Dale & Roy
Tana
The STARS
Roy close behind
Tana with 200m to go
Tana finishing
Albert never slowing
Tana
Tana
Tana contemplating her great race |
God is continually working in my life, and although I don't understand a lot of it like injuries and misunderstandings, I know each is just an opportunity to show faith and push through, because the rewards come unexpectedly, usually at the moment I would have given up, if not for hope in Jesus.
Sunday, 5 of us from the STARS team competed in the Vineman International Triathlon which starts at the Russion River in Guerneville, races along and through the vineyards, and finishes near the airport in Santa Rosa. With multiple transition sites and carpools we all ended up at the water's edge with only a few complications like flat tires, missing gear, and long
Porta-John lines. My concern was an Achilles heal injury which may require me to pull out during the run.
The Swim
I was floating in the water.... I thought I was wearing a yellow cap so was hanging back with Dale's wave. Mike, at the front line of the white cap wave was waving for me to come up. Finally I asked someone, "am I white?", as he nodded, I bolted into the group just as the gun went off. I got a good draft off Mike for a while and was feeling great. I sprinted pass some others at the 1/2 way and surprisingly didn't see anyone else ahead on the way back. 1st place was 1-1/2 minutes ahead. Out of sight. I came out of the water 2nd with a 21:25; It was my best swim placing ever.
The Bike
I on the bike after a 2:10 transition. Everything is feeling perfect on the bike. The seat, handlebars, angles, tires. It didn't keep my body from hurting but it was a rare feeling (especially after changing everything the day before.) I pass the fast swimmer in my age that beat me out of the water and am determined not to let anyone else pass. But Glenn
Peroni, with his disc wheel, goes by and I chase him for 5mi. I'm sure I'll catch him in the corners but he executes perfect turns even in the aero position and stays ahead. I finish in 59:40.
The Run
I see Glen head out on the run from the corner of my eye. After a quick 1:05 change I start the chase and track him for 3mi, working closer ever so slowly. I'm waiting for my Achilles to loosen up. Finally, in the vineyard, where he can't see me around the corners, I make my move. I come alongside. He asks my age group. Yep, talk is short. Before the next turn I surge. I clock a 5:45mi and, way out of site, begin to ease back. Then Emilio De Soto makes the perfect pass at mile 5! I go for water and he flies by at the same moment. It didn't sink in until after I swallowed and tossed the cup..."someone just passed me... I gotta do something about it.." so I dig deep and take off after him, knowing anything can happen, he could ease up, get a cramp, etc. I go faster & faster. I'm amazed that he's maintaining that show of force which is usually just dished out during the "pass". Finally, with a 100yds to go, he looks back, which shows concern, and I turn on the afterburners... never giving up till the end.. determined not to leave ANYTHING on the course like I did in the last 50yds of Bolder Boulder. Well, I didn't catch him but got within 4secs. He was in the next age group.
The Finish
My run was 39:23. That really surprised me.
Overall Splits Placing:
14th swim
6th bike
7th run
I had always wanted to get one of the decorated wine bottle awards they hand out at this race. Today the race director, Russ Pugh, finally handed me one. My teammate,
Tana, also got one. We celebrated at Togo's!
-Troy |
