The sun had just started to rise over the disgusting water of Las Colinas at Lake Carolyn, I had alreay been the porto-potty twice, making sure i was not going to have any problems. My TA was setup how i normally do it and i was ready. It doesnt matter how many hours i put in for training i always question did i do enough for this one?
It was in water start, the lining of this lake was frightening to say the least. I was in the third group to start, in water start. The gun shot off and then i realized how much again i suck at swimming. My new aqua sphere goggles were great to train in at the pool as they are crystal clear. As the sun was pounding me in the face with blinding rays, i came to the conclusion that i needed to pick up a tinted pair as well. I started getting bumped 600 meters deep or so and found i was getting blocked in, not willing to give up the line i decided lets turn up the juice here and smoke these guys. I had some sweet break away and was back to being by myself. My body was punishing me for making such a foolish mistake but i was alone and able to make my long strides. As we turned around for the loop, i pulled my goggles off as they were steaming up. I could never get them placed correctly on there again after that as my swim cap was affecting the seal of the mask to my face. Finally i was out of the water, now its time to start kicking some ass!

T1 went well my pearlizumi attack sox slipped right on. I gotta have my sox its an extra couple of seconds but thats how i roll. Out of T1 I hit it hard passed 4 riders less than 200 meters in. I was using my new aero bars (carbon Stryke ) and pounded away at the rolling hills that would become my enemy through the whole course. The wind was horrid and strong. I found my self praying for the down hills rather than the climbs. They were a few decent long climbs. As i approached lap two i was misdirected as to where to go( they were holding two races one sprint and one international, sprints go one way international another) All the sudden a sign says dismount!! I was pissed I was screaming at the volunteers where is lap two, where is lap two they said nothing, I repeated once more. Finally a lady says wrong way go back. I cursed violently locked the brakes and drifted a complete 360, Now i was out for blood. 600 meters deep i caught the guy i was behind on the first lap. I had made many passes so far but this guy was strong. I found him i passed him and never saw him after that. Those hills were only blurs now , i was so angry did i not look at the map clearly enough, should i have known the course better, do these kid volunteers know anything ? I had bigger fish to fry. I was in the big chain ring the whole time on lap two. My legs were burning lactic pain shot all way through. The last hill I approached had 4 riders on it. it was long and trechorous. I said " for Lance"and then i screamed my belligerant language of non translatable non english battle cry, as i set out my attack i stood up on the pedals and hammered them like a jack hammer. Before i had hit the top i had passed all of them. About a mile left and I was ready to get off of the bike. Ii passed three more near the finish. I would estimate i passed over 20+ cyclists the whole time, The only guy who passed and held with it was a cyclists with a time trial helmet on, i said screw that, that guys serious.

T2 went well my Asics magic racers slilpped right on. I was really jacked up from the ride, the sun was pounding the flesh on everyone by now. The air was dry and there was no room for anyone to hide. I started making my passes, (i stem from a running back ground this is where i make up a lot of time ). People were dropping like flies. left and right just quitting, I had cramped in the swimming and the biking and now i was feeling okay, A cramp is a nightmare for the runner. A mile deep i peeled of my tri jersey and wore it on my waist, the long zipper made it easy to do so. there was a 4 way stop with people coming in from every direction. One guy controlled the whole thing. It was hell, he couldnt keep it down and the racers were pissed, there must have been over 40 cones in one intersection, no signs no spray paint on the ground just cones, This guy was getting scolded from all different angles. Luckily i was not misdirected again. My cramp started hitting me at mile 4 i wanted to explode with power but i figured i would pop way to early. So i kept pacing, mile 5 hit and then i started to pick it up. 1/2 mile away i saw a young man ahead of me lean nice body looked good, badged 23 on his leg, he was in my class and his ass was mine, not this close to a finish would any one ever pass me. I let out another battle cry and my breathing picked up again, the volunteers turned around as it echoed through the buildings , my pace quickened, i passed him and turned the corner, the finish line was in the distance, I kept the pace, 300 yards or so from the finish i exploded with a sprint, all sorts of noise and breathing, I passed a girl right at the finish and then it was over. Hardest i have ever raced longest race, etc etc. I was toasted after wards, I took first in my slot 20-24.

I love it, this sport of Triathlon

I am competing in an half ironman distance on Sept 11. and have a two more internationals to do maybe a few road races on the bike. I have a 15k this month as well. I plan to do a full marathon in december as well, my plan is under three hours at least. I will be qualifying in 2006 for full ironman thats the goal. I set two years to achieve my ironman dream, each race is another notch in my belt.

Joey