...I thought it might be nice to reminisce about this:
Photo by Eric Wynn/REV3.
Florida! It was a fun trip jam-packed with all sorts of action. I headed down to the Sunshine State early in the week for a quick visit to my old stomping grounds in Clermont first, then a jaunt up to Gainesville to see my dear friend Ali who is teaching at the University of Florida this semester. The trip down memory lane in Clermont was short but sweet; it was interesting to see how little has changed in the 9+ years since I trained there with this crew:
With Ric Rosenkranz and the boys at the National Training Center, 2003.
The visit with Ali was a refreshing change of pace; we sat and talked, looked and listened, which is something I'm desperately out of practice with. There's something about the sunlight and the lazy sway of the Spanish moss in the trees that slows things down in Florida and lulls my sense of urgency. I have no desire to live there again but I can see why the tropical climates are appealing to so many people. I prefer the mountains though, and knowing that I don't have to worry about running across any of these guys during my swims:
One of MANY gators basking in the sun at Payne's Prairie outside of Gainesville.
After a relaxing couple of days in central Florida I headed down to Venice on the gulf coast for the final REV3 triathlon event of the season. I know I've said it before but it bears repeating: REV3 is a fantastic company that not only produces top-notch races but is comprised of the most friendly, helpful, and genuinely caring staff in the triathlon production business. Seriously, how many other races will you go to and get a greeting like this one below from the owner and mastermind of the entire company?!
A great big bear hug from REV3 owner Charlie Patten, captured by photographer David Laskey.
It was a lovely reunion with the entire REV3 family, as well as my real family! Both my mom and my Aunt Candy made the trip down to Venice to soak in some sun and cheer me on. It's become something of a tradition the past three years for them to travel to a November race---ITU Long Distance Worlds in Vegas in 2011, Ironman Arizona in 2012, and now Florida in 2013. Aunt Candy comes to REV3 Quassy every year as well, and my mom was on hand for my magical day at REV3 Cedar Point in 2011 and again in 2012. They've become real groupies, and I'm lucky to have them on my side! Unfortunately I don't have any photos with them to prove it happened, but they were there---I promise! I also got to reconnect with my friend Brittany (with whom there is never a dull moment), meet some Facebook Friends in person for the first time (Alex, Jaime, Nina---nice to meet you all for real!), and make some brand new friends along the way:
Friends, old and new.
As for the race itself, I got out of it what I came for: a solid race effort, a promising fitness check, and experience on a flat/hot/humid/windy course going into Ironman Cozumel in a few weeks. For the second race in a row my swim was the most disappointing leg of the race; I'm not sure exactly what is going on but it's obvious that my swimming strength is not where it needs to be right now to compete with the top girls. I lost contact with the leaders within the first 200 meters of the swim and it ended up defining my race: another day in No Man's Land. I exited the water several minutes down from the leaders and then struggled to make up any of that ground on the bike. The ride was a series of out-and-backs which I enjoyed but at the same time it was frustrating to see exactly how little headway I was making. Once I hit T2 I was pleased to feel my running legs had shown up and I was able to find a good rhythm within the first mile. Last year on this course I completely bombed on the run and I was determined to have a better performance this time around. I felt AWESOME though about 9 miles, then felt my hips and legs tightening up a bit. I tried to keep my stride open and relaxed but I definitely slowed down in the last four miles and *almost* ended up in yet another sprint finish. Flashback to St. George and Williamsburg earlier this year! It wasn't the most impressive run split but it was certainly respectable on the day and I was pleased to successfully apply some techniques I've been practicing in training. Even better, I steadily moved up throughout the race, going from 8th out of the water to 7th off the bike to 6th place by the end of the run! I often find myself going the other direction through the ranks so this was an encouraging experience. Now I just have to get my swimming skills back then I'll be in a pretty good spot!
Exiting the swim way to far behind the leaders. Photo by David Laskey.
Ticking off the run miles. Photo by David Laskey.
Happy to cross another finish line. Photo courtesy of REV3.
I have so many people to thank and things to be grateful for that there is no possible way to cover them all, but I'd like to mention a few:
THANK YOU to REV3 Triathlon for being such a great company with a great staff who put on great races!
THANK YOU to the City of Venice for being so welcoming and to the fabulous volunteers who made this event possible!
THANK YOU to Mom & Aunt Candy for making the trip and cheering your hearts out!
THANK YOU to Brittany for being my roommate.
THANK YOU to Ali for reminding me to slow down and soak things in.
THANK YOU to all my friends and family, near and far, for the continued cheers and support.
THANK YOU to my sponsors for sticking with me through thick and thin.
A parting shot:
Giving back to the sport that has given me so much: showing athletes the ropes at the Blueseventy Swim Clinic with fellow pro and native Hoosier Eric Limkemann.
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