Lake LV Triathlon

I don't care what JB says, all three of those boys ROCKED the relay! I was nervous as all get out prior to this race. So much to remember. I have trouble enough remembering all the crap to take just for a run or meeting for a group bike ride. I now have to remember enough junk for 3 different disciplines back to back to back.

So, night before the race I go to bed about 9:30. Hoping to get a good night sleep. I knew it would be an early morning, 4:30 wake up. had trouble falling asleep, woke up at 4:10. Oh well, grbed some fuel, got my stuff together and woke up Tristan. Time to do this thing. We unload in the parking lot at Lake LV and start the trek to the transition area. I am going through a mental check off list of all my equipment. I glance at JB walking his bike next to me and notice his helmet. S+*& forgot my helmet. Are you kidding me? My helmet of all things, the one thing they require for cometition. You could probably race butt ass naked if you wanted, but you would still need a helmet for the bike. The wrench on site from McGhies had one helmet he threw in last minute, it was mine to rent for the day. Yippie. Race back on.

T1 and T2 were the same location. So my pit area was set up. Time to head to the water. I could tell Tristan was ready to KILL the swim. He would start in the 1st wave, 3 minutes ahead of my wave. Water temp was perfect, it was calm, we were psyched. All the ingredients were there. Wave 1 was off. Tristan quickly moving to the front of his wave, he would ultimately be the first out of the water in his leg. I was a proud papa. Countdown began for wave 2. 5, 4, 3, underwater for 2, punch off the bottome, and up for 1- I was off. Swim went perfect, stroke was long and smooth, I wasn't using my legs much (saving them), and I was sighting the bouys pretty well. I started passing folks from the 1st wave. Under the bridge for the final 150 yards and I was first out for my wave.

T1 was smooth, but dang it I forgot to adjust the chin strap on my borrowed helmet. It was choking me. I ended up riding 25 miles with out the chin strap fastened. I know more than 1 fellow competitor saw me and wonderd what that Wahoo was doing. I'm sorry, it was all I could do. That bike course was tough. Really tough, I don't care what anyone says. Those rollers take their toll on the legs. The final 7 miles were very hard. my legs were toast to say the least. Despite the condition of my legts, I was maintaining a good position in the standings.

T2 went smooth as well. Glad JB gve me a heads up to not come into the T2 "hot". I was pretty conservative. Started on the run and really didn't feel too bad. I ran the first 3 miles relatively well. I was beat don't get me wrong. I made the turn around and that was it. BONK!! I knew there 3 good hills on the way back. I lost everything. My legs weren't sore, but my head was gone. I ended up walking a bit. That pissed my off even more. I don't walk. The final mile was 100% in the pain cave. I musterd enough moxie to run the final 1/4 mile through the finish. I was spent, relieved to have finished. I think ultimitaly I bit off more than I could chew. I probably could have done the sprint distance with little to no trouble. Hind sight is 20/20. It was fun to race a triathlon after 20 some odd years. I'm not 17 anymore. I think there a few photos lurking out there somewhere. Will try to get those up soon.