Some Days are Better than Others ... 2:59:59

I am sitting in the Tampa Airport waiting for my flight. There is wireless Internet here but for some reason my cell phone doesn't work. Go figure.

It has been very windy here the last couple of days and windy it was this morning for the race. The swim was horrendous (for me at least). I've done some Half-Ironman swims faster. Three quarters of the swim was into the wind and waves. I was really glad to see the turnaround buoy and get a little current and tail wind to help. The swim was a sad 39 minutes and then I hit the road for the bike leg. Fortunately, the first half was mostly downwind and I was cruising. As the day unfolded the wind got stronger so the second half into the wind was an annoying. At least it wasn't blistering hot and the humidity was surprisingly low for Florida.

When I got off the bike and got out of T2 I was a bit over 2 hours and I was hoping to keep the race under 3. The run started well and I felt fine. At least my Boston training got me in shape to pick it up on the run. With two miles to go I realized it was going to be tight, but I could make it if I worked my old tail off. I really picked it up at mile 5 for the last 1.2 in. Go figure ... With about 1/2 mile to go my leg cramps. I work it out and head out. It took one hell of a sprint from these old legs but my watch said 2:59:59 when I crossed the finish line. I was pleased to recover a decent race from a not so stellar swim. The new bike was a dream. I saved some energy for the run and it worked out great.

I had a great time with tri-geek friends down here and made some new ones. You know how great triathlon friendships can be. I spent most of my time with my friend Ed who I first met at Ironman Austria. He is 49 but despite protests had to race in the 50-54 category thanks to the new USAT age-group rule. It has been a tough time for him. He lost his wife three weeks ago after a long and debilitating sickness. He wore her initials on his leg along with his age. He'll be up for Timberman in August.

I would consider doing this race again, though probably not next year.

The numbers continue. These turned out pretty good.