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Southbay Triathlon |
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| DATE: May 21, 2006 | WHERE: Uvas Reservoir, Morgan Hill | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DISTANCE: .75mS-16mB-5mR | TIME: 1:39:22 (18:34-2:00-43:29-1:00-34:19) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PLACE: 7th | TEAMMATES: Michelle Ridder, Steve Chavez, Gary Chan, Heater Leroy, Les Wong, Tom Werner, Rocco Falcomato (from my church), Janet Kikuchi, Todd Brown / Kurt Peterson, Kiet Tran, John Kruempelstaedte, Christine Curtis, Patrick Wright (from the pool) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One time voted the "Best Little Race in the Country", the Southbay Triathlon is a really fun time! Race director, and father of 2, Andy Robles, always fills his events with food, music, and celebration.
I entered this year's race last minute when friend David Ridder gave me his spot. Surprisingly, the last time I raced this terrific local event was in 2000! Reading my story from back then I remember that the conditions were hot and it was perhaps my best race ever, placing 1st amateur! Today, however, it's slightly raining but not cold. Robin is coaching her Moms In Motion client, Christine, for her first triathlon. Christine doesn't seem bothered by the wet weather. Eric Gilsenan see me and announces my name, with undeserved embellishments, as he often does, but it's really nice to have friends in this local triathlon family that remember each other over the many years of racing. Eric's a great announcer and good friend. My foot hurts a lot, almost impossible to jog a warm-up. Frustrating but I don't give up hope and keep stretching and smiling. I see Steve Chavez, warming up with those fast legs. He's amazing, one of the fastest runners I know in triathlon. As I shuffle along I think of when I could warm-up fast before races. But there's good purpose for me, I can feel God's purpose and good plan for me. I see Rocco from our church! Pretty big church but he and one other are the only triathletes from our church I've run into at the races. He's an enthusiastic guy and a great boost before the race.
The Swim Before my wave is called, they change and call the 35-39 women. I rush to get Christine who wasn't expecting to go so soon. She calmly makes her way through the water to the starting line with only 20 secs to spare. She did great! I line up with the men, treading water. Patrick from my pool is near me. We both think the other will be ahead in the swim. The cannon goes off and we're gliding through the water. The lake level is high, the water is warm and clean, and it's a great course.. terrific swimming conditions. I don't get any draft but I feel pretty good and push strong all the way to the finish.
The Bike I struggle to get my wetsuit off because I forgot to spray Pam on it. It's good to get on the bike! I feel good despite riding in the hills with David yesterday.. but that was well worth it.. good time. It's raining and we have to go slower in the corners. I still take them as fast as possible. The temperature is perfect! There is a headwind along the back section. It's a great course. I pass many kids in the Wolf Pack.. a young team of triathletes. I finish with a good push and stretch my calves before getting off the bike.
The Run Now for the run... I focus upward on God, with a smile, and shuffle along avoiding any pain. Many guys pass me as I jog along at 8-9 minute/mile pace... but I know I'm going as fast as I can without causing pain. At mile 1 I grab some water from a young volunteer and then too my surprise recognize it is Carmen, one of my students in the youth group at church! She recognizes me and bursts into huge, enthusiastic cheering. Years ago I felt the Lord showing me that triathlon would be inspirational and beneficial for the youth group. I believe He put a picture in my mind of racing while some students cheered for me. It had never happened, though, until right now! It was so moving and special to feel that purpose come true. Immediately I was running a minute/mile faster with no additional pain! Thank you, Lord, this race is a blessing! I actually pass a couple guys from before. On the way back it's so pleasing to see familiar faces on the way out. With a smile I cheer for everyone with bursts of enjoyment whenever I see an old friend. This is cool and makes me think maybe this is part of my purpose now, to be able to cheer for all my friends and other racers while I'm racing. Since I'm not not totally out of breath I can do that now. I feel like I'm really flying to the finish now. (which is nice, because my time actually is much slower than the past). I thank Carmen as I go by again, she runs after me to give me water. 50yds to go... A fantastic feeling.. God works in my race and I am so blessed. Sprinting to a 7th place finish, but I feel like I'm first overall! I look to Christ before finishing and Eric, the announcer, comments, "I can tell by the vintage Tinley hat and the Spirit-filled finish that this is Troy Soares!". I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to race today! Seeing Carmen and feeling that sudden burst of ability and knowing the Lord's plans always come about, was a special experience. I love it.
Christine did great! And Michelle, too. Below are results of our friends at the race.
Keep persevering and pressing on! God is good!
Troy Soares
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