2015 Auburn Triathlon, World’s Toughest Half (Troy)

Date/Location:	May 17, 2015 – Auburn, CA
Distances:	Swim 1.2M – Bike 56M – Run 13.1 (2.2m + 11m)
Time:	5:29:08 (31:56 – 4:35 - 3:05:50 – 1:35 - 1:45:12)
Place:	2nd/18
Teammates:	Mini: FCA TEAMMATES Trixie Bradley International: Brett Rosane, Dave Campbell, Elise Winter, Farah Avasarala;FCA TEAMMATES – Connie Wilson, Flor Hodges, Katy Rosane, Mike Pirnat, Pete Hradecky, Robin Soares Troy Outman Toughest Half: Lee McKinley

It's been 4 years since I've done the World's Toughest Half.  I'd been very content to do the International Distance and cheer on Robin as she attempted to win the WTH 3 years in a row.  I knew this was my year and felt a lot of pressure to perform well in the wake of Robin's great success.  But the race is here and my running is not at it's best.  It's going to be harder but I've got a LOT of motivation:  to follow in Robin's footsteps, to see my Teammates at the FCA Endurance aid station, to be cheered on by family, Church, and track friends at the Maidu aid station, and to try to make the local paper by getting top 10 overall.

Robin & I ride down to Rattlesnake Bar for the start.  We meet up with Troy Outman, Dave Campbell, Mike, Flor, Elise, ….. We warm up and then finish with our transitions.  I have my jacket ready even if I don't need it.

We pray with a couple FCA Endurance Teammates before the start and then I jump in and line up near Lee McKinley.  Keeping up with him will be a challenge.

Swim
Go! It's a good mass start.  Only about 140 so not crazy.  Right away I find myself falling behind, watching draft after draft pull away.  1/2 way to the first buoy and I feel like I'm midway in the pack.  I don't feel so bad.  Maybe everyone else are really good swimmers.  I think of my good swim and draft at Wildflower.  But it looks like I may be alone this time.

After the turn I do find a draft and work hard to start in it.  He's pretty good but speed isn't consistent so I hit his toes some times.  I'm trying not to because I know it's annoying.  Soon the International Distance athletes merge gradually into our path.  More opportunities to draft.

By the 2nd buoy I'm feeling good and push ahead thinking I can leave my draft guy behind.  Now he gets in my draft and for the last few hundred yards home is tapping my feet some times.  I don't mind, it has all evened out.

I push the last bit, climb out, run along the grassy path and then strip my wetsuit… by chance, right next to the race director, Colleen Pace.  Swim time (32:36) isn't too bad.  26th place

T1
Good transition. Socks on. No jacket.  Ready to start climbing.  Now in 23rd place

Bike
The first 6mi is a tough climb. Plan is to push less hard than the past.  Save it for the later hills.  I try to stay in control.  I see Rob Hodges at the Newcastle Rd Y.  Up the switch-backs I stand but efficient.  Up Shirland Tract I focus on good form and not pushing my legs too hard.  On Auburn Folsom I'm excited to see Anna & Ariel and the Nickel family with signs cheering like crazy!  They stayed at Ellie & Ben's house last night and woke up a little early to see us go by.  Robin will probably only be 10min behind me.

With a big boost now, I cruise through Auburn.  There are a lot of spectators and great volunteers.  Then, on Bowman Rd, at the 1st aid station, I see my friend Doug Olson, just like the last 4 years!  He's always volunteering and cheering us on in a big way.  I look forward to that. 

I'm surprised how many International Distance athletes are already coming back!  I think for a moment maybe they are in the sprint.  They started 10 min after me and are already 4 miles ahead!  Amazing.  I'm riding well and trying to be aero on the descents.  A guy in my age group goes by.  Eventually I pass him.  But then he pulls farther ahead and joins 2 others.

Near Colfax I cross the overpass and start eating my bar.  I've been drinking Sustained Energy, Heed and water.  Bubba from Bicycle Emporium is calling out splits and says, "You're 15th".  Ok, I've got to move up 5 places.  I'm already anticipating the crazy fast descent to Bear River and the brutal climb up.  I hope to gain on them in the tricky descents and catch them on the climb.

The first roller-coaster descent on Tokoyoma Rd goes well and then bombing down to the Bear River.. I hit a bump and hear a weird noise.  It's enough to lose some confidence and slow down.  I know the Lord has bigger responsibilities for me than racing so giving up some speed is ok.  On the last corner I remind myself over and over.. "fight for the turn, don't let it go" because that's what I did wrong last summer when I broke my ribs.

I get through fine and there ahead I see 4 riders now!  On the steep Plum drive I push it and pass all of them.  11th place now!  This is great.  I keep pushing the corners down to Placer Canyon Rd.  But on the long stretch up to Weimar, the guy in my age group, #27, passes me again and I can't hang with him.

I chase him through Applegate and just about loose sight of him by Placer Hills Rd.  I drink and prepare myself for the 5mi out-n-back.  I've practiced this and hope to catch up.  Here I can see all the leaders coming back (except for the first 2 already gone through).  My seats getting sore and my legs are getting tired but I try to keep speed without pushing hard on the pedals.  #27 is still same distance ahead after the turn.  Even with a good surge coming back down, he still keeps out of reach.

I see Doug again and he tells me "Come on, Soares, get up there".  I do want to get 2 more places ahead, but I may have to make that up in the run.  I hope I can.  Into Auburn, down Lincoln.  The officers at the Hwy 49 intersection don't see me and continue letting cars through so I slow down.  Not a big deal, better safe than sorry.

I finish through the neighborhoods well.  My friend, Doug, from work is patrolling the Mavic corner.  I hope no one goes down on the gravel.  12th place, 3:07:08.

T2
Good transition and I come out ahead of #27 in 11th place

Run
The knees are sore.  Tough even going down.  This is a great trail going out.  It won't get really hard until the climb up the Dam Rd.  There's not really anyone around me.  I can't wait to get to Murphy's Gate where the  FCA Endurance aid station is.  That will help me for the next part of the run.  Just about there, with no one around, I take a quick break.  I reach the turn-around aid station and they have banners that say "Press On!" and lots of cheers and water.  Great!  But then I see all the runners behind me!  I'm running scared now.  A short younger guy goes by.  Then a tall guy in my age group!  He asks calmly where the next turn is.  I try to stay with him but can't.

5 mile.  About to head way down to the bottom when I drop a Hammer Gel.  I stop and go back up to get it. Ugh.  As I start down I'm happily surprised to see a course change - we turn right on the Railhead Trail!  Thanks, Lord.  My legs were hurting and this means less climbing later.  I love this trail, too.  But then I hear #27 coming up behind me.  I try to hold him off but he passes me on a climb.  Wow, this guy can bike AND run!  Ok, now I'm 14th, with at least 2 guys ahead in my age group (anticipating more like 3 or 4).

It's ok, I'll make up ground on the Dam Rd.  A grueling 1 mi climb almost straight up.  In 2008 I climbed this wall and used Robin's pending childbirth as motivation.  I new if Robin could go through natural childbirth, I could push through the pain of this hill.  I run strong but #27 still pulls away.  I want to give up and walk, or really slow down, but I feel the Lord telling me, "always give your best, you don't know what will happen, things can change.".

7 mile.  Running along the gravel road above the dam footings.  Again I see the leaders coming back.  I'm really tired and not looking forward to "Stu's Loop" through the brush at the end.  Nearing the end of the road, there's no one ahead but then I see a turn-around.  Thank you, Lord, again, we don't have to do the "Stu's Loop".  But I make the turn on the inside of the cones and ask the volunteer as I'm running away if that was right.  He says it's supposed to be the outside so I go back and do it again, right.  Not a big, deal, right?  But looking up, there's Lee McKinley.  Wow, how did he get there so fast?  He's a good friend but I'm going to do everything possible to not let him catch me.  But after a mile he does.  We talk a bit.  He's got some cramps and I've got a sore hamstring.  Then he pulls ahead.

Again, I want to slow down, give up on pushing hard.  I'm 15th and losing more ground than gaining.  My hamstring is on the verge of going out.  But the Lord reminds me that I never know what can happen.  Just give it my all and use the hamstring to remind me to look to Him every step of the way.

8 Mile.  Climbing up to the Maidu Aid Station, Lee is far ahead, and there's my girls, and Robin and all my friends!  Anna, Ariel, Ben and Ellie all come running down to meet me.  Can't beat that.  Adam hands me an orange and that really hit the spot.  On the canal path now my hamstring feels a little better.  I keep a good pace all the way back to the race finish line where I get to head out for 1 more 2 mile loop.

10 Mile.  I've got to push this downhill, then 1 climb and then a 1 mile sprint to the finish.  Going by the aid station again is great!  I get another orange.  I've finished my 3 gels.  The weather is perfect and not too hot.  And there's a couple athletes walking ahead.  Yep, you never know what might happen.

I pick it up, my best pace yet, all along the canal.  Someone might be catching me and somenoe might be just ahead.  The last drop down from the canal is a fun winding trail.  But I focus all my attention on not tripping.  Watch the rocks & roots!  I think I see each one of them and am confident I'm make it when.. whack! Something trips me.  I'm flying through the air.  I look down and see I'm heading right for an exposed flat rock.  I'm going to break my collar bone.  That's the one clear thought I have before I hit.  Boom.  I roll.  Then slowly get up and immediately see if my arm still moves.  It does!  Thank you, Lord!  I dreaded going to the hospital again so much that now I'm elated.  There's nothing wrong, just a bruised arm.  Now, with adrenaline and a huge appreciation for the Lord's help, I run up the final hill and finish with a 1:43:33 run, 5:27:19 total time and 15th overall.  I'm so happy to be done! Thank you Lord!  Later I find out that 1 of the guys ahead of me was a relay and the other, #27, was the 1st in my age group.  Also, the local paper listed the top 25 so I did make it after all.  God is always right, you just don't know what will happen.

	Race	Time	Age Group	Place	Swim	Bike	Run
LEE MCKINLEY	TH	5:24:33	M50-54	2nd	33:42	3:08:13	1:37:28
TROY SOARES	TH	5:27:19	M45-49	2nd	32:36	3:07:08	1:43:33
DAVE CAMPBELL	INT	2:39:01	M56-59	1st	24:33	1:26:06	43:32
ELISE WINTER	INT	2:42:19	W40-44	1st	25:11	1:24:54	48:55
FLOR HODGES	INT	2:43:57	W25-29	1st	TBD	1:25:59	48:53
ROBIN SOARES	INT	2:49:05	W40-44	2nd	25:00	1:29:27	50:02
TROY OUTMAN	INT	2:57:24	M45-49	6th	30:08	1:32:53	49:40
KATY ROSANE	INT	3:11:45	W50-54	3rd	29:59	1:39:18	57:31
FARAH AVASARALA	INT	3:20:40	W40-44	3rd	34:11	1:48:04	52:24
PETE HRADECKY	INT	3:26:29	M50-54	6th	23:16	1:47:56	1:05:04
BRET ROSANE	INT	3:34:06	M50-54	7th	36:03	1:50:38	1:02:20
MIKE PIRNAT	INT	3:4335	M50-54	8th	30:18	2:03:04	1:04:32
CONNIE WILSON	INT	4:25:42	W65-69	2nd	33:33	2:13:01	1:29:21
TRIXIE BRADLEY	MINI	1:18:23	W40-44	1st	11:45	35:49	25:55

2015 Auburn International Tri–Robin

Date/Location:	May 17, 2015 – Auburn, CA
Distances:	Swim 1.5k – Bike 40k – Run 10K
Time:	2:49:05 (25:00 – 2:50 – 1:29:27 – 1:43 – 50:02)
Place:	2nd
Teammates:	Mini: FCA TEAMMATES Trixie Bradley International: Brett Rosane, Dave Campbell, Elise Winter, Farah Avasarala;FCA TEAMMATES – Connie Wilson, Flor Hodges, Katy Rosane, Mike Pirnat, Pete Hradecky, Troy Outman Toughest Half: Lee McKinley; FCA TEAMMATES -  Troy Soares

Awesome again to be racing at home!  The girls stayed the night our friends the Nickels to make the morning much easier.  Troy and I get up and start the morning right with Quiet Time: reading our Bibles and praying.  We then hop on our bikes and ride 6 miles downhill to T1…so convenient! 

The other awesome component is being able to hang out and race with a lot of local friends.  There are 8 folks from our local FCA Huddle, runners from our track group and a few others.  I know that I’ll be trying to keep up with 2 gals, Elise Winter and Flor Hodges.  I’ve been trying to keep up with them on the track and on training rides so I know today will be no different. 

Our teammate Jesse Ellis is here too with friends and a drone to film parts of the race.  I also have our FCA Endurance run aid station to look forward too later with some of these folks and my church, Elevation. 

Time to get to the swim and pray with Troy and another teammate Mike Pirnat.  Troy is off and then I find Flor and we pray.  Time to warm-up a bit! 

THE SWIM

I line up next to Elise and Flor.  We get our final instructions and then ‘'”GO!”

Elise and Flor head towards the left but I decide to stick to my course and hope they’ll find their way back.  There are a lot of strong gals in this group!  By the first buoy, I think  I’m in the top 5.

Now I’m heading into the sun and there are swimmers everywhere from the Long Course and International.  Thank the Lord for colored caps!  I’m able to follow one of the girls in my group until the last buoy.  I make the last turn and dig.  I’m able to pass a lot of folks and get to the shore.

I pull off my wetsuit and book it down the single track trail. I have to run in the bushes for a lot of it because of the congestion.  I’m thankful that I don’t step on any of those big bushy thorns!  Courtney Cardenas is announcing the swimmers coming up the ramp: “Robin Soares….Elise Winter…Troy Outman”.  Wow, I’ve got some good company!

THE BIKE

I get to my bike and struggle to put on my jacket.  I watch as Elise takes off and wonder if this is worth it.  I finally get it on and head out. 

As I head out of the park I realize I’m not bodymarked!  Oh, my, this is the first time I’ve ever done that!  Will I get disqualified for this?  Should I go back?  I decide to trudge ahead and hope it won’t be a big issue. 

Flor flies by and I try to keep the gap small.  I see her catch up to Elise.  Okay, if I can see them, then that’s good sign.

I finally make it up and over Shirland Track.  I’m feeling pretty tired already but know I’ll see Anna and Ariel in a moment cheering.  Sure enough, there they are!  I wave and I can hear them screaming with the Nickel Family.  What a nice boost!

By Mile 10 I can no longer see Elise or Flor.  I keep pushing as hard as I can and try to hold off other riders.  I pass the I-80 exit along Lincoln Way before Foresthill Road and there is no CHP there.  Oh dear, that is very dangerous!  I hope they will be here soon because the top guys will be heading back soon!

Pretty soon, I can see the top guys coming back.  There is Dave Campbell in the top 10.  “Go Dave!”  I should be seeing some gals soon.  I see a girl coming back.  Right behind her is Elise and then Flor.  They look strong!

Right before the turn around a 50+ gal passes me.  Wow, impressive!  I try to push the downhill on the way back but she alludes me!  Another young gal comes by.  I’m in 6th and have my work cut out for me!

Flying down Lincoln Way, I can see the freeway exit is still unguarded.  I roll through cautiously.  I see an policeman down the road and pull over to let him know.  “That’s the CHP jurisdiction”, he says.  I take off and process what he said…it shouldn’t matter who is in charge, that is dangerous!

I fly into transition.  I have trouble getting my right shoe on and have to take extra time to get it just right.  Finally I’m off!

THE RUN

I’m glad to be running and hope to catch at least the last 2 girls that passed me. 

Mile 1 is 7:41.  Not sure if I can go any faster.  I’m running alone but will soon get to see where I’m at.

Mile 2 is 7:22.  I’m heading down toward China Wall.  Here comes Elise in first!  She looks strong!  “Great job Elise!”  Soon after is Flor.  “Go Flor!”  Then comes the gal they both passed. I can see the 50+ gal and young gal heading towards the turnaround.  I can get them!

Heading back up hill I catch the 50+ gal. 

Mile 3 is 7:43.  I hope I can keep this pace!  I make it up to the green gate and head up to the canal.  The young gal is right there!  I surge and get by her.  Now the pressure is on to hold this spot.  I wonder if I’m making any ground on 3rd place.

Mile 4 is 7:46.  Hanging in there!  I climb back up to T2 and run past the finish line, I see Joe Pace and try to tell him about the freeway offramp.  It’s hard to explain while racing but I hope he understands.  Only a few miles left!

Mile 5 is 7:38. Man, this is getting tough!  I feel myself slowing down. I need to keep pushing!  Thank you Lord for getting me this far!  I climb back up to the canal.  This should fly by now but I feel like I’m just barely going.

Mile 6 is 8:11.  Ouch!  The last climb to the finish is so hard!  I just need to push a little more! 

I cross the line exhausted and so glad to be done!  Thank you Lord for sustaining me! 

Name	Race	Time	Age Group	Place	Swim	Bike	Run
LEE MCKINLEY	TH	5:24:33	M50-54	2nd	33:42	3:08:13	1:37:28
TROY SOARES	TH	5:27:19	M45-49	2nd	32:36	3:07:08	1:43:33
DAVE CAMPBELL	INT	2:39:01	M56-59	1st	24:33	1:26:06	43:32
ELISE WINTER	INT	2:42:19	W40-44	1st	25:11	1:24:54	48:55
FLOR HODGES	INT	2:43:57	W25-29	1st	TBD	1:25:59	48:53
ROBIN SOARES	INT	2:49:05	W40-44	2nd	25:00	1:29:27	50:02
TROY OUTMAN	INT	2:57:24	M45-49	6th	30:08	1:32:53	49:40
KATY ROSANE	INT	3:11:45	W50-54	3rd	29:59	1:39:18	57:31
FARAH AVASARALA	INT	3:20:40	W40-44	3rd	34:11	1:48:04	52:24
PETE HRADECKY	INT	3:26:29	M50-54	6th	23:16	1:47:56	1:05:04
BRET ROSANE	INT	3:34:06	M50-54	7th	36:03	1:50:38	1:02:20
MIKE PIRNAT	INT	3:4335	M50-54	8th	30:18	2:03:04	1:04:32
CONNIE WILSON	INT	4:25:42	W65-69	2nd	33:33	2:13:01	1:29:21
TRIXIE BRADLEY	MINI	1:18:23	W40-44	1st	11:45	35:49	25:55

2015 Wildflower Long Course (Troy)

Date/Location:	May 2, 2015 – Lake San Antonio, Bradley, CA
Distances:	Swim 1.2M – Bike 56M – Run 13.1 (2.2m + 11m)
Time:	5:24:08 (31:11-4:54-2:57:25-1:54-1:48:44)
Place:	7th/67
Teammates:	Olympic Distance: FCA TEAMMATES – Cory Floyd, Clyde Floyd, Dave Fraser, Karen Nickel, Mike Cassidy Long Course: Dale & Tana Jackson, Derek Garcia, Kathy Winkler, Matt Sheeks, Warren Mine; FCA TEAMMATES - Clyde Floyd, Cory Floyd, Dan Perkins, Reynold Lewke, Troy Soares

We drive down with our new 1940's trailer we fixed up.  3 days before the race so excited about having some peaceful time to rest up for it.  Kind of a rough trip down but we got there, greeted fellow teammate, Dave Fraser, set up our tent and got some good sleep.
Camping at Wildflower is great.  Birds singing in the trees, wildlife all around, and, when you're 3 days early, no other campers in our area.  Anna and Ariel are exploring.  Robin makes great meals.  We get our bikes ready and do some light training.  The days are hot and the nights are chilly.
The cool thing this year is that Robin and I both are doing the Long Course at the same time!  Our friend, Karen, is doing the Olympic course the day after and will watch our girls for us.  Even though I'm not fully prepared for the 1/2 Ironman, to race it with Robin is something I wouldn't miss.
We arrive at the boat ramp after warming up together and taking a nice warm shuttle bus to the swim start.  It's the same alternate swim area as last year since the water levels dropped drastically.  But the water is much cleaner this year.  We tried it out yesterday and it's the perfect temperature, too.
It's great catching up with good friends and teammates, Dale and Tana Jackson.  Dale's only doing the swim since coming back from surgery.  But he's raced almost every year since 1984 or something!  And another good friend and teammate, Pastor Dan Perkins, will be racing with us.  He's back from injury thankfully.  Clyde and Corey Floyd are 2 more teammates we always treasure racing with.
We pray and then Robin goes off to start in her wave.  5 min later it's my turn.  I warm up a little.  Julie Moss is announcing and calls me out to do a 5:05.  Oh boy, that's a hard goal but now I feel like I have to try for it.
SwimGo!  I get a good start in the middle but soon get hit in the eye.  Serves me right for trying to swim right in the middle.  I get hit a 2nd time.  But soon I'm around the 1st buoy and into the long straight-away.  The water is great.  I know I should find a draft but can't figure out which one.  The guy in front of me is zig-zagging.  I make a big push and finally catch up to another guy farther ahead.  I'm working hard, it's going well.  Thank you, Lord, for making it go well despite little training.
Around the final turn I rinse my goggles as the shampoo I used to prevent fogging was stinging my eyes.  But then I get a good draft and stay on the guy all the way back to the start!  I'm also keeping my eye out for Robin thinking I could make up 5min on her.  Going back seems farther than going out, but having a good draft makes it all worth it.  200m to go I go on my own and make a direct line (shorter than his line) and see if I can beat him to shore.  We come in right together, tied for 5th, in 31:11 which is a good time for me (was 30:06 last year).  Surely I made up some good time on Robin.
T1a
Up the long boat ramp on the carpet, put on shoes, shirt, race belt, and continue up to start the run.  This steep climb really warms me up from any chill.  Breathing really hard.  Hoping to settle down into a calmer rhythm.
Run 1
I try to push it but stay comfortable.  I'm concerned about the long day ahead but feel the Lord saying "trust me".  Down into the lake bottom, along the sandy section.. short steps, short steps.  Land on the Lynch Boat Ramp and start climbing again.  My achilles has been sore lately so I'm careful not to push too hard here.
T1b
I make a quick change to the bike and run it out in bare feet.  This 2.2mi warm-up run is a great warm-up.  I don't have to put on socks and a jacket to keep warm so transition is faster.
Bike
Now to catch Robin :)  I climb up Beach Hill, reciting the Bible Verses we placed on signs the day before.  An FCA Endurance tradition started by team members many years ago.  I hope they are placed in the right location for people to be helped by them.  It's a tough climb but goes well.  I love the fast ride out of the park with everyone cheering.  Out on the main road, it's now a long loop around the lake trying to maintain 20mph.  It's a little windy.. but mainly a tailwind.. which is not what I want because on the back side it will get stronger and be a headwind.
I'm trying to ride like I did at Ironman Lake Tahoe which, thank the Lord, went great.  But I can't seem to get in the same groove.  I ride hard nonetheless.  I drink Heed and water from aid stations.  At 18 miles I see Robin!  But the wind is picking up so I can't catch up very fast.  I start eating my Hammer Bar.  Important to fuel for the rest of the race.  In the "5 Sisters" (the 5 rollers at 21mi) I finally pass Robin.  I wish I could ride alongside and talk to her and enjoy the rare moment we get to race together.  With big smiles we encourage each other as I take the lead.  She's doing great!  It took me a swim, run and 26mi of biking to make up 5 min.  As I ride ahead I hope I can be an inspiration to her to ride hard.
A mile later I hear, "Come on, Soares, move it!  I don't want to pass you."  It's Robin!  About to pass me back.  I've heard a lot of things over the years like "move over, on your left!" but never "Hurry up, I don't want to pass you".  My wife is helping me go faster in the bike.  Is that legal?  I do pick it up and have a great climb out of the last of the rollers and think I've got a good gap on Robin now.  Time to focus on the 10mi flat back-stretch.  A great place to make up time.  But the wind is against us and I can't find the right position.  As a result, I turn into the canyons at mile 36 behind schedule.  19.5 mph instead of 20.5 mph.
But we're out of the wind and I'm feeling better.  I try to make up time.  At mile 42, before Nasty Grade, I see Tiana from Gold Country Tri Club, and then teammate, Clyde Floyd.  It's really boosting to see them both and I focus intently on good climbing form.  It goes great!  I pass a dozen people on the climb.  I have to pass 1 guy on the right, because he was riding on the left edge of the road in the shade (it's always hot on Nasty Grade).  That's a new one.  I can't go over the double-yellow so there's no way to pass on the left.
My knees are starting to hurt as I finally make it to the top.  This is a tough course.  But it gets better now.  Starting down the long, screaming descent, a gust of wind hits me and scares me out of my aerobars onto the handlebars.  I pray that Robin is kept safe when she hits this section because she has the deep-rim aero wheels on which could be dangerous.  I usually fly down this always wondering why there is an ambulance parked at the bottom but today I'm more cautious.
Time to work.  I've got to break 3hrs.  Average 20 and I can do it no problem.  With 8 miles to go I check again and realize I'm NOT going to make it.  I get water and drink more Heed and push it harder and check again.  Now I WILL make it under 3.  Each mile I re-calculate and keep getting different results.  Just keep trying, you never know.  Into the park, good climb, through the gate, over the highest point where another verse awaits, Heb 12:1 "we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.."  I check again and I'm going to make it!  The Gold Country Tri club is cheering loudly.  Descend down Lynch, stretch the calves, finish my drinks, and dismount for T2. Bike was 2:57:25 (10th fastest, but 9 min slower than last year)
T2
This time I put on socks.  Didn't want to but the first run proved to be irritating with the dirt and sand.  Good transition and off for the run with my 3 Hammer gels.  And there's the girls!  Anna, Ariel and Karen's kids, Ellie and Ben, too!  They give me high 5's and it's so joyful to have that encouragement.
RunThe 1st mile always hurts.  This time my knees hurt as well.  I still have to remind myself, even after all these years, it gets better after 1 mile.  And it does.  Every aid station I drink water and pour it all over me.  It's hot.  I have to prevent cramping and overheating.  The nice thing is that we've already done 2.2mi so only 11 more on this leg.  4mi. Up the steady climb on the road to the trail turn off.  It's hard.  I smile.  I focus on the Lord.  I want to ease up but feel Him saying to trust Him.  He will get to through and won't let me blow up.
Onto the trail.  Dusty.  I pass a few men and women.  Looking forward to a gel soon.  6mi. 8:00 min pace. A gel and lots of water.  The volunteers are so enthusiastic.  Splashes, extra water, anything you need.  But a 1/4 mi after the aid station I'm hot again.  This is the 1st tough climb.  I won't walk.  Thank you, Lord.  Achilles and hamstrings holding together.  Across the top, want to stop but gotta trust the Lord.  More water and dousing and now for the 2nd steep climb.  It's brutal but I think of Robin in 2007 bounding up this climb when everyone else was walking.  Today is the first day she's done this course since then.  I hope she's having a good run and praying for her hamstrings.  I'd rather suffer the hamstrings if it means hers feel better.
7mi.  Down the steep drop to the pasture lands. This section used to demoralize me.  Most sections of this course did at 1 time or another.  But after doing this course dozens of times over the last 23 years, I also have GREAT memories about each section.  I reflect on those to make these sections more enjoyable.
8mi. I long for the hose at the entrance gate.  I need to get my temperature down.  There it is.. Ah!  Feeling much better.  Now just watching the hamstrings.  They're threatening to tighten up suddenly.  I try to use my core and good form.  Just gotta get to the campgrounds… there they are!  All the cheering is so helpful.  9.5mi Up the final hill.  Dale Jackson's at the top encouraging me greatly!  He tells me to pick it up or my wife might catch me.  I think he's joking but he says, "Seriously, Soares, now focus!"  I pick it up but still think she's got to be way back there.
Across overflow and finally, onto the road!  Only 1 mi across the top and then the "free" mile downhill to the finish.  I read all the verses on the signs and look forward to each one as a goal to get to.  It's hot, I'm tired and sore, but after this last aid station, with plenty of cooling water, I'll hit the last climb and be home free.  12mi.  From behind someone at the aid station yells, "Your wife is right behind you!"  Sure enough she is!  Wow!  I'm surprised and happy for her at the same time.  This has never happened before.  If she can catch me we might finish together.
At the top of the final descent down Lynch, Robin catches me!  It is such a joyous moment.  I couldn't ask for a better way to finish.  We both push it and fly down the hill.  Usually I'm much faster than her on the descent but we're neck-n-neck.  Into the chute we sprint together.  And there's the kids!  Thanks, Karen!  Holding hands, the whole Soares family finishes the Long Course triathlon together!  Thank you, Lord, for such a memorable special race!

 

Name	Race	Time	Age Group	Place	Swim	Bike	Run
DEREK GARCIA	LC	4:14:31	PRO	5th	24:30	2:21:40	1:24:44
MATT SHEEKS	LC	4:33:27	PRO	19th	29:58	2:36:51	1:21:57
KATHY WINKLER	LC	5:20:57	F45-49	1st	28:15	3:00:21	1:46:32
TROY SOARES	LC	5:24:08	M45-49	7th	31:11	2:57:25	1:48:44
ROBIN SOARES	LC	5:29:08	W40-44	2nd	31:56	3:05:50	1:45:12
DAN PERKINS	LC	5:35:39	M55-59	3rd	31:40	2:56:15	2:00:16
TANA JACKSON	LC	6:04:01	F40-44	3rd	37:31	3:10:44	2:07:36
CORY FLOYD	LC	6:47:53	M30-34	62nd	33:59	3:38:57	2:21:33
JON CARTMELL	LC	7:10:48	M35-39	50th	35:54	3:46:32	2:36:46
REYNOLD LEWKE	LC	7:47:23	M60-64	10th	45:45	3:39:40	3:00:35
WARREN MINE	LC	7:48:19	M70-74	1st	50:26	4:11:42	2:32:08
DALE JACKSON	LC	NA	M50-54	NA	31:07
KAREN NICKEL	OLY	3:03:56	W35-39	4th	30:36	1:33:56	53:12
CLYDE FLOYD	OLY	3:25:11	M55-59	14th	32:21	1:36:02	1:07:13
MIKE CASSIDY	OLY	3:56:21	M60-64	9th	36:36	1:43:13	1:19:36
DAVID FRASER	OLY	4:52:22	M70-74	4TH	38:33	2:17:10	1:41:00

2015 Wildflower Long Course–Robin

Date/Location:	May 2, 2015 – Lake San Antonio, Bradley, CA
Distances:	Swim 1.2M – Bike 56M – Run 13.1 (2.2m + 11m)
Time:	5:29:08 (31:56 – 4:35 - 3:05:50 – 1:35 - 1:45:12)
Place:	2nd/18
Teammates:	Olympic Distance: FCA TEAMMATES – Clyde Floyd, Dave Fraser, Karen Nickel, Mike Cassidy Long Course: Dale & Tana Jackson, Derek Garcia, Kathy Winkler, Matt Sheeks, Warren Mine; FCA TEAMMATES - Clyde Floyd, Cory Floyd, Dan Perkins, Reynold Lewke, Troy Soares

I haven’t raced the Long Course since 2007!  I am surprised it’s been that long!  The nice perk this time is that I get to run 2 miles after the swim and then skip the mile long climb at Mile 10 on the run…yeah!  I love the fact that I’ll be nice and toasty on the bike with a run under my belt!  The most awesome part of today is being able to race with Troy on this course…which we haven’t had the chance to do since having kids.  Thanks to our friend and teammate, Karen Nickel, for watching our kiddos!

I wake up and do my quiet time.  Again, awesome to spend time with the Lord before I race!  Troy and I bike down Lynch and set up our bikes.  Then it’s off to the bus where we get a ride to the swim start 2 miles away.  Friend and teammate, Dan Perkins boards the bus with us.  Once there, it’s time to set up and wait.  We see lots of old friends like Dale and Tana Jackson, Reynold Lewke and Warren Mine.  Dale just got a new knee recently and is just swimming today.  He is racing his 28th WF…Troy is racing his 22nd WF and I’m racing my 15th WF. 

I run into Betsy Davis (wife of WF race director Terry Davis) while chatting with my friend Michelle Beare.  I tell Betsy that the Mtn. bike tris is Michelle’s first triathlon.  Betsy takes the time to welcome her and encourage her…so cool!  Betsy’s walk in the Lord inspires and encourages me so much!  I pray that my faith can be as strong and consistent as hers!

We watch the pros come out of the water.  There goes our friend Derek Garica and new friend Matt Sheeks!  Awesome!  Okay, time to line up and get serious!  Troy, Dale, Dan and I pray.  I feel ready to hit the water now!

I’m starting with Women 40-49 years old.  The phenomenal Kathy Winkler and amazing Tana Jackson are in my wave.  I get a quick warm-up at the the back of the wave ahead of us.  The water is not muddy and it’s the perfect temp!  Troy is starting in the next wave.  I hope to beat him in the swim and get a great head start on the bike!

THE SWIM – 1.2 Miles

Okay, time to go!  Julie Moss gets us pumped up and then…Ready, set, go!  I get a good start off the line.  I can see Tana on my left. There is a small pack ahead of me.  I try to catch up but the group splinters.  There is one girl that I can clearly see so I focus on her all the way to the turning point.  By then, another gal has pulled up and moved ahead of me.  I try to draft her but she is all over the place.  I catch her and move closer to my original target.

On the home stretch I’m right with my target and I accidently brush her foot a few times…must be so annoying!  I cannot pass but I stick with her to the shore.  I’m done, yeah!  I quickly peel off my wetsuit and start the run up the steep long boat ramp.  I follow another gal off the carpet to where I think my gear is and I’m wrong…oops!  I jump back on the carpet and run farther up. 

RUN #1 – 2.2 MILES

I make a pretty quick transition and finish the ramp.  Phew, I made it!  I pass a gal in my age group and start ramping up the pace.  The run has been a mystery lately.  I haven’t had great workouts at the track and I have been missing my weekly tempo runs so wasn’t sure how I would feel today.  I’m feeling surprisingly great…thank you Lord!

I run strong all the way to the original boat ramp and up to my bike.  I haven’t been passed by any girls yet but have been able to pass some younger gals.  Are there a bunch of girls in my age group ahead of me? 

THE BIKE –56 Miles

I make it to the bike and head out.  I’m able to slide my feet into my shoes on my pedals this time since my feet are toasty warm!  I hit the first big hill less than 2 miles in.  Beach hill is tough but the FCA signs that Troy and I put out remind me that Jesus is my helper today!

Finally, I make it to the top and try to get moving!  I want to ride my best time today, 3:05, or faster so I need to average 19.5mph before mile 35 so I can be averaging 18mph at the end…this is based on Troy’s years of riding this course.  He figured out that Nasty Grade at mile 42 knocks your average by 1.5 mph.  Okay, let’s go!

Before I get out on the main road out of the park, I’m passed by a girl in my age group and a 50+ gal.  Wow, they are flying.  I pick it up to keep them in my sights which I’m able to do for a couple of miles.  I feel strong!  My average is increasing but it doesn’t seem like it’s happening fast enough…feels pretty windy out here so that might be the problem.

Now it’s a waiting game to see when Troy will catch me.  I hope to make it out to Lockwood (mile 19) at least…and I do!  Phew!  Okay, now when will I see him?  I feel good but still my average is not ticking up well.  The wind continues to push back!

At Mile 25, I hear Troy!  Yes, I made it farther than expected!  We exchange encouragement and he rides ahead.  He hits a hill and I’m able to catch up.  I tell him “pick it up Soares!  I don’t want to pass you!”. He says, “you can pass me”. I really don’t want to pass him because I know soon enough he will ride off into the distance so why try to pass.  Sure enough we hit the next downhill and he’s off!  I’ll see him at the end.  He’ll finish first and relieve Karen of her babysitting duties…yeah!

My average now is barely 18.6mph and I’m almost to the turn at Mile 34.  The wind really is hampering my ride and I find myself getting discouraged.  The Lord reminds me that others are dealing with the same thing and the times will probably be slower this year.

Mile 34 and 18.8…so I’m looking at 17mphish and not 18mph…well, with Christ, anything is possible!! 

The next 10 miles to Nasty Grade are surprisingly fast and I actually improve my average!  Wow, thanks God!  I hit Nasty Grade and it’s pretty nasty!  Just hunker down and survive!  I catch up to Cory Floyd and tell him good job.  Does this hill ever end?!  Well I know it turns and continues up…cruel!

Finally, the top!  I hit the steep and intimidating downhill.  I’m feeling confident and fast until a big gust of wind nearly runs me off the road.  I grab the brakes and slow it down as another gust pushes me…scary!  I finally get going again and finish off the hill pretty well.  My average is about 17.4 as expected.  I’m not discouraged but feeling excited about what the Lord is going to do!

The last 10 miles are amazing!  I’m passing lots of folks and even catch that 50+gal!  Thank you Lord!  As I enter the park, my average is 17.7 and it looks like I’ll be right at 3:05!  I’m pumped and push hard to Lynch.  I try to fly down fast but the wind catches my front wheel again so I brake a bit but am able to finish strong.

THE RUN

I make a good transition and head out.  There is Karen, her kiddos and the girls!  So cool to give them all high 5s!  I hope they got to see Troy too…but he’s probably long gone now! 

The first mile it takes a bit to get my run legs back.  I pass a younger gal but don’t see any more girls.  In fact, I haven’t seen anyone in my age group since the beginning of the bike.  I know that one gal is ahead of me, but are there others?

The first 2 miles I average 8:15 pace.  2 girls fly by me like I’m standing still, wow!  I look at their calves and see that they both are relay.  I’m inspired to pick up the pace and give a little chase. 

Mile 3 is 7:43.  Now it’s trail time.  It is hot and dry back here! 

Mile 4 is 8:20.  I reach the aid station and get asked if I want a splash…”yes!!”  In no time, 5 volunteers are splashing me as I run through.  “Thank you!”…awesome!   Time to climb!  Though my legs are tired, I’m still able to run up the hill and pass a few folks. 

I think I’m done…yeah…oh, wait there’s another hill!  I hunker down and run up at a slow but steady pace. I’m watching my heart rate hover around 170.  I make it to the next aid station and I’m already dry…but I again get the royal treatment and have 5 volunteers soak me again…nice!

Mile 5 is 9:50.  Okay, now it’s down the steep hill and through Long Valley (just learned it is called that).  Let’s pick it up! 

Mile 6 is 8:04…yes!  I hit another awesome aid station.  Wow, these volunteers are amazing! 

Mile 7 is 8:20.  I turn into the Redondo camp area where we are camping.  I hit the hill and see Dale cheering ahead.  He tells me Troy is only 2 minutes ahead and I got to go!  I joke that I’m gunning for him…there is no way I’ll see him.  I also thank Dale for the time we got to pray together and he thanks me back. 

Mile 8 is 7:52.  I’m feeling great and thanking Jesus for this amazing race!  Now I hit the trail again and run over to the overflow camping.  It’s a flat open area and I can see for a good stretch.  At that moment, I wonder where Troy is and then I see him!  I am shocked, surprised and excited!  Wow, we could finish together if I can catch him!

Mile 9 is 7:50.  I love that I get to turn left here instead of right!  All I’ve got to do is catch Troy.  I think it should be pretty easy because he’s right there.  Then I realize if he makes it to the last mile before me, he’ll fly away down the hill.  I dig deep to get to him before then!  I’m hoping he won’t look back and so I can surprise him.

Mile 10 is 8:09. I run through the last aid station and am soooo close!  I ask the volunteers “could you tell that gentleman that his wife is catching him?”  and they do.  Troy looks back and is so surprised. 

I finally catch him just before the downhill!  What a thrill!  We push each other down the hill and gush to each other the amazing gift this is! 

We get to the long finish chute and pick it up.  We are going to push hard to the end!  We see Anna and Ariel up ahead waiting to run in.  They must be surprised too!  Anna grabs Troy’s hand and Ariel grabs onto Anna.  We cross the finish line together!  I can hear announcer Sean English cheering us in and sharing about our common bond in Christ…so awesome!  Thank you Jesus for an amazing day!!

 

Name	Race	Time	Age Group	Place	Swim	Bike	Run
DEREK GARCIA	LC	4:14:31	PRO	5th	24:30	2:21:40	1:24:44
MATT SHEEKS	LC	4:33:27	PRO	19th	29:58	2:36:51	1:21:57
KATHY WINKLER	LC	5:20:57	F45-49	1st	28:15	3:00:21	1:46:32
TROY SOARES	LC	5:24:08	M45-49	7th	31:11	2:57:25	1:48:44
ROBIN SOARES	LC	5:29:08	W40-44	2nd	31:56	3:05:50	1:45:12
DAN PERKINS	LC	5:35:39	M55-59	3rd	31:40	2:56:15	2:00:16
TANA JACKSON	LC	6:04:01	F40-44	3rd	37:31	3:10:44	2:07:36
CORY FLOYD	LC	6:47:53	M30-34	62nd	33:59	3:38:57	2:21:33
JON CARTMELL	LC	7:10:48	M35-39	50th	35:54	3:46:32	2:36:46
REYNOLD LEWKE	LC	7:47:23	M60-64	10th	45:45	3:39:40	3:00:35
WARREN MINE	LC	7:48:19	M70-74	1st	50:26	4:11:42	2:32:08
DALE JACKSON	LC	NA	M50-54	NA	31:07
KAREN NICKEL	OLY	3:03:56	W35-39	4th	30:36	1:33:56	53:12
CLYDE FLOYD	OLY	3:25:11	M55-59	14th	32:21	1:36:02	1:07:13
MIKE CASSIDY	OLY	3:56:21	M60-64	9th	36:36	1:43:13	1:19:36
DAVID FRASER	OLY	4:52:22	M70-74	4TH	38:33	2:17:10	1:41:00