Even after riding 150mi to Sacramento, running 8mi on Saturday, and doing other training, I'm feeling really jazzed about Sunday morning.

The lake is clean and warm. We arrived late and in the rush didn't get my watch and heart rate monitor ready. Just enough time for a prayer.. and then the gun goes off.

Swim

These guys and girls are serious. A lot of bumping going on. Hard to see the buoys in the bright sun. Some are just doing the swim race so going pretty hard. I'm getting pushed around and try to fight back when I'm a little surprised to see the ones challenging me for the drafts are women. Yep, just as aggressive as the men. After 1.2mi, we sprint for the beach. Some are done, some continue on for the 2.4mi swim, and the rest of us put on shoes and take off into the trails.

Run

Heart beating like crazy. I'm in 5th place. Pass the lead woman and now in 4th place. I start out fast, eagerly looking for the few guys ahead. We weave up and down through the trees and hills. Finally, at a treacherous sandy drop off, the guy in front slows to catch his balance and gives me the chance to shoot by. On the flat fire road I catch a glimpse of 2nd place. I take a GU, and make the turn. On our way back we are routed down into the most extreme sections. Narrow, twisting trails and tough little climbs.

After 6mi I finally get in the open and get a bead on my guy. 45secs ahead. 30secs. 15secs. I go by, saying how hard he was to catch, and then immediately am faced with the surprise hill. The Korak Attack! A 30% grade that you can't run.. but I try because I don't want him to see me slow down. But walking is inevitable.

After a steep descent I'm faced with a 4 way intersection with no sign. I quickly decide LEFT is right (that makes sense, right?) and continue.. with only little worry. I can't figure out where the first place guy is. I know I have to be close. With a mile to go, I see a runner ahead! I get closer.. he looks just like the last runner I passed. Maybe he's a twin! I face reality and realize I must have taken a "long"-cut. As I go by he says, "hey, you made a wrong turn back there". I think, "Thanks for waiting to tell me". Still no sign of first place as I come to the finish area in 2nd place.

I learned that the first place guy made a wrong turn also, but took a "short"-cut that cut off some of the hardest hills. However he didn't fess up and just took his award quickly and laid low.

Well, it was a small race, no reason to complain, and they gave me a nice plaque. I just was really psyched to try to win and put out such a hard effort. Then my training buddy, Dick, reminded me that I actually ran the wrong course, too , albeit a longer course, and technically should be disqualified. So now I'm keeping quiet :)

It was a hot summer day and it was a blast to be racing without injury and a bunch of nice people!

God Bless and stay cool :)