Moses Lake Triathlon

 

 

Collectively, this was an amazing day for me and my friends.  I am so lucky to have people like these who care about me and value what I bring to their life.  We all had so much success that my victory was overshadowed, and you know what,  I don't mind a bit.

 

*Ayla and Lane right before heading to the swim start

 

First off, this was Lane's first triathlon.  He was inspired by Ayla and trained himself into triathlon shape.  I often times grow tired of the mentality when people assume that you cannot learn new things if you are older than....a kid.  Lane is proof that you can, as a full grown man he picked up triathlon and did a great job.  When Lane and I passed each other on the bike course he was waving to me with his whole arm and had a huge grin on his face.  I can't help but think "that is what triathlon is about."  Our group is so proud of him finishing his first tri.  

 

*I selfishly shoved the finish girls out of the way just so I could be the one to put Lane's first finisher medal on his neck.  :)

 

*The magnitude of finishing just one triathlon is life changing, Lane would presumably agree.

 

*Quite the entourage: Grandma Wyman, Ayla, Sarah, Lane, and Terri. I owe a big thank you to Ayla and her family for the cheers and encouragement. It was great to have them. 

 

I am super happy for Ayla, she had a great race.   It is always fun to have her sharing the course.  After I finished I watched one of the most entertaining finishes I had seen in a long time.  

 

 

So let me set this up for you.  With 200 yards to go Ayla was in the mix with two other girls running together.  I got excited knowing what was about to happen.  With 150 yards to go the group was still together and I snuck up beside Ayla to give her some of my tips.  "Stay right with them until the very end and then give everything you have, you can do it!" is what I sneakily whispered to her as she passed. 

 

*'Das right, go get it, girls!

 

She did a great job chasing down a girl that went too early and darn near beat the other girl in a sprint finish.  It was very entertaining to watch and satisfying for me to know that she gave her best.  I was so happy and having so much fun after I saw her finish.  I found myself shouting back the narrative of what I just witnessed.  I'm pretty sure she knew what transpired as she just lived it, but I couldn't stop talking about it, it was awesome.   

 

*The three triathletes after the race. Welcome to the club, Lane. 

 

I also owe a big thank you to Sarah for getting up early, cheering, and taking all these great pictures.  It is so nice because she can navigate her way around the race course, get pics, and take care of herself.  It makes my" job" so much easier knowing she has it all handled and will be there for us. 

 

*Sitting down on the job, hey getting up early to cheer and take pics isn't easy either. :) 



I also wanted to mention Richard Ling, and his son, David.  David had a great race, was in 2nd place at the bike turnaround, and had an overall great showing.  Richard did well and finished 3rd in the men's race showing young David how it's done. I am good friends with Richard because over the years he has made me a better athlete. 

 

*Hammer Teammates, Richard and David Ling showcasing their awards

 

A few years back Richard was the defending champion of a race that I was racing for the first time.  I took off at the start and got a huge lead on the swim and bike.  I got in way over my head on the run and Richard reeled me in like a big fish.  I won't ever forget him flying by me on the run looking super strong, looking like the defending champion.  I gave it my best, but Richard was too much for me and he won the race and my respect.

 

*This is what resulted when I challenged the defending champion, Richard, for the first time.

 

He put me in such a world of hurt that day and I have always looked back on that moment when I needed motivation to get out the door. I have so much respect for Richard because winning a race in consecutive years is a huge feat.  More importantly though, Richard has my respect because even though he wins, he has always been very humble and respectful while doing so. He is a good role model that I was lucky to meet.   I always go out of my way to give him a high-five when we pass on the run course.  

 

So for my race, it went well and I will try and keep this short and sweet.  

 

*My wetsuit and the water felt great, thumbs up. 

We all took off pretty fast but soon settled in.  At the halfway turnaround I had company and slipped into second place.  The leader, a swim specialist just starting triathlon, had a great swim and led me into transition by about 10 seconds. There was also a woman in the subsequent heat who swam even faster than all the men, so great job to her.

*All I can see is white water and arms....

*Where is Waldo the Murder Machine?

 

*Swamp thing hits solid ground 

 

The bike went great, my bike fitness is steadily ramping up, and at the turnaround I had passed the swim leaders and was in the  driver's seat of the race.

*Flying mount!

*Now pedal your lil' legs off, Brodacious!

*Coming in hot

 

*Transition 2, thanks to Hammer for the sweet kit.  If you want one, use the discount link on the right. :)

 

The run got pretty hot, but I held it all together pretty well. I ran a minute faster than I ran last year.  I will admit that I got a little hot and took a short stretch break at the run turnaround.  The volunteers laughed when I said "I am going to take a break [bending over to stretch for 5 seconds]....now I am outta here."

I gave high-fives and said, "good job" to my chasers as I cruised back to the finish satisfied and feeling great.  It was such a great day, a thank you to the Budu Crew for a fantastic event. Rory and Deanna are great people.

*Time to run

*Defending my 2012 win, I look pretty pleased with myself, can you tell?

 

*A big thank you to Hammer Nutrition for their amazing fuels, kits, and support of my dreams. 



*Ayla finish-sprinted her way to an age division medal 

 

*By the time we left, my arms were overflowing with awards and prizes...

  

*...Seriously, look at the prize I swooped up!  I am a champion of cheesy-puns. Lol

Thank you to Drew Magill for his congratulatory texts after the race, it means a lot considering the first time I met him was at this race in 2010.  Thank you to Lane, Ayla, and the other racers who inspire me as much as I inspire them.

 

Thanks to everyone who takes time from their day to read and follow my adventures, I appreciate your interest in what I have to say and the message I try to convey.