5 times the charm

It was rainy and somewhat cold for race day, and the water in the pond was a bit chilly. Just right for someone who doesn't race well in the heat. Quite a bit of whining was going on around the T1 before the race, but I am not sure why. We swim first anyway.

I had a great cannon ball of the pontoon to enter the water and warm up. I felt great. Relaxed, rested, and the feeling that I have done what I can. Now we hope for a good day. I started strong in the swim, quite hectic with bodies everywhere. By the first turn i had relaxed and settled down until reaching the second turn where I sped up to a harder pace that I held until the water exit. I exited with no problems, Angie was right there to hand me crutches, and then she helped strip my wetsuit as the swim exit was a little under staffed. Good thing we practiced stipping me eh Ang?

My T1 was ok, a little fumbling, but solid. My bike felt good and right away I was gaining on a few people. Right before the first turn I saw Pfiffer from France and liked the gap, not too big. I saw him at every turnaround but was unable to close the gap, but I didnt see anyone else.

At T2 I made my way through the slop, having a smooth transition, best all year. As I was exiting I could hear Beeson and Angie yelling hard, which gave me the impression I needed to move my ass. Once on the run, my legs were ok, but not great. I kept waiting for them to improve, but they really didn't. I moved from fourth to third in the first quarter mile, then by the halfway point from third to second and I could see Pfiffer in front of me. the point to point run was a great run to be the hunter with a clear view of the finish and the competitors ahead of you. with about a half mile or so to go I passed Pfiffer, I could hear him try to speed up, and I sped up a little more hoping to drop him. I never looked back and assumed he was not too close. I crossed the bridge to the finish indicating the last 400m to go. A left off the bridge, then a quick u-turn into the finish. as i was nearing the finish Pfiffer was making his left off the bridge. Not as far behind me as I would have liked but far enough.

It was the closest race we have seen in one of the largest fields of AK amputees, and while my run was slower than I hoped my bike was faster. Had I needed to I certainly had more in the tank. after the finish, Pfiffer and I got a picture. Hard to believe the big guy on the right is the one that one.