Someone has to finish fourth. There are three steps on the podium, three awards handed out, and three competitors recognized for their accomplishment. There is no step, award, or recognition for the next guy. That guy was me at the Sylvan Beach triathlon.
As I wrote in a previous post it was a victory for me to make the start of this race and accomplishment to finish, but perhaps the way I ended up in fourth is what made it hurt so bad. I had a phenomenal race- my best effort ever! A conservative swim set up a fast bike split and then a strong run. Feeling great about a half mile from the finish line I picked up the pace and enjoyed the encouragement of the crowd. I passed a training partner just a few hundred yards from the finish and shortly thereafter heard Todd yell "Run John!" I did what I could, but I was passed by two runners, both wearing my age group on their calf as we entered the chute. A local professional decimated us all by nine minutes, but 3rd place finished just six seconds ahead of me and 2nd place was only eight seconds ahead. As I have reevaluated the race a hundred times since, I have come up with infinite ways I could have made up nine seconds and taken 2nd place. I shouldn't complain too much though- 5th place finished just 2.9 seconds behind me. In a race that took over 108 minutes, just 11 seconds separated the 2nd from 5th finisher. A stomach bug the day before the race kept Kyle on the sidelines, but provided for David to make his race debut. He put together a solid race despite getting the last minute call.
Two weeks later we all raced the Y Freedom tri (sponsored by Capital Bank). This time Todd offered his "Run John!" advice before we started. With that in mind, I pushed the entire race and finished in 2nd in the age group and 11th overall. Kyle and David also put together good times finish 5th and 7th in the group. Piper won her age group and was the second overall female in just her second triathlon. Tri4Him continues to have a great showing in participants, supporters, and podium spots at all the local races. Next on the race schedule is TriWaco where Tri4Him members from all over the state will convene for a time of fellowship, competition, and bragging rights. Over 50 members are registered to race and over 20 from the Houston chapter will be making the trip.
I can't believe it's been 8 months since David and I stood in line to register for Ironman Florida. I really can't believe in four months we will be retuning to Panama City Beach! In just over a week, David, Kyle, Dr. John, and I will begin our 16 week race prep training plan that will prepare us for the 140.6 mile race. I am thrilled to report that we are all in good health and our training has yielded fitness, strength, and speed gains. Kyle and I are both at our lowest weights as adults and will be at out optimized racing weights soon. Dr. John is a new addition to the group. He recently became an Ironman at the inaugural Ironman Texas and is up for a repeat. Training is will mature with rides over six hours and almost three hour runs. I am grateful for those who have already supported and mentored us throughout this journey and those who make it their goal to get us to the finish line. This includes a coach, pastor, and team mates whose lives are characterized by service and preference to others.
I took a week off of work and training to be part of The AEffect, Sagemont Church's version of youth camp. Instead of a traditional summer camp the students spend part of their vacation serving in one of Houston's most impoverished neighborhoods. Some spent their day loving on the local children while others painted houses, did landscaping, or performed maintenance and repairs. I spent the week with a crew clearing abandoned lots that serve as hiding spots for drug sales and use, theft, prostitution, and other crime. Despite a severe case of poison ivy I am still recovering from, it was a great week. It was a blessing to see teenagers working hard with no benefit to themselves and to witness the response from the neighborhood.
Nicole and Claire had a great trip to New York. I am so glad they were able to get away and enjoy all the girly stuff the Big Apple has to offer. Neartown Church continues to mature and we have been privileged and blessed to further relationships with individuals and families. Two of my worlds recently collided when Neartrown's pastor became a triathlete. I have predicted he will be "Ironpreacher" within two years. I've been considering taking my passion for competition, training, health, and nutrition to the next level by becoming a USA Triathlon certified coach, so if you've ever considered this crazy thing, I may soon be able to drag you in!
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