After a quick swim Mike and I were ready to be in Tucson. Thursday morning we loaded our gear and prepared for a great weekend, but never expected how special it would turn out. The drive to Tucson was much like the night before: talking races, training, and me trying to soak up everything that was being said. The first thing we did when we arrived was visit Jaclyn at Trisports.com. They have the reputation of being the equivalent of a kid in a candy store for tri-geeks. This is why I was surprised when we walked through the door my total attention was immediately drawn toward something totally different then tri-gear. Anyways, we met with Jaclyn, picked up our welcome kits, and stocked up on food for the next day.
After the Trisports.com stop we ran around the U of A campus, which brought back some old race memories for Mike. Afterwards we prepared ourselves for the ascent of Mt. Lemmon the next morning. Over 100 people were waiting outside the store when we arrived. Once we hit the base of Lemmon I found myself behind the lead group of elite cyclists and would later learn this was actually a bad thing. Over 6 hours later we finished our ride and rushed to swim practice at the local JCC. Jaclyn did another amazing job on getting us a pool, and with the help from Seton, a workout. After the swim it was time to get some rest and prepare for Saturdays workouts.
It was announced that we would be doing a sprint triathlon. Like everyone else I saw this as an opportunity to show off my early season speed. The only problem was that I FLEW up Lemmon the day before and the veterans of the team cruised up. Lesson #1: learned. Once we hit the bike I knew I didn’t have the legs. I ended up cruising and talking with Missy Kuck, who will make her pro debut this season by the way. Mid-way through the second lap I felt a presence. I knew what it was, who it was, and what was about to happen…. Mike. He blew by me so fast I couldn’t even grab his wheel. With the rest of the team racing as well it just felt like me and Mike were on the course. Our minds were working the same, “where did he start, what’s the gap, what pace am I running, what is he running, etc.” I was able to close the gap and pass him on the run, but we both knew it wasn’t enough for me to beat him.
I mention all the time how special the relationships are that I create through the great sport of triathlon. This weekend was nothing different. I met so many amazing and talented people that I am truly blessed. I hope to see many of my teammates achieve many great feats, not only this season, but in their careers. All the laughs (many can’t be mentioned), memories (also can’t be mentioned), and friends will never be forgotten from this weekend (the best part would have to be the post-VIP party festivities). What started as a trip to Tucson for some training, turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
Thanks again to Trisports.com, Seton Claggett, his beautiful wife Debbie, Mike Montoya, Jaclyn Appelgate, and the rest of the 2011 Trisports.com team .
Safe Training & best wishes
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