2006 Auburn International Triathlon Race Report
I felt compelled to write something after reading Paul C., Debbie, and Beth's report. What's up with trying to get people's phone number at a race?? I mean, triathlons are about pushing your limits, setting goals, and be one with nature. Why can't we all just enjoy the purity of this kind of soul-cleansing experience? Not to mention.... hahahaha.... sorry, I couldn't keep a straight face.
Hold on, let me recompose myself......... heeehehee... sorry, did it again. Ok... for real this time. I'm gonna start the report.
Cater, Ryan, Tammy and Bevin were extremely kind for picking up Louis-the-puppy early in the morning and then giving me a ride to T1. I surely would've missed the start if it weren't for them! The tardiness turned out to be a blessing, I was forced to lay my bike on the curb next to the BIKE OUT, which actually made it a faster transition. As I was busy finding a pump, getting my race number, etc., the remainder of the UCD crew were already set up, and had began to rub sunscreen on each other. Things were a blurr after that, I remember talking to Roper and surprised to find him doing the run leg instead of the swim.
The swim was great! The water was warm and the course was definitely shorter than 1.2 miles! Having not swam for ~1 month, that was a very welcomed surprise.
I got out of the transition with Zipp. "Hey, do you think the swim was short?" "Yeah, wasn't that great?" Kian rode up next to us shortly after. Our chase group had one goal (ok, maybe just me): Catch Julia. The first 5 miles of the bike was hellish up those unrelenting hills. Finally, at about mile 4 we caught her, held our breaths to pretend like it was easy, and then gasp for air as soon as she was out of sight. I was still recovering from that effort at mile 7, when I heard, "Heehee buddy, did someone go out a little too fast in the beginning?" Julia - passed - me. Boy, it would've made my day had she asked "who's your mommy?"
It's weird the things that can comes across your mind during a bike ride. My speedometer's battery ran out, and I was training through this race. I didn't know my speed and I didn't care. It was just another ride along a scenic terrain... when I started thinking about how to prove the statement "Davis is a safe place" in formal logic. I tried to use propositional-deductive logic, but then I didn't carry a pen in my saddle bag so I had to go with natural deduction. At mile 45, I came to the conclusion that the statement is false. To prove it true, I would need an infinite amount of "safe" examples. To prove it untrue, I only need one "unsafe" example, e.g. getting held up by a gun. Yeah, I told you it was weird. Anyway, I stayed relaxed and thought happy thoughts.
Happy! Yeah! happy... until I saw Kensuke coming from the other direction on the 3-mile out-n-back at mile 48. He looked like he was struggling a bit. Hmmmm... I smelled blood. In that instant, the animal instinct kicked in. I got into my areobar and started time-trialing. I'm just not a happy-thought kind of guy. To peak, I need to have someone to go after. After the turn-around, I saw a stream of UCD folks. Max was right up there, followed closely by Zipp. Scott wasn't too far behind. Paul actually had the energy to cheer for me while going uphill. I think I saw Shannon and Charles, too, but I was too focused on Kensuke to say anything.
Kensuke and I made it to T2 at the same time. It was absolutely the best transition I've ever had because of the UCD folks waiting there! I remember hearing Sheila, Danny and Marie. I believe Roper was also there. Driver came up, "Hey Sinclair, how do you feel?" "I can't believe I caught Kensuke!!"
This was going to be a runner's race. I knew running is Kensuke's weapon, and he was about to unsheath his sword. Having never ran with Kensuke, I had no clue about his pace, but I've heard he's fast! At the end of the day, it's all about whose sword is longer and knows how to use it. I sprinted out of T2, running scared. Haydu passed me coming the other direction, looking very strong. After I made the turn around, I saw Kensuke, Zipp and Scott. Boy, they were closing in. I went faster. I held a 7:30 pace for the first 7 miles. If Kensuke or Zipp were to blow pass me, then they could have it as I just couldn't go any faster.
Around mile 7, I came across the Dam Wall, or "La Salope". For those of you who didn't read my last year's AIT report, I gave cute little French nicknames to the hills I came across because I was in quite a bit of pain. This year, "La Salope" (roughly translates to 'the bitch') was not as tough as I expected. I actually ran up it! Then came the long climb on that second loop. I called it "La Putain". I was struggling when I heard Bevin said, "Go Mad Cows! Oh, that's Sinclair? Go Sinclair!" Kellie handed me a much needed Cytomax while Suzie poured ice cold water on me. That was all I needed to tame "La Putain". Taming those 2 shrews this year was my one and only race goal.
The finish was, well, emotional. The combined cheer from all the UCD and Mad Cows folks made me feel like a champ. Because of you guys, I got so pumped after crossing the finish line that I ran back out to escort Kensuke in! When I returned to the finish area the 2nd time, I saw Iggy with his usual layback smile. Sometimes I think he's high. Chatted with him and Suzanne for a while. Ate a few graps. Cheered on more UCD finishers. Finally, fatigue set in and I can remember no more.