Fire Trail ...

As I rack my bike and strip off my bike gear, I head down the dirt fire road, No shade to be found : ( . I can feel the heat beat down and I hope I put enough sun block on. My legs are like jelly, but not as bad as my first Tri when I had the hybrid bike. The new road bike and clip in bike pedals really make a difference in efficency and energy conservation. I take a clif shot and trot down the road to the first water station at the 1 mile marker.

After the first mile my body starts to adjust to run mode and I'm able to catch the guy in front of me. I usually like to start of slow and then get my second wind about the 3rd mile. I just have to maintain a steady pace and try not to push myself up any hills which would burn me out faster. I can save myself for the last 100 yards to the finish. The red dirt turns to gravel road and then to asphalt as I hit the 3rd mile marker and take another clif shot. One thing I have to remember, make sure you get all the gel in your mouth, haha. It can get kind of messy and sticky, I got some on my face, hands, and outfit, sticky to the finish : p

As I reach mile 4, I start to pick up the pace and actually find a running buddy who I pace with. His name is Ron and he is 46, I can tell from his body mark on his right calf. We joke that it will be a sprint to the finish if we stay even together all the way and we are able to encourage one another to finish strong. The last mile I grab a drink of water and I can feel my left quad tighten up and I know I have to be careful not to pull it before the end.

The last 100 yards its grass and I can see the finish line, what a comfort that is to see the end. I sprint to the finish line and pass another racer with long strides and a racing heart beat. I cross the line as the anouncer calls my name in Congradulations. I grab some water and continue to walk around to cool my body down.

Conclusion: Great Race, Great Weather, and Great Competition. I wish all of you could experience the thrill of the race. Thanks too, Julie and Josh for being there to see me finish its a blessing to see you at the finish line.

Another Tri down, A little bit better and a little bit faster all for the Glory of God : )