Not a whole lot of training that I had done before this race.. For once we were on the road for a good two weeks.. Oregon and California.. A good 5000 miles is what we drove across the country.. We did stop here and there at local ymca's to get in a swim or bike workout and we did run here and there but it definitely wasn't the perfect training.. On the other hand we had a great time and when I ran it was under 300 ft trees, on the beach or in beautiful rain forests bordered by 200ft cliffs down in the ocean..
The race itself attracted a little more competitors than last year.. The added number however didn't add more competition for me though.. There was no Sean Cooley this year who left everyone in the dust on the bike instead we had a pro taking the prime.. The water was a lot warmer than last year so for some unexplainable reason I decided to swim without my wet suit.. Only while swimming I noticed that a group of 4-5 people separated themselves from me.. Yes, they may have been a bit naturally faster than me but now let's just say that they had the advantage swimming in neoprene.. I just struggled to maintain my form as the water got choppy on the way back.. On the bike already it took a lot longer for Marlina Walth to catch me but it did happen.. Once she passed though I tried to hang on. A good 100 yards stabilized between us that I even brought back to about 30 before T2. I try to look at this as it's never a shame to get beat by someone who is stronger.. But I know I could have done better if I wanted to.. But back to T2.. I was in such a hurry that I made mistake #2 for the day.. I didn't put socks on.. AND used my Sole arch support in both shoes.. I wear those supports in all my shoes.. I swap them whenever I change shoes.. But I have never worn them without socks.. I ran in my Saucony shoes that I hadn't used for a good year.. The run was 2 loops of 5k's and even during my first one I had to stop to take my Soles out of my right foot as it was rubbing my arch.. Right at around 6k the other foot was rubbing and I knew that I wasn't going to catch 1st and 3rd was way back. Shortly after I passed a competitor I stopped, took both my shoes off and ran barefoot for the rest of the way. I figured that running on the grass will be OK so I tried to stay on it.. It all worked out as I didn't step in any shrapnel, glass or sharp rocks.. I came in a good 6 minutes after the first and 7 minutes ahead of the third (Marlina) with around 2:06.. After taking second for two years in a row I think it's time to win it next year pros here and uber fast bikers there!
I have to thank you though for Epic Sports for letting me in the race in the last minute.. I happened to miss the registration deadline by three days.. Epic Sports again put out a wonderful event! Thanks for all the volunteers and helpers who took part in it one way or another!
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| No way to catch #1 and #3 is far behind.. It was about finishing strong and staying uninjured.. |
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Getting rid of the shoes about a mile to go..
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