Training Log Archive: FoxShadow

Eric and I traveled down to Arlington, TX for the Salvation Army Most Amazing Race held down there. They were again posting a $5,000 prize and it's always a fun race so it's a no-brainer to pay the $260 for a direct flight, grab a hotel room for $53, and a car for $24.

The race was the first one they have put on down there, so there were only 20 teams, but in total we raised $17,000 so it was a respectable effort. The "smallness" of the race went away right away when we were bussed to Cowboy stadium. That place was amazing. So huge and nice, and the Cowboys were nice enough to allow us access for free, and they also provided Rowdy the mascot and cheerleaders.

The race was underway in time, and Eric and I were the first to complete the first challenge of running to the TV interview room, taking a picture, then going to kick a field goal.

We soon found out that the race director had set up bus transportation between every checkpoint, on the 15 minute mark, and the busses were exactly and precisely on time with zero exceptions. Awesome. This way team could cut down on running if they wanted, but could also perform accurate calculations as to the cost/benefit of trying to run ahead of the busses.

We ended up taking 3 or 4 busses, and running 4 or 5 legs. We had a 10 to 20 minute lead for the entire race, and ended up racing ahead of the bus schedule towards the end of the race. Fortunately all of the legs at the end were less than a mile so that did not hurt us at all. I will I was supremely impressed with the bus schedule, trying to predict racer's times to construct a schedule is a very difficult task.

After completing the BW3 blazing challenge (brutal!), shooting a bearing (thanks Biz for the tune-up practice!), setting up a tent, identifying Ansel Adams images (after my prior week spent in yosemite!), filtering dirty water, and many other challenges that Eric and I felt very at home with, we came home with the victory.

One thing I did not note that I was not expecting was how nice everyone down in Arlington was. The area is full of very nice people, nicer than any other race we've traveled to. The people seem to have a genuine ability to listen when they ask you a question, and they nearly always say "welcome to texas" in a sincere tone when they learn that you traveled there. So that was surprising a bit.

A great trip!

C • I know pro triathletes that... 2

A ride to test some new gear - the Garmin Vector pedals with new EDGE 1000 computer. Just testing for Gear Junkie. Really neat stuff.

C • just testing 4

Run around 9-mile creek park in bloomington. Very nice. A few big hills, lots of great views, and the creek is really flowing--faster than I've seen it.

Eric and I headed out for a riverbottoms run to talk strategy for this weekend's urban race in Arlington, TX. $5,000 on the line so we've got to be sharp.

Great run, as always, amongst the animals and sights of the riverbottoms.

C • chew faces 1

Got a 15 minute warm up in, then lined up with the big boys, and Biz and Ted and I agreed to move up to Pro/Expert this year.

Pretty big field, maybe 50+ riders. Felt pretty good, moved up throughout the race, and finished about mid-pack (results still not up). The new bike was boss, and my legs felt pretty good. My back cramped up a bit as usual, and my hands blistered, so I have some things to work on.

Very fun! Great to see the full WEDALI crew there, riding about thirty athletes deep today, with over 50 on the roster!

Ended up 33rd of 57 riders, I feel good about that in this crowd. Based on lap times, I would have won comp overall, and I was never too close to that last year, which is encouraging!