Last year, I registered to do the New Orleans 70.3 which was to be held in April. Due to the problems I had with the stress fracture in my foot, i wasn't able to do it. I was able to to switch to the New Orleans 5150 on June 24th, which was the weekend after my trip to Idaho/Wyoming. I knew I wasn't going to have a strong race, but did it any way. Once again, I was just looking to finish. My brother-in-law Brian, who lives in Ocean Springs Ms, also came and did it.
The race itself was tough. Its HOT and Windy. We were catching the front end of a Tropical Storm that was moving into Florida, and it was a stiff breeze blowing all day. The streets on the bike course were in bad shape, and the run course was completely in the sun.
I did finish but it was an over 4 hour effort. The good news about it, was that there weren't a lot of participants. Each race of the 5150 series gives slots to the US Championship race held in Des Moines Iowa. The top 15 in each age group is given one of the Championship slots. There were only 13 in my age group, so every one got a slot. I was Surprised, Shocked, and a Little Over Whelmed. I never expected to be in the US Championships at anything.
I was back and forth about it, trying to decide if I should go and do the race or not. It would be fairly expensive to fly to Iowa for the Labor Day weekend, and quite obviously, I am no where near the level of performance of the other racers. (I'm going to get Smoked, as Usual, but by a Much Faster group of Guys).
I did decide to go, after all I am going to compete in the US CHAMPIONSHIPS, and that is a DAMN COOL thing. Even though Brian also got a spot, I do not believe he is going to do it. Looks like I am going at it alone. I have said before at my age and ability, there are not a lot of opportunities to do something as Note Worthy as this. I am not going to let this chance slip by.
