Practice tri and Rancho 500

I joined the Fall tri team as means to re-connect with the LLS cause, raise funds and perhaps do a little recruiting for Ironteam. The season has been fun and short. The SOMA Red Rock 1/2 Ironman is this Sunday in Phoenix. There are only 4 of us on the team (out of 40 or so) doing the 1/2 distance but I think I'm ready.

Saturday was our practice tri at Stevens County park reservoir. The swim went very well - the water was very comfortable and I felt very smooth. I did two loops of the course for a total of about 1200 yards - finished in 23 minutes so just under a 2:00 per 100 pace.

When I got to the transition it seemed everyone was gone - well, they were gone since they were only doing one loop in the water. I took my time getting onto the bike. It was nice starting on a downhill - I could really get some speed going. Made it to the turnaround to see some of my favorite people - Ironteam!

On the second loop of the bike I got a flat. And looking back it was a good thing to have happen. I was riding my race wheels with the tubulars. I had a spare tire with me but I haven't changed a tubular tire on the road yet. The flat happened right at El Monte so I was thinking of just walking down to Main Street where I knew Ironteam would offer some help. Even though none of them ride tubulars - at least I'd get some "that sucks" and "sorrys" from them - and maybe even a ride back if I wanted.

Before I got to them though - Rick stopped along with his driver Bob in the SAG vehicle. Rick has done some tubular changing before so he gave me some advice and we got the new tire on and inflated. Once I broke the glue seal I think it was actually faster to change than a tire with a tube.

Made it back to transition in the park for the run. The best part of the whole day was when I started my second loop of the run.

Ironteam had come out to support the practice tri and to do their 3 mile run workout (3 miles, I know but it's still early in the season). Anyways - the start of my second was at the same time Ironteam was starting their run. I got to run with some of my new team mates and returning team mates as well. It was the best part of the day.

We had a nice BBQ afterwards offered by the Fall team and may have recruited one or more folks for the 2008 team. Can't tell you how proud and impressed I was with the Ironteam on Saturday. Thank you for the support on the course and for running with me.

And I'm also part of a group of runners doing the Rancho 500. It's a race to see who can complete 500 miles first - all done at Rancho park. This is my favorite place to run so it was easy to join this group. I was leading for a bit then strained a leg muscle so I backed off for a bit.

I went out today for a run with Capt Steve. I felt a bit slow and sluggish so we decided to make it a short run. It's still pretty dark out there at 6:30 am even with a head light. On the return from the hairpin turn, I stepped on a rock and rolled my left foot onto my ankle. Not the best thing to have happen 5 days before an event. So I'm icing it and won't be running any more this week.

The Rancho 500 has a long ways to go so I think I still have some time to catch people. Just hope the ankle is ready for the 1/2 IM this Sunday.