Monday, February 18, 2008

2008 Myrtle Beach painfest

Though it pales in comparison to the mighty JavaFest 2008 (no tree lights, no sides of cheese, all driving times greater than 20 minutes, and no blogging buddies), we did try to revive the spirit for JavaEast. We didn't have much room left in the truck once this sign was packed, but somehow we got all of our fitness wear crammed in.

Then there was the race, its self. What a very crappy time, indeed! I have come to the conclusion that something in the Fazoli's food we ate the night prior caused a mild poisoning effect, since all 4 of us there together (Larry and Shelly being the others) had a very painful run and immediate intense soreness all day long. But, we got it done, and my foot/shoe may be famous. I stumbled on that pic in the previous post, and I'm pretty sure it's me: exact same shoe, same no-show black socks, similar shorts, and legs as chicken-like as mine.

We were happy to have it behind us, frankly. I had a decent time (1:34:25, a new PR), but it took every bit of mental effort to keep going. It was not a fun time at all. It did, however, net me a 132nd overall (out of 2842) and 13th of 133 in my age group (M 30-34).

The next day, amid curses from Mendy and Shelly about how stupid it was to ride the (advertised) 32 mile course the day after that hard run, I was looking forward to a good test on the new bike. Ain't she purdy? Too bad I look like such a dork. Oh well...
I rolled over the start line about mid-pack, but was in the top 5 a couple of miles later, and then caught up with the 2 leaders at about mile 8. They drafted me for about 8-10 miles, and offered to paceline (trade the lead to limit time in the wind) but I declined so I could get in the triathlon mindset. About half way, they pulled away from me a bit, but stayed in sight. Until I caught a red light, that is. With the headwind on the return, I wasn't able to bridge the gap, and wound up finishing 3rd overall. The bike performed beautifully!

After finishing, I went to get my medal and take off my chip. Just a few feet after that, my front brake pulled out of the fork! Holy cow, I'm so fortunate that didn't happen on the course! The retaining nut had simply come loose, and somehow I was able to recover it also. Then I rode back along the course to pick up Mendy, so we could finish together. I did the customary sneak-up-and-grab-the-hiney maneuver, but she barely flinched. Hmmm, perhaps I should worry.

Mendy and Shelly were still complaining, but more intensely now since the 32 mile ride was actually pushing over to 36 miles total. As we approached the finish, though, Mendy began to smile at the thought of completing her longest ride ever. She did great, and I was so glad to be there with her across the line.

Afterwards, I did a quick brick run around the parking lot, maybe a mile total distance. It felt rough, and people were looking at me funny. They're the weirdos, though.

It was a good weekend, and we had lots of fun. If the half marathon hadn't been involved, it would have been a great weekend. Stupid running! I'm looking forward to the transition to in-season training, and really cranking this thing into gear. Sorry I've been so out of touch lately; lots to time building the bike, and not much time for blogging. Hopefully I'll catch up today.

16 comments:

Wes said...

I can barely see you in the brilliance of that new steed :-) Your dorkiness :-D

Nice time on the half marathon. I wouldn't worry about Mendy. She probably just knows if anyone is grabbing her butt on the bike, its you!! ROFL...

Eric said...

Sa-WEET ride! Yes, you look like a dork! Just kiddin'. You look Ma-velous!

Mendy said...

You did GREAT, this weekend David and I'm very proud of you in both events. !

Gotta Run..... said...

Nice PR!!!

I love how you mention that you did a quick brick run following all of the weekends events. You are one major mad man!!!

Glad you could share Mendy's finish with her. Nothing can top that!

sunshine said...

Awesome job! Sounds like a fun time and great weekend with friends.

It's so cool that you and Mendy do races together. I'm trying to get JP's soccer ankle healthy enough to join me...

G-Man said...

As if a PR is supposed to feel good...nobody should have the right to whine when they set a PR ;-) As for dorkiness...well...you have every right to whine about that since truth be told if it wasn't for the bike being in that picture we might have to stop being friends. G

Unknown said...

Great job on the bike. 3rd place is awesome.

She probably couldn't feel you grabbing her butt because she couldn't feel it after riding 30+ miles.

Marcy said...

Duuuuuuddeee you totally rocked out on both events!! Sweetness!!

Don't worry too much about Mendy, it's on;y been me that has been grabbing her hiney :P

And I must say you are TOTALLY onto something with the bags of urine bit (ie: comments) Someone needs to come up with an invention for runners. Pee on the Go bags and then when someone angers you you can throw them :P

Jess said...

Congrats on success with both races!

Marcy said...

And high fivers for the nifty new tools (to the right) I'm totally stealing the IP blocker :P

Paul said...

Sweet rig! Good job on the race too. I'm not sure about your helmet in that pic. :P

Pokey said...

You are an ANIMAL! Sorry about the sub-standard JavaFest-East that you had to endure :( We have a much better time out here in the West!!!

:P

J~Mom said...

Congrats on your new PR! Sorry it was painful getting there though.

Your new bike is so pretty!!!! WOOT WOOO!!!!

Lori said...

You had better be ready to haul that sign back to VA Beach this summer...I am totally expecting it! You are such a beast...with your new PR and 3rd place bike finish...I'm so not worthy.

Jason The Running Man said...

Dude, nice new rig! Wow, congrats on the 3rd place finish you are an animal!

My Life said...

"Stupid running..." ;) congrats on your new PR! And thank goodness for that brake not pulling out on the course! Wow!

You and Mendy are an awesome team! I hope Grace gets into it all with you when she's a bit older!!