| Scott's Race Reports |
| 14 July 2002 - Sandia 10k Challenge The day started out very early since the race was going to BEGIN at 0630 (the intended challenge were the hills not the heat). So, dragging myself out of bed before the sun, and getting myself to the start line at the Sandia Casino (no, Marci wasn't allowed to attend) was the first challenge. There were about 80 or so people all getting limbered up for the run to the tramway ... 6.2 miles away, and over 2000 feet in added elevation. Well, the gun went off (it was actually a firecracker) and off we went. The first mile went off without a hitch in 7:18 ... I figured; "nice pace for uphill" Well, after a 8:20 and 8:48 for the next couple of miles ... I knew this wasn't going to be too easy. Mile 4 posted an 8:54, and as I finished up the 5th mile in 8:10, I thought that making the "GOLD" goal of sub 55:00 was going to be a breeze ... that is until I turned the corner and started UP for the final 1.2 miles. The last mile was where all the payback would come ... this is where most of the 2000 foot climb came in and it was quite apparent in the legs and lungs. At this point, the 55:00 mark didn't matter so much as finding more oxygen. So, after a blazing 11:20 for the last mile it was a straightaway sprint (gotta look good for the finish) to an eventual 52:40 finish and the Gold Medal! Apart from my miserable final mile, the race went well for the first of the year and the venue and views were wonderful ... particluarly the rising sun over the Sandia mountains as we climbed. I finished 16th overall, 13th male, and 1st of about 10 in my age group (though straight road racing doesn't usually break down by age group ... that's a triathlon thing). Overall, it was a great race put on by some great people. So, now I have been there, and done that ... and yes, I got the t-shirt to prove it! Stay Tuned for the next report on the Las Vegas (NM) Triathlon. 28 July 2002 - Las Vegas Triathlon We're off to Las Vegas ... sorry, not the one in Nevada ... it's the one in New Mexico. Didn't know there was one in NM? Well, I don't think you are the only one. They bill it as being a historic place in NM, but from what we saw, there wasn't much too it. Unless you are going there to race ... probably not worth too much effort. As for the race prep itself ... the package pickup was pretty much that; pick up your bag and go. No expo ... No fanfare; just a T-Shirt and water bottle ... and on your way (pretty unusual particularly for the USAT Mountain Region Championships) Well, on to the race report ... Apart from catching some sort of illness from my little boy the Friday prior (with the accompanying "no sleep" for two nights with a crying toddler in your face), I figured we already had the hotel reserved and race fee paid, so what the heck ... let's see how it goes. Well, the dreaded flu symptoms managed to hold themselves off enough on Sunday morning (and Davis got some semblance of a night's sleep on Saturday) that we dragged everyone out of bed and off to the race site. The race day set up was great and the event was well staffed and run. The swim was in 63 degree waters of Storrie Lake and wetsuits were optional (oh yeah ... I had mine). Some said the swim couse was a bit longer than the advertised 1500 meters, but since I posted my fastest time for the swim in this type of event ... I wasn't complaining. The bike was an out and back course of 40 kilometers, but the time to complete was by no means 50/50. With all the hills seemingly on the out portion it took a lot less time to cover the 20 k back to the transition area. Overall, the bike went well (comparing the 12 MPH uphills to the 45 MPH downs). The run was a part road / part trail route with well placed water stops and a few hills in there to remind you that you were at 7000 feet above sea level. Overall the run went really well and it was a good finish to the end of a race ... posting my best time for this distance! Very Good race and comes highly recommended ... next stop ... Soccoro! 10 August 2002 - Soccoro Chili Harvest Triathlon This one was a simple out-and-back adventure for me, rather than the pack up the family and head out for the weekend journey. I don't like to travel too far for a sprint race so this one was perfect for the early morning departure ... and I am glad I did! This was a great race, albiet a bit different what with the seeded swim start and all, but definitely worth the trip. This was the first time they tried the seeded swim start in the pool as opposed to having the 400m event at the end of the race. They started you off at 10 second intervals based on your predicted completion time. Theory being that there wouldn't be too much crowding going on as you traversed up and down the lanes, but like me, many "guessed" their completion times, and there was definitely some bunching. However, O was one of those who underestimated my ability, and ended up swimming a minute faster than predicted ... way to go me :) ... a good way to start the bike. The bike course was well coordinated and marked and there were some good hills throughout. Pretty solitary going once you get out of the neighborhoods (and managed to avoid the impromptu yard sales along the route). The final 5k was about 2 miles on the road and the rest was off-road ... all of it in the direct sun. There was great support throughout with aid stations at the junction points leading to an eventual finish with great post-race support. Overall, a great sprint distance race and definitely worth racing again. |