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Bolder Boulder 10k(and my trip to Colorado) |
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| DATE: May 31, 1999 | WHERE: Boulder, CO |
| DISTANCE: 10km | |
| TIME: 38:05 | |
| PLACE: 75th of ?, overall 379 of 40,000 | |
| TEAMMATES: Kat, Dan, Susanne, Kurt, Chris, Kenny | |
| The best part about this huge race in little Boulder, Colorado... was the trip going there. Friday, I'm up at 4:30am, My friend, Ray, drives me to the airport, what a guy! Ok the big moment... been stressing this for days. When they ask "does the box contain a bike?" do I lie and say "No." ? I know many friends who get out of the $100 charge by saying it's a keyboard, camera equipment, or art supplies. It's easy to justify because the airline doesn't charge for golf clubs, surfboards, skis, and other sport equipment. Even the agents are sympathetic. But if it's a BIKE, it's $100! I think of many clever ways to get around it, many "white lies". I'm only bringing the thing so I can ride with my friends! For a $100 I could rent one. In line, tormenting myself, I finally sincerely pray about it. Done Deal! Because this is so hard, being honest will show great faith that God will reward me, and the $100 will come back to me sometime in the trip. I confirm my commitment and step up to the counter. "Yes, it is a bike. It's my only check in, can it go free?" "No." "Ok, no problem. Gonna be a lovely day isn't it?" "Yes. But your ticket isn't paid for either" "I double-checked a week ago.. but I'll pay again and get it settled later" "Ok, but the rates have changed. What did they quote you at?" (Here's my change to lie and get a cheaper rate to offset the bike!!! ....no, must keep my promise and be totally honest) "$347" I say. "Ok, I'll give it to you for $245. How does that sound?" There it was! The $100 back. I knew now this trip was for God's purpose and not just a spur-of-the-moment vacation. I was reminded this many times as I met a Christian cyclist while riding 
in Denver, had great talks about being "equally yoked" with my friends Jill &
David
 , gained great insight at Sandy & Roger's house, sharing my "answered prayer" story with Susanne & Kurt in Boulder, and, on my way back had a very rewarding chat with Jill about being bold in what you believe, and resisting the lure to conform. I have to praise God for this trip.Friday I ride 40mi of beautiful bike trails through Denver, Littleton, and Chetfield Reservoir. Saturday we walk the dogs. I run through one of the hundreds of beautiful lake-centered city parks. We go indoor rock climbing  . I ride 18 miles through the rolling farmland of Parker with incredible, sunset-lit views of the Rocky Mountains and Pike's Peak.Sunday I run early and it's warm and bright. Susanne & I 
bike 25 miles
from Boulder to Jamestown through tree lined mountain roads.Monday. Race Day. The massive Flat Iron Hills are shrouded in clouds. 40,000 runners line up in orderly groups and amidst the crowd, Susanne & Kurt, Chris & Kenny, Dan & Kat, and I find each other and get ready for the high altitude race. 10km through the narrow, rolling streets of Boulder with bands playing at every mile and no congestion because of the sophisticated wave starts. I was in the first wave (for under 38:00 runners) but knew breaking 38min would be a challenge here.  I breathed extra deep throughout, and my Achilles held up, and my miles were negative split, but my muscles ran out of oxygen in the last mile as seen by 6:10, 6:9, 6:6, 6:3, 5:55, >6:15<, and >6:20< pace for the last .2mi for a 38:05 finish in the University of Colorado stadium. My friend Dan did a 36:50. He told me you need 6 weeks to acclimate... wow, now that would be a vacation!After the race (free massage, goodie bag, war stories, etc) I watched in amazement as thousands of runners sprinted around the stadium and smoothly funneled into the finish chutes. But the BEST part of the race was hanging with S&K, C&K, D&K, and Dave Scott (actually he was across the street with a friend), watching 30 men, and 30 women, elite teams of 3 each from around the world race a 4-lap course right in front of us! Just like the squadron of F18's that flew overhead during the anthem: These athletes were FLYING! -Troy |
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