Thank you, Matt

Without Matt being there, I think I would have DNF'd, but certainly would have done much worse. It was one of those days where the mind said go, and the body said nope. But as I climbed onto the bicycle, coughing and sputtering from the horrid pool experience, I remembered the pictures of Matt. I realized that if I competed with half the heart that he lived life with, I would win every damn race. So, I talked to Matt several times and felt encouraged. I wouldn't quit, because he didn't. I tried hard, and hoped to give my best. What I gave was what I could muster for the day, and I can say I went way beyond any comfort barrier. Thanks for introducing us, Nic.

So, that's my race report, in a nutshell. The details are on my training log. I went overall faster than last year, but I didn't do as well as I had hoped. I have some things to work on, but mostly it's my attitude and who I'm racing against: me. Vendettas and grudge matches (that aren't explicitly friendly) don't do anything but poison best efforts.

So thanks to Matt, and I'll try to do it better (and therefore faster) next time.

And thanks to Lisa for chatting with us on the way down, and to Marcy for FINALLY answering the phone. Man, we got screened like Justin trying to get back with Cameron. Thanks to Scott and Robin for calling to see how see did. Get better, Scott!

Mendy did great, and we had a good time. It was an awesome experience to be part of a great team, and celebrate as a group for individual accomplishments. We met Chris in person, and hung out with Eric and some other good people.