I had so much fun today!
Awesome course (Du), great organization, great battle at the front (except for Damon, who obviously had a burr under his saddle and ran away with it).
Oh ya, report.
The race started with Damon running away from everyone, but I was joined in a pretty tight battle for second with a few other guys, pace was high, but I felt good and went with it. Transition one was smooth, but slow and I lost a little ground. Out on the bike course, the smile just crept across my face, and I was having a blast. I passed, Jeff (I think) passed me...back and forth until we turned back onto Bata Rd. then he rode away from me. I thought I was doomed to third, as he'd stuck pretty close during the first run. Fairly smooth transition again, a little quicker, then out on the run course for 2 loops. I was suprised at how well my legs recovered from the bike. At about 300m into the run I started to get a cramp in my right calf, but just as quickly it disappeared, so I set on with the task of getting second place back.
Quick pace for the first loop, and before the end I was well ahead of third. Hammered out another 2.5k and suddenly I was the fastest old guy on the course! Whoooo Hooooo! Second overall and first in my age group was both less and more than I'd hoped for. I really wanted to beat Damon (who won), and didn't think I'd do very well otherwise (guess I missed that by a little.) All in all, an awesome day!
Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers, I don't think I've ever had a better race experience.
Mike
