Was in a way back (15) wave. PjGrande was in my wave and we started out together. However, she was a bit too fast for me. Soon she was in front of me. I tried to keep up with her pace booty, but realized I would blow up at the beginning of this race if I did. I almost fell for the it. OMG, even my dear friend Pam was part of DjDavey's evil booty plan!

just have a little more top end speed.

was gasping for air as I came in, had to get my bearings for a moment. Close to bike which helped.

go with platform pedals

My plan was to push this as hard as humanly possible, right from the get-go. This is my main training grounds and I know every hill, valley and pothole of this course. I was extremely focused on the goal. However even I was not a match for a few things 'someone' would throw at me. I started out cruising at about 20-21 feeling really good. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a truck got on the course and got right in front of me, on a hilly section. Soon I was slowing down, 18, 17, 16. I thought this is going to mess up my chance to hit my goal. Who could be behind such a thing? (I wonder?) As the truck got to a steeper hill, I had to slow to about 10. I couldn't take it any more and I passed the truck. I swear I heard the driver say " your friend Dave says hello" or it could have just been the wind. {editor's note: I know the truck blocking doesn't really go with the whole 'booty' thing, but this is for pizza, the guy has to pull out all the stops.)

I recovered from this set back quite nicely, and really started to hammer. I was passing people like crazy, shouting "on your left" like a madman. I looked at my watch at the half way point and thought that I might actually make my goal. Everything was going perfect. Then at mile 16, it happened. A very attractive woman was in front of me near the yellow line. Then she stood up out of the saddle and rocked her hips back and forth. I tried to yell 'on your left' but the words just wouldn't come out. I was frozen, the Garmin showed the speed numbers drop like a runaway elevator. My mind raced. I told myself, keep your eyes on the prize man! Finally, I gave it everything I had and the words came out, soft at first, then louder 'ON YOUR LEFT!' She moved over and apologized. No need to apologize, I replied. (I knew who had put her up to this.) At this point I put my head down and hammered as hard as I could right into town. My legs were screaming, but I had hit my goal.

Not much. This is a PR for me. Fastest bike pace for me for any race I have done. Would have liked to hit the elusive 20 avg. Maybe next year.

too. damn. slow.

Tried to run as fast as I could, but I had burned up my legs on the bike. The booty that was the downfall of this leg was my own. I just couldn't get it in high gear. Had I somehow been part of Operation booty too?

Not fall prey to Dave's evil plan.

ate pancakes and got some free Hammer gel (excellent)


curse of the booty.


Best post race ever. enough said.
So DjDavey and his 'booty plan' worked this time. Well earned pizza my friend. Just wait until next year though...