San Francisco 1/2 Marathon (Troy)

Date/Location:	7/23/17, San Francisco, Ca
Distance:	13.1mi R
Time:	1:48:51
Place:	29th AG / 360
Teammates:	Robin Soares

We wake up to much quieter city (The City is a crazy place!) and job slowly down to the Embarcadero.  Robin and I are celebrating our 15th anniversary by running the San Francisco Marathon together!  Except that I’m injured, and therefore out-of-shape, and so doing the 1/2 Marathon instead.  The plan, Lord willing, is that I can still run 1/2 of the marathon together with Robin.  Robin is strong and will run about 8:15 pace.  Normally not hard for a 1/2 marathon, it will challenge me this time for sure.  But, of course, the excitement of running with Robin in this famous race will mask a lot of the pain.

With 27,000 people in the race, I’m expecting mayhem at the start.  I’m pleasantly surprised to see open streets and easy pickings of the bathrooms.  We stretch and jog and calmly plan eveything out… but then the droves of people start arriving, and the trucks to pickup our gear bags aren’t there, and the entrance to our wave is .3mi away!  People are just piling their bags and leaving.  Instead I chooe to be Robin’s sherpa and wrap our clothes around my waste.

We meet a gal who has done over 200 marathons.  We actually pray together with her which was great.  After the National Anthem, we’re off!

We see our friend, Jesse Ellis, taking pictures at the start.  After a mile, there is no thinning of the crowd.  There are a lot of runners! 

Mile 1: 7:57. Robin’s gotta go so I run a little ahead at each bathrooms checking if there are openings. 

Mile 2: 7:59. We go through Aquatic Park…

Mile 3: 8:17. Marina Blvd…

Mile 4: 7:49. Chrissy Field, and then I find her one.  I’m so glad I did my job, that I forget to use one!  We’re off again and see our 3:35 pacer not too far ahead.

Mile 5: 8:20. We’re looking forward to the Golden Gate Bridge but can’t see it because of the fog.  We start climbing and I know it’s close.  Robin pulls a little ahead on each climb because she’s very good on hills. 

Mile 6: 8:43. Finally, we’re on the Bridge!  We have the Northbound to ourselves.  It’s a little chilly and damp but beautiful. Glad to have long sleeve shirts.  I’m watching our pace and it’s slowing.  It’s hard work and I look forward to getting to the bridge center where we can start descending again.  I watch the huge cable structure sloping down, knowing that when it hits street level, it will start going back up and we can start going back down.

Mile 7: 7:51. Now we circle a visitors center before returning across the bridge.  I stop at the porta-potties but it’s too long of a wait so I go catch up to Robin. Back across the bridge now.  I’m trying to work hard to keep a good pace for Robin, check that she’s eating and drinking (which she’s doing very well) and encourage her (which helps me because it’s getting hard and 6 more miles seems long but nothing compared to 19 more miles for Robin!)

Mile 8: 7:58.  Almost off the bridge.  This is my first time doing this part of the SF Marathon.  I’ve done the 2nd 1/2 before and I’ve done the bridge during the Napa to Santa Cruz Relay, but running this part with Robin and hopefully  being able to help her meet her goal has been great!

Mile 9: 8:01. I’m actually looking forward to getting off this incredible landmark.. to be out of the wind.  Now we climb up through the Presideo.  It’s peaceful.  Perfect temperature.

Mile 10: 7:58. Running along the cliffs and ocean is great. Especially with a downhill.  I’m praying for Robin’s hamstrings, quads and toes because downhills are hard on her.  She says she’s doing fine.  We’re on pace.

Mile 11: 8:05. In the neighborhoods now, gradually climbing to the Park.  I’m looking forward to being done but trying to focus on Robin.

Mile 12: 8:31.  No stopping for bathroom breaks now, only a mile to go.  Robin is doing great and says she’s ready for a 10k through the Park.  I will be able to see her enter and exit the park, and will pray the rest of it goes well for her.

Mile 13: 8:31. I give Robin my love and have to split off for the finish.  Robin tells me to sprint the rest of the way so I try to pick it up.  It’s almost a half mile and with .1 left I’m completely drained and my achilles is hurting and I have to slow down which is a strange way to finish a race.. slowing down.  But I’m thankful, Lord, that I made it this far, being able to run with Robin.  Now I get to rest and stretch and wait for Robin to come running out of the park. 

I’m at the 17.5 mile mark and when I do see Robin she says her right side is really tight and painful but she’s still smiling.  I run with her for little bit and then pray for her as she continues on.  I know how painful the last 6mi can be with legs seizing up, I pray for a miracle.

I catch a shuttle to the end and look forward to seeing her finish!

San Francisco Marathon–Robin - 2017

Date/Location:	7/23/17, San Francisco, Ca
Distance:	26.2mi R
Time:	3:38:12
Place:	7th AG / 287
Teammates:	Troy Soares

Troy and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary with the Boston Marathon.  This year we are celebrating our 15th by running the 40th SF Marathon together.  in 2003, our 2nd year of marriage, Troy ran the last 20 miles of the SF Marathon with me.  In 2013, Troy and the girls chased me as I did this marathon.  A lot of great memories!

We get up at 3:45, ouch!  The main concern for Troy is getting through the first half marathon by my side.  He’s had an Achilles injury since his Ironman and sitting at work has made it worse.  For this reason, he’ll finish with the other 1st Half Marathoners.  The concern for me is being able to get my bathroom use time in before the race starts.  The other important thing I’m doing is practicing my race hydration for IM Coeur d’Alene at the end of August.  Troy had great success in IM Boulder drinking lots of water and sports drink on the course.  I hope to be able to test it on myself.  I’m wearing my Fuelbelt and carrying Vitargo.  Never used it so it is a bit risky trying it on race day.  I will make sure I drink a cup of water at EVERY aid station too!  I will shoot for a sub 3:40.  3:35 (8:12 per mile) would be great but 3:38 (8:18 per mile) is much more realistic.

The bathroom thing seems to go well.  We go to drop off our gear bag and there are no trucks or volunteers. The race starts in like 25 minutes!  Not good.  The half marathoners and the 5Kers have their gear checks working great.  We are not going to wait so Troy designates himself as the sherpa and ties our jackets around his waist.  So glad we didn’t bring cell phones!  Even though I feel warm with my long sleeve FCA shirt over my jersey, I decide to wear it anyway.

We head to Corral 2.  We meet a gal, Karen, who is racing her 249th Marathon!  She’s a believer too so we all pray together. Very cool!

The elite runners take off so we go in 2 minutes.  I feel like I could use the porta potty one last time but it’s too late! 

Ready, set, go!  Just as we are about to cross the start/finish line Troy sees our friend Jesse Ellis taking pictures. “Jesse!”, he shouts.  Jesse smiles and snaps a quick picture.  The chances of seeing him with all these people out here is crazy.  That is a God moment for sure!

I feel good the first few miles but I need to go to the bathroom.  We are right by the 3:35 pacers.  Around mile 3, Troy checks for an open porta potty but no go.  Troy seems to be hanging in there.  Thank you God!  It really is a treat doing something hard with Troy.  That’s how it’s been from the very beginning of our marriage and I hope we can keep it up!

By mile 5, we are running through the Presidio. I’m averaging 8:05 pace according to my Garmin. I’m very happy with that!  I find an open porta potty and get it done in less than a minute.  The 3:35 pace guys are ahead now.  Not worried.

Up the first major hill, not bad!

At mile 6 we hit the bridge!  It’s foggy but we don’t care.  It’s still beautiful.  The ground is wet and they have workers next to areas they have placed mats over.  Hope no one falls!  This whole side of the bridge, northbound, is completely closed to us runners.  Must be because of the 40th year and all the people (find out later it was because of threat of terriorism).  We soon see the top runners coming back. We are totally shocked to see most of them wearing headphones.  Thought those were banned, especially for elites!  One guy has a huge set on his head.  Interesting!

Troy is doing great!  He feels good!  Yeah, thank you Lord!  We really are having fun!

At Mile 8, my Garmin says I’m averaging 8:05.  We run around a viewing area/parking lot on the other side of the bridge.  Troy tries to use the porta potty but it’s packed.  He only needs to make it 5 more miles.

Back over the bridge we go.  Lots of people coming across! 

At MIle 12, my Garmin says 8:05.  Nice and consistent!  We are going to hit Golden Gate Park soon and that’s when I’m on my own!  Troy and I are thanking God for being able to do the 1st Half together.  He tells me to keep drinking and make it a goal to use the porta potty one more time to insure I’m practicing my hydration well for IM.  He reminds me that those last miles I’m going to have to push just to hold the pace.

We split off.  He’ll finish and then see me as I run nearby around mile 16. 

At Mile 13, I’m averaging 8:07.  I don’t see the 3:35 pacers.  Still not worried.

The 2nd Half of the marathon starts soon.  Those runners will become mixed in with all of us.

Pretty soon, I see fast bunch go by ahead, 2nd halfers.  I merge with them and it’s crazy how fast they are passing me.  Then the 2nd halfers are off in another direction.  This goes on and on the whole time I’m running in GG Park.  So confusing!  How they came up with these courses baffles me!

My whole right leg just starts to hurt everywhere!  Please, Lord, let me make it! 

I don’t see Troy at 16 but just after 17.  He’s smiling and waving.  Then he jumps in with me and says “smile”.  Someone is taking our picture for him.  I tell him that my leg is hurting bad and he prays for me.  Just a little way down the road it feels better.  Thank you Jesus!

At Mile 19, The sun is out now and I’m averaging 8:05.  Good, brought the pace back down.  But now I’m looking at the miles, and my Garmin thinks I’m at mile 19.5.  That means my pace is definitely slower than 8:05.  Another reason not to slow down!  The leg is better but I still feel unstable on the outside of my knee…I had the same thing at this time but worse in 2003!

Even though SF is a hiller town than San Diego, this course is much more forgiving and hilly!  Surprising!

Back on the streets.  We are meandering our way down to the bay where we’ll pass the Giants stadium and head back to the Bay Bridge area where we started.  This means a lot of downhill running! 

I hit “the wall” or mile 20 and I’m hanging in!  6.2 miles to go!

At Mile 23, my garmin says 8:06 and the distance is 23.6.  Oh man!  What a pain!  Getting closer to the bay!  Only 3 more miles!  I still don’t need to use the bathroom.  I’m glad because it’s a pain but I know I’m not hydrated.  I keep drinking water at the aid stations and I’ve finally finished my 3 flasks…should have finished those miles ago!

I’m feeling tired and it’s really hard to push.  Please God, keep me focused.  I’ve told myself that when the next pace group goes by for the 2nd half, I’m going to try to hang on.  Soon they come by and I push hard.  I’m not exactly staying with them, but they are close!  Yeah!  I can break 3:40!!

At mile 25, my garmin says 8:07 and 25.7.  I see Troy. He is cheering and smiling.  He says something about 3:40.  Did he say the 3:40 pace group is catching me or that I can beat 3:40. Oh boy, better push to be safe!

I see the finish chute soon. 

Yeah!  Go, go, go!  I dig deep and put in my fastest mile for these last 6. 

Yeah!  I hear my name and it’s Jesse Ellis!  I smile and he snaps my picture.  Just a little more!  3:38! 

Thank you Lord! What a day!

Now it’s time for some anniversary fun!

Crown City 12K–Troy -2017

Date/Location:	July 4, 2017 – Coronado, Ca
Distances:	12km
Time:	50:33
Place:	4th
Others:	Robin Soares (FCA), Anna Soares (FCA), Ariel Soares (FCA), Detrik, Anika, Jan Heidt, Dan Cadriel

It’s been hot in Auburn so the cooler coast climate here in Coronado Island is great for running.  My legs and achilles have been really stiff and I haven’t run much.  This is a fast-pace race so I’m concerned but at least it’s only a 12k.  I never know how things are going to go so I try to be optimistic.  Have the fun of the racing is going through the motions of registering, warming up as a team, strategizing, and most importantly, praying and realizing the Lord is the only One who can calm any fears I have.

The girls, cousins and Grammie are doing the 5k.  Robin and I get to line up together for the 12k.  Always a treat!  A great speech, great starting line, a lot of stretching and preparing, and we’re off..

Under the flag, across the grass, my slow start leaves me a little behind everyone.  I’m being really conscience of form: outside of the feet, relaxed lower legs, good hip and glute form.  I start to warm up and catch up to Robin.  Always love running next to Robin in a race.  Robin is shooting for 7:15 and me, 7:00.  So we part ways and I continue trying to run relaxed and smart.  I really don’t know what to expect.  I could get tired quickly or have a foot or calf seize up.  But for now, things feel good.

Mile 1. 6:56. That’s good. Along the golf course now.  Gradual speed bumps in the road seem to sneak up on me.  I remind myself each time to watch my step.  It’s like I’m giving so much energy to running I hardly have any left to think about not falling.  There’s a woman up ahead that I try to keep up with.  The foot is holding up.

Mile 2. 6:40. Wow.  The woman is holding a good pace and I’m so appreciative to be able to match it.  I’m already thanking the Lord!  It’s been quite a while since I ran under 7 min pace. The long straight-away.  Beforehand I told Robin “it’s just a 10k with a little extra at the end”.  Reminding myself of that I keep expecting to be able to see the turn-around soon.  We pass the Naval Base where we used to turn in.  I think about all our brave service men and women.

Mile 3. 6:45. Holding the pace.  Eating a Cliff Block.  Keeping good form.  We go by the septic area – the stinky part, along otherwise beautiful, clean Coronado.  I go by a man who looks 65 and running so well.  I see the leaders coming back.  The turn is farther than expected.  Counting the women I see that the one I’m with is 5th.  I make the turn and also pull slightly ahead of the woman, encouraging her.  She’s helping me and I’ll help her, this way we’ll both get to the end faster.  I can’t wait to see Robin up ahead soon..

Mile 4. 6:43.  Going great! Thanks, Lord. And there’s Robin!  We high-five.  It’s so encouraging having so much support from each other and just wanting to do well for them.  The woman I’m running with is surging and I’m having to talk myself into maintaining this tough pace.  I want to slow down but maybe I’ll catch someone I know, maybe I’ll get a good place.. where is that next mile marker!

Mile 5. 6:51. Getting tough, legs getting tight.  Still excited to be running this pace!  The slight changes from street to sidewalk and back again take a lot of effort and thought.  Trying to be smooth, and fast.  Finally, the golf course.. just hold this for another mile and I’ll be close

Mile 6. 6:48.  Good.  Another woman is ahead and the one with me is making her move.  Exciting to watch and definitely don’t want to get left behind now.  Negotiating the speed bumps.  Now she’s in 4th which means I’m in good position, too.  Yes, the corner to the alley-section. Almost there.  I take the corner well, out near the highway and back and now I’m ahead of the woman and running well!

Mile 7. 6:33.  Yes, catching 4th place woman got us both farther ahead.  Now I see the 3rd place woman, and, sure enough, the woman I was running with comes from behind and passes me and her.  Great job!  Under the bridge and then I see our friend, Dan Cadriel.  Although from Arizona, he’s always at this race and his choice to run shirt-less makes him easy to spot.  He’s a good runner so it’s an honor to be able to pass him.  But it’s also painful..

just a few more turns through the campgrounds.. my legs are yelling at me.  The finish and I see the girls and Dad and Detrik.

 

Thank you, Lord, for giving me more than I deserve and letting me have a fast, beneficial workout.  It’s all for you! 

I finish in 50:33, 4th place, with a 6:18 pace for the last 1/2 mi. Very happy.

Crown City 12K–Robin -2017

Date/Location:	July 4, 2017 – Coronado, Ca
Distances:	12km
Time:	53:37 PR for 12K Course (2016, 53:55)
Place:	3rd (55 o/a)
Others:	Troy Soares (FCA), Anna Soares (FCA), Ariel Soares (FCA), Detrik, Anika, Jan Heidt, Dan Cadriel

Love this tradition of coming to this race every year…though it’s hard to wake up super early and battle traffic.  God blessed this morning by providing a parking spot close to the start!  Unbelievable!We meet up with Grammie, Anika, Detrik and Matt.  After a warm-up and stretch, Troy and I head over to the start of the 12K.  It’s already a full corral so we have to weave our way from the back all the way to the start.  The race director does his traditional cheesy “speech” from the movie Independence Day…love it!  (SPEECH)  Troy and I pray and it’s time to go!Ok, time to go!  Ready, set go!  As we cross the line, we all run under a huge American flag.  I feel pretty good as I start out.  Troy looks good, too, as I watch him pull away.  This run used to be a 15K and I’m kind of relieved it’s not as long.  It’s also nice it’s flat.  But, the downside is that the scenery, thougth pretty, gets mundane after a while.  Mile 1 is 7:05.  Happy with that!  I see a few girls ahead of me and I try to keep them close.  I feel suprisingly good but when I see the 5K turn around, I long to be able to turn there.  It’s so nice here along the golf course!  Mile 2 is 7:05.  Suprised that I continue to feel strong.  I’ve caught one of the girls.  Mile 3 is 7:12.  Still feel good.  I’ve caught another girl but two fast girls that look like college standouts just float by…talking like it’s nothing.  I see the top runners coming back.  The top girl looks older than myself.  I’m so impressed!  I should see Troy soon!Just before I head over to a dirt trail and off the bike path, I see Troy.  I am able to give him a high 5.  That’s a boost!Soon I’m turning back on the bike path and heading back to the start!  Yeah!Mile 4 is 6:58.  Sweet!  Starting to feel the fatigue set in.  I tell myself to hang in there.Mile 5 is 7:14.  Ouch.  Gotta keep my brain in the game!Mile 6 is 7:04.  So close now!  I’m looking for Grammie, Ariel and Anika finishing up the 5K….they must be done already!  I feel my energy holding…thank You Lord!  We can do this!Mile 7 is 7:09.  I pass a girl as I head for the bridge!  Just a little farther!I run under the bridge and can hear the announcer at the finish!  Soon I see Grammie! Yeah!  I pass her and tell her good job!  As I hit the finish chute, I can hear the whole family cheering!  What a blast!  I tell them Grammie is coming.  I’m done!  Thank you Lord for making it go so well.  I actually ran a few seconds faster than last year!  Sweet!  Now it’s time for family and fireworks!

Crown City 5K–Anna & Ariel - 2017

Date/Location:	July 4, 2017 – Coronado, Ca
Distances:	5km
Time:	Anna 24:29 PR! (2016 -26:00) Ariel 30:18 PR! (2016 -33:45)
Place:	Anna 4th (56 Total), 1- 14 Girls Ariel 14th (56 Total), 1- 14 Girls
Others:	Robin Soares (FCA), Troy Soares (FCA); Detrik, Anika, Jan Heidt, Dan Cadriel

Anna’s Story – Crown City

321 Go! Me and Detrick ran through the start line and ran under a big flag. I touch the flag all the way through. We ran together and Detrik ran ahead then I caught him then he did it again. After the first mile, he stopped doing it. We ran through an aid station and got water.  Detrik got Gatorade as well. We kept running and we started to see runners running back. We turned around and started running back. I started to say good job to everyone we went by. Detrik says I’ll lose my breath if I keep doing that, but I continue anyways. Detrik sees Anika and Ariel up ahead running together on the other side.  I see my Grammie also a little bit behind them. There is a little girl running next to me. She is running fast so I pick it up and run with her.  But then I slow down so I can run with Detrik.  We run and I keep telling him that we are almost there. We run through the finish line together. It was fun!

 

Ariel’s Story – Crown City

10, 9, 8,…,3, 2, 1, go!  Anika and I run across the starting and under a huge American flag.  We get on the path.  I tell Anika we are in front of the 30 min pacer guy.  It's not long until we get to the first mile marker.  There is an aid station.  We keep running and looking for the turn around.  We see Detrik and Anna.  We say good and job.  I tell Anika we must be close to the turn around.  We turn a corner and it's not there!  We go around another corner and Anika says ”there it is!”. 

We turn around and the 30 minute pacer passes us.  As we get back to the path, I can hardly see him.  Anika says she's not feeling well and that I should go ahead. I start trying to pick it up to catch him.  I am getting closer to the finish.  I see the pacer finish but I'm close.  I finish 15 sec back.  This is a new record for me.  Thanking God!

CA Sprint–Anna - 2017

Date/Location:	5/21/17 – Auburn, CA
Distances:	0.5m S – 9m B – 5km R
Time:	1:28:38 (21:26 – 1:11 – 41:02 – 1:31 -  23:27) LAST YEAR 1:31:01 (24:41 – 1:55 – 35:11 – 1:45 – 27:28)
Place:	1st Place, 1-15
Teammates:	Int’l – Clyde Floyd (FCA), Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy, Robin Soares, Steve Chavez Sprint – Elizabeth Katsura

I almost miss the swim but swim over just in time. It is crowed. People are touching my feet or cutting in front of me. The seaweed scares me (I don’t like seaweed). I get around the first buoy and keep swimming. The group behind me catches up and one guy cuts in front of me. I stop to let him pass. When I get around the last buoy, I can see the swim finish. When I get close to shore, I start to see seaweed again.

When I get to shore, I pull down my wetsuit. As I am getting it off my left foot, a girl said hold on and she grabbed my wetsuit and ran. I tried to hold on the ground as it came off my foot. Wow, that helps! I run to transition get my bike and I’m off.

I bike up the steep hill to the road. When I get on the road, my shifting is not working right. As I pedal, it’s making a loud noise. I have to bike slow because it’s hard to pedal. I try to sing worships songs that go with the beat of the loud, crazy noise.

I get around the first turn and I’m starting to feel cold. I keep biking shivering and going slow. I am praying for the sun to come out from behind the clouds. When I got around the 2^nd turn, the sun starts coming out! Thank you Lord!

I keep biking and I’m kind of getting warm. I am cold and holding on tight to my handle bars. I see a hill ahead. As I start biking up it, my bike makes a super weird sound! I decide to stop halfway up and walk the rest of the way to the top. There is a long downhill and I coast all the way down.

At the bottom of the hill I turn, bike a bit and turn again. I’m on the road heading towards transition. I see runners running on the sidewalk. I see a girl about my age running there. I think “maybe I can catch her” (little did I know that she was the first girl in my age group!).

I get to transition, I park my bike and I run out. My legs feel nice and loose thanks to God! I start running and feel great! I run by people and say “good job”. I get to an out and back and see the girl I wanted to catch running back!  I keep running towards the turn-around and I see Elizabeth from the track. 

Finally I get to the turn-around and I try to run fast to catch the girl and Elizabeth.  I know if I can catch Elizabeth, I can catch the girl.  I run through some trees and down-hill and up-hill.  Finally I see Elizabeth up ahead and I catch up to her.  I say good job as I pass.  I keep running and looking for the girl.  As I go around a corner, I see the girl walking.  I run by her and say good job.  I run into a parking lot  and onto the sidewalk.  I run into the finish chute.  Halfway througth I point up to God and keep it through the finish line.  Boy was I thankful!  The Lord really helped me go fast even though the bike was slow and cold. 

CA Intl Tri–Robin- 2017

Date/Location:	5/21/17 – Auburn, CA
Distances:	1.5km S – 40km B – 10km R
Time:	2:58:05 (28:51 – 1:49 - 1:14:38 – 1:40 -  46:39)
Place:	1st Place, 40-44 (10th Female OA)
Teammates:	Int’l – Clyde Floyd (FCA), Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy, Steve Chavez Sprint – Anna Soares, Elizabeth Katsura

Anna and I get up early and head out to Shadow Cliffs Park in Pleasanton.  My college roomie Liesbeth and her husband Kevin hosted us the night before.  They live just 10 miles away.  Troy and Ariel have stayed home this trip to volunteer at our local downtown bike race in Auburn.  It's hard not having their support.  I am praying for everything to go smoothly…and, more importantly, to trust the Lord and not stress out.

There is a long line of cars already waiting when we arrive.  After 20 minutes and almost to the gate, I send Anna on foot to pick up our registration packets.

We still have over an hour until the race start… but it seems like time flies getting us both ready.  On our way to transition, Anna's chain falls off into the wheel.  We get it back on and I tell her to keep the back gear away from the wheel.

We find familiar faces racing: Clyde Floyd (FCA Teammate), Denise (his wife, support crew), Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy and Elizabeth Katsura (Tuesday Track friend).  Dave Faser (FCA teammate) and Francie Campbell are volunteering.  Anna & I will also volunteer after our races.

Anna's wetsuit was difficult to get off at the Auburn Tri so we spend a good 20 min lubing up her legs and arms in hopes that she can get it off quickly and easily this time.

Anna's race starts first.  We get to the beach and find out they are delaying the race by 10 minutes to help those who were stuck in traffic.  We take the time to pray for each other.  So great to be sharing all this with her!

Finally, it’s time and I tell Anna to line up in the water with the other orange caps.  The Challenged Athletes go first so I figure Anna has more time.  I turn around and look back and see her wave take off!  I hope she got herself in a good spot!  I pray for her.

I don’t have much time but I want to read my Bible.  I could have woken up earlier but opted to try to squeeze it in…wish I hadn’t!  Anna got up and read her Bible while I got ready to go…so great to see her pursuing the Lord on her own!  We also listened to worship music on the way to the park but I want to let God know He’s most important.  I read Romans 1.  Romans 1:16 jumps out at me…

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

It gives me the confidence to stand tall in my FCA jersey and race for HIm.  It doesn’t matter what others think, it only matters what He thinks!

I see Clyde and we pray.  Clyde has been having some vertigo type issues so we pray that it doesn’t creep in today and sideline him!  I pray for Anna and peace for her being out there alone. 

Time to get in the water!  The men and women in various age ranges are starting together.  Makes me nervous swimming with guys in tight quarters like this because it increases the chances of getting hit and swam over.  I don’t have much time to figure out the best position so I just try to be near the front left in hopes I’ll have a draft.

SWIM

Ready, set, go!  The washing machine starts and I am immediately regretting my position.  Someone’s going to swim over me any second!  The water is also very warm.  It makes me feel constricted in my wetsuit.   I feel myself panic so I pray.  Lord, just help me be calm and get through this!  My prayer is answered quickly and the waters ahead open up and I can actually swim without looking up often.  Thank you Lord!

I make it to the first buoy with no problem.  Feeling hot! I grab on the collar of my wetsuit to let some cool water in.  I feel strong and my mind is clear this time around.  Thank you Lord!  I see a couple of orange caps go by from the waves behind.  It motivates me to push harder!

I get around the last buoy and head for shore.  Another orange cap goes by and it looks like Dave Campbell.  I jump on the feet and hang on for a few minutes.  It’s just enough to propel me to the end!

I exit the water, pull off to the side and rip off my wetsuit. It peels off easily…hopefully also the case for Anna!

BIKE

My transition is quite slow.  I take time to put on socks and bike shoes.  I didn’t spend much time planning out my race, but it was very good sacrfice for Anna!  It’s a bit crazy heading out.  Bikes are coming in and going out from the same spot. 

I’m out on the road and into a nice groove!  It’s a bit chilly but the sun is shining. I have no idea where the course goes (more poor planning.. and risky).  I hope it’s not the big loop I did years ago because that felt really long.   To my delight I can see we are heading in an entirely different direction…yeah!

We turn on another street and cross Hwy 580.  The course heads up what seems to be a farm road that cuts through the hills.  I’m liking this!  The top guys are flying back so it’s an out and back…yes…it’s like a Christmas surprise!  I see several girls flying back too.  This course isn’t punishing me which is nice.  It’s a gradual climb and I can still move fast and stay aero!

I see a familiar jersey fly by.  It’s Dana Ginsburg from Reno. She’s 52, 9 yrs older, and fast!  I don’t know her but I do remember her creaming me at the Auburn Tri this year and in years past.  Wow, gives me hope for my future in the sport…it’s definently not over at 50!

I make the turn and head back.  Now I get to fly!

I get back to the first turn off and continue back on the remainder of the sprint course.  I’m passing a guy and, just as I get ahead of him, he picks it up and stays even with my back wheel.  He is now drafting me and blocking me from moving over which is breaking the rules.  “One of us has to back off… I will if you don’t” and I start to slow down.  He says “no, go!”.  So he backs down.  I pick it up more to avoid any more contact.

There is a short hill which is quick. I’m flying down once I get to the other side….weeee!

It’s not long before I’m heading back towards transition.  I can see lots of runners heading out on the first mile of the run.  As I turn in, I am able to pull my feet out of the shoes and leave them on the pedals.  Thank you Lord that I didn’t loose one!

RUN

As I rack my bike I hear “hey mom!”.  I look up and it’s Anna smiling at me on the other side of the fence.  I feel joy and relief seeing her.  Thank you Jesus!  I smile and say “great to see you!”.  I get my bike gear off and run gear on. 

I run out and get to ask Anna how her race went.  She says Jesus helped her and she’ll tell me more later.  She’s smiling so I’m sure it’s nothing too scary…phew!  I see Carrie Chavez and her daughter Madison cheering.  I also see Denise Floyd.  Great way to start things out especially since I’m not feeling pumped up to run hard.  Just need to get through this first mile!  I hit the trail.  A guy in a Wadi Ink jersey passes me. He’s running a good pace so I try to stay near him.  We run through a cool pump track for bikes… nobody riding at the moment.  I grab water at the aid station.  I’m going to drink water at every oportunity…it’s the Soares new MO.  As I exit the gate I try to run past a guy and find a place to drop my cup.  A girl is coming up fast and I try to hustle but I’m in her way. “watch out!” …oops!  She’s flying!

MIle 1 is 7:38.  Okay, good start!  Feeling better and more motivated.  This is a two loop course so I hope it goes by fast!

I run up a short, steep hill (ouch, that hurts) before a short flat trail to a turn-around. I can see Dana heading back and the flying girl as I crest the top of the hill.  They look strong!

Mile 2 is 7:22.  Better!  At the aid station I grab more water.  A guy flys by.  This must be one of the top guys finishing.  Wow, he’s 3 mile ahead of me!

Another guy finishing up his second loop goes by.  A dog off lease chases after him.  I joke to him “you have a pacer”.  It’s funny for a moment.. until the dog jumps on him as he’s going sub 6 min pace!  I yell “go home!” and the dog doesn’t even flinch. The dog stops and looks at me now…”go home!”, I shout again and he doesn’t care.  I hope the owner gets this under control for the sake of the other athletes!

Mile 3 is 7:14.  Great!  I run past the finish chute…torture!  I’m feeling pretty good overall so I ignore my mind’s plea to stop.

Mile 4 is 7:21.  Still hanging in!  I make it to the bike park.

Up the big hill once again. As I crest it, I see I’m very close to Dana now.  I think I can catch her.  It’s just the motivation I need to move!

Mile 5 is 7:28.  I fly down the hill and pass Dana on the way.  I tell her good job.  I’ve got to make the pass count so I push harder.

I pass the same spot with the dog and he’s still off lease and chasing some of the runners…Oh brother!

So close now!  I see a girl with a 42 on her leg. I dig deeper and pass her.

Mile 6 is 7:12.  Almost to the chute.  I see another gal with a 40 on her leg.  I push and am able pass her too. Through the chute I go!  I look up to God and point to him as I cross.  Whew!  Thank you Lord!

As I grab my medal and a water I hear “and in first place Anna Soares”!  Wow, awesome!  I see her on the podium and I race over to give her a smile and a hug once she steps down.  I hope someone got her picture.  Sure enough, Elizabeth’s husband Randy has taken care of it.  He also snaps a picture of the two of us. 

Thank you Lord for answering so many prayers!!