This past Sunday I and about 1,000 other people participated in the 32nd (yes, I said 32nd) annual Music City Triathlon.   This triathlon is the second oldest triathlon in the United States.  The location of the race has moved a couple of times and other things have changed but one thing about this race remains constant, it’s one hot race.  This year the race started on the banks of the Cumberland River with the Nashville city skyline in the background.  It’s a pretty cool venue if you ask me.  The temp at the beginning of the race (around 8:00) was already in the low to mid 80’s.  This was slowly but surely going to change a lot during the race.

Team – Magic is the company that puts on this race.  Team – Magic is a company stationed out of Birmingham, Alabama that puts on numerous races throughout the Southeast.  Mad props to them and all of the volunteers on this day.  I can’t begin to tell you how well run this race was.  How was the race itself?  For me it went pretty well.

The swim started in the Cumberland River.  Because of the current and many other factors the race was a time trial start with people going off at three (3) second intervals.  The issue with the first leg of the swim was that it was upstream.  I felt like I was in Tuscaloosa all over again.  For those of you who don’t know, at last years USAT National Championships in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Army Corp of Engineers opened up the dams right before the start of the race.  Once you got into the water it felt like you were swimming in an Endless Pool.  Well, the same thing happened on Sunday again.  Only this time it was just the river itself causing the damage.  Needless to say my swim wasn’t as fast as I would have liked it to be.  I was gapped by two (2) people in front of me and ended up third out of the water.  This was very foreign to me as I am always one of the stronger swimmers in the field.  I was very much relieved when I found out that both people that beat me were also ex-swimmers.

So, out on the bike I started the attempt to real in the two (2) in front of me.  I did manage to catch one (1) of the persons who beat me out of the water.  The other guy, Craig Evans, was hammering up the road and my chances of catching him on the bike were slim and none (and slim just left).  So, I did what I could to stay in contact with him.  This was achieved by just looking for the motorcycle that was traveling with him during the entire bike ride.  The one thing I did notice on the bike was how the heat and humidity were increasing exponentially.  I was having a hard time just keeping my sweaty hands on my aerobars.  It was really starting to heat up!  Coming back into T2 I was riding on an exceptionally sketchy patch of road and almost crashed because my hands were jarred off my bars.  That gave my heart a bit of a jump!

Back into T2 I racked my Orbea Ordu, threw on my racing flats and headed out onto what I knew was going to be a miserable run.  Miserable in the fact that it was now 94 degrees with 80 percent humidity.  I believe the “heat index” at this time was well over 100 degrees.  I thought to myself that “strong and steady” was the “order for the day”.  So, I set off with a goal to run as hard as I could and still cross the finish line without having to cross the line “Julie Moss” style.  Thankfully there were people on the course who were giving me splits in regards to how far behind I was.  Starting out the run (running up and over a pretty steep bridge, uggg) I heard that I was 1 minute and 30 seconds back of the leader.  Now, as all of you know, running isn’t exactly my “thing”.  I thought that there was no way I could make up that amount of time in 6.2 miles.  Again, strong and steady was all I was thinking in this heat.  I was also making sure that going through aid stations that I was getting in enough fluids to keep myself hydrated and cool.  One cup to drink and one cup over the head for 6.2 miles.  Well, I am happy to tell you that my “strong and steady” race tactic worked.  At mile four (4) I saw my friend Craig running up a hill directly in front of me.  He wasn’t looking too well.  All that was left for me to do now was time my pass and then put up a “mentally crushing”  surge that would give him the idea that I was not going to be caught.  Unfortunately for me, the surge had to be done on a pretty steep hill.  So, I did what I had to do.  Up the hill I went.  Way, way, way outside of my comfort zone.  Thankfully the surge worked.  I was able to recover at the top of the hill and subsequent downhill afterwards.  I was now recovered enough to counter any attacks that came from behind.  Thankfully none came and I was able to cross the finish line first and without keeling over.

Now that the race was over it was time to get cooled down.  It took four (4) water bottles poured directly over my head before I started to feel any relief.  I am here to tell you that it was hot, hot, hot!  Anybody finishing this race today deserved a pat on the back.

Afterwards I was interviewed by an individual with The Tennessean named Mike Organ.  This is the article that showed up in The Tennessean today:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100726/SPORTS11/7260334/2215/SPORTS/Brentwood+s+Gennari+wins+Music+City+Triathlon

The best part about the race was what happened afterwards.  Evidently 1995 Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George was at the race.  Yes, that Eddie George from THE Ohio State University.  The same Eddie George that is a Tennessee Titan legend!  Eddie was there to support a friend of his who was participating in the Sprint race.  Now, I am not sure if it was a friend of his or his wife.  Like I said, the heat was making easy things (like remembering names) very, very hard.  Anyway, this individual that Eddie was supporting had a rough time in the swim.  Eddie asked if I would talk to her about what she could do to ease her anxiety about the swim.  So I did.  I gave her some very informative information on what she could do to help herself in this area.  The one thing that I told her is that “doing” the activity was going to make her feel more secure about it the next time.  I told her that gaining confidence in swimming in open water was only going to come by her practicing in open water.  I also told her that I too struggle with open water swimming.  Yep, I don’t know if any of you know this but over the past couple of years I have almost developed a phobia about open water swimming.  I am fine when I am in a wetsuit but when I am not in one things tend to “go South” for me mentally.  I battle my own demons when performing in open water without a wetsuit.  I think that just by talking about it openly I help myself.  So there, now you all know.

Anyway, she was very appreciative with the time that I spent with her.  Eddie was also very appreciative as well.  It was a good day.  Anyway, I can sum up my thrill of the day with the following two (2) pictures.  Yeah, that’s me on the right!

Looking at the picture on the right tells me that I need to start doing more sit-ups!  Maybe gain a pound or two (2) as well.

I hope things are going well for the rest of you this summer.  And for those of you who are planning on doing Clearwater, please let me know.  I’d like to coordinate staying in the same place we did last year.  Just shoot me an email if you’re interested.

Bruce TWSS Gennari

Don’t know if everybody is aware of what’s going on in Nashville these past couple of days.  This video gives a pretty good account.  While I, personally, escaped the wrath of the storm, thousands of my Nashville neighbors did not.  The damage estimates are in the billions of dollars.  The interesting thing is that many people don’t know what is happening here.  With the New York City bomber and the Gulf oil spill this has not made national news.  You’ll see in the video why it hasn’t.

It’s been a couple of days and I’ve finally had some time to reflect on my race down in Tampa/St. Pete.  Of course I am talking about the St. Anthony’s Triathlon.  I was signed up do compete in this race last year but some pesky blood clots in my lungs kind of got in the way.  This year I’ve been relatively healthy.  Allergies have reared their ugly head in the past several weeks and have caused some erratic training.  Three (3) words…I HATE POLLEN.  I was actually hoping to get away from the yellow shroud down in Tampa/St. Pete but no such luck.  Seems the cold winter weather has brought the pollen to Florida as well.  Anyway, enough about pollen.  Back to the race.

I traveled down to Tampa with a friend of mine named Richard Baker.  Richard’s son lives down in Tampa and would be staying with him for the weekend.  I was camping out in a local Hampton Inn for the duration of the trip.  Both Richard and I were a good distance away from the race site.  This meant one (1) thing.  It would be an early morning on Sunday to get to the race.  Now, with Richard seeing his son this lead to some “unusual” pre race situations.  Truth be told I took part in the highly successful “Ian Ray” pre race strategy.  What might this entail you ask?  Well, it involves a bar, beer and a good time.  Friday night Richard, Ryan (Richard’s son), Stephanie (Ryan’s wife) and I went to the World of Beer.  What a cool place.  Here’s a quick picture of only part of the establishment.

Now, I initially set myself a three (3) beer minimum.  But, in the spirit of my buddy Ian Ray, I moved past that with ease.  About eight (8) beers later I was tired, buzzed and it was time to go home.  I at least wanted to be in bed before midnight.  I accomplished my goal.  Thankfully.  Richard and Ryan went back, dropped Stephanie off and went back to the World of Beer.  Several hours (and beers) later they made it home.  I believe Richard slept with a pizza that night as he woke up the next morning with a peperoni in his bed.  Weird huh?

The next day was spent doing some last minute workouts that Coach Chris had recommended I do.  Thirty minutes on the bike and ten minutes running and I was ready to race.  The rest of the day was spent relaxing, recovering and hydrating.  We did have to drive down to the race site to drop our bikes off.  I guess when you have almost 4,000 people doing a race it’s a necessity.  This was done with relative ease.  At the expo I saw several Timex team mates.  Tristan and Daniel were both wearing garments of the Timex Mafia and were very easy to spot.  I chatted with both of them for a while and then headed for “home”.  That night Stephanie cooked Richard, Ryan and I a pretty stellar “pre-race” meal of chicken and pasta.  It really hit the spot.  Thanks Stephanie.

Race morning came much too soon.  I was up at 4:00 and in the shower.  I was driving so I had to leave the hotel at 4:30 to head over and pick up Richard.  So, I had him loaded up and in the “non” Green vehicle (read Suburban) and was heading South towards St. Pete.  I was smart (well, maybe lucky) and actually paid for parking the night before.  This allowed me to park very, very close to the race site.  Probably the best $20.00 I’ve ever spent.  Once we got to the race site I got body marked, into transition, set up, hit the Porta Potty and was at Spa Beach in a matter of about thirty (30) minutes.  Perfect timing if I do say so myself.  I was actually able to relax and do some stretching before my wave would take off.

At 7:00 all of the Elite Age Group Wave toed the line for the start of the swim.  The ocean looked a bit rough and I liked it.  Not huge waves but some serious “washing machine” waves that I knew would cause some people some discomfort.  The horn sounded and off I went.  The temp of the ocean this morning was around 75 degrees so I had the Aqua Sphere Icon on and ready to rumble.  Funny thing though, during the first 400 meters of the swim start I was getting pummeled.  In the past (in my youth) I was able to get the “hole shot” and get out in front without anybody even getting the opportunity to lay a finger on me.  Well, now that I am in my “older years” I don’t have that “top end speed” anymore.  So, I took my lumps and then started to pick people off as the swim progressed.  By the time we hit the first buoy I was in fourth or fifth place.  The waves were very interesting.  Once you turned left at the first buoy you felt like you were getting a ride on some waves.  This only lasted for about a second or two and then you’d be in the trough of the wave and it felt like you were going backwards.  This continued for about 700 meters.  Then there was one more left turn before you started to head for T1.  It was at this time that the swim became the toughest.  I am a “right hand side” breather when it comes to swimming.  Well, not this day.  With the waves coming from that direction I quickly switched over to a “left hand side” breather.  This probably stopped me from drinking a couple of gallons of sea water.  It was also at this point where I found myself in second place (about 10 seconds down from the lead Elite swimmer.  Time to get to work.

I headed into T1 after an 18:52 swim.  Not too bad considering the conditions.  Got to my rack, got the Icon wetsuit off quickly, donned the shades and my Rudy Project Wing Span helmet and then proceeded to head out of transition.  Only problem was I was heading in the wrong direction.  Yep, I went the complete wrong way!  The officials started yelling at me to turn around and run towards the other exit of the transition area.  What a waste.  I was pissed.  At this point one other person had caught me and now I was in third place heading out on the bike.

Out on the bike I quickly got into my shoes (after the cobblestone road) and started to get into a groove.  I picked off the two (2) individuals in front of me by the second turn around.  Now I was on my own.  The winds were fairly strong heading South.  I was grinding and only going 22 mph.  It was tough going and I was trying to stay as aero as possible.  The new Orbea Ordu was getting it’s first test during a race and I have to say it passed with flying colors.  The bike is a bullet.  I love everything about it.  Not only did the bike work well but the Dura Ace wheels and Shimano Di2 shifting worked like a dream.  I can’t wait to get out there and put this bike through it’s paces some more.

The one thing about the St. Anthony’s bike course is it has a lot of turns.  Over sixty (60) if I’m not mistaken.  So, it’s really hard to settle into any kind of rhythm.  Once you do get going there’s a turn that’s going to make you “check up” and take the corner safely.  But, there was one section of the bike during the race where you finally had a tail wind and could really put the hammer down.  I think during this section I probably averaged about 31 mph.  All I could hear was my tires rolling on the asphalt.  It was awesome.  So, back to the race, here I was getting ready to finish the bike when another “rookie” mistake was made.  Normally I have my feet out of my bike shoes well in advance of the dismount line.  Well, this time I didn’t.  As a matter of fact the dismount line caught me by total surprise.  I had to stop on a dime, unclip my shoes and then run (with my bike shoes on) into T2.  I couldn’t believe I did that.  I guess there is a reason why you should practice transitions!

After racking the bike, donning the shoes, race belt and race hat I am off on the run course.  I am first out on the run course in the Elite Age Group Wave.  I pretty much knew it probably wasn’t going to be for long.  Now, while I have done a lot of running over the winter I haven’t really worked a whole lot on top end speed.  Sure, I’ve done a couple of mile repeats and tempo efforts here and there but nothing that it going to get me to run sub 6:00 miles.  Trust me, I tried.  Just not in the cards.   So, at around mile one (1) of the run I was passed by two (2) individuals.  It wasn’t like they went flying past me but it was enough to where I couldn’t hang on.  Again, trust me, I tried.  I won’t bore you with all the details of my slow run.  Suffice it to say three (3) other people passed me in the run.  I tried to stay with them but to no avail (trust me, I tried).  I can tell you one thing for certain.  None of these guys who were passing me had racing kits that looked as good as mine.  See what I mean.

So, I finished the race in 6th place.  2:01:30 was my finishing time.  That’s an 18:52 swim, 1:46 T1 (yeah, I know that’s pathetic), 1:00:39 bike, 1:19 T2 (again, pathetic) and 38:56 run.  This is what racing for over two (2) hours looks like when you finish!  At least I am still standing up.

All in all I would say that I am encouraged with my race results.  I told Chris Thomas that St. Anthony’s wasn’t an “A” race and pretty much only rested a couple of days before the race.  My swim is right where I want it to be, my bike will get better as I ride it more and my run will come around.  I am really looking forward to what the season might bring.

What’s up next?  My good friend and buddy Ian Ray and I will be tacking DeSoto Triple T come the end of May.  For those of you who have done this race you know what kind of PAIN we are both in for.  I look forward to it.  I’ve done the race six (6) times and I still have nightmares about that last run on Sunday.  This should be a great lead into the Timex Camp in Boulder the following week. I am also looking very much forward to that time as well.  Can’t wait to see some familiar faces while sharing the pool, road and trails.  The very next weekend is Kansas 70.3.  This will be an “A” race for me and my one and only shot and qualifying for Clearwater 70.3.  I know that I’ll be more than ready for that race with all this training behind me.

So, that’s it.  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.  I hope you’ve enjoyed my long (and probably boring) St. Anthony’s race report.

Until next time!  Train safe, Train smart and Race fast!

Bruce TWSS Gennari

I bet when you read the title of this post you thought that a new baby was on the way.  Well, that’s not going to happen.  That was nipped in the bud a little while ago with a procedure that wasn’t all that pleasant!

I also bet you thought that I’d be writing about some triathlon race that I’ve currently completed.  Nope, races this year have been few and far between because of the whole blood clot issue.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve raced a couple of times this year.  Race results were solid but nothing to write home about.  I am looking forward to Clearwater 70.3.  I have two (2) solid months to get ready for it and believe that I’ll be ready to “Rock and Roll” when the time comes.

This particular post is to talk about my newest toy.  No, it’s not as exciting as Roger’s Trek bike reviews.  Awesome job on those Rog!  And don’t get me wrong, I love my Trek 9.9 SSL!  I think it’s by far the fastest TT rig in the market today.  If I had a nickel for each time somebody said NICE BIKE to me during a ride or at a race I’d be a rich man today.  So, way to go Trek.  Nope, this post is about a piece of equipment that I try to use at least once a day.  It’s an important part of my training schedule.  This is what I am talking about:

Yep, it’s our brand new hot tub.  Nothing feels better after a days training session than jumping in this bad boy for about 15 – 20 minutes.  I am talking 51 jets and six (6) seats of “full on” recovery.  Plus, there’s a small water fall that adds some “coolness” to the tub.  At night you can turn on several different lights (my kids love this feature) that add to the allure of the tub.  The colors are blue, red, green, yellow, purple, orange, white and then there’s the “toggle” between all the colors feature.  It’s pretty awesome.

Anytime you’re in the Nashville area just give me a ring.  We can do some serious working out and then some serious relaxing afterwards.

I hope everyone is doing well this season.  Based on all of the post I am reading TEAM TIMEX is kicking butt and taking names this season.  Looking forward to Clearwater (and potentially Augusta 70.3) in the near future.  I promise my next post will be triathlon training/racing related.

Hope to see some of you soon!

I know, I know, this is a late race report.  Well, I guess better late than never.  The new job has got me pretty busy.  I’ve been traveling quite a bit in the past couple of weeks.  Now I am at home and things have seemed to settle down for the time being.  So, I thought I’d sit down and tell you all (or Ya’ll for you in the South) how things went down in the 26^th Annual Gulf Coast Half Ironman.
The week prior to Gulf Coast I was back in California.  Santa Ana, California to be precise.  And no, this trip wasn’t as fun as my previous trip to California.  It was a MedAvant Sales Meeting that lasted all week.  And while it was good to meet the people I was going to work with I was wishing I could have been back in Nashville, TN preparing for the upcoming half that was looking me right in the face.  I was definitely outside my comfort zone and was just going to have to make due with what I had.  Adapt and overcome!
I flew into California on Monday and immediately got checked into the hotel.  The first thing I did was look at the workout facilities.  Well, how about the lack of workout facilities.  At least they had something that looked like a bike in there.  It was one of those recumbent bike machines.  Hey, at least it simulated biking.  The pool was 4.7 feet wide and 2 feet deep.  Swimming was going to be a challenge.  Looks like my flip turns are going to get a whole lot better.  Just kidding.  I brought a stretch cord with a belt affixed to it so I could do some stationary swimming.  It’ll do in a pinch.  Running, well, I could do that outdoors.  I was set.  Rest easy!
So, the week was all about day long meetings and eating.  I ate a ton.  Hey, it wasn’t my dime that was buying the food.  At the beginning and end of each day I was trying to get in some kind of workout.  These weren’t exactly high quality efforts.  But, I did get some work in.  I kept telling myself that it was OK that I was supposed to be resting this week anyway.  Power of the mind!
The week did come to a quick close.  Thank goodness.  I needed to get to Panama City.  In order to do so I had to take some drastic measures.  I took a “red eye” from Orange County, California at 7:44 that night and arrived in Birmingham, Alabama at 8:30 the following morning.  I could give you all the details but let’s just say that there wasn’t a whole lot of sleep involved in this event.  I did get to see a couple get kicked off the Las Vegas to Charlotte leg of my venture.  That was quite cool.
So, once I arrived in B’ham my wife and kids picked me up at the airport.  Drove to my Mom’s house, picked her and my nephew up and away we went!  My Mom has been making going to Panama City with us an annual event ever since my Dad passed away.  She has a great time and the kids, Tammy and I love having her there.  My nephew, William, is also a welcomed person as he really keeps the kids occupied most of the weekend.
The drive (yes, I drove) down to Panama City was uneventful.  We rolled into the city at about 3:30 in the afternoon.  I immediately headed over to the expo, got checked in, bought a few items for the race and then headed down towards the condo that we were staying at for the weekend.  I have to give props to Cynthia Smith for her place down in Panama City.  It’s very roomy, very clean, right next to the beach and it’s also on the run course.  If you’re ever down in Panama City and you’re looking for a place to stay I highly recommend it.  You can see her place here http://www.findvacationrentals.com/10080.

At this point I am so tired I can’t even see straight.  All I want to do is get some sleep.  I got my gear ready for the following morning, went for a quick bike and run and then ate dinner with the “gang”.  Yep, Sonny’s all you can eat BBQ.  I am really picky for pre – race meals as you can see.  Got back to the condo, got the kids to bed and then went to sleep myself.  It was 10:00 and I feel asleep at 10:00 plus two (2) seconds.  I don’t even remember falling asleep.
5:00 the following morning the alarm goes off.  I sit up and have no idea where I am.  It was quite freaky.  I finally got my bearings and it dawned on me, HOLY CRAP!  I’ve got a race to do this morning.  And not just any race, a half Ironman.  This was going to be interesting.  I could have slept for ten (10) more hours.  So, after gathering up all my gear and eating I was out the door, heading down towards transition.  Actually I had to be driven down to transition as it was over five (5) miles away. 
Once into Transition I got all my gear set up and headed for the beach.  Looking at the surf I knew that a lot of people were going to have a rough time.  The professionals had already taken off and were already half way through the swim.  I was in the 11^th wave.  I had a little time to mull over how I was going to race this day.  I came to the conclusion that I was going to just do my best with what I had on this day.  That’s about all anybody can do on any race day I thought to myself. 
Once my toes where in the water and listening for the horn I switched to race mode.  Horn sounded and I was off.  The surf was rather big about ten (10) yards out.  I dolphin-dived under a couple good size waves and was swimming.  About fifteen (15) more yards out you hit a sandbar.  More waves and more dolphin-diving.  After that things were a bit better.  The ocean was very choppy and sighting was difficult.  Add to that the outbound site buoys were green (yeah, who make that decision) and you kind of get the picture of a very zig-zaggy swim.  I was all over the place.  I finally got a bead on the turn-around buoy and headed straight for it.  I was passing people left and right.  Once I got to the turn-around buoy I knew things would get better.  I was finally able to get into a groove with my stroke.  I altered it a bit as I took shorter strokes but really concentrated on stretching my arms out once they were underwater.  This worked very well and before I knew it I hit the shore.  Took a glance at my watch and say 23:44.  Not too shabby I thought.
Running to T1 I took off my Blue Seventy Wetsuit (http://www.blueseventy.com/) and ran as fast as I could.  Now, I could sit here and “gush” over the Blue Seventy Helix but I’d just be preaching to the choir.  It’s the best wetsuit I’ve used (and I’ve used a lot in my day) BAR NONE.  Dean Jackson and the boys have really done themselves proud.  I can’t wait to get to use the speed suit!  Here’s a pic of me heading towards T1:

Into T1, off with the wetsuit and on with the bike shoes, helmet and sunglasses.  Wasn’t’ the fastest transition but it’ll do.  I have been accused in the past of having a “tea party” in transition.  Well, this time was no exception.
Out on the road you could immediately tell that the wind was up.  Heading North you would have a tail wind.  Heading back South, well, that was a different story.  I got into a fairly good groove right from the get go.  No issues with lack of sleep.  This was a good sign.  I was experiencing some soreness in and around my knees but I figured that would go away once I got “warmed up” on the bike. 
I was passing a lot of people at this point and giving encouragement to all the people that I knew.  It’s amazing how many people you know out there on the road.  I was cruising on the Front Beach roads and really having a good time.  The Trek 9.5 (http://www.trekbikes.com/) was cutting through the wind like nobody’s business.  I had also chosen not to ride a disc wheel this day because of the strong winds.  I rode an Aeolus 6.5 (http://www.bontrager.com/) in the back and an Aeolus 5.0 in the front.  The front was a loaner from my local bike shop as the 6.5 I got had some issues with the carbon bulging out when a pumped up wheel was on it.  As of today I’ve got the wheel back and am ready to put it through its paces.  Pic of me on the road.

Anyway, out on the road things were shaping up quite well.  Then it happened.  I was on Highway 388 and heading towards the turn-around point on the race.  I was passing people pretty regularly and not having any issues.  We’ll I was about to.  About 600 meters from the turnaround I came up on a group of people who were riding in the middle of the road.  Evidently the right hand of the road was very, very rough and they were trying to avoid it.  I would have avoided it as well.  Anyway, I came up on this “pack” of riders pretty quickly and moved over to the left to pass.  Evidently I scared the crap out of the first rider I passed.  He yelled WHOA and then proceeded to turn right into me.  Ok, survival mode started kicking in.  I leaned right back into him and pushed him back where he came from.  I could feel his front wheel basically running down the length of my bike.  I was leaning hard right for all I was worth.  Once his front wheel came off my back wheel I heard that most gosh awful sound.  It was him going down.  I felt awful.  I stood up and soft pedaled to make sure that he was OK.  I couldn’t stop as people were coming up behind me.  I told myself I would hit the turn-around and catch him going back the other way.  Of course he wasn’t there when I went back.  I also got some “colorful” comments from one woman when I came around the turn-around.  I think her comments were “You should be disqualified you Son of a Bitch, I saw what you did”.   Hey, I was passing where I was supposed to, on the left; you were riding in the middle of the road.  What was I supposed to do? 
Now, like Earl, I do believe in Karma.  After the race I was talking to Charlie Crawford who was the Head Referee for the race.  Well, it seems that the guy I tangled with was a “bandit” racer.  So, not only is not going to get his injuries covered by USAT but he is going to get suspended for a year from racing and the guy who gave him his number is going to get suspended as well.  Karma, don’t mess with it.
Well, the rest of the bike was “kind of” uneventful.  There was another wreck that I was around but certainly didn’t cause.  I just heard it.  It was awful.  I turned around and looked and saw three (3) people on the deck.  Not good.  Again I pulled up to make sure everybody was OK.  Once I saw that they were, off I went.  The rest of the bike was mostly in a pretty stiff head wind.  Time to really get aero and see what I can do.
I had a solid ride back into town.  I ended up catching and passing a good friend of mine, Brett Reagan.  Brett is an excellent cyclist and would go on to post the 4^th fastest bike split of the day.  He and I headed into T2 together.  Bike time was 2:14 and change.
T2 was, once again, slow.  For runs over 10k I pull socks on.  What can I say?   I am a bleeder.  Plus, it was really warming up and I didn’t want to have to deal with blisters.  I pulled on my Zoot shoes (http://www.zootsports.com/) and headed out.  Now, I could sit here and give you all the details of the run but that would be pretty boring.  I think this race report is long enough.  Let’s just suffice it to say that it was SLOW.  I really struggled with the heat.  I think by the time we hit St. Thomas Park the temps were in the mid 80’s.  Couple that with some fairly humid air and you have the makings of a melt down.  All I know was that the last four (4) miles seemed to take forever.  That finish line couldn’t get there fast enough.  Here’s me dying in out on the run course.
 

Yeah, it was that hot out there!
Well, thankfully the finish line finally came into sight.  I had very little left in the tank.  I crossed the finish line and stopped the clock at 4:18:37.  Not exactly my best effort but certainly not my worst.  I’ll take it considering the “out of sorts” week leading up to the race.  

1 MIKE NEILL              	36 VICTORIA BC             	4:06:38

2 ZACH RUBLE              	26 MONROEVILEE IN          	4:07:32

3 DANIEL MOSS             	27 SIMPSONVILLE SC        	4:11:10

4 NICHOLAS VANDAM         	21 WEST POINT NY           	4:15:47

5 BRUCE GENNARI           	42 BRENTWOOD TN            	4:18:37

6 JOHN ROBERTSON          	34 HOUSTON TX              	4:19:47

7 ANDRES MUNERA           	37 TAMPA FL                	4:19:59

8 NICHOLAS STERGHOS       	21 WEST POINT NY           	4:21:41

9 PETER KOTLAND           	36 MOORE SC                	4:22:30

10 JASON WILLCOX           	38 ALBANY GA               	4:26:36

 The first three (3) guys were professionals.  Mike Neill has won this race several times.  He’s a great guy and a fierce competitor. Evidently he and Zach were running stride-for-stride on the run.  Mike put it into overdrive with 1.5 miles to go and took the win. 
So, that’s pretty much how things went.  I have that “happy” but not “satisfied” feeling about the race.  I always ponder “what could have been”.  I know I shouldn’t but that’s just how I am “wired”.  But, I can honestly answer with an emphatic YES to the question; did you give the most you had on this day?
Next up for me is the DeSoto Triple T in Portsmouth, Ohio.  I’ll try to be a bit timelier on the race report.  Until then, I hope you all Train smart, Train safe and Race fast!