I’ll go ahead and post the first MC race report in 2012. I was lucky enough to get a week-long business trip to Hawaii, and since I had to work during the weekdays I decided to return on Sunday so that I could get in some ocean activities. As it turned out I crammed a lot in on Saturday, scuba diving in the morning and sailboat racing in the afternoon.
Late Saturday a friend mentioned that the Valentine's Day Biathlon was the next day. I had a noon flight back to CA, but I was instantly determined to do the race. I had done it, and many other biathlons, when I lived in Hawaii and had many fond memories of those events. There is something so pure and simple about showing up for a race with just running shoes and swim goggles—with wetsuits prohibited, the technology factor is completely removed.
As with a number of other biathlons on Oahu, the 5k run/1k swim Valentine's Day race is held in Ala Moana Park. You run completely around the park and then swim along the semi-enclosed canal along the beach.
The weather during the morning of the race was perfect (duh, it is Hawaii). The race is sponsored by the Waikiki Swim Club, and, as is all their races, it was faultlessly organized. Running nearly flat out, kicking off your shoes, and diving into the ocean (you run with your goggles around your neck) may sound a bit challenging, but its actually a blast.
I wasn’t in very good racing shape since it still is more or less the offseason here in CA, but I felt alright. I managed an age-group second place finish—the guy that always beat me during the 1990s is still racing, and he can still beat me! It being Valentine’s Day race, there was also a couple’s relay. Another great thing about Hawaii biathlons and triathlons are the prizes (and t-shirts)—I snagged a nice wine glass with the race logo. Oh yeah, I caught my flight home with a few minutes to spare.
It was a dark and stormy day. Actually it was a sunny, but cool, spring (almost) day. This is the beginning of the racing season for me. Each year, the first week of daylight saving time, just before I'm really ready, the Putah Creek Time Trial series begins. As usual the group was smaller than it will be in the following trials, probably about 40 cyclists. (Official results are not yet in.)
The time trial is an event where you race against yourself for 10 miles. Cyclists start at 30 second intervals. Drafting is not allowed. The trick is to pace yourself so that at the finish you can't go any faster or any farther. A time trial is great practice for the cycling part of a triathlon. You learn to pace yourself and finish as quickly as you can.
And, as usual, it was windy. The first half was against the wind. It took 17 minutes, I tried for 15. The last 5 miles was with the wind! My slowest was 16.5 mph going out but coming back I hit 27.4 mph for a time of 29:55. Not as fast as I wanted but I can only get faster.
The next time trial is on March 30, 6 PM. See you there.
* Most Moo-ving - Cary Craig for completing 3 (count 'em - 3!!) Ironman distance races in three countries this year - Ironman-Brazil, Ironman-Hawaii & Ironman-Cozumel * Most Disciplined - Eric Russell Webb for being in perpetual training this year. * Most Adhesive - Don Schug for pushing the team to compete in the Granite Bay Team Triathlon competition. (Don't worry Don - we'll get those RATS from Reno next year!) * New Member Award - Brian Charn for getting active with the club and his enthusiasm for next year. * Most Inspirational - Kathy McNally for her first half-ironman at Barb's Race this year. * Most Active - Kelly Barber for attending the Friday team swims and motivating other to join. * Most Improved - Laureen Jensen for demonstrating to everyone why we do this crazy triathlon thing * Most Supportive - Lena Sambucci for her shopping, team race set up, and relentless cheering. * Mad Cow(s) of the Year - Keith & Susan vonBorstel for their tireless efforts contributing to the team. Keith with his website work and coordinating the Friday swims in Berryessa. Susan for her time providing cover from Coors Light-influenced boaters at Berryessa and cheering loudly at the team races. Keith & Susan with the Mad Cow Award (pictures coming!)
2011 Board Members
Congratulations to our two newest 2011 Board Members - Brian Charn and Christoph Gumb. Our 2011 Board Members are:
* Scott Sambucci (1 year remaining) * Frank McNally (1 year remaining) * Diana Cox (1 year remaining) * Randy Thompson (1 year remaining) * Keith vonBorstel (1 year remaining) * Marianne Hernandez (1 year remaining) * Farran Briggs (1 year remaining) * Brian Charn (2 years remaining) * Christoph Gumb (2 years remaining) * Open (2 years remaining) * Open (2 years remaining)
Rain, Mud, Hills, Long Climbs, Treacherous Downhills and 20 Miles of Mostly Awesome
I started this morning asking "Why?" Mostly, this was my next test along the way in preparation for my first 50K run set for December 4 at the North Face Endurance Challenge. Wanted to see where I was and figured 33k in many of the same trails with the climbs would be a good test about a month away. This race was organized by Pacific Coast Trail Runs. Couple of aid stations - really well-stocked. Mostly kept in good spirits along the way. Why else take on such things, right?
The elevation and rain pictures should tell you all you need to know. It was raining. Like really raining. Like - "holy cow, I really can't believe it's really raining this hard." No pictures from the trail b/c I didn't want to waterlog my Droid. Mud pretty much all the way. A few brutal climbs - the very last one was particularly well-placed and entirely uncalled for, in a good way... :--)
the Valentine's Day Biathlon was the next day. I had a noon flight back to CA, but I was instantly determined to do the race. I had done it, and many other biathlons, when I lived in Hawaii and had many fond memories of those events. There is something so pure and simple about showing up for a race with just running shoes and swim goggles—with wetsuits prohibited, the technology factor is completely removed. 
s Cary Craig and Eric Russell Webb successful in Cozumel Ironman.
I started this morning asking "Why?" Mostly, this was my next test along the way in preparation for my first 50K run set for December 4 at the North Face Endurance Challenge. Wanted to see where I was and figured 33k in many of the same trails with the climbs would be a good test about a month away. This race was organized by Pacific Coast Trail Runs. Couple of aid stations - really well-stocked. Mostly kept in good spirits along the way. Why else take on such things, right?