1/100th of a second

Each year when I register for an early season Duathlon, I question my sanity. Running is not my thing and I really enjoy swimming, so why DU it? Well I know they’ll make me stronger in the long run, and you certainly can't beat the fun filled atmosphere at the Gear West Duathlon.

It's the local season opener (part of the Midwest Multisport series), so it’s the perfect opportunity to see everyone again. Great crowds, great volunteers, and GREAT competition is guaranteed.

This run starts with a 400m sprint on asphalt before turning into the park with mostly XC style running. The first run is 6K with plenty of twists, turns, and little climbs. I tried to stay conservative on the first run, and came into T1 about 40 seconds out of first. With a good transition, and full throttle on the pedals, I passed women's leader Marlo Crosby-McGaver within the first mile of the bike. Having fallen victim to Marlo’s bike prowess before, I immediately realized she was off her best form. This woman typically bikes with the big boys, so it’s a rare treat to actually pass her on two wheels. I tried to stay strong, but she passed me back about halfway through the 18 mile course. We flip flopped a few times, and came into T2 together. I blazed through T2 (for the fastest T2 split of the day in :21sec), and immediately gained a 20 yd lead. I knew it wouldn't be too long before she passed me, and I was basically just waiting for it. I also knew there were at least four very strong women close behind, leaving me with no room for a slowdown. The second run is only 4K but still XC style. Marlo passed me halfway, and she immediately put 10yds on me. Due to the twisty, woodchip terrain, she really could not build up her usual speed. Although I stayed within 10-15 yds of her heels, I never thought I would catch her and I was just trying to run hard to maintain my second place position. Just before the final 500m homestretch, there‘s a super steep 15 yd climb. It’s the nemesis hill for many, and when I finally caught my breath at the top I realized that the climb took a toll on Marlo. For the first time, I looked ahead I thought…THERE’S A CHANCE! I started running a little faster, I started gaining on her, and with about 100 yards to the finish I really went for it...This is totally out of my character (I'm not much of a fighter on the run), and took the Win at the line. Our times were the same in the results...1:26:01, but the official timer said I had Marlo by 1/100th of a second.

I was shocked. Of course it’s great to win and pick up a winner’s check, but I'm primarily excited that I didn't give up. Here are a few shots to get a feel for the finish (Thanks Greg!).

Of course I can't end my post without reference to the yummy cupcakes I enjoyed post race. I commented on Julia's decadent Birthday cupcakes on FaceBook a few weeks ago, and what does she bring us today...SUGAR BLISS. Thanks Julia, and GREAT job out there today! These DU's make triathlon seem like a piece of (cup)cake!

From the two readers I have left (thanks Mom and Dad), I’ve be told an update is due. It’s been a busy few weeks, with no signs of a slowdown. No complaints of course; the race season is here and the spring weather in Minnesota ensures most free time is spent away from my personal computer. Tonight however, desperately needing a night with my feet up, HERE I AM.

Last weekend Kerry and I had a wonderful trip to Florida. Although I wasn’t feeling too confident in my race fitness, I was really looking forward to the vacation. Through Facebook, I found an old High School friend who lives in St. Petersburg, so the excitement to reconnect dismissed all pre-race anxiety. It’s so funny how it works with old friends. We hadn’t talked in almost 10 years, but once we saw each other, there was an immediate reconnection. We had so much catching up to do, and so many great high school memories to laugh about. Melissa is a former collegiate tennis player who’s recently been bitten by the triathlon bug… It always fun to answer all the newbie questions.

Kerry snapped a photo at one point during our 4 hour dinner!

Indeed it's old news now, but the swim cancellation at St. Anthony’s was a disappointment. I believe it was the right call by the RD, but after hearing the news it was really tough to get in the game mentally. I have a lot of work to do on my running, so I looked at this as the perfect opportunity to ride/run as hard as possible without any self enduced placement pressure. Before they called the swim, my pre-race goal was a top 5 finish. Considering I didn’t get to swim (my favorite event), I was very pleased not to mention surprised with my 4th place finish. There are so many things I could share about the race, but I’m just too lazy to write a real race report.

Post race R&R at David's Homestay.


Despite a very relaxing vacation, I returned to a frenzy at work. Once our division EVP uncharacteristically requested everyone’s attendance at his quarterly meeting, we knew something was coming… People were skittish and speculation was rampant. The news was official on Thursday afternoon. Job cuts are looming, but reassurance was supposed to come when he announced that the cuts wouldn’t happen until the end of the year. Now the pressure is on to make the cut. The jockeying for position is in full force, and therefore squeezing in all my workouts has suddenly become more difficult and of course less important. More time in the office and excessive studying for my professional certification is on the horizon.

…well not quite yet.

The weather was perfect this weekend and I was ready to play. With 9 hours of training in the last two days, I didn’t let the news of the work week get me down. Thanks to my training buddies for all the support. It’s amazing how much easier it is to do the mega sessions in the company of great people. I love you guys.

Jules and I thinking about an ice bath in the St. Croix…

And although very late, I just found this photo from the epic climb up Mt Lemmon. This one couldn't go unposted...The famous Pie Shop means we made it!

well...It's time to switch to my work computer. Cheers until next month OR Year...