On the weekend of July 20, members of the LV Tri Club invaded the high, cool terrain of Flagstaff, AZ. This is one of the best places to race a triathlon in the western US, the weather at this time of the year is favorable for any outdoor activitiy, temps range from the low 60's to the mid 80's, water temp at a mild 73 degrees, a bit humid and some thunderboomies. I was joined for this event by my training partners, John Harrington, Lisa Job, and, Annette Powell. We had planned this trip for quite some time and we were all anxious for race day to arrive. We packed Lisa's Land Rover to the hilts, you couldn't see out of the back window due to the ladies' 'EXTRA LUGGAGE', coolers, wheels, pumps and several other pieces of equipment required. The bikes hitched a ride on a custom bike rack specially designed for the Rover.
We left at 8am Saturday morning with an estimated time of arrival at around noon-ish. During the trip, we entertained each other telling stories and watching videos. Jeff Dunham and Peanut kept us laughing for the better part of two hours, afterwards, classic rock surrounded the cabin and we sailed on. Upon arrival, we checked in, recieved our packets and stuck around for the usual question and answer period and explanation of the rules and regulations of the event.
John made up his mind to race the day before, not having been registered, we were told that the event is sold out. We were hoping for some no-shows and sure enough, there were a few, John was in! We decided to drive the bike course instead of riding it. The sprint course was mostly flat with a minimal grade near the turn-around. Further down the road, we encountred a hill heading out towards the olympic turn-around. These hills and grades were comparable to riding West Charleston all the way to Blue Diamond and back, nothing too difficult. Lake Mary provided the swim venue. Murky and calm, Lake Mary isn't the most sanitary water hole I've ever seen but it will have to do, just don't swallow any water. We didn't check the run course but the 375 foot climb at the half way point of the olympic course was supposed to take a bite! Lucky for the sprinters, their turn-around was just before the bump.
We stayed at a small place near downtown Flag, very comfortable and clean with pool, jaccuzzi and free internet. Dinner was at the Red Lobster, we treated ourselves to a great meal, after all, we needed the calories. Back at the hotel, it was time to hit the sack, we had a wake-up call for 4:30am. My start time was 6:45am (olympic), followed by 7:10am for the sprint. There were 750 entrants and not enough room for them all at the transition area. It was a struggle to find a spot, you literally had one foot to spread your equipment. The officials were forcing the athletes to reduce their area, no one was willing to share. Following all of the commotion, the race got underway. After the smoke cleared, we had some good results, the trip was a success!!! At the finish line, we all gathered for a team photo, we looked bushed but happy to have finished and done well. We all shared the same comment. 'Boy, I sured sucked a lot of wind during the swim portion, I couldn't catch my breath.' Later, we all realized we were racing at an altitude of 7000 ft, hardly sea level!!! Another thing, we all looked great donning the tri club's colors, my compliments to whoever designed the uniforms, they look fantastic!!!..............Here are the results from our group followed by some other LV residents. LISA JOB: Sprint, 21st, 35-39, 1:39:30, 198th overall. ANNETTE POWELL: Sprint, 6th, 40-44, 1:52:44, 256th overall. JOHN HARRINGTON: Sprint, 1st, 45-49, 1:20:59, 46th overall. VICTOR RODRIGUEZ: Olympic, 2nd, 55-59, 2:32:53, 51st overall. Other LV residents: HALF IRON: James Harrington, 1st, 30-34. Conrad Schumacher, 1st, 45-49. Paul Bednar 4th, 40-44. Randy Netski, 6th, 35-39. OLYMPIC: Quentin Heiden, 14th, 30-34. Todd Sims, 6th, 35-39. Ann Marie Borgerdin, 3rd, 30-34. Bob Ballentine, 6th, 45-49. Yvonne Kinane-Wells, 2nd, 50-54. Barbara Graham, 3rd, 40-44. Vicky Brown, 7th, 30-34. SPRINT: Russell Aaron, 1st, 20-24. Keith Panke, 9th, 25-29. Gabe Gilmore, 5th, 30-34. Allen Savage, 21, 30-34..............The next tri on the calendar is on Aug 3rd. This one is an X-Terra held in Snow Valley, Ca, 15 miles west of Big Bear near a community by the name of Running Springs.
The next club mini-tri will be held on Aug 17th. This is a complimentary event provided to us by our wonderful sponsors, take advantage of it, come out and race!!!..........'Till then, race fresh, don't train!!!.....Just joking!!!.....................Victor
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