^WHERE:  Lake San Antonio, CA

^{PLACE & TIME:} 

Troy (Long): 29th,  5:18:04, (34:02-1:45-2:48:56--1:43-1:49:38)

^DISTANCE:

Long Course: 1.2miS - 56miB - 13.1miR

TROY'S STORY

Long Course

May 1, 2010

We traveled down to Lake San Antonio (below King City) 3 days before the infamous Wildflower Triathlons which we look forward to each year. We’re so glad to get here early, before the park fills up with like 10,000 people. We claim our favorite campsite, Anna rides her bike around, and we all take plenty of naps, resting up for the big races. I’m ready to take on the Long Course.. I mean, I feel God’s blessing, which is what I really need. Training still has a ways to go, I’m not at full strength for a course like this but I’ll monitor my progress as I go and try not to hurt anything. The 13.1mi run will be be longest in 2 years. I ran 10mi recently and till no pain in my foot. I think it’s going to be an exciting day.

Race Morning

 It’s a chilly morning to a beautiful day. I set up my transition and discover my friend, Scott Smith, is racked across from me. He’s always enthusiastic and happy to race. He’s back from a broken leg last season from skateboarding. One time he won the highly competitive pro field of the San Jose Triathlon. But whether pro or amateur, he’s a fun competitor. Then I run into Dale & Tana! Been looking forward to seeing them. Dale now races here for free as he’s racked up 20 Wildlfower finishes in a row! Amazing. Tana is so relaxed and easy going, you’d think she was planning to just meander around the course. I hang out with Robin & the girls at the FCA Endurance booth. Then I walk to the wave start and connect with FCA-E TeamMates Dave & Rob. We pray together before the start. It’s cool to have 3 TeamMates in the same wave. I bump into Jim Grant. Wow, we’ve been racing in the same age group forever. He’s doing his 20th Wildflower Long Course. Before our 11th wave goes, we get a quick warm-up. The water is very cold for me, something I’ve noticed since the kidney donation, so I’m wearing booties for the first time. I tried them out yesterday and they work great. I really want to get through the swim without getting too cold.

The Swim

 It’s a big wave and I get pushed to the back at the starting line. The closest I can get is about 4 back on the right/middle.. not usually where you want to be but I’m interested to see what it’s like. Go! Quickly everyone bunches up and it’s soon the most contact I’ve experienced in a swim start. I just keep my head below the water as much as possible and let the fists fly above. I do get hit in the goggles one time but, thanks to the Lord, I have no issues except for a little lack of personal space for the first 1/3 of the course. At the ½ way point I see I’m about 17min which puts me at 34min.. the same as last year. Ok. But now I’m getting really cold and so start to swim much harder coming back. It works, I’m cold but it’s bearable. The last 200yds it turns out that TeamMate, Dave, has found my draft. He knows my feet from the booties. We come out together. For the first time (because the booties make it hard to remove the suit with a kick-out) I run all the way with my wetsuit on. The rocky ramp isn’t bad with booties.

The Bike

Running with the bike I see both Dave and Rob running out ahead of me! So cool to be racing closely with my team! Earlier I cheered pro, Brad Seng, on after the swim and noticed he was right behind his Sport Beans teammate and thought how cool it is to have that encouragement. Now I feel the same boost. The first mile is a dizzy blur for me. I’m cold, my heart’s racing and my head is kind of spinning from the chilly swim...just trying to stay on the narrow twisting road. A racer on a disc wheel behind me suddenly heads off the road into the gravel and goes down. It didn’t seem bad so I didn’t even think to stop. Fortunately, miles later, I saw him again riding well.

So happy to go up Beach Hill as it’s a chance to get warm. I’m wearing arm warmers but still chilled. Rob, Dave & I change places on the hill and encourage each other. Just as my temp gets back up, we’re back on the flats racing out of the park getting chilled by the air again. It’s going to be hot later but right now I’m just keeping my warmers pulled up as far as possible and huffing and puffing along. At 6mi we’re still together but then it becomes just Dave & I. At 20mi we’re still going back and forth. It’s his first ½ Ironman and I’m surprised at how well he’s riding. He’s strong and his aero position is good. He seems relaxed, too. At 21mi the “5 rollers” start which I’m so familiar with. I use my typically tactic of pushing the descents and resting on the “ups”. But still Dave is with me and goes by on the descent before my special section – the “10 mi backstretch”. I’ve learned this section is vital for making up time and I feel confident on it. But surprisingly it looks like Dave’s favorite section as well as he pulls way ahead. I’m doing the best I can, keeping good form, drinking my Perpeteum & Sustained Energy, and trying to beat the wind with good aero position.

At 36mi we’re in the “Canyons” and they go pretty well with the now tailwind. I get a little energy back and push well to the bottom of the Mile 41 “Nasty Grade”. Now I take my arm warmers off and prepare for the 3mi climb. Here we go.. let’s do it! I’m not going to stand until a mile to go. Suddenly it’s hot. There’s never wind on this hill. I talk and encourage some riders on the way up. I stand for the last bit and hit 170bpm heartrate?? The Energizer Bunny is at the top is his hot pink suit. I tell him I wish I had his fury suit for last nights cold sleep. One more climb to the lake view. I’m happy with my standing climbing.. it doesn’t seem too taxing. I just keep thinking “Auburn hills”. What a great view of both lakes, Nacimiento & Lake San Antonio. On the final climb to the very top I see Dave. “Good job, Dave!” If I’m ever going to catch him it’s going to be on this big decent. I shoot down into it, tuck, and hit 50mph on the new smooth pavement. Then around the sketchy turn… where I see an Ambulance and a downed rider… hate seeing that as this is the fasted part of the course and there’s always a crash here. I pray for him to recover quickly from minimal injury. At the bottom I catch Dave. He’s a great sport and says he thought that was me coming up. We stay close to each other for the last 8mi stretch. But I do all I can to push ahead and try to hit my goal of 2:50.

My final focus is the 1 mi climb into the park. I’m really happy with my steady ascent. I used to hate this hill but I’m found it can be a big advantage. I pass a number of guys. One of them I saw cross the double-yellow line at the bottom and sure enough, a motorcycle official swooped right in on him and wrote him up. From personal experience I know that means he is disqualified. I don’t think he realizes it and continues to race hard. It’s kind of sad but it only takes once to really heed the rule. Riding by the spectators is great. And there’s Dave, right with me! Down Lynch I stretch the calves and put my feet on my shoes. I have a good transition, putting socks and shoes on and head out, patting Dave on the back as he continues getting his shoes on.

The Run

Yay! Thank you, Lord, for getting me through the swim and the bike. It feels good and safer to have both feet on the ground. And there’s Robin with the girls in the perfect spot. They’re all smiling. Ariel’s really happy. Anna gives me a high 5 and says, “I’m going to run with you to the finish line!” I really look forward to that! Dave & I are running side by side in our yellow FCA-E suits. Volunteers yell, “go yellow!” It’s so helpful to have a teammate to run with.. this is awesome! And scary, too, because I don’t know if I can keep the pace. I’m listening to my body . My foot feels great. Everything else is a little stiff. From behind we hear, “hey, team dig-me”. It’s Dustin, who came to the Iron Prayer we put on yesterday where Pastor Dan Perkins spoke of the famous “Dig-me” beach in Kona which is really about showing-off. Instead of drawing attention to ourselves, we know it’s better served to draw attention to the Lord. Dave drops back but Dustin and I continue together until mile 4. I tell him what to expect up ahead from my experience on the course. Soon we’re talking about persevering.. and life.. and how this race is so tough but we know we’ll succeed.. how come we can’t do as well in life succeeding against the selfish challenges we have every day. Like being better husbands to our wives, or resisting the temptations that set us back. We encourage each other and vow to use this same tenacity in completing this race, to be better leaders and husbands in our life. We split up but promise to pray for each other.

I’m feeling better than expected, surely because of the encouraging fellowship, and I push forward up the tough “mile 5 hills”. It’s so steep, I walk just a bit, but then I find strength to get running. Through each aid station I’m alternating water and Gatorade. I’m thirsty and I also know it’s important for the single kidney to stay hydrated. I grab a water and the volunteer says, “Wow, did you see that solid grab. Nice!” It’s amazing that any little encouragement really helps a racer. If I smile and someone says, “good smile”, it helps me go faster. Anything helps.

Into the pasture I’m glad to be almost to 6mi where I will start taking Hammer Gel. That helps and I’m now pushing to the highest point on the course.. mile 7.5. But my knees are now hurting. I’m trying to figure out if faster or slower helps. Faster helps.. but that’s tough. Dennis Lee goes by on the bike and cheers for me. Great to see him. His brother was the first person to inspire me with Ironman finishes. I’m trying to maintain form with the hurting knees. Into the camping area the cheers help me up to the summit. Ah.. downhill now. But downhill isn’t so great with sore knees. Mile 8 and 9 go well and soon I’m going down to the10 mile “Pit”. I used to dread this descent because of what it meant.. but I now know to love every bit of it. At the bottom I psych up… 1 mile of climbing and then almost home. The FCA signs with scripture placed along this section are so encouraging and uplifting. Many people tell us this afterwards as they come by the booth. Questions like, “Why do you race?” or “Have you wondered about the meaning of life?”. And reminders that “Peace is just a prayer away” and “Anything is possible through Christ”. I see Dave, then Dustin, then Sierra and they’re all so encouraging. Mile 11, across the top, I’m pushing hard and feel like I’m really flying. But I look down and my Garmin says 8:30 pace. Feels a lot faster. One last climb at mile 12. There, all downhill! Oh, but it’s hurts the knees. All this free speed and I don’t want to use it. As soon as I finish I’m icing these knees. I can’t wait to run with Anna. I wanted to break 5:15 but looks like I’m a few minutes behind. I even though a 5:00 was possible if things went perfect but on the bike I realized that was too lofty a goal. There they are.. Robin, Ariel, Anna, and Dave’s wife, Victoria with the camera  What a great run down the finish chute with people cheering and Anna running fast with her teddy bear and just knowing that God is happy with our effort and all I want to do is give the glory back to him because I didn’t do this.. it was a gift given to me.. I’m amazed to have such a great race. It all went better than expected.

Go David!  Go Ben! 

Go FCA Duo!

Go Reynold! Go Dan! 

Well done Justin!

Go Brad!  Go Sierra! 

Go Rob! 

Go Dale! Go Tana!

ROBIN'S STORY

Olympic Distance

May 2, 2010

Race Morning

It’s 5:45am and Troy and I jump out of our sleeping bags to pack up our camp and head down for the Tri Cal Church service.  It’s been a great weekend camping out with the family, putting on a prayer service, watching Troy and others race and running the FCA Endurance booth with our teammates.  It’s also been tiring and I feel if I'm able to accomplish a lot today, it will definitely be the Lord’s doing!  At the moment I don’t feel pumped up to race.  Since my race doesn’t start until 10:35am, I’m afraid the bike course will be totally packed.  I’m also afraid I’ll have trouble on the descents since I haven’t been practicing on my tri bike and I’ve been wimpy going down hills in training.  I’m also thinking the run is going to hurt bad because of a lack of quality workouts.  We’ll just have to see what happens.

After the awesome church service, I’m focused on Christ and getting more and more excited to see what I can do.  I run into my friend Karen Saxena and we get a few moments to catch up.  I meet up with Troy and the girls for prayer and last minute hugs.  I head down to get in line with my wave…pink caps.  I look to the sign with the pink cap on it and it says “F35-39 B Wave”.  I'm supposed to be in the A wave.  I don’t panic and feel the Lord telling me it will work out.  I walk down to the swim start and see a box of swim caps.  I grab a white cap for the A Wave.  My timing chip should start with this wave so it shouldn't be a problem.  I run into Heather Flebbe from high school.  She coaches Moms in Motion like I did and is looking forward to racing on her own today.  Our wave is next.  I jump in the water for the first time (too busy earlier this weekend) and it’s cold but bearable.  I’m really excited now to race.  I feel that the swim is going to go well.  Recently, while doing drills at master swimming (Thanks Coach Chris!), I felt that I finally began to understand how important it is to feel the water with my hands and push it. 

The Swim

Ready, set, go!  I run into the water and get into a great position!  Around the first buoy it seems like I’m near the front.  I soon find myself on my own but I can see other white caps ahead of me.  I just focus on feeling and pushing the water.  I can see the next turn buoy and head for it.  I notice that a few lifeguards seem to be blocking me...what’s going on?  Now they are pointing to the left…why?  I can clearly see the buoy.  Oh wait there’s another buoy close by on the left…oops.  I make the correction and surge towards it.  I catch up to two white caps and stay right with them around the two turn buoys.  These girls are doing a great job steering through the other waves ahead of us.  I consider trying to pass them but this draft is too good!

We round the last buoy and head for the shore.  We all surge and push hard to the finish.  I run out of the water, immediately stop and forcefully kick off my wetsuit…it rips right off…yes!  I hear someone say, “that was awesome”.  I run to my bike and run out of transition. 

The Bike

Once on the bike, it’s Lynch Hill.  I purposely try not to push too hard to conserve some energy.  It seems like a long time but I make it up.  As I turn on to San Antonio Road I hear the theme song to Top Gun in my head and I pretend I’m like a jet taking off.  Thanks God, I’m really pumped up!  I see the first FCA sign on the way out…these have biblical messages that we hope will encourage people out here…I’m definitely encouraged!  On the first steep downhill I don’t even touch my brakes and I fly down.  I’m even in my aerobars a bit and feel comfortable…wow, not expected!  Thanks again Jesus!

I turn onto Interlake Road and again hear Top Gun.  Even though I’m passing some people out here, the road is mostly open ahead of me. I continue to feel confident going down the steep hills.  I hit a big climb and at the top see a guy with a flat.  I ask him if he has everything and in frustration he tells me he blew a CO2 cartridge and his tube.  I stop and tell him he can have my cartridge and tube.  “What about you?” he asks.  “God’s got my back.  Don’t worry.  God Bless!”.  I head off again and pray that he’ll be able to fix it. 

Now, it’s the long descent and flat to the turn around.  I haven’t seen anyone in my age group since I passed a girl at mile 3.  And I didn’t notice anyone coming back the other direction.  I wonder where I am in the standings.  I make the turn and head back.  A few minutes later I see a girl coming fast.  It inspires me to get low in my aerobars and push.  A little further up I hear Heather shout out “hey Robin”.  I shout back “go Heather!”.  On my way back up the long descent, I feel the Lord prompting me to encourage folks.  I tell people good job and compliment them on their gear…there is some cool gear out there! 

In the last few miles before the turn off to San Antonio Road, the roads are absolutely clear.  I am overcome with emotion because the Lord took my fears today and made them basically disappear!  It’s not overcrowded and the descents aren't scary!  Wow, that’s just too generous!  Thanks so very much Jesus!  I see my teammate Marilyn Watson going out.  “Go Marilyn!”

I’m climbing up to the turn off and get passed by a girl in my age group.  I tell her good job and she returns the compliment.  I surge to pass her at the top.  I make the turn and go screaming down the hill…trying to get as much momentum going for the last long climb.  The girl passes me again and I push a bit harder to keep her within striking distance.  On the next descent I pass her back and surge.  I put some distance between us as I turn onto Lynch Hill.   I’m flying down but breaking a bit as other riders swerve to avoid runners also going downhill.  I make it to the bike dismount and manage to keep one shoe on the bike but have to carry the other. 

I race to my transition site and immediately turn on my Garmin.  I try not to touch my Garmin while it’s searching for the satellites because this can disrupt the process.  Then I accidentally bump the Garmin... sure enough, the acquisition process isn't working now.  I’m ready to go but my Garmin is not…please God!  I’m not leaving this behind so I re-start it and try to remain calm and get some stretching done.  I see Kathy Winkler racing into transition already!  She’s made up 10 minutes on me!!  I’m poised like a sprinter and ready to go.  It turns on and off I go!  The Lord allowed this so it must be for a good reason…maybe He felt I needed the rest.

The Run

I head out with the girl in red I rode w/ at the end.  She has her name on the back of her jersey so she must be good!  I see Anna waiting to give me a high five.  What a sweetie!  It’s so good to see the family! 

I look ahead to the girl in red.  Within ¾ of a mile I catch up to her.  She tells me good job.  She tells me that she had a flat while coming down Lynch.  “Wow, the Lord was protecting you!  That could have been bad”.  She was relieved to have made it down and ready to run.  I tell her good job and continue on.

Mile 1 is 7:33.  Already this doesn’t feel very comfortable but I know I can continue pressing on.  This is practically the only somewhat flat section so I got to try.  I see another FCA jersey ahead.  I realize it’s Fred who I met a the FCA Booth.  As I pass him, I tell him “for Christ” and he agrees. 

I pull out my Hammer gel and down it.  I grab some water at the next aid station from a little girl…I know it makes her day when an athlete chooses her water to grab. 

Mile 2 is 7:53.  Suddenly, a runner passes me like I’m standing still.  It’s Julius Achon, the relay runner for Team Lifewater.  Julius is from Uganda and is the 1994 gold medalist in the 1500m.  He joined in on this cause to bring clean water to people in his country.  He is a flash of light and is gone before I can read his jersey.  Wow, what a sight!

I soon start the long climb to Mile 4.  I’m so glad to see the FCA signs again.  Though I’m in pain, I’m thanking Jesus for this great race He is giving me.  A lot of folks are walking so I just keep telling them to hang in there.  It’s gotten pretty warm so it’s hurting a lot of us.

Mile 3 is 7:55.  Ouch!  Keep going!  Keep going!  More FCA signs help me keep my eyes on Him.

Mile 4 is 8:10.  Now it’s off road for the next mile.  A girl in my age group races by and I push to stay with her.  I manage to hang with her a bit but fall off the pace.  I continue encouraging others and reminding them and me that the last mile is “free speed”…a famous Troy Soares quote.  I continue to see that girl and just keep her in my sights.  One more climb

Mile 5 is 8:19.  I made it!  Now it’s downhill!  Go!  I just let gravity do most of the work as my legs start spinning.  This still hurts but it’s a little easier to go.  I don’t know who is behind me!

Mile 6 is 6:12.  Nice!  I sprint hard to the finish and cross the line.  Thanks Jesus!  It’s good to be done!

Go Heather!

Go Jessa!

Go Karen!

Go Marilyn!