Love This Short Stuff!

Ain’t gonna lie . . . I was pretty bummed to miss Augusta.  So the best way to get over my attitude problem was to jump into another race.  And the best place to jump into a race (as the weather gets cooler in ATL) was  . . . NOT ATL.

Pensacola Beach seemed like a better option. And a 600yard swim, 18mi bike, and 5k run seemed juuuuussssssstttttt right.  I’ve only done one other sprint before (in 2007), and I remember it “hurting like my head was being peeled by a cheese grater,” as my coach eloquently advised it should feel like.   Whatever.  A 70.3 hurts pretty damn bad, too, so at least a sprint race is over quickly.

I couldn’t wait!

I worked my way down there, as I have customers in AL, and even got to see the famous GATOR at the Texaco in Eufala.  This was one of the highlights of my trip– kid you not.  You’d think I was at Disneyland. I have no explanation for my fascination with creatures that can eat me.  According to my Facebook friends, this is a well-known gator for all ATL triathletes en route to Gulf Coast racing.  He was recognized immediately.

We had a nice ATL contingency of some fast boys at the start line:  J.Sipos, K.Brown, K.Patton, among others.  Having swam recently with Jeremy and Ken, I was basking in my perceived new-found aquatic speed, and all too happy to talk big smack to those guys before the race.

“I don’t care about the bike and run. It’s ALL about the swim, suckas.  I’m totally kicking your a$$ in the swim.”

Famous last words.  I clearly have zero tactic when it comes to open water swimming. I watched them line up together and I didn’t join the party, opting instead (for no reason whatsoever) to fly solo. Brilliant.

Here’s the elite wave at the start.You can’t see me because I’m probably somewhere in the middle of a face plant into the water.

Now let’s look at the exit.  Doesn’t Jeremy look great coming out of the water? What about Ken?  Please note the obvious absence of the author in this particular photo.

That’s because I was still chugging along, god only knows how far back.  Humble Pie tastes delish, let me tell you.  My swim time wasn’t recorded, which is probably a good thing.  The photo evidence is incriminating enough.

When, when, WHEN will my psuedo gains in the pool translate to open water?!  (more on that later…)

Luckily, that swim was only 600 yards, and I couldn’t wait to get on two wheels.  Conditions were perfect and it was a perfectly flat course– right up my alley.

I had a good bike and had moved into the front of the field.  I saw new power numbers during that race, and speed was good, too:  24.2mph according to my Garmin.  While the hideously ugly face shield is supposed to be wicked aerodynamic, I am sure that my gaping mouth is NOT.  I think I was just trying to get more air in my lungs.

Run was fine.  6:17 pace… I’ll take it!

Wasn’t it Meatloaf that sang about “Two Outta Three Ain’t Bad?”  The bike and run were decent. Swim was a step in the wrong direction.  But it was a fun race at the beach and I couldn’t have been happier to cross the line in first.  Let me tell you . . .  I soaked this one up.  I was high-fiving and enjoying every second of this. Since turning pro, WINNING races is not as common anymore, so this was fun. I wanted to wrap myself around that finish line banner and just cuddle up with it for a while.  Felt good.   Having said that, I wouldn’t trade for a second the challenge of racing as a small fish in a big pond, and just fighting for table scraps.  I still love it.

Have you ever seen a cooler trophy?  Love my tiki!

Congrats to all the ATL folks who raced, especially to Jeremy and Ken who shut me up real quick over a 600yard swim.  Nice job, boys. I will zip it next time– I learned my lesson!

Thanks to Coach Matt of The Sport Factory for, one, letting me race. I know it sorta veered off the plan, but I really wanted to do it.  And of course for being such a badass coach and knowing his stuff. It is such a good feeling to completely trust in the person who is guiding you.  Thank you also to Roswell Bikes for my new LG aerohelmet and for ensuring that I never look good in bike photos again (read: face shield).  I don’t care– I love it!     And let’s not forget Louie.  Doesn’t he look hot?

The adventures continue (literally) . . . stay tuned for some exciting news.

In the meantime, GOOD LUCK to all friends/athletes racing Kona this weekend!!  A big shout-out to local SF athletes Angela Meyer and Gerry Halphen. We’re really proud of you guys and will be cheering for you all day on Saturday!

I’d like to sign off with a parting shot of the one and only Ken Brown ripping it towards the finish line.  If this isn’t the face of determination, I don’t know what is.   Nice job, buddy!