^WHERE:  Angels Camp, CA

We make the long, winding drive to Angel's Camp.  Even though we live in the foothills now, it's still just as long a drive as from San Jose.  We've got Anna and our nieces, Mariah and Jessica, with us.  The endless turns of Hwy 49 take their toll and make Mariah sick.  After a well-timed pitstop, we're all feeling better and finally make the race site at 8:10, 20 min before the start.  My tire is flat.  And then my pump isn't working.  So I use the cartridge and it's a dud.  I use my last cartridge successfully.  But now I have no pump, tube, or cartridges for the race.  I don't have time for sunscreen, lip balm or even body marking! (Does that risk disqualification?)  But it's neat being at this race again.  We're friends with the race director family, Mark and Candie, and there daughter even brings my bib number as they can see I'm barely going to make the start.

My buddy, Dale Jackson, is here!  So cool.  And Scott Zavack.  And cheerful Patty, and Ken Hall who has the nation's record for triathlons – 432!

I job the LONG boat ramp down to the start, do a quick warm-up, and then wait for the start as Mark does his usual story-telling J

Go!  I sprint to the buoy.  I feel like I might be with the lead pack.. then I feel the merge – the masses surge to the turn and I get pushed pretty wide.  The 2^nd buoy turn is more clear.  Now a LONG stretch back in , but PERFECT sighting off the long boat ramp directly in line with the exit.  I work hard and remember God.  I'm the 9^th guy out.  I see Dale way ahead.  I huff & puff up the ramp.

Good T1.  Now I'm in 5^th.

I pass a girl at 2 miles on the bike.  I see Scott, Sergei, and Dale ahead of me at the first turn-around.  I'm making up ground.

The bike doesn't feel fast.  But I'm doing everything right and solid effort.  At the cattle guard at the top of the big hill, Dale & Sergei drop me and take off!  Can't believe it.  They're way ahead and the final turn-around.  I take the big descent fast and catch Sergei on one of the big turns.  He had a handful of brake and didn't look too comfortable.  I come into T2 in 3^rd with Dale just ahead.

Good transition and take off on the run.  The foot feels good!  I get up the big hill.  But then I slowly start feeling the foot again.  More and more tender.  Around the trail loop.  Great trail, though!  Sergei passes me.  I eat a Gu.  Focusing on light, smooth steps.  The last 1 mile loop is tough.  I don't want to hurt myself but I don't want to lose places either.  Finally, I have a gap, so I cruise the last ½ miles, all smiles, to the finish in 4^th.  I was 2^nd in my age group.  Our friend Scott Zavack set a new course record of 1:17!

Had a really fun time with the kids in the lake and all of us with Dale at the BBQ.  Dale was the overall Masters winner.