Finish Strong

Yesterday the BertolliSport team competed in the Monroe Finish Strong Triathlon. This is the target Tri the team trains for when we start the season. We had lots of participants and friends cheering us on - it was so cool to have so many participating.  Those who came to cheer us on did so with gusto - a spirited hoot, holler, "looking good" goes a long way when you're pushing every fiber of your being just to maintain forward movement.

The weather was perfect. As we drove into the valley at the wonderful hour of 5:30am a gentle fog was settling in and the silhouette of the mountains was beautiful. We might have pulled over just to take it in had we not a previous commitment. Nervous chatter settled in - nothing new but it's always interesting. I was feeling quite relaxed knowing that I only had to knock out a 5k - though I was determined to push myself hard. It wasn't until Iain rode off for his bike leg that the butterflies paid a visit - thank you nearby Honey Bucket.

The team quickly went about their business setting up in the transition area, each a little different yet all with the same goal - organization. The better organized the faster your transition will be. Unless of course you get stuck in your wetsuit, have trouble locating your bike, put your shoe on the wrong foot, etc. Sometimes simple things can be overwhelming when you're attempting to do them at the speed of light. I had little to do because once again I opted for the relay and as you may have guessed I signed up for the running leg. Our team consisted of Lani (swim), Iain (bike), and me (run).

Bam - next thing I knew swimmers were in the water and the race was on. I hustled back to the transition area so I could snap photos of the team coming in and support Iain who was ready to go as soon as Lani came in from the swim. Oh my, special thanks to Lani for swimming. I'm not saying that Iain and I could not have managed the swim - well yes, I am actually saying that - without Lani we'd have been sunk, in more ways than one. She kicked the swim and was running through the sand on her way for the hand off. Some of the team had already been in and were out on the bike leg. Their transitions were smooth and calculated....well nearly. Sharon came in and saw that her bike had been moved - let me say that no one is ever supposed to touch a competitors bike - yet someone did. Holy moley when she saw it the "special" words flew faster than bullets from a Gatling gun. I saw a preacher run for his bible believing he had a soul to save. Steve and I dived for cover afraid to speak. Not to be derailed she grabbed her bike whispered a 'sorry' to the volunteers and was off.

Lani reached Iain and the transfer was complete - Iain was off. A man on a mission. He had ridden the course as part of his training and I knew he'd rock it - he's been working hard to increase his speed and to do well today.  I had about 45 minutes until my run would begin so I began my prep, putting on my race bib, warming up, mentally getting ready to push myself. This was not going to be fun - I wanted to run hard and finish knowing I gave it my best. Those runs while fantastic at the end are simply painful during. Bikers were coming in and our team was looking strong. They were in and out of transition in a flash and after the 3.1 miles, would be running across the finish line.

I saw Iain a few blocks out, coming in strong with a huge smile on his face. He rolled in and and I was off. The run was uneventful. My first mile was 7:09 and I finished averaging 7:18. A half mile to go and I saw Jamie - another relay team! My focus became easy - catch her, pass her. She was moving at a pretty good clip however. About a quarter mile to go I was a yard behind her. I thought about passing her but decided against it. I was worried that this young runner would have more in the tank than I and would then pass me prior to the finish - couldn't have that. So I set my sights on the upcoming sidewalk, that would be my push. Hitting it I gave what I had left, passing her and going hard to the finish. I managed to keep my lead but could swear I heard her footsteps right behind me. Teammates who had finished and friends were cheering as we came in and honestly, it filled me with such happiness the pain of the run disappeared. I love those guys. 

Our relay team "Triple Threat" took first place in the relay category - but only by 2.4 seconds - Paula and Jamie earned the right to stand up with us side by side.  Maybe we'll all take our victory glasses and toast a race well ran. During the awards ceremony someone from BetrolliSport seemed to always be walking up for an award - the team really rocked it. That of course is a testament to the program. Training plans, group workouts, motivating each other, and maybe most important of all, cementing friendships and creating new ones that will last well beyond this season were key ingredients. I admit that this year seemed different than last. There was more responsibility on each individual to own their plan, their workouts. This worked well for some and others found it more difficult. All I can say is that the people and the program continue to change me. I saw victories at events as well as in personal lives. Fear was beaten down and lives enriched. The character of these people is never in question and I would stand up for each and every one of them. We were many yet we were one. You are never alone - maybe it's because whenever you need a hand there is always one outstretched just waiting to help. For those who say there's no magic left in the world, come join BetrolliSport....