What Have I done!!!

First I would like to thank Ryan Young for encouraging me to give it a go. Second , I would like to curse Ryan for encouraging me.

JOKERS!

With a fevorous and short training program I entered the Xterra Triathlon in beautiful Canmore. I got to pre-swim Friday but nothing could prepare me for what happened Sunday morning. I asked Luke Way for some advice and tried to follow it but alas, I forgot it. The water was brisk but not too bad so the frozen brain excuse is out.

The gun went and we were off. I found myself swimming right beside Dannel Kabush, This alone should have been a big red flag. I got about 150m into the swim and panicked. Not a rational thought in my head. Thinking too much and too fast. I had to tread water and the got punched and kicked for my silliness. I had to wave in a kayak and hang out for a minute or two. I wanted to quit but would have to swim to shore. I started again with the full intention to swim out the other side of Quarry Lake and walk back.

 Not actually me, I would have tears in my eyes. hahaha

As I went to execute this plan I found some clear water and relaxed a bit. I got my breathing under control and decided to just swim from Buoy to buoy, oh boy. After lap 1 of 3 I thought I was done, but with everyone cheering my on and Luke Way standing in the water coaxing me in I went out again. My lovely wife walked around the lake so i could have someone to look at. She kept giving me thumbs up and relax signs. It got better, not good just better.

Glad that's over!!!!


I left the water a shattered man but now it the bike. Home Turf . It went well and I will keep it short. Great course for a Tri, lots of fun, lots of slick roots, lots of roadies pulling off to side,

The run was, well....interesting. It always feels like I am running with rented legs and the first portion is all down hill. Throw your leg out front and hope that the small part of your brain that keeps you from falling on your face is working. I really enjoyed the run, very simple, very pure, very painful. Mike Vine, the champ, ran by my so fast I had to look at my feet to confirm that I was actually moving forward.

Don't quite have the smooth transition down. I was messing with my belt for a while.

So when the dust settled........ I was 17th overall and 2nd in my age category with a World's spot in Hawaii if I want it. I had some drinks and thought about it. All I could come up with is I need more drinks.

Congrats to Heath McCroy for his first place and Darren Robinson for 3rd. Great race as we could see each other throughout the run.

Ryan had a great first kick at the cat and our new friend Gary did great in his age category as well.

Thanks to Jason for all his help, Dee for her great photos, Zee, Ange, Colin, Holly, Beckham, Alana, for all the cheering.

The last Tri I did