2009 Spring Fling...??? More like MUD Fling!!
After a week of absolutely amazingly beautiful weather, Rick headed off early Sunday morning to Woodward Park for the 2009 Spring Fling Duathalon. Unfortunately, we were hit by a torrential storm! With rain plummeting down in all directions, temperatures dropping down to the low 30’s and winds reaching 35+mph, there was no possibility of a pre-race warm up.
Sadly, we don’t have pictures of our own so included are links to the photographer’s site for your viewing pleasure.
The first picture shows Rick and his friend Graeme heading to stage their bikes. http://www.markhaymond.smugmug.com/gallery/7679313_zTSUL#496551198_3qqwn
The race started off down what used to be a dirt trail. Now it closely resembles a slippery slimy muddy terrain that no one in their right mind would want to run through. Carefully plotting his course through this unsure territory, desperately attempting to keep his feet under him, Rick makes it through the running portion of this battle with great haste. http://www.markhaymond.smugmug.com/gallery/7679313_zTSUL#496643724_UEPUP http://www.markhaymond.smugmug.com/gallery/7679313_zTSUL#496848838_pVbny http://www.markhaymond.smugmug.com/gallery/7679313_zTSUL#496849173_4q7hD
Now the transition to the bike. Even though being a new comer to the quick change, Rick swiftly makes the conversion from running to biking. He takes off down the damp pavement with great intensity. Due to the poor weather conditions they shortened the biking distance for safety reasons. Albeit the competitors were still pushed to their limits with the relentless gusts of wind. http://www.markhaymond.smugmug.com/gallery/7679313_zTSUL#497049286_j9zrv
Back to the transition area to once more changeover from one sport and back to the other. At this point he is well aware of the dangers of the muddy trail and looks hopefully for grassy patches to help with his footing. He successfully conquers the trail once more to finish up his event. http://www.markhaymond.smugmug.com/gallery/7679313_zTSUL#497093741_3QtZ2
Rick finished 6th in his age group coming in at 1:14:53 and came in 31st overall! We, including Rick, are very delighted with his accomplishment. This was a very difficult event and Mother Nature added her own hostility to create a bigger challenge for all involved.
Next challenge, the Sacramento Half Marathon in May!! See you there??
Rick, where's your happy face? Weren't you having a blast? Oh...yeah, I probably wouldn't be either. I commend you for sticking it out in that weather. No fun. I think you are crazy not to have your legs covered. FYI...coming from a medical perspective, it's a lot healthier for your knees to keep them covered below 60 degrees. Good luck in your next endeavor. Steve and I have started training more seriously now. Yes, I have been swimming, except I've been sick with the whole bronchitis crap that Steve had since Friday. I'll get back to it soon.
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