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Ironman 70.3 Oceanside race morning.

I’m so proud of my triathlete.  After taking pretty much most of last year off from serious training and coming off a bad chest cold over the past month, he rocked Ironman 70.3 Oceanside.  I, unfortunately, was not there to cheer him on – one of the very few races I have missed.  But of course, I had friends to take my place – even pro Jesse Thomas –  and he knew I had him in my heart.  For those of you who follow this blog, I am home caring for my four-legged best friend who is having surgery on Tuesday.  He almost didn’t go, but I’m so glad he did.  He truly needed to finish this race to regain his confidence and rekindle his enthusiasm for the sport.  Nothing like getting those competitive juices flowing…..

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Ironman 70.3 Oceanside swim.

After the race, he gives me a call.  Hardly even a hello, how are things, before the race analysis starts.  He can’t resist providing me with the details even 3500 miles away.  But, this time I can say without a hint of sarcasm, that I was happy to listen.  Overall, very pleased with results considering he finds it a tough race and it’s early in the season.  Happy with swim – water and air temp warmer than in past years.  Bike course tough as usual with lots of hills.  Had been told by Matt Dixon and Jordan Rapp (don’t mean to name drop) to be conservative on the bike, whose words he heeded.  Run was reasonable – all I got out of him.

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Two happy finishers at Ironman 70.3 Oceanside.

My biggest question was how in the world he had a 4:40 T2 time, almost double everyone else’s.  Debated whether I should share his answer with you all or not.  Oh, well, that’s what we’re here for, right?  He was peeing and couldn’t stop!!!!!  Seriously…..I thought they tended to get dehydrated, not the opposite.  Says he really has to work on transition times, but not sure how you solve this one.  Thoughts?

Doing the race through Ironman XC, he won a spot to the 70.3 World Championships in Mont Tremblant.  But, even more impressive – to me at least –  he came in 15 overall in his age group.  Not bad for his reintroduction to the sport.  So, next up is Rev3 Quassy followed by Ironman Frankfurt.  Off to one heck of a season I’d say…..

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The Ironman XC group.

One final note:  He goes into the food tent and Andy Potts comes up to him and says, “Hi.  I’m Andy Potts”.  Carl says, “I know who YOU are.  I should be introducing myself to YOU”.  I could see the smile on his face across the miles.  Truly ended up being the perfect end to a great day.  Thanks Andy…..

Have to give credit to Frankie McDermond of Ironman XC for all the pictures and for taking care of Carl in my absence.  Thanks so much.

 – SHERRY