Sunday, June 15, 2008

Back In The Saddle


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I have been recovering from my gallbladder surgery which I underwent about two and a half weeks ago. I have done literally nothing for three weeks. I sat out of two triathlons I was registered for prior to my surgery. I attempted a couple runs but, too much pain so I bailed.

Today was my first race since surgery and I was fairly pleased.

THE BIG NEWS – I HAD THE FASTEST BIKE OF THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something was wrong with the timing since my bike computer had me at 23.1mph for my bike split average and the “official” timing has me at 21.7mph, none the less – IT WAS THE FASTEST out of about 150 to 200 racers. I was pumped since I have been lethargic for three weeks.

My run was horrible, but that was to be expected and I was hurting just a little in the gut.

My swim was good. I would have finished about 30 to 45 seconds faster, but there was a guy UNDER the buoy that the kayak lifeguards didn’t see and he was struggling badly. I stopped grabbed him asked if he was ok, he said he was alright, but it wasn’t convincing. I hollered for the kayak and they came over and I took off again.

At the swim exit I cut my foot pretty bad on the top at my large toe and it was painful, but not nearly as painful as it is now, grrrr.

I took off on the bike. It actually took me a bit to get up to speed. I attribute that to my lack of training, but once I did get it up to about 22.5 mph I was able to settle in and cruise on past a few folks.

Let me stop here and inform everyone that this was a SUPER SUPER SHORT course. 200yd swim, 6 mile bike and 2 mile run. But, it was a perfect race for me to get back into the swing of things.

My cousin Michael raced with me today! He did great. He beat me by about 45 seconds, but he lost his timing chip during the swim. It was a lot of fun to share my passion of triathlon with him. I also met a really cool friend of his name Lisa. Lisa has a great job at NASA where Michael also works. Lisa is the attitude controller. I thought that meant that when people came in mission control, she made sure they checked their attitude at the door! But her job is much cooler, she actually drives the space station keeping its attitude in control! IT was her first race . . . I think she I hooked.

I had a GREAT day of racing except for the cuts on my foot, but they are not nearly as bad as Michael’s cuts and he has them on top and bottom of his foot. There were about 20 plus folks getting medical attention for this after the race.

I was signed up to race tomorrow but, after my damaged foot I think I am going to be happy with today’s race and get ready for Yam City Tri this coming weekend.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Weigh In and Pics coming up on Sunday 22nd June.