T'was a Tri Geek Weekend

Okay there is so much to talk about I am not sure where to begin. I think many of the tri geeks out there had their heads exploding this last weekend with IM Canada, IM Louisville, IM Korea and Chicago Tri going on. I must admit that I was a bit geeked out as there were so many of my friends racing.





A huge congrats goes out to everyone that raced. There was a zero drop out rate among everyone I knew racing. Chris McDonald threw it down in Louisville to take his first overall IM victory. That was super sweet! Justin Daeer executed the PERFECT 9:00 hour IM. Billy Edwards managed to put together another solid race with a 9:18 at Louisville. Who does he think he is? Hillary Biscay? IM CDA, IM LV and then going to race Hawaii! I say Billy should just go lay down some law in Wisconsin too LOL!



Dr. J and Little Bro Jon got it done out there. The big question everyone is wanting to know is what was said during "the pass?" Jon was out of the water about 8 min quicker and then they biked identical times so somewhere on the run Dr. J made the move! Gotta love that sibling rivalry haha. We are also wondering about the JD/Gordo pass. The G man didn't have the race he was looking for, but shit happens. I still find it extremely impressive that a bad day is a 9:04 race for him. Good on him for not giving up!



I think Marylin Mac Donald (Not sure if I got the last name right Mc or Mac?...won't matter soon enough lol) had the fastest female bike split up in Canada. No wonder she was giving the guys such hell on that second Wiggins ride!



Matt "the intern" had some issues prior to the race with his calf and wasn't sure if he was going to be able to get it done and he manged to finish sub 11 hours. It's all about gaining experience!

Michael Stone had a 40 min PR in Canada! I told you there were a lot of people racing....



Becky O and Drew Irwin finished really close together. Long day for both of them but they got it done and so many of us know that no matter how fit you are, Ironman can come down to just finishing. Those days are where the life lessons are learned....not on the perfect days. You guys rock!



So while everyone was gone Denny, Marky V and I have been hitting it pretty hard here in Boulder. We have been doing the majority of our training with Macca and upping that run mileage. I don't really talk too much about my training on here so I figured now would be a good time to do that.



I put together a pretty decent block these last two weeks. My main focus has been my running. Because I was out for so long due to the plantar fasciitis I feel it has been lagging. I did execute a solid 1:19 run in Racine for the 1/2 but I fear the IM running is not 100% under me. Even though I felt decent on that rough day at Full Vineman I still noticed higher levels of fatigue than I would like.



My speed is somewhat okay now. I only have one more 1/2 Ironman (Big Kahuna Sept 9th) so I am not really going to focus on speed. The race will be a faster session for me but as far as training, it is all about going long, hills and steady.



Saturday we went out for a long ride. It was a good group that was Myself, Denny, Marky V, Cam, and Macca along with his Aussie crew. Chris Stanton just got into town and came up with us for the ride. That was comedy! As Macca said "He was GOOOOOOOONE!" Poor guy did 112 miles up high on about 4 hours of sleep LOL.



The ride sucked for me in the first bit. They went up part of the canyon harder than I wanted and I had put in a big week of hill running. My legs were "GOOOOOONE" and I thought "FUCK!" I don't want to do this entire ride on my own. Luckily they were all nice and waited for me at one of the early climbs. It was funny because we were on a course that had a diabetes ride going on too and in the beginning I was ridding with the guys but then all of a sudden I blew and was on the diabetes ride with the camel backs, toe baskets and bike mirrors LOL. It was sad.



But then we get to Estes Park and stop at a coffee shop. I am still thinking that I am just going to take the quick way back to Boulder and get home because I feel like crap. But then Macca convinces me to have a coffee. I don't drink caffeine ever and wasn't really keen on it. Scott Molina always used to try and get me to use it on rides but I never gave in. Today was the day I gave in. All I have to say is that caffeine is my new best friend! Not that I will start using it in the AM, but on a ride you can count me in for a cup of Joe! I was a new person for the second 1/2 of that ride. Now I get why Jonas used to always get super excited to ride after his 10 shot espresso followed by a Red Bull LOL! I did get some shit when I put my order in. "Soy Latte please." Hahah



After the ride Denny, Macca, Marky V and I went for a run. It was supposed to be an easy run but some how Macca and I were running close to 5:15 miles at one point! Luckily we slowed down and finished the rest of the run but I was just amazed that I had that great run after such an early day of crap. Denny is running super fast right now too. Fastest I have ever seen him run!



The next day Denny. Macca, Marky V and Stanno went up to Nedderlands to get our long run in. We pushed a solid steady pace and picked it up a bit on the way back. I think we were at about 9,000 feet. The biggest part of the run was when Macca took Denny and I over to the track they have up there. He said that we were going to run 2K at 3 hour marathon pace. Our legs had already run 18 plus miles and the big day prior in them so they were not fresh by any means. Not to mention the 9,000 feet. Anyway, we did the 2K and Macca just kept saying "This is Eaaaasy Mate! EASY!" He really pointed out that there is no reason why we can't execute 3 hour marathons in Hawaii. Granted there is the heat etc but if we go out ON pace we should be able to do it. In fact he said that if Denny and I run sub 3:05 in Kona that he will buy our food and drinks for the rest of the trip! GIDDDY UP!



Cam Wiedoff was on the ride the day before and has sparked our new saying that we all can't seem to let go. In fact a rumor that T-Shirts will be made is going around. When we all got up to Peak to Peak highway and stopped to refuel, Cam starts going off on something and then starts calling everything we are doing "Baby Food." So of course Macca in his raspy Aussie accent won't stop saying "Mate! That's Baby FOOD!" If you see us all wearing shirts in Kona that say that- you will know where it came from!



Denny and I backed up that big weekend with a 1:30 min AM run the next day, with a 4K swim and nice 2 hour spin. I feel good! I am excited to be doing all this running and not have foot pain. I keep a close eye on it because I will go nuts if it comes back. I should take the time to write how I got rid of it. So many people have Plantar Fasciitis that lasts foooooorever....



Okay I have to go swim right now. My swimming has taken a minor hit because I am running so much but I do plan to get that back into the grove before Kona. Lots of pool time for me in the next seven weeks. I find that in the two weeks building up to a race I can still swim pretty long and hard. In fact, if I don't, my swim tends to suck.



So there is a little bit about what has been happening in the training department. Hopefully in the next week or so I will be able to fill you all in on a deal I am working on! Pretty excited about it!!!



Can't wait for the Good Guys to get back into town....although Denny and I think it is a load of crap that Dr. J and Jon are heading back to north south whatever Carolina! That's lame! STAY IN BOULDER!!

A High Five to Remember

I was very upset. I had been out on my bike for almost six hours due to the flat tire complication earlier in the race. It was hot and windy and I was showing all signs of quiting. The idea that I was not going to win my race set in as I rolled slowly over the parking lot speed bumps where T2 awaited me. In my mind it was the finish line.



As I got off the bike my anger set in deeper and I briskly walked my bike to my space on the rack. My cleats were stomping the pavement so hard it is a wonder that they didn't crack. Once to the rack I immaturely slammed my bike down and dropped my head. Below me I could see all the stuff in my see through bag that I had placed there the day before. It looked so prepared and ready for me. The bag emitted a sadness and disappointment that I showed up so late for our date.



I sat on the scorching hot asphalt for a while. The burning on my thighs was no where near the mental pain I was feeling at the time. I was approached about my situation and encouraged to move on. A marathon? What is the point of running a marathon now?



You could say that I gained fitness for completing my race. Or you could say that I built another 26.2 miles of character. There were many things that I received that day for finishing, but only one of them was a "gift."



I had run my first of a three loop run course. I was now headed towards the finish area where you looped around to head back out. I think most people that were watching me specifically, were wondering if I would go on. Was I just out to run one loop and then call it a day? I knew on a very deep inner level right after my first step that I was going to complete this thing. What I was going to get out of it was still uncertain.



As I continued my loop through the transition area I could hear a familiar voice yelling. It was loud and silenced all other sounds competing with it. I couldn't understand what was being said but I knew with out a doubt that it was the voice of my father. I looked up and didn't see him among the crowd of spectators that were lining the course. I was on a 50 meter stretch that took you back out to the corner where you began loop 2. As I approached that corner his voice became louder and louder but still there were no words.



Not knowing where his voice was coming from or what it was saying, I just looked down and kept running. But then, in an instant, all I remember was my hand rising up. For the first time I could make out the words. "YOUR GONNA DO THIS! YOU'RE GONNA DO THIS, RIGHT?" His voice was so alive and energetic. Everything had slowed down to a euphoric pace and I could now see him and the extend arm that must have caused mine to rise. He became silent and just stood there with his hand in the air. Everything was going so slow, the crowd was dissolving in my mind and all I could see was my dad standing there. My vision became so heightened that I could almost make out the lines in his palm. There was something peculiarly insecure about his arm even as it reached out to me with it's strength and confidence. What was happening? What was he trying to say?



My body and mind was being overtaken by emotion. It wasn't emotion from the race. It was our emotion. Our past, present and future was getting ready to have the biggest moment of our lives. Our hands slapped with what one might assume to be an electric charge. It was more than that. It was real. And in that one very brief moment we had the most meaningful conversation that we have had in years.



I was forced to think about that race on a few occasions. I had to write about it and tell several people the story of the day. But honestly, I haven't given that race any thought since I crossed the line. All I have done is reflected on that one single moment that lasted for less than a second.



It is so interesting how the universe works. Here I thought I was going to California to try and win a race and prove my fitness. Little did I know that I would be going there receive the best gift of my life. A high five to remember.

What Debate?

If you are like most Americans, you tune into some form of news several times a week. It is hard not to take notice that the Presidential Race for 08 has begun. I have watched several of the debates on TV, especially the recent "Youtube" debate that Anderson Cooper hosted on CNN. I must give him some serious props for how he handled it. It is very challenging to keep politicians on topic and he managed better than most. Fun Fact: How many people know Anderson is gay?


When I chimed into the boob tube the other day I saw that the Democratic candidates were going to be in LA to debate "Gay Issues." I wonder what issues they are going to debate? Are all gay men really that good looking? Are lesbians truly that gifted when it comes to sports? Maybe they will debate something more serious like the HIV issue in gay men? Oh wait! I bet it will be whether a gay guy does a better Barbra than Barbra herself.


Obviously they would not be touching on any of these stereotypical comments I just made. No, they would rather waste time and money and debate something that in my mind is "not debatable." Equality.


I am so sick and tired of politicians on both sides of the fence mistaking gay people for a tennis ball that they whack back and forth trying to rack up as many votes as they can. Maybe they view us as a tennis ball because they don't have any balls of their own? (Or whatever the female equivalent for Hillary would be. Although some would say that would be "balls").


How in this day and age do you justify debating "equality" in a country that claims to be the king of "Freedom?" Well actually, I can answer that for you. You see the biggest issue that gay people face is that straight people, who seem to know SOOOOOO much about gay people, like to debate that it might be a choice. I understand that sexuality isn’t always as concrete as the color of one’s skin. However, that does not give a person that is NOT gay the right to determine if choice has played a factor. To me it is like the sports doctor that has never done a lick of physical activity in his/her life trying to tell me about an injury I have. Go run for three hours and get back to me on that one “Doc“.


The other problem gay people face is the whole idea of "family values." Funny that this should come up as I am at Amante Coffee in Boulder writing this and I am totally eavesdropping on these two guys’ conversation. They are debating the homo issue. (They seem straight. I wonder if they chose that?). The main argument that I heard was that they are "Okay with homo's but the concern comes when we face the breakdown of the nuclear family." Well light a fire under my ass!


Do I need to bring up the statistics of straight people and marriage? I only know a tiny handful of folks that got married and stayed married (my parents are one of them-Good job!). Most people I know have been divorced at least once in their life. You don't see me running them down screaming "you pathetic failure you are killing marriage!" You do see plenty of people including our wonderful president (hold on, when I mention him I gag a little bit) that seem to be obsessed with the idea that gay people are going to kill marriage.


When my parents still lived in Thousand Oaks, I would have to drive by Oaks Christian High School that sits right on the 101 freeway. When California had the Gay Marriage bill up for vote, the counter campaign was called "Save Marriage." Those love filled Christians at the High School had, I kid you not, over 200 of the "Save Marriage" signs on the front lawn. I wonder how many of the kids that go to that school come from broken homes? Oaks Christian gets a big Dick Cheney F Bomb from me…… And so does Dick.


But you see my point here is that the argument of “saving” marriage doesn't hold up. In fact, if you look at the homes of gay people that have chosen to have children, you find a home that stays together WAY more then our bunny breeding straight folks. It would seem clear to me that the reason for this is that gay people are forced into planned parenthood and have to jump through many hoops to get a kid. They REALLY want children!


I guess straight people take the family values argument one step further and claim that children need a father figure and a mother figure to come out normal. Ummmmm okay. I am down with that as long as we attack every single family that isn't a mom and dad. Do these people that make these arguments every stop and listen to themselves? Kids growing up need three things to come out okay. Love, attention and discipline. And even then it is a crap shoot.


Lets back track for a moment and deal with the whole "It's a choice" argument. First, why would anyone in their right mind choose to be gay in the world in which we live. Sure I understand that we posses most of the creative talent on the planet but still! Golly Gee, I think I will choose to be something that gets harassed in school, the government hates, people think is odd and finally something that I could get my ass kicked over in most states that don't touch water. Sounds like a good choice to me!


So lets argue for a second that being gay is 100% choice. Guess what? This is America people! Land of the FREE, home of the brave. It is your right to chose that if you want! I don't recall any fine print in the constitution of the United States. It's a good thing that there isn't any as the government can’t seem to read the regular print correctly (cough, cough WIRE TAPPING!).....that is a topic for another day.


Anyway, I hope you get my points here. They are a bit scattered I know, but when you take the whole debate down to the root, which is “equality”, you find that there is in fact no debate. You are either for equality or you are a bigot.


I would love to hear any arguments that go against this notion of equality. WARNING: If you throw any biblical stuff at me I will whip out that over quoted novel and find something in it that would warrant me stoning your righteous ass in public! Seriously though, we are at a cross roads in this country. Do we step up to the plate and try and practice what we preach or do we continue down the path of hypocrisy? You tell me.


And finally, as far as the Presidential candidates go, they can debate “the gays” all they want. They can preach their religion that prevents them from backing gay marriage, they can use their wife’s views on gay marriage to try and make them look better and they can of course continue to come kiss our asses. No matter what they do, they cannot hide from the fact that there is only one clear non debatable answer on this issue if we continue to preach Equality and Freedom in this country.


Anyone know how many of our kids died in Iraq today? I didn’t think so…..


To see the full debate in LA you can visit www.visiblevote08.com

Preminitions at Full Vineman

This is a picture of the two bracelets that they give you on the run at Full Vineman for completing your first two loops. They will be two of the most prized items in my Umeke bowl as I build for the Hawaii Ironman. After what happened on the bike, it was very hard for me to get out of T2 to finish that race.

It was 3:45 AM and my hotel phone rang in an effort to take me out of my dream state and get me ready to race an Ironman. The dream I was having was odd as usual and had all the signs of a big race coming. My dad and I were in a math class that was being taught by Dave Scott (yes strange I know) and I was upset because I had to get to the race and my bike still had my training wheels on them. I was trying to get them to see the importance of getting the race wheels put on as the race was going to start shortly. Dave just wanted to talk about logarithms and my dad kept asking me how much the Zipps cost. Thank god that phone rang because I was over the dream!

When I got up I felt really awake which is a very good sign for me. I started cooking my oatmeal in my in room coffee maker while shoving down the whole wheat bread. Everything was ready to go so I wasn't in a rush by any means. I had turned the TV on as a distraction. Biography had a segment on Cameron Diaz. Interesting...but not really.

I sat there eating my oatmeal looking at my bike. I was rubbing my tires examining for anything that looked odd. I had "flat" on the brain the entire week building to the race. It had started when Amanda Lavato was telling me about her crappy incident at Lake Placid. She was stuck on the side of the road for a long time with a flat. And then Monica had sent me an e-mail that ended with "Good mechanical luck." I never think about flats as I have never got one in a race and I am always prepared to fix one.

This race felt different. It would be the only Ironman I would be doing for some time that I would have the chance to win outright. Being in shape, the only thing I figured could take me down would be a bike issue. So of course that was what I was obsessing on.

Once I got down to the race start I decided that I would go to the bike mechanic and buy one extra Co2. I was going to be riding with a Camel Back to see if I liked using it in an Ironman so I would have the space for extra stuff. I put the extra Co2 in the zipper pouch. "Insurance" I thought.

I brought my bike to T1 carrying it over the dirt so I wouldn't get anything in my tire. After I got my bike racked I felt all my pre race nerves dissolve. I chatted with some of the race favorites and Amy who is one of the race directors. She had told me that Dave (Her brother and another of the race directors) was going to be in a kayak for the swim giving updates. That would be pretty fun for spectators as you don't get to see that much of the swim.

After my pre race dump (the most important part of my day!) I got into the water to warm up for the swim. David Glover and I were next to each other in the water talking about the day ahead of us. The water was really nice but the fog was coming in so seeing the buoys was becoming harder. The swim is an out and back done twice so it wasn't going to be too hard to stay on course.

When the gun went off I felt great. I got on some feet and just stayed there. After a while the swim started to feel really slow so I looked up to see if there was anyone I could bridge up to but there was no one. I moved out of the draft to feel how much energy it would take to swim faster. It wasn't worth it so I moved back onto the feet. I felt bad because I kept tapping his feet. Too bad it didn't make him swim faster as it felt really slow to me. No worries though as the goal was to win the race.

When I got out of the water the time was 56 min. I was stoked that a swim that felt that easy and slow was a 56. I got out of the water feeling as if I hadn't done anything yet! I was excited to get rolling on the bike.

T1 was pretty smooth. I took longer than most but I wasn't in any kind of rush. I saw Amy standing there and gave her a quick hello and took off. The bike starts going up a short large hill and I couldn't remember if I had put my bike into a low gear. Of course I didn't so it was grind grind grind to get up.

I was told I was about 3 min down from the front. I was in really god position and knew all I had to do was ride steady. Gordo had told me on one of our really long rides how "easy" the first hour should feel. I kept it right there and just enjoyed the AM. It is a bit hard though because I like to race and push hard and with Ironman you don't' really feel like you are doing that (unless you are a top dog like Stadler). I think the slower pace sometimes causes me to doubt at how well I am riding. But I stuck to the plan and rode the way Gordo told me to.

Everything was going well and I had passed a few people. I knew that I probably wouldn't pass many more a I was already towards the front. If anything Bob Shebest and David Glover would most likely catch up to me. Although I was in really good bike shape that I may just hold them off with my swim time....

I passed the point on the bike where Peter Kotland flatted last year. He was hyped up to win the race in 06 and then ended up on the side of the road with bike issues. Flying past that point made the "flat tire mentality" came back in my head. I saw lots of glass on sections of the road and started getting concerned that I would flat. But then I remembered that I had my trusty Continental tires on and they have NEVER failed me. Why did I say that?? JINX! Moments later my disc blew and I thought "Oh Fuck!"

I pulled over and tried to stay calm. I looked at the wheel and then began to fix it. Everything I had failed me. I even had the foam repair with me so I wasn't too freaked out when the it blew again. I got the foam out and stuck the crack pipe in it. That was a HUGE mistake! The crack pipe started the foam and it went everywhere. I didn't realize that the pipe would fire it. I tried to get the pipe on the tire nozzle as fast as I could. I think some foam went in so I spun the wheel and then got out my last Co2 to try and inflate. Once ready to use it I cracked it but the pipe was clogged with foam and none of the Co2 went in. I was now screwed as I had nothing left.

I looked around and saw this guy that looked like he might be in the Hell's Angels. I asked him if he had a cell phone and would call someone for me. He did and called my mother who would most likely still be near transition. I told her what was going on and that she needed to find Amy or Dave and have them send me tech support ASAP. She was on the case.

In the mean time I watched as rider after rider went by. I was getting more and more upset as each one went by. I was ultimately looking for Bob Shebest. I knew he wasn't the greatest swimmer but could ride and run really well. If I could just get back on the bike either when he rolled by or 5-10 min after I would still have a chance at this. He eventually came by with no sign of tech support in sight and I slowly started to realize this race was over for me.

A guy that wasn't in the race did ride up to me and I begged him for his back wheel as he had a tri bike. He had 650's on the back so it wouldn't have worked. That was when I started to realize that I was going to have to finish this race in the back of the pack on my own. That wasn't what I signed up to do and I was not happy about it. Tech support finally showed up about an hour later and had me back on the bike. I had no idea that it would take that long and wasn't really eating properly. I drank a bottle of Accelearde but that was about it.

When I started riding my legs felt like crap. They had basically shut down so I tried to get them back in the game. Eventually I started riding harder. I wanted to get myself back up in the race and figured my only chance was to ride hard. When I passed the High School they said I was about 45-50 min back now. That was hard to hear. God, even writing about this now is boring me......lets cut to the chase.

I rode in, having one more issue on the bike that almost made me throw my Kestrel in the bushes but found I a way to keep my cool. For the last 15 miles of the bike my head was 100% out of it. I wanted off the bike and to call it a day. I got into T2 and realized how upset I truly was. I racked the bike and just sat down. I saw Jessica standing there and she wasn't too sure what to say. I could tell that she REALLY wanted me to run. Amy walked over to me and we talked for a while. She was really encouraging and ultimately made me think to put my running shoes on. I asked her where the leaders were and she told me that David would be coming through for his first loop soon. I asked if it was legal for me to run with him and she said yes. I decided that I would ask him if he wanted company on the run. When he came by he said yes and we took off.

I didn't say anything to my parents or Jessica. I just ran. David and I chatted most of the first loop. The pace felt really easy for me. I had to let him run off on the way back as I my stomach felt like it was going to explode. I took care of business but not in a timely manor. I really didn't care that much anymore. After my dump I started running again and eventually caught back up to David. On the second loop I ran off ahead of him and then held tight for loop three.

It was really hot out and that third loop was mentally tough for me as there was nobody to race. I just felt good that I was getting this done. I had always said that I would not DNF a race unless my health was in risk. I never realized how hard that would be. I am so thankful that I did get out there and run as it proved to me that I am in shape for Ironman and that I don't quit.

I look forward to racing Vineman next year as it will most likely be my only Ironman. I really want to take a year to focus on the 1/2 distance and I also really want to win this race. The Vineman triathlons have been my early learning ground. I did my first 1/2 here and Vineman last year was my second IM but my first that went well. It is a great venue and I look forward to doing the 1/2 and full next year!

Thanks for a great time even with the flat. And a HUGE thanks to my parents and Jessica who were out there all day and did so much to keep me going on crummy circumstances. Hawaii here we come!

cheers,

bdc

Pre Full Vineman Report

" Growing Up Del Campo"

I couldn't resist this picture of the Fam at dinner before the race. Yes, my mother looks like she got her ass kicked. No, my dad did not pull an Ike Turner on her. She fell over a wall! This picture pretty much describes us though....

Hey Peeps,

Thanks for all the good vibes prior to the race! I feel as ready as I can be. I just got back from the race check in and BOY IS IT HOT OUT! It should be a good race as the top 3 (including me) are back and some dude named Mark from Estonia is here. Apparently he went 8:50 at Roth this year. I'm glad there is a field as it makes for a better race, and I like to race. Note: I like the race once the gun goes off. I could deal without the pre race.

Getting here was quite the adventure. I had left my drivers license in Wisconsin and it was going to be mailed back to me but had not arrived. I was set to rent a car in Oakland when I got there but you can't really do that if you don't have a license. So I spent the AM on the phone with the DMV. Now that is a good time! I mean I really enjoyed the 75 min of static filled musac. Once through I found that there was nothing I could do in CO. since I have a Cali DL. That made my time on the phone with them even more special! So of course I called the DMV in Cali and they explained that they could call Hertz and prove that I did in fact have a DL knew how to drive. Problem solved! Not.....

I called Hertz just to see what they thought about the situation and they explained that they needed to see written proof that I had a DL. I tried to argue the phone case but they weren't going to budge. They offered to take me to the DMV when I got to Oakland. Oh GOODY GOODY GUM DROPS! I get to go to the DMV after I land!

By the time I land, get all my stuff and take the shuttle to Hertz it is 4:35. We all know what time the DMV closes! There was a huge line at Hertz but no line at the Gold Club Member section. I decided that I was a Gold Club Member at that point and went to the counter. "EEsssscuse me sir but are you a Gold Club Member?" said the lovely and old women that looked all of 35 and had such nice skin. I knew I was gonna have to charm the pants off of this one if I wanted to get to the DMV by 5:00. I explained my situation and found a way to make her feel important and in charge and before I knew it I was in a car with Earl on the way to the DMV. "Thanks Sugar!"

Earl was a trip. I had that feeling like I wanted to just sit back and exhale thanking my lucky stars that I was gonna get a car. Earl wanted to talk. And talk. And talk.....I have never in my 30 years of life met someone that was able to talk so monotone for so long. "WellIwasinthenavyyouseeandtheyhadmedoingelctricalinstalls....Iridemybiketowork1.38milesandIliketochangegears whenIgetoahill...." Oh dear lord take me now! The poor guy must have been so lonely for conversation that he kinda grew on me (okay he really didn't but I am trying to be nice). I just let him go on and threw in a "Uhh huh that's nice" about every min or so.

When we get there it is 4:50 and I go to the "start window" and explain my situation. She looked at me with no sympathy what so ever and just said "Mhhhmmmmm here's yo number." Thanks....I think.

Earl and I waited on a bench with the other 10,000 people. I noticed a security guard starting to close things up. Earl didn't because he was deep in a some old Navy story that made absolutely NO SENSE to me. I just kept watching the monitor for G243. That was my number.

Finally it got called and I went to window 5 (Is that a sign that I am gong to get 5th place? Oh god I hope not! You see the horrible things my mind does to me before a race!) The lady at Window 5 was very nice and said "we can do this no problem. It will be 4o dollars." Oh crap I had left my wallet in the car. I told her I would be right back. She gave me a look that basically said "get your ass back in here before 5:00." I darted for Earl. "Car Keys! Car Keys!" Earl wasn't the fastest of people. I grabbed them from him and went for the door but the security guard stopped me and said " I can't let you in after 5:00." I told him my situation in auctioneer style and he just shook his head. "Looks like you ain't getting no license today!" I ran my ass off "Oh Damn! My legs feel gooood!" At least I got a little chance to test them out. I got my bag and darted back to the door. It was like grade school when they made you do those shuffle runs on the ass fault for time. I was always good at those.

The guard let me back in but with a look. We all know the look he gave me. That one that says "I'm so lucky and he is sooooo important." Whatever!

Long story short (too late I know) I got the license and then endured the ride back with Earl and got the car. From there it was traffic most of the way to the hotel. That was fine I guess because I could just listen to the radio and relax. But why do cities that have toll roads REFUSE to give you some warning? I almost didn't have enough cash to get across the bridge! This happened to Jessica and I in Chicago once and no joke we were throwing all sorts of currency in the can. She had been in Brazil and I had been in New Zealand. It worked to our surprise! Here is another tip. When I checked my bike in the lady at the counter asked me what was in the box and I said "Shoes and stuff." She didn't charge me for a bike and I didn't lie about it. I did have "shoe's and stuff" in it. ;-)

Now I am just waiting for the folks and Jessica to arrive. We are going to go get some food from "Mary's Pizza Shack." My dad would probably call it "MAAAARY'S! Pizza Shack." My mom's name is Mary and they speak to each other like true Italians. "MAAARY!"...."Whaaaaaaat?"

Thanks again for all the good vibes!

bdc