I considered this my first real triathlon attempt since my feet problems, and a starting point for my '98 Ironman goals. The Triathlon at Pacific Grove is a beautiful, well-run, "classy" race held on one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the world. The town gets into it, too. The mayor, the band, the cheerleaders, and the local church pastor, who says a prayer for us before the start, are all there for support. It was great to toe the line on the beach alongside my usual adversaries and competitive friends. The usually frigid water feels relatively warm. Probably 65 degrees.

The horn blows! We dive into the Monterey Bay. I'm quickly tangled up by the mass start. We have to negotiate kelp and a couple big rocks. I swim wide and get some swimming room. I actually like having to pull yourself over the kelp, it breaks up the swim and keeps those "college swimmers" from getting a big lead. After 1/2 mi we run across the beach below cheering crowds and then dive in for lap 2. The legs don't like it, but it is exciting. I'm next to Chad Hawker (9:30 at Hawaii) and we recognize each other as we battle for the best path through the kelp. My 2nd lap goes great, I pull ahead, 22:15, then run for my bike.

In the transition area, situated directly on Lover's Point, I think, "Just like old times" as I jump on my bike and into my shoes. Flying along the smooth, curvy Ocean View Blvd, sandwiched between rugged coastline and golf courses lined with cypress trees, is so awesome, I realize how easy it has become to think of God during my races. The bike feels better than expected, I'm averaging 24mph, but I see a couple "kids" (15yrs old & 18yrs old) leading the bike! They're about 1/2mi ahead, I figure I'll catch them soon. 2 laps to go, I'm in 10th place, Chad has passed me, I'm riding great, but not gaining on the "kids". Surely they'll wear out by the run. Lap 4 is my fastest as I ride into the transition before jubilant spectators. Now for the tricky part... running.

Heading onto the run course to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I'm happy to see a lot of familiar faces and friends encouraging us. My feet feel weird, though. Shoes must be too tight (I was trying to support my sore Achilles tendon). I stop a couple times to loosen them. Another guy passes me. Soon I take off my shoe and redo it completely. By the 2nd lap it's feeling better but I've lost sight of the guy that passed me. The "kids" are sill running strong, over a mile ahead! Lauren Alexander is shouting advice and encouragement to me which is cool because she's one of the best in the world (the Pro's race after us). Now I feel good & start running 6:10 pace, the crowd at the aquarium seems to be having a lot of fun. Coming down Cannery Row I see my target... he's slowed down a bit. I feel I can run faster but don't know how. That's all right, I'm very happy to be at this speed since July when I was able to run again. I just have a feeling that I want to move up one place..... I finish with a great effort only 7 seconds behind the guy at 2:07:10.

The night before I was hoping for 6th place and the guy in front was 6th place.