Always a smile, no matter how the race turns out.
Not that I needed to rectify my DNF at ITU World Cup Tongyeong, but I was hungry to see my full fitness throughout an entire triathlon, motivated, not sick and with a fully functioning bike. Only a week after racing there, I was Hong Kong bound and not to see Disneyland or go shopping. I wanted to get in one more race before shutting the season down to focus on my new job. I ended up staying with Michael Lori, my Tongyeong roommate. We found a really nice hotel near the race hotel and half its price. Although, we did have a problem with a loud air conditioner unit, which Mike took care of with the hotel staff. I’ll let Mike tell you that story. All I will say is I’m glad I was not working for that hotel that night.
Mike (middle) looks nice but he can be stern…especially when you keep him from sleeping.
On race morning, all was well, except for an unexpected run to the porta john, that were missing the toilets. They only had holes in the floor. I almost missed my introduction for the start of the racing, having to take the extra time to squat but snuck in the line as my name was called. I positioned myself next to a really fast swimmer, Lawrence Fanuous. It was almost a good idea but he was the only fast swimmer around me. After the gun went off and as soon as I lost his feet, I did not have anyone else to draft behind. Eventually, I was swimming alone with a few other swimmers on my feet. Once we approached the swim exit, which was a large metal six foot ladder and my first experience at this kind of swim exit, I was 40 seconds behind the main pack at this point.
Swim exit with a ladder
Swim, climb, bike, run
The transition was very long, but I was not going to make up that much time. Even if I ran a new 400 meter world record, since everyone sprints all out to get to their bike. There is never really that much buffer room to catch a bike pack, unless you are 10-15 seconds behind after the swim and sometimes that is too much time. Biking alone had it challenges, but I am use to this kind of scenario, so it never upsets me. Eventually by the end of the rolling bike course, I was in a group of five who I had caught along the way.
Working bike!
Out of transition, I started on a good tempo and slowly built into a faster pace. On the later stages of the run, I had run myself into the chase pack but only caught only those in the back end of it. I ended up finishing 30th overall with one of the faster runs. Then again, what is a good run unless you can use it against people? At least my chain stayed on this time. I cooled down around the Disneyland property until it was time to catch the bus back to the hotel.
Only a drive by.
Even though it was Halloween and Hong Kong celebrates that holiday, I did something more low key. A group of us went to Hong Kong city and had lunch on the pier and hiked down a mountain. Nothing too crazy, right?! Definitely not hiking up it after a race. We were going to take a cable car but the line looked like it was a mile long. We ended up negotiating for a cab ride to the top instead. On the way down we also came upon a small animal park with lots of birds and rodents. Later that night, we just ate a local café and went to bed early. Sometimes you want to go have fun at the after party but most times you want to rest up, especially when you are starting to approach 30. Check back soon for my review of the year and race season.
Post race outing
Good lunch with other athletes following the race.
I am fortunate to have my health and honored to represent the US Army, Armed Forces Sports and race again for the US Military Elite Triathlon Team, part of US Military Endurance Sports. Racing and training is effortless and made possible by the following 2015 USMES sponsors: Boeing, Snapple, Scott, SRAM, Primal, Osmo Nutrition, Honey Stinger, Zipp,Headsweats, Rudy Projects, Xterra Wetsuits , ProGold Biking, Klean Athlete, Clever Training, and Schwalbe. I’m thankful to be serviced by and involved with my local bike shop, Jack and Adams Bikes. Team Sterghos also includes Vasa, Sable Water Optics and Total Immersion. I’m coached and trained by Tim Crowley of TC2 coaching. I eat and promote a plant-based diet for maximum nutrition, performance and recovery. I also promote the pursuit of living and relationships—be true to yourself and live life with others. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Worth the cab fare
Hong Kong City
How i live my life…chill, but more free
