I don't have a sister, so i really don't know how i would feel, but i am dam sure it would not be an up beat, joyful feeling or experience. Why then, am i writing about it, well, it's a saying that i feel describes my second place finish today. Don't get me wrong, i am super stoked to have finished second today. My race went pretty much as i thought it would. A few minor hiccups, but overall it went very well in every aspect.
Chronologically, my swim start (check out the beautiful water conditions for the swim start) was great and i stayed with lead group for the first 150M or so. I lost contact after that, but finished the 1200M or so only a minute maybe down. However, i started to get a hamstring cramp as i hit shore. As i got the hammy under control, the quad went. Doh! So i sat down in the water and started taking off my Desoto T1 wetsuit. I just sat there, likely a minute or so, but the muscles were not relaxing. Finally, headed off to T1 and sprayed my secret weapon into my mouth (hint it stops cramps) and finished getting ready to roll. I took the cramping and setback in stride and just had the belief my bike and run would see me near the front of the race.
Got on my Giant Anthem X Advanced SL and off to the real races. Me and my stead slowly reeled in everyone ahead of me - by the 2/3 mark! I was flying on the bike. I think the fastest split by 2 minutes, even with a opps or two - nothing major but slight mistakes, which i did not let get me down. I stayed positive, focused on riding hard and stayed smart with my efforts. Got to T2 first, but Shane MacNaughton was out of T2 first. I thought Shane would be ahead of me off the bike, so i was super happy to have caught him on the bike and be right with him heading onto the run.
On to the run (in my Avi Stotlz by Avia) and i followed Shane for a couple of kms, getting into a groove. Passed Shane just before the first aid station. Once by Shane and onto the trail part of the run, i just ran steady and comfy. Got to the turnaround and was ahead of Shane, but just behind Shane was Ryan Baade and i WAS NOT expecting to see him. Especially, this close - only 1:30 down at most. So i had to pick it up. First thoughts were oh boy, i am going to get caught. Instead of folding my tent, i put my hammer down as much i felt reasonable. With 4K at most to go, i was running scared. I held Ryan off to the aid station with 2.5K to go, but that was it. I tried to stay with him, but i did not have the 30 year old legs he has. In the end, kissing my sister is not so bad. Being 40 or so seconds down to a guy 20 years younger than me, i'll take every race.
My race was bang on in every aspect - mentally, physically, emotionally. Maybe i could of ... I leave the hypothetical what ifs alone and just relish the day.
Props to Skinfit and my Mamba Green Speedsuit, Regina Multisport for the second Xterra race in Saskatchewan this year, Enio Ricci for all the work he put into make this race possible and all the volunteers that far out numbered the 13 racers today - thank you everyone for your efforts. I really am thankful for your generous volunteering.
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