leg of the bicycle race.  It was almost 4 minutes later that his next closest competitor came behind him.  

 

By the time I crested the hill I was in a comfortable rhythm.  The descent was rapid and I made the left turn into the valley.  Continuing up the valley, the long loop began.  Just like the swim, the bike ride was long enough that I could view the surroundings and enjoy the sights. 

 

One of my recurring issues in longer events is my ability to stay hydrated.  I was trying a new drink mix to avoid dehydration.   Ever quarter hour I was on a set schedule of drinking perpetuem and then drinking water at 7.5 minutes intervals between the shots of perpetuem.  The water stations were strategically placed and easy to access.  I was able to maintain a great pace heading up the valley and the ride was almost without incident as I headed towards the turn around. 

 

As I headed into the last water station mischief struck.  On a slight bend in the road, I found myself going much faster than I anticipated.  As I took my right hand off of the handlebars to grab my next water bottle I hit another bottle that had rolled out into the street.  My bike jumped to the right and headed right towards the man handing out water bottles.  Quickly grabbing the brakes, I swerved around the now frightened man who was scrambling out of my way.  I grabbed the next water bottle and powered out of the water station. 

 

Making the turn around I’ll admit that I noticed it was within a few miles of the hotel that we were staying in.  The thought did cross my mind that being that close to the hotel was a welcome sight, and could save a great deal of pain going forward if I just rode straight back to our room.  Luckily, my determination won out over exhaustion.  I completed the turn around and began heading back down the valley. 

 

Another reality that had run through my head was that I had already paid my entrance fee and I had a desire to earn the shirt and medal I would be given at the end.  It brought to mind the old saying:  “pain is temporary, quitting is forever.”  With the mantras of “one more mile” and “stick to the plan” repeating through my mind I continued to turn my legs over, settling onto the aero bars.    Periodically I thought “stay tight, good form and big gear” as the pavement became a blur under my wheels.

 

Heading back down the valley, I make the hard right for the final large climb of the day.  As we came across the top I find myself in a give and take with another gentleman.  We pass each other several times.  As we head down the final hill I bomb past the fellow that I have been jockeying with over the past few miles.  He must have been angered that I finally made it around him because he pulled up beside me on the final turn back, passing me on the left which was a clear violation of the rules.  I passed him on the next climb and started the descent back into the park area. 

 

Finishing my descent, I head into the transition area, dismount from the bike and run into the racks.  Racking my bike, I take a moment to notice that I am again ahead of schedule.  I needed to finish the ride in less than 3 hours and had managed to do so.  Changing into my running gear I head back out and make the turn onto the run course.  Making a hard right, I head onto the approximately 6.5 mile loop along the lake shore. 

Timberman 70.3 Half Triathlon-Lake Winnipesaukee NH—Part 2

Ready for a swim....

THE SWIM LEG–1.2 MILES

 

My group waded into the lake and waited for the start horn to sound.  I seeded myself in the rear of the field and was ready to begin the swim.   The swim course was approximately three 0.4 mile legs.  Over the lake it looked quite far, and I knew it would be my longest swim of the year.  Instead I chose to concentrate on each individual buoy and break it into smaller pieces. 

 

The first turn came quicker than I thought at about a time of 15 minutes.  I made the turn and swam the second leg in about the same time.  The third leg however, was the most difficult.  It was near the end of the swim and the wind was making the water choppy.  This leg was a right hand turn and I usually breathe on my right.  Every breath resulted in a wave slapping me in the face and I was gulping large amounts of water from Lake Winnipesaukee. 

 

As I swam I marveled at the beauty of the sunrise, and the clarity of the shoreline in the morning sun.  It was at this point that I realized that this race would be different.  While many of my shorter races had been more intense, this one would be different.  I would actually have time to observe my surroundings during the race rather than just run a frantic pace. 

 

The clarity of the water was amazing and the lake bottom came into view much quicker than expected.  As the bottom quickly rushed up to greet my weary feet I stood up at the first opportunity and began slogging through the waist deep water.  Pushing through the archway, I began pealing down my wetsuit as I ran to the transition area.

 

With goggles and swim cap in hand, and my wetsuit opened up I made the turn and headed to the bike. 

Timberman 70.3 Half Triathlon-Lake Winnipesaukee NH—Part 1

PRE-RACE PREP

The alarm went off way too early the next morning.  Hoping to get a parking space inside the park we were on the road before 4 AM.  John & I knew that if the park’s parking lot was full we would have to ride down the valley & take a shuttle bus back to the park.  The realization that a highly prized space would mean we could avoid the nightmare of trying to bring all of our gear back & forth in the bus made getting up early a little easier to tolerate.

 

We were ushered into the gate & quickly found a parking spot near the swim start & more importantly the port-a-johns.  As every athlete knows the only line longer than the starting waves is the line to the bathroom. 

 

With the start of the race over 2 hours away, John & I took advantage of the time to get some more rest & quickly fell asleep.  The second alarm of the morning went off & it was no easier to get moving the second around.

 

As race time approached, pre-race jitters kicked in.  We began pulling our gear out & making the trips to the transition area to set up our gear.  The professional triathletes were set to go off at 7–after a brief opening ceremony. 

 

Soon enough, the transition area was set up, the sunscreen was on & the bike tires were pumped up.  At 6:30 AM we got into our wetsuits & began the journey down to the water to wait in line for the bathrooms & the wave starts that would begin shortly.

 

The opening ceremony was beautiful.  The national anthem played as a parachutist floated in with a large American flag in tow.  It was quite a sight to see as the sun rose & the flag fluttered in the wind. The parachutist executed a perfect landing on the beach. 

 

The professionals went into the water and the first horn sounded a few minutes later.  The fury of the start was amazing to watch as they quickly sliced through the water & around the course.  The next wave included Team Hoyt.  It was inspirational to watch Mr. Hoyt pull out the raft with his son aboard & wait for the start.  When the horn sounded they were off & he swam out into the lake.  The raft bobbed behind Mr. Hoyt as he was working his way through the water.  They quickly made the turn & more waves of swimmers followed. 

 

While waiting in line at the drink table I ran into a friend that I used to work with at Lancaster General Hospital.  I couldn’t get over the odds of running into someone else I knew in a field of almost 2000 athletes.  I spoke with Jarrod briefly & wished him well prior to filing into the water.  

On our way to the big day! August 16, 2008

My wife Jennifer, Drew (our youngest child) and I followed John and Sherri Ankney up the road.  It was Friday afternoon & we were off to New Hampshire.  All of us hoped that the weather would be agreeable & that our training would pay off. 

 

 

We made it into Connecticut before stopping for the evening to rest.  Saturday morning the 5 of us were up first thing & on the road again.  Heading into New Hampshire we went straight to our hotel, the Red Roof Inn, right down the road from the New Hampshire International Speedway.    After unpacking, John & I went up to Lake Winnipesaukee to drop off our bikes & pick up our race packets. 

Once we had pulled into the Timberman Festival John & I immediately headed to the packet pick up area & sat through the required pre-race meeting.  Of particular concern were the drafting rules & the amount of time spent in the “drafting zone”.  We found out we’d be allowed 20 seconds to overtake & pass our competitors.  Given the large amount of athletes in the race, it was safe to assume that we would always be passing people or being passed depending on our own individual efforts.  

When the meeting had concluded we headed out to the festival to see the vendors and their offerings.  My own favorite stand was Team Hoyt.  I picked up a copy of their book, looking forward to reading it.  Team Hoyt’s story is extremely inspirational & worth checking out if you’re not familiar with them.  They can be found on the web at http://www.TeamHoyt.com.    

Team Hoyt

The Hoyt’s admirable personal crusade is to make sure that people with disabilities are included in everyday life.  They race together in order to raise awareness.  Son Rick Hoyt has Cerebral Palsy &nd is a non-vocal quadriplegic.  Father Dick Hoyt operates as the other half of this winning team by pulling Rick on a raft for the 1.2 mile swimming leg, riding with him on a custom bike for the 56 mile cycling leg, & pushing his custom made wheel chair during the 13.1 miles running leg.   Despite these challenges they never allow anything to slow them down.  Racing together allows them to not only provide inspiration but raise awareness.  I had a good feeling that they would be doing both the next day.  It would be an honor to race with them the next day.

Having finished our shopping, we headed down to the park to drop off our bikes for the following morning.  Pulling into the lot, the 2 of us decided to go for a short shake-down ride to make sure that everything was good to go.  After riding a portion of the run course John & I headed back into the park to check our bikes in at the transition area.  With relatively few delays we racked our bikes & prepared for the morning.  Then we inspected the transition area and the entrance from the swim to see where we would be running.  We also found the exit & planned our route for a smooth transition during the race.   

Race Day! 8/2/08–YMCA Canoe Creek Triathlon—Hollidaysburg, PA

My family, John Ankney and I had a great trip out and were ready to go on race morning.  We had started out the night before and drove to a friend’s cabin that was near where the race was taking place.  The cabin was located just down the valley from Reeds Gap State Park and was in a beautiful area. 

 

After a night of fitful sleep punctuated by pre-race anxiety and a fussy baby, the alarm went off way too early.  Rested or not, it was time to go race.  We had a schedule to keep.

 

We were up and out the door rather quickly given that we had to get 4 adults and 3 kids ready and on the road long before the sun ever came up.  About an hour down the road, our schedule was again tested.  Caleb, my son, began crying and then promptly vomited all over his pillow, blanket and the back of my seat.  We pulled over and began the cleaning process, knowing full well that any timetable was now merely advisory.  We held little hope of getting back on schedule.

 

After a minimal delay we were back on the road and headed to Canoe Creek State Park.  Following a somewhat circuitous route, we finally got to the park.  I would like to now take this opportunity to point out that we were not lost even if we may not have arrived on the side of the lake where the triathlon was supposed to start.

 

Immediately after our arrival, John Ankney and I began our normal prerace workup and routine.  We unpacked the bikes and spread out our gear, laying claim to our area of the bike race.  We then met up with our fellow tri-athletes Ron, Mrs. Johnson, (Ron’s wife) and Wes.  After trading the normal prerace jokes, we attended the “required” prerace meeting, then donned our wetsuits and headed to the lake for the half mile open water swim. 

 

With the sound of the horn I quickly entered the “beating grounds” that mark the beginning of the triathlon start and immediately began taking my lumps, bumps and bruises.  I work my way through the crowd and within a short amount of time, or about an eighth of a mile, I am along the marking rope.  I have found my pace and proper place in the group.  I arrive at the end of the quarter mile rope much sooner than I thought I could and quickly make the turn.  By this time swimmers from the second wave (the wave of competitors that started 5 minutes behind me and swim that much faster than me) have begun to catch up and pass me. 

 

I arrive safely back on the beach thankful that the half mile swim is over.  I must confess that I often say that I “swim like a rock”, and am only half joking when I say this.  It is also worth noting that I am not particularly fond of swimming and hate it even more than I hate running! 

 

Alright while I may not actually “hate” running or swimming I will admit that 

I do not always enjoy these two legs of the triathlon or the training.  I also admit that I only do them, and practice them, because they are part of a larger goal that I want to reach.  Ultimately, I want to compete in an ironman distance race and recognize that sometimes in order to reach goals we have to do certain things we don’t like (read swimming, running and practicing long hours) in order to achieve our dreams.

 

After leaving the water I run towards the transition area a few hundred yards off of the beach.  As I run past my wife Jennifer and our kids who are cheering for me, I realize that all of the delays and the sleepless night was worth having them there rooting for me.  I snap back into reality when Jennifer shouts that John is only 2:20 ahead of me. 

 

I am ecstatic that I only lost two and half minutes to John during the half mile swim.  I cruise through the transition and am headed out on the bike in very short order.

 

Riding out of the park on the bike I immediately begin passing people.  Certainly one advantage of being a slower swimmer, and a stronger biker, is that your confidence gets a great boost the minute you get out of the water and are able to start passing people. 

 

This particular bike course is challenging as it alternates between hills and flat fast sections.  Approaching speeds of 40+ MPH the bike loop passes quickly and I complete it in a time of 36:46 or an average of over 21 MPH.  I head into the lot and change into my running shoes.

 

I have one of my best transitions of the year and head out on the run to hear Jennifer yell that I am only 3:30 behind John. 

 

Knowing that I lost another minute on the bike portion makes my legs turn over that much faster in the hopes of making up that lost time.  Heading out on the run I begin experiencing something that usually doesn’t happen on this part of the race.  I begin passing people on the run.  It’s abnormal for me because I usually make up ground on the bike and struggle to hold my position on the run.  It looks like all the extra training just might be paying off!

 

As I head to the turn around I see John coming back, so the distance between us is still short.  I push on with a renewed vigor.  Accepting the water at the turn around I gulp it down and head back.  I have only one more climb left.  It is not a particularly steep climb, but it is hard enough at this stage of the race. 

 

I begin heading up the hill and I can hear the pounding of feet behind me.  As I am about to crest out on the hill a gentleman who is much older than me and who is running a pace much faster than mine looks over, grins, and says “hurts don’t it?” and then leaves me panting in his wake wondering what just happened.  One thing for certain is that the one possible advantage of aging is that endurance athlete’s peak in their mid to late thirties, and this gentleman appeared to be holding it well into his 50’s!  I crest the hill and am still slightly perplexed by the pace of my elder racer in front of me and embarrassed by my own sluggish effort. 

 

I head down the hill and make the turn to the home stretch.  I can see the clock and just make out the 1:20: something.  I put my head down and push.   No one else passes me on the way into the line and I am able to finish in a time of 1:21:16!  This is almost 8 minutes faster than my time from the year before.  

 

I finished 6th in my age group, 34th out of 87 men and 39th overall out of 127 total athletes.  It was a great finish, especially considering that I have difficulty swimming well and this race featured a long swim. 

 

With that, it is time to head off to the half ironman!

Race Day! 7/13/08–Journey for Joann Triathlon–Towamencin, PA

It’s race day once again and it’s a rare Sunday race.  John Ankney and I are off early, 4:30 AM and arrive a little after 6 AM.  We register and are able to get our swims in early.  This race is unique, and a lot of fun because of the order that we do things.  For this race we arrive early and swim our laps which are timed.  Then at 9 we go out to the transition area and have our pre-race meeting.  From there we prepare for a run that is about 0.8 miles in length and around the block.  We begin in a mass start and the run is meant to break us up as we head back to our bikes to begin our criterium of 4 laps that total 10 miles.  After finishing the bike we then transition back to running and run another 3.2 miles in the surrounding neighborhoods.  

 

This race has a special place in my memory because it was the first time that I placed in my age group.  Last year I finished 24^th overall and 3^rd in my age group.  My wife Jennifer was quick to point out that there were only 3 people in my age group that year so I was bound to place.  I sure am glad that I have her around to keep my ego in check!

 

The meeting and the lineup go off without a hitch.  After a brief moment of silence in memory of Joann McConnell, the person that the race is named after, we consign ourselves to waiting for the starting horn.  It is not long before the horn sounds and we are off. 

 

I start out at a fairly fast pace and quickly find myself in the lead group of runners (in the top 5).  We wind through the development and find ourselves back in the parking lot where we begin our first transition.  I am 4^th in line and my time is about 4:20, about 5 seconds faster than last year.  John is right behind me and 6^th into the lot. 

 

I have my best transition of the year and find myself riding my bike out of the parking lot ahead of John.  Unfortunately, I have problems with my pedals and John passes me on the hill.  (note:  the pedals have since been replaced……).  Still, I have a great ride and return to the transition area in 6^th place.  I felt strong during the entire ride and have a ride time of about 28 minutes. 

 

As I make the turn I’m ready to run the final 3.2 miles.  It’s hot, but I am able to run a steady pace and hold my position until I have about a half mile to go.  That’s when the person who has been patiently stalking me finally catches me and passes.  I am able to latch on and stay within a few paces of him but unable to pass him. 

 

I finish 7^th overall with a time of 1:08:29, but will drop another spot in the final standing due to my slower swim time.  In fact I had the slowest time in the top ten.  I ended up finishing 8^th and won my age group.  It was a day for two firsts, my first top ten and my first age group win.  John had a strong day finishing 4^th overall, and also winning his age group. 

 

The boys from Peach Bottom had a great day!  For complete results check out this link:  Journey for Joann. 

  

However, my wife Jennifer was once again quick to bring me back back down to earth by asking me if I was the only one in my age group!  I am pleased to explain to her that there were 3 people in my age group again this year, but I was the one who won the event, beating the person in 2^nd by over 7 minutes!

Budgeting my training

After a great, but slightly disappointing start to the year, I realized I would have to put more time in on the runs and bike.  Thus began a grueling time of the year.  As a Pennsylvania State Representative, I was about to enter “state budget season” while looking at increasing my triathalon training.  I have to admit that stress runs high when the money to operate the state in the upcoming year is in play.  Still, I had hoped to be able to find some synergy, both by working out to relieve stress and to lose weight. 

 

As it turned out, I was able to squeeze some runs in between committee meetings and the legislative session while I was up in Harrisburg.  This frenzied pace came to a close and I had managed to lose weight during budget season! 

 

The next race was one in Eastern PA where I finished 24^th last year and 3^rd in my age group.  Would this race come together better than the prior two?  Only time will tell.

Race Day! 6/14/08–YMCA’s Rocky Gap State Park Triathlon–Flintstone, MD–Short & Fast!

After a few more good training rides and runs we arrive at our next race.  Rocky Gap!   This is a great race–it is short and fast.  It is advertised as a 1/4 mile swim but I really think it has to be closer to 1/3 mile, along with an 8 mile bike ride followed by a fairly flat 3.1 mile run. 

 

John Ankney and I were up early, although not as early as other years.  We drove out the night before and only had a half hour drive in the morning as opposed to the usual 3 hour drive.

 

We show up and were some of the first in the parking lot.  In fact we were so early the bathrooms were not even open yet.  As is often the case the longest line is for the race packet pick up.  Usually the line for the bathrooms is the next longest but that wasn’t the case since they are still locked.   The rangers told the impatient racers that they were not authorized to open up the rest rooms.  However, after some polite begging, sympathy won over authority and the rest rooms were opened.

 

After hitting the obligatory stops, we returned to set up our gear.  Over the past 5 years this routine is becoming standard.  Once ready, we were off to the pre-race meeting held in the playground.  This would be my first race at Rocky Gap with a wet suit, so I was looking forward to seeing what the time difference would be.

 

John and I were in the first wave of swimmers so we headed out to the water.  I already noticed a difference with the water temperature.  As the horn sounded, the water around me erupted with the flailing of arms and legs that marks the start of any triathlon.  I began swimming in as straight of a line as possible and was immediately greeted with kicks and punches.  Working my way out of the pack, I had a relatively uneventful second half of the swim. 

 

 As I made landfall, I noticed John right in front of me.  I would later find out that I shaved nearly 3 minutes off of my time, but at this point all I cared about is that I could see John in front of me!  I took off and passed him again as we made our way into the transition area.  We both got ready with John beating me out again.  I made a mental note to make sure I practiced my transitions. 

 

I was on my bike and began climbing the hill up out of the parking lot when to my dismay my chain jumped again!  Grumbling under my breath I fixed the chain and took off.  Frustrated, I began pedaling faster than I thought was even possible.  I pushed it hard the entire time.  My bike split was decent for me and I came rolling back into the lot for the second transition.  I racked my bike and changed shoes. 

 

As I start out, now running, I suddenly realized I had forgotten my number strap!  I turned around losing about 15 seconds and grabbed the number.  I clipped it on as I headed out and transitioned easily into my running pace. 

 

I burned through the first mile and was climbing the hill to the halfway point when Wes blew by me.  Wes is one of John’s friends and he is unbelievable.  He had started in the 2^nd wave 5 minutes behind me and had already closed that time gap! 

 

Wes went by and I made the turn around point and began coming back.  I actually felt pretty good, putting the hammer down for the last half to finish in a respectable 1:03:36.

 

This was also much better than my time last year.  Another improvement from increased training!  I came to find out that I finished 4^th in my age group, one spot out of the medals.  Just like the last race, when it comes to this race, next year won’t come fast enough for redemption.