  This is a great hometown, family race with
ages from 6 to 60. L.O.P. is a beautiful gated community at 1800ft ele. My friends, the
Davis', live there, as well as Annika's parents, and my parents are nearby. All were in
attendance to enjoy the triathlon and 4th of July festivities to follow.
In '96 I was 2nd, beat out by a San Jose guy, Jeff, after I misplaced my running shoes in
the transition. In '97, for my first race after my injuries, I beat the same guy for 1st
place. This year, although I swam without a wetsuit, my total time was 40secs faster; but
finished 1 min behind the first place guy, Neal. Being able to have family and friends at
the race always makes it well worth it and a lot of fun!
The swim is the main attraction. A straight course across a clear 75-degree lake to an
easy-to-sight white beach. Because of no turns/buoys, the field gets very spread out. I
couldn't hold on to my "draftee", veered over to get a different one, missed
him, and soon was on my own for a solo swim. I was 8th out. Thanks, Ralph, for having a
tub of water to rinse my feet in!
With the short bike, you redline into sprint-mode and stay there. But you ascend the
steepest hill right out of the transition and are gasping for air within 1/2 mile. The
rolling hills keep you in oxygen debt, the bike is more painful than you'd think. I move
to 2nd, my transition is very fast, and start the run 2min behind Neal.
The run in warm and rolling, near the water. People are walking dogs, watering yards, and
cheering you on. I finally see him at mile 2, 1 min ahead, but he matches my pace and I
can't get any closer. I start to feel the fatigue from Texas the week before but finish
strong in 2nd place.
The real excitement came in the women's 30 - 39 division. As the first woman came around
the corner it looked like Michelle with 2 others matching her steps. It's Annika.... and
Laura! A 3 way sprint that culminates with them grabbing hands and finishing together,
complete with matching TRH racing suits. A 3-way tie for first place! Don't think that's
ever happened in triathlon. Each are now sporting 1st place medals.
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