7/7/7

This weekend was all about the numbers game. The million $ question will be answered as you read.

Saturday agenda-summer sizzler series, race 1

7/7/7, a lucky draw to kick off this inaugural series. This race was more brutal than most because

a. the day was very hot and humid.
b. late race start (7:45).
c. 3 loop course.
d. long commute (for me).
e. all of the above.

Luiz Souza, top master runner, showed up. For selfish reasons, I asked him to win this race so that I may have a chance to capture the master title. Jon W got wind of this & felt I was rooting against him. Wrong! I was rooting for Luiz, which could be loosely interpreted as against him. Even if this ploy worked, I have to do my job since it is not a guarantee of victory for me. After three miles, somebody outkicked me using my master kick! Man, the taste of my own medicine was not pleasant. Fortunately, the numbers were in my favor. Although he already looks like a master, he doesn't turn until next year. Therefore, my strategy came to fruition; I won the master title & was 5th overall. Jon W didn't break 18 but still got 3rd overall. The amenities were poor because:

a. no tshirts
b. basically, only bagels & soy bars for food.
c. only water for drink
d. all of the above

Sunday agenda- multirace triathlon

The numbers were stacked against the team. I, team captain, selected George McCuen, 74 year man, to anchor the team. So many people, including friends, felt I made a grave mistake. They said we didn't have a chance & that that 'old' was gonna get blown away. On top of that, I'd put too much pressure on myself as the cyclist, which is not my strong suit. I picked him based on his credentials, 2005 national duathlon champion & consistently placing, usually first, in his age class. I had stepped up my training on the bike with the new work schedule & selected this race as a test. As team captain, I have to be aware of the consequences of my actions. I noticed the following:
1. the tri team is already in the lead in the series
2. only 2 co-ed teams pre-registered, assuring hardware
3. all members picked share my vision of performing to your best ability

Swim-Jenny C performed as expected, & was the fastest female swimmer to return to transition. Also, she was the fastest of all relay swimmers, including men. She set the tone for race, #1.
Bike-in order to participate, I used my #1 crosstraining discipline to fill the position of cyclist. I did my best time ever on this highly technical course & helped to extend the lead.
Run-George was the biggest surprise. He outlasted an early attack from a guy half his age & his efforts helped the team win the title. Initially, it looked as though he'd be decimated but he proved that age is just a number. He used his experience & abilities to extend the lead even further, pulling off an upset in the minds of many. I consider myself lucky to get him, considering he does well by himself & normally competes that way;this was his 1st relay.

Thank you all for such stellar performances. We Du Tri Harder!

Honorable mention

* teammate Diane C placed again
* Mike N took 1st, despite last minute decision

Easy answers- e & d. million $ ?=I did 3 events, 2 as a relay member.