Nutmeg State Half Iron Recap.

Well it was a long hard day at the office Sunday., but I survived. My legs are in somewhat good shape, but my lower back feels like Muhammad Ali has been throwing punches on my synoptic nerve. Here's how it all went down.




Pre race: 3 hours of sleep is not recommended

After a late night on Saturday ( took Bjoern up to preview the course, the pre race meeting the Olive Garden carb binge followed by the oh shit I haven't packed any of my crap for the race tomorrow so I was up until 1 in the morning getting my shit together mad dash.) I woke up promptly at 4:30 then rolled over until 4:45....I got up shaved my face ( those of you who saw the bike course post know why and I would need all the speed possible ), showered and put on a mix of body glide and degree. Woke up Chrissy, Then packed a cooler full of water, snapple, beer ( for the post race HEAT gathering, sadly after this one no one was in the mood for a brew so I wasted $1.25 on ice and cooler space for nothing...although the Miller Lite was nice and cold when I woke up from my post race hibernation last night.) We made our usual cumby's dunkin donuts run. ( for ice, Gatorade ( I wasn't taking any chances at this one) coca-cola ( for Chris while spectating and for my stomach after this shin-dig), coffee, a bagel ( I wasn't chancing it with laxatives...I mean Clif Bars.) and then it was off to Waramaug ..about a hour later than I wanted . We we arrived we were directed to park at the the same random field as we were for the Nutmeg State Sprint except this time we could ride down route 45. I looked at my watch it was 6:30 and the swim started at 7am. I grabbed my crap...pumped up my tires and descended down route 45 helmetless with no regard for my life..( Christina said she was tired and was going to try to nap..can't blame her I was running on 3 hours sleep. ) I made it down to transition found Bjoern ( who decided he was going to go sans wet suit on this one..he hates the long sleeves, says it puts pressure on his shoulder...to each his own.) I found my slot on the rack ( grateful they had given out packets the night before. ) Hastily set up transition and ran to body marking my wet suit flung over my shoulders and swim gear in hand...it was 6:50. I got into body marking and luckily it was a short line. I was marked up and pulled on my wetsuit at water's edge. It was 6:58 and I threw on my cap and goggles as Mandy's voice came over the loudspeaker that they were delaying the start. ( apparently they had a storm the night before and it blew several of the buoys off course.) Relieved I walked into the water and did a quick warm up. I found Bjoern and directed him over to far end of the swim start ( start wide cut in.) He took up his position at about mid pack and I lined up at the front with Max and the elites. John Hirsch ( the MC) got on the mic. " Are you guys ready to take on the toughest Tri Course in New England!" After a somewhat subdued Yeah! from most of us. They started blaring disturbed's "get down with the sickness" as we began the count down to wave1's ( the Men's wave women, relay, and aquabike were wave 2) start.







The Swim: "Glare shouldn't be a problem."



10..9...8...7...6...5..4..3..2..1..the air horn sounded and we were off into the water. Since we started in the lake in an area that was about waist deep I didn't really have to run much. I dove in and began to charge toward the inside. It was quite a psyche up when we swam past the first buoy and I only saw two white caps ( age groupers Max and and some other dude.) and 3 red ( elites) in front of me. I held on to the leaders as we swam past the next three orange buoys and made the right turn at the first green one. that's when the glare kicked up. As soon as I passed the buoy I found my self staring directly into the sun. I swam about 10 more strokes blind before asking the dude in the kayak were the next buoy was He pointed me toward the orange turn buoy at which I turned left and tried to sight the green return buoys back to the beach. I got the first one no problem and then found my self again staring directly into the sun. I saw a white swim cap about 200 meter ahead and followed it. passing three more green buoys before I could hear John's voice on the loud speaker and see nothing but trees, lake and blinding white light. I decide to aim for the sun and go until I hit land ..or drowned one of the two..apparently god must have been reading my thoughts a a cloud suddenly blocked the sun and I had a clear view of the beach...I started running toward the shore hearing John blast into the microphone...something about "He's doing Ironman New Zealand in March...He's a force to be reckoned ..." I started to stagger toward the wrong side of the beach When John blared " No Dude this way"and " Max is only about 2 minutes ahead." motioning toward my left. I ran up the stairs through the start/finish timing mat my wetsuit half off and just pulling off my cap and goggles. Total Swim time: 25:43 not my greatest performance but pretty damn good. 5th fastest swim split of the day.


T1:Spooty computer!


I pulled my wetsuit off crammed two Gu's into my rear pocket and threw on the helmet and sunglasses. I ran the bike out stopping at the edge of transition to reset my bike computer. After getting passed by one guy from Tri Fitness as I struggled to slip my feet into my shoes as I mounted the Bitch Stomper it was off for 56 miles of "bliss". total T1:2:59





The Bike: Race or Death March?


From the day after my practice ride until the moment I hit T2 my strategies for the bike were the following


1) SURVIVE!


2) Go out conservative save the legs for the run


3) Do not dismount and walk your bike up the hill unless absolutely necessary.


4) Hydrate! Hydrate! HYDRATE!


The climb up 45 wasn't too bad. I coasted down the descent on College farms road. and took on the monster on Angvine Rd. ( getting passed by one guy on a road bike. and whispering to myself "is this all you got you bitch!") I descended down Town Hill Rd. Hitting the brakes only when approaching turns yet I was still caught and passed by three guys, one dude on a guru and two cervelo punks. The two Cervelo dudes nearly missed the turn on to Cemetery rd. and then they over shot the turn on to Rt. 45 at the Warren town Green, yet the turned at the stop light allowing them to coast down a small hill in a pace line as I hammered it out on the flatter race route. watching helplessly as they stormed passed. When we turned on to Melius Rd. It became quite apparent I was in too high of a gear and yet another cyclist stormed past. I managed to eek out of this section on giving up 3 spots before the descent back onto Route 45 ( and the HEAT chick With the cowbell directing traffic.)When we got onto brick School Rd. I hit my favorite part of the course and was subsequently able to pass two riders on the rolling terrain, yet the fact that time trial bikes are not made for climbing and my inability to choose the right gear coming off of a fast descent on to a semi steep hill , made my repasses short lived. After dilly-dialling on this lovely rolling portion of the course it was on to Rt. 341. Two Mount Southington-esque climbs were wedged between two flat some what down hill sections. I tried to get aero on the flats but a nasty little crosswind kept forcing me back into the bullhorns to control the wily Bitch Stomper. Also after being passed by 3 guys on the first of the 341 climbs I had a Near Death Experience (NDE) In the form of a Honda Accord hooking a U- turn..She saw the first three cyclists didn't she know there were more behind....oh well...to make a long story short I descended down the little descent ( the one right after the steep grade sign...) with reckless abandon ( only going into the bullhorns when I felt the wind pushing me toward the Yellow Line. ) The frightening descent was not so bad when I took it at speed. Although I had to brake for the sharp left hander at the bottom..the more frightening thing was I had to feather the brakes through out the curve ( which I was taking at 30 mph.) making me feel rather unsteady on the bike. I was passed by three more people and then caught by a group of 3 shoreline sharks as we hit the flat /false flat section up to camp flat rd. After a short bout of minor climbs and descents we made the sharp left onto Geer Mtn. Now the first Part of Geer Mtn. ain't bad. It's fairly flat and passes a small pond a nice house with a white picket fence and duck crossing sign...when we looked ahead and saw the trees rising we knew what was in store..." well this is it." we said to one another as we attacked the first climb. The guys from Shoreline sprinted ahead getting out of the saddle and powering up the smaller of the Geer Mtn. Climbs. I held back getting up only when necessary then sitting right back down to conserve energy for the big one. We turned the corner and hit a small flat section before making the turn on to the climb. Again the Sharks attacked I stayed in the saddle until half way up and then made the turn onto where the rest of the climb showed its ugly head. Out of the saddle and pushing the lowest gear I made systematic spurts riding out of the saddle and pushing and then when near the top sitting back down then getting back out of the saddle to make a final push up the steepest part of the grade. I watched as the over anxious sharks dismounted and walked their bikes up . One guy struggle to clip back in cussing out his pedals. My lead over the 3 sharks was short lived as they flew by on the descent and then the subsequent little burners after ward...my legs weren't shot but my back was feeling the Heat of a lot of out of the saddle efforts. We passed Ken's aid station as we made the set up descent/minor climb toward Anderson. My bottles were only half empty so I didn't take on new ones. on Anderson I pushed into the highest gears and let the bike coast down the first hill On the big hill I started to feather the brakes as I made the sharp right then left. On the third hill I feathered to set up for the inside line on the sharp Upper Kent Hollow turn. Again I was passed by 2 or three riders. On upper Kent Hollow the hills hit hard and often and culminated with a nasty little burner to get back onto Rte.341...then it was time to do it again, but thankfully the race directors cut the descent on 341 and another shot on Geer Mtn. out of the second loop. For this my legs were grateful. As we approached Warren for the Second loop i noticed I was too close to the guy in front of my so I had to drop back as we approached a group of spectators including the head referee on one of the several little climbs on 341. We approached warren Town Center and took a left at the stop light down a slight little hill and then the quick sudden little up hill on Melius Rd. Sadly I had kept my bike in my high gear and and I watched helplessly as two more competitors went flying by. I finally got to a portion of the road where I could down shift and tried to take off in pursuit of the spots I had lost. Yet sadly the soul was strong but the soles were weak...two more guys got me on the up hill I was plummeting down the overall like a stone..... I regained some hope as I got around two guys on the Flat Rocks to 45 descent. Yet I was re passed once again on Brick School ( Shout out to HEAT chick with Cow Bell best traffic director all day.) As we got to 341 and then the short little climb to South Rd. The cross winds were reeking hell on my descent ( robbing me of speed ) and forced me to ascend with very little momentum. I saw one of the dudes in front and dis mount to pee on a short fast down hill section after a tight left turn. Then watched him going flying past about a mile down the road. We approached Ken's Aid station for the second time. I ditched my Empty Gatorade Bottle and hit the brakes to slow down to grab a new one. The bike got side ways sending me into the bullhorns and past the first 3 volunteers but quick thinking by the last volunteerr with Gatorade, a shaky hand off and securing of the bottle of electrolytes, and a quick shout to Ken, " is it in the cage?" Ken replied "you got it Bob, Watch out for the left hander." I descended down the hill and through the tight little hair pin. I turned left on to Anderson and was feathering the brakes allowing two more guys by and one old dude ( injury to pride) on a Cervelo ( insult to injury) by,as I woed up for the " if you don't brake you will find yourself going over a guardrail at 50 mph and on a gunnery ride to the hospital" left hander. As me and the old evil bike riding dude approached the tight left on the Upper Kent Hollow we were greeted by a lack of volunteers at the intersection and an E-class and a quattro making their way up the hill. as soon as the German steel rumbled past. I made my only successful repass of the bike leg, out breaking old cervelo guy and hammering away on the relatively flat part of the road. When I got to the burner I saw the two other guys, serpenting their way up zig-zaging up the hill to try to keep some momentum. I kick the bitch stomper into the lowest gear...gritted my teeth and felt my back and quads scream out in pain as I slowly ascended the beast. When I got to the top exhausted and hypoxic I muttered under my breath...."Upper Kent Hollow you have been bitch stomped." Getting back onto 341 was no piece of cake, the little rollers continued to sap much needed energy and the cross winds on the unlettered sections of road made getting aero a death wish. When i reached Warren town Center I kicked into the highest gear and descended down to the Cornfield full aero and with no regard for my life, at the Corn Field I took the hill I descended earlier in the morning and attacked it Pedaling full bore full areo in high gear, braking only for the turn back toward the beach club. I slid out of my shoes as I slowed for the turn and rode the last 10 feet to the dismount line both bare feet on one pedal....sexiest dismount of my life I hopped off the bike and hobbled into transition Total Bike time: 3:35.30 ( my time for the Patriot half was 3:02 for 60 miles on a flat course so yes the elevation gain of nearly 6600 feet ( or so according to Max's sexy equipment) did take its toll.)

T2: OW My BACK!

I placed my bike back on the rack and took off the helmet. My lower back was killing me . I tried to reach down for an extra Gu and I thought I would rip something. I bent back wards trying to stretch out from being hunched over the bull horns for nearly 4 hours. I managed to pick up my shoes and put them on while standing , followed by my visor and I strapped on ( man that sounds dirty..) my race belt as I shuffled out of T2 after 2:38 of pain.

Run: My Name is Macca Bitches!/ or The go HEAT Run!

As I hobbled out of T2 my mind was sending messages to my legs to "stop this madness!" Me never being one to interpret my body's signals to preserve itself or listen to conventional wisdom Continued out on course at a slower than normal pace approaching the first aid station just before the first mile marker in about 8:00. I saw Max fly by in pursuit of the race leader and shouted out a little encouragement as I began to settle into my " not exactly full blown sprint, yet not really loafing it either." pace. on the run they had us do this weird " lollipop" or loop of a Cull Du sac they would have us do it twice a lap so on the first loop through I grabbed a Gatorade endurance at the first aid station. on the lollipop.( ironically 200 feet from the first but we had to make the turn.) It was powdery but my body needed electrolytes I hadn't gotten to drink from the bottle Ken gave me on the bike. We made the approach out to the turn around and I began to reel in a couple of guys. One of the shore line guys was cramping at the turn around. I gave him some encouragement. He replied " I'm not giving up but there's a good chance I'll drop dead." My reply was " Well then I'm going to have to pick up your corpse and carry it with me." Man isn't it amazing what endorphins can do. As I made my way back to the lollipop I saw Mike heading toward the turn around. We mutually greeted eachother with a high five and a "Go HEAT!" I went through the lollipop grabbing another gatorade and two waters ( one which found itself being doused over My head. ) I ran back out to finish my loop of the "lollipop" and again greeted Mike, the Miro who was closing in on him fast. As I made my way back toward the Transition turn around I saw Sean and he too was met with the same encouragement. I made my way back to the first aid station begining my second loop I grabbed a water and a rasberry hammer gel ( yes I had my Gu but the Rasberry Hammer Gel has never given me ills on a long run. ). I once again saw Max and shouted out to him I was met with a" go Rob! " as I began my next to last tour of the lollipop. As I ran out othe turn /aid station section I grabbed a handful of pretzels and more water, surprised by yhte fact that I did not have to pee. As I chugged down the cup of Water I had nightmares of collasping at the line Julie Moss / Chris Leigh style. As I ran back down on to North Shore rd. I watched as the battle between Mike and Miro heat up ( no pun intended) I ran down to the turn around taking more Water and Gatorade passing the increasing lap traffic as I did. As I made the turn around i saw Bjoern running in full long sleeves and long pants.( he explained later that his tri suit leggings were cutting off circulation...any one looking for a Christmas gift for Bjoern Size Large Louis Garineau Tri Shorts.) ..I shouted out some encouragement to him As I ran past. As I made my way back toward the lollipop I notcied on guy rolling up the pant on his tri suit and ..um..er...well relieving him self along the road...I have to admit despite it's ..well ...exhibitionist approach it does beat wetting the chamois of your tri shorts. Another guy stopped and started to relieve his bladder into the lake. I ran past Mike again and gave him some encouragement as I entered the lollipop. I took water and gatorade from both stations this was the last fuel stop. I pushed out on to the flat section and began final approach back to the finish line slightly kicking up my pace. And older guy I had been sort of battling with the entire way managed to get around me at the last aid station as we both went through taking on nothing. I stared to lose the old Dude as Sean came past. " half mile to go man! "" he shouted out as he went past. I kicked up a little more but the gatorade and water started to slosh in my stomach. I looked back there was no body my age that was really close. I kicked up to a comfortable-uncomfortable pace. I made the turn in as Michelle ( a member of Cen Tri and Bjoern's "American Mom" ) Jim and Karen cheered me in. Christina was sitting on the wall at the other side of Transition and cheered as I ran past. I made a dart for the finish line and crossed it pumping my fist in the air for the last 150 meters. I didn't care where I finished at that moment, I didn't care about time I survived. and I was going to get my Gatorade, finisher's towel ...and complementary Massage for my aching back. I heard Karen call out " Rob Good Job you broke six hours!"All In all heres's the tail of the tape for this section. Run Split: 1:52:53 44th fastest of the day Ovearll time 5:59.43 broke the six hour barrier with 17 seconds to spare.
Post Race: The Short Version.
I went back toward the finish to wait for Bjoern but as I tried to strech I realized I needed something to loosen up my back. I went over to Michelle who congratulated me and gave me back my street shoes ( I had handed them to her in Transition before the start because Chrissy was still up at the car. ) I told Chrissy I was getting a rub down. She replied she was heading back to the car. I could get into other post race details, but for length's sake and the fact that it has taken me 3 nights to get this down I won't. Short version is I won my age group Bjoern was second ( 40 min. back running in cold weather gear to boot.) and some kid from south Boston snatched up the final podium slot. So all in all it was a good day. A nice long finish to a nice long season. i don't know what's instore for me next. I decided to take a rest week ( maybe getting a couple hundred yards in the pool here or there). I have a lot of reflection to do and a lot of Prep work as well Ironman New Zealand is only 5 months away.. and the winter is closing in. The one final up note I finally made good on my promise to win my age group at an endure it multisport event. Ken I'm buying this jersey from you because I've been unbeatable with it. That's all for now.
The Hypoxic/Endorphine high/ writing this blog two days late triathlete.
R.D.

Well This is it!

The countdown is over, the ring is swept and the mother of all battles in the hills is about to be played out. Tomorrow I tackle the Nutmeg State Sprint Half Iron: my Goal SURVIVE IT! Yes the bike course ( for those who missed my post on it ) is brutal. Today I watched as Bjoern left me in a cloud of dust and unsettled chip seal as we tackled that lovely little hill on Avegline Rd. We both agreed after our drive through that the main thing is just to finish. ( Granted Bjoern will probably pass me going down 341 leaving me to Play Chris Mc Cormack to his Normann Stadler. as he rides enroute to $500 worth of Cannondale Accessories ). But the hills aside most of the course proves to be just another day at the office. The swim I should have no problem with despite the semi-mass start. ( practice for taupo?) and the run is flat with only one portolet...( the wealthy landowners on Arrowhead dr. didn't want a blue portolet defacing their lawn..we'll see how they like a guy clad in spandex running up to their door, ringing the bell and interrupting their Sunday Brunch to ask to use the facilities x250.....chances are they'll have more portajohns next year.) The bike like I said is just another day at the perverbal office...I almost find myself quoting Kurt Russell from Big Trouble in Little China...constantly saying " oh great now what.." as some new fun springs forth on the bike. l I know is this if three mystical dudes with huge head gear show up it wouldn't surprise me in the least....Well I've got to cram in some sleep..there are hills and bitches to stomp in the AM.
R.D.

The Week in Review......

Well The past week has been hetic to say the least it started good...got bad...started to look up....got bleak....got good again.. and has now moderated.

Sunday: After my Family's mad dash to scramble for funds to Get Melissa to College, I forgot one little detail. I was signed up to do a relay for Hammerfest. After cramming what little cash was left in my checking account into my gas tank I drove off to Branford ..( and got lost..pulling a no wet suit girl and arriving 30 min. before start time.) I eeked out a 15 min. Warm up run streched, drank water and gatorade and pee-ed about 4 times. I watched as Mike narrowly edged Ken out of the Water giving Dave a 10 sec. lead over Ron going on to the bike. I was hoping and praying he'd give me a decent lead over Cristiano who can...well...flat out out run anyone who isn't a Kenyan or Ethipopian. After stripping off my warmups and doing strides of T-2 in my HEAT gear I waited anxiously for Dave...when Ron pulled in and Cristiano took off like a bat out of Hell ..I knew we were racing for silver.....Dave rolled in completely exhausted about 3 min. later, and I took off in a mad dash for the first two miles before settling into a nice swift pace for the third and kicking out the fouth. My run split was a 26:20...I nearly caught Vin who was doing the race solo and manage to secure a second place relay finish it was a good day for team Smoking Hot/Men in HEAT/ Hot Fire.

These are some pics of my Hot fire studilicious self...yes ladies believe it or not I am single.( Thanks Ken for the photos.)

Monday: After skipping what was supposed to be a long run and deciding to use this begining of the work week as a valuable rest day...nothing really happended..took Chrissy to school, went to work, showed up late to class after three near death experiences ( you are supposed to stop at a stop sign and it's supposed to be for more than a second...shakes fist to evil vodoo woman in silver nissian.) Life Guraded Late. Melissa turned 20 didn't facebook...shit.

TuesdayGot good News $ 2000.00 student loan Check. Faced booked Melissa wishing her happy birthday. Class Got in 2500 yard pool work out. Holding 100's under 1:20 Boo yah

Wed:Find out CL&P wants payment or we're in the dark...Dad doesn't get paid until thursday.... Lights and Running water are more important than plane ticket to NZ ( Especially if I don't have access to a shower Flush toliet, or you dear bloggers.)and Mortgage Guy is saying we will close on Monday ( been saying that since Easter.) Bite Bullet Cash Student Loan Check Pay CL&P about $1900.00 ( bastards..don't you even ask for another rate increase or I'll sick Blumenthal on your ass.) Work Late. Get in 4 mile Run before Night Class. Guard in Service= extra hour of pay...word son...word...take out Cute diver chick to Chili's after inservice/ her practice....findout she has boyfriend...findout she wants to break up with Bf but can't because he's a sweet guy...( man some time I wish she was dating an asshole so she could break up with him..but then again Ive been on the other side of this too...follow your heart diver chick...follow your heart.) Home sleep. Vow to run 6 miles in AM

Thursday: Hit snooze until 6:45am...the Glutes are strong but the eye lids are weak. Pay day! yay! Pay Student loan. grab case of water. Take Chrissy to school. Go to work. Get in touch with endurance multisport travel findout hotel prices will have airfare price on Tuesday. Decide to take out personal consumer loan at Webster to get rid of some high interest Credit Card debt. Put in app. Praying for approval. ( I can pay off this one card I can use it to finance NZ and then when my Parental units get theirs they can pay me back to pay off said card...it's the circle of cash ...like the circle of life with out mufasa and Simba) Get out of work...go to CCSU do 30 min. run through the hood.( I forgot my glock and blue du rag..damn!) Go to class..Go to guard BS with cute guard chick..it's dead get into the water and do 1000yds, before more people show up. Get off from guarding drive home..find overdraft notice from BankNorth...Experian jacked up their credit manager fee (I had $10 in the account they charged me $12 the bastards! I will call them tomorrow and no matter what tech support in New dehli tells me I'm canceling the service...) Hope loan will be approved.....type on blog and rant about the week...realize I'm no longer writng in complete sentances...going to sleep before I make any more inane ramblings...night .

R.D.

Nutmeg state Bike or Stage from Le Tour?

Well Yesterday I finally got a loop of the Nutmeg State Half Iron Bike course in all I can do is quote Conrad: "The Horror! The Horror!

Mile 1-10 : The first couple of miles weren't bad. You had a slow gradual climb up 45, and a nice little descent down College Farms Rd. Then you shot on to 341. After a not so perilous crossing it was a left on to Avegline rd. Since the gravel has been swept I managed to eek out some more speed this time around and mangaed to slowwly make my way up a nasty little climb about 3 miles in

Then it was on to the twisting little descent of town hill rd. I took it slow as usual and made the turn on to Cemetery Rd. Then climbed up 341 and took the turn down on to 45 out toward cornwall. I mad the turn I had missed last week onto Melius Rd. and ended up following it down onto a dirt path. ( I fell off my bike rather sexily trying to unclip and turn around.) When I got back on course I followed the rolling Flat Rocks Road and then and equally unstabel brick school road. All in all these weren't bad so things were looking bright that's when the fun starts...

The descent of the alps...I mean CT 341.

When you see Trucks use low gear signs it usually means high speed down hills. I adjusted accordingly ( unclipped one foot and had my hands on the bullhorns in case I had to stop quick.) The first two mills of the descent weren't bad. They were gradual, straight road or gentle curves, the crosswind made things hairy but not too deadly. Then came "the big Hill" a lovely mile and ahalf of switch backs at a rather sharp grade. I descended at the hair raising speed of 12 mph because I did not want to be blown out into traffic by the increasing crosswinds. This lovely, near fatal descent was made even more interesting by the fact that it ends at the route 341 route 7 junction. When I kissed the semi- flat ground at the bottom of the hill I believed the worst was over...boy was I wrong....

Geer Mountain is a beast!

After some intermiettent climbing and shallow descents ( and another wrong turn) Ifound myself on Gerr Mt. Rd. Now I frequent the HEAT forum alot and had head this climb was a beast so I kicked into low gear at the first signs of incline and powered up the first portion at a realtively good clip and easy heart rate. That's when I hit the hill. Now the hill starts off at a nice 7 to 8% grade and rounds the corner. When you turn the corner it still heads up and you see a stepper 10% grade behind it. "surley there is a little flat to regroup." I thought to myself. Wrong! I went straight into the next climb out of the saddle churnning my legs to power the bitch stomper as fast as it could go ( a whopping 4 mph) when I reached the top I was glad I didn't have a heart rate monitor , it most likely would have read " Cardiac Arrest imminent."

Let's just say I could feel Contador's pain after that climb. After this mess was over it was a descent down Anderson Rd. Now the way it sounded on the directions was Anderson Rd. would have one short steep hill and a tight left hand turn. ( a la weekeepeemee Rd. from the Griskus olympic.) Wrong again. I was met with three quick descents in a row and a sharp hair pin turn still somewhat on the hill. ( which I over shot and had to climb up to. ) Needless to say I hope it's dry next Sunday. The climbs on upper kent hollow were challenging but not impossible and the ride back to Warren ( for the second loop which I skipped ) and back to T-2 weren't too bad. So all in all the course has a good begining and End but the middle is lethal. Seriously If it rains some is going to die on either 341 or Anderson. The descents are just way too technical. Normally I have nothing but good things to say about the Guys at Endureitmultisports but this bike course definatley needs a revamp for next year. ( although, the sections from Flat Rocks, and Brick School, were quite lovley and not undo ably difficult.) But this ride seems more of like one of Lance's trainers instead of a Half Iron race course.

R.D.

Dear Donald Trump....

My name is Bob (Last name censored) and I am writing you with the opportunity of a life time. I am willing to give you the sultan of real estate and reality TV the privilege of sponsoring me for Ironman New Zealand.

How much would such an opportunity cost $2 Million, $1 Million, a good $500k, no for the simple price of $250k you could sleep better knowing that you were responsible for helping a young Smart Alec College kid fight a war on Lou Gehrig's disease, fly first class half way around the world, and leave his day job so he could focus all of his attentions to training for and winning IM New Zealand. Think of the Publicity Mr. Trump..could be huge..Millionaire with Heart of Gold...think about it would be good press to sink Rosie's book back into the sewer where it belongs. I hope that you take careful time to consider such a lucrative offer.

Sincerely,

Robert E. (Censored) III

This letter was not really sent to Donald Trump but if any of the fine people at Trump Inc. or the Donald himself wish to donate please click on the link above for the War on ALS. If you wish to help fund my trip to New Zealand please send a check made out to the "Send Rob D. to New Zealand Fund" c/o Webster Bank or leave a comment so I can give you the legitimate address

Enrico Rides Again! and the week or so in review....

That's right it's been a while but I've been busy ( classes, working, lifeguarding, selling some of my possessions/soul to help my sister get to college, cramming in time to train. I feel flabby I've only run once this week. and I will get in a 7 miler tomorrow to get prepped for Hammerfest and little race coming up in a week. Sunday was a good day as I blew the dust off of trusty Enrico and went on a 6 town 60 mile tour of New Haven and Hartford County.

Yes for those of you who don't know Enrico is my sisters' pet name for my road bike. I am currently in the process of debating whether or not reliable Enrico ( with it's road gearing and granny gear goodness) to power my way through a New England Pyrenees senario or if I should suffer the climbs on The Bitch Stomper to gain speed and braking confidence on the flats and suicidal decents. It's such a tough call. For my long ride on Sunday I took out old Enrico and decended down to route 69 ( using a sucidal hill that I crawled down because cars F**king fly up and down it and I don't want to be a road pizza 2 miles in.) After crossing and turning on to 322 climbing "the Hill" near Pat's IGA I was treated to car infested rolling pavement until the usual fork in the road ( where I always go left ) and decended past the golf course into Southington. If I had gone right I would be treated to a 70-80 mph descent down the 10% gradient Southington mountain... trying to stop....not my idea of fun.....any way when I reached the bottom of 322 I took a right on to Marion Rd. I followed Marion Rd. Past Ansico Farms..over a hairy stech of grooved asphalt..across route 70. Then onto Route 70 then onto route 10 staying far to the right to avoid traffic and onto 42 to Lock 12 park and the canal trail. I followed the bike trail all the way to Hamden then back to its start point in Cheshire ( about 18-20 miles) I back roaded it to route 70 before crossing back onto Marion Rd. and then when I reached 322 I crossed and followed the other half of Marion rd. into Southington. I stopped at the Dunkin Donuts on route 10 to umm well..drain mass quantities of electrolyte replacement beverage. before backtracking to the bike trail which took me to downtown Southington. I rode through down town and stopped at the CVS on route 10 for much needed H20 and Gatorade. I followed Route 10 through Plantsville back to Marion Road. I did my second fly by of the three colonial era cemeteries then got to the base of the mountain. With my legs screaming for mercy, my brain trying to get in desperately needed salt, and my ego saying "Bring it On Bitch!" I climbed the 1.25 mile 10% grade monster averaging between 6.5 and 7 mph ( what hill's my bitch? ). I rode down Meriden road through the whole confusing three towns at once section ( officially putting me in Cheshire, Waterbury and Wolcott at the same time for 2 seconds) I then turned right onto Todd Rd. ( and officially back into Wolcott) and rode through it's nice somewhat pitted rollers, finishing off with a lovely 40-45mph descent. I turned on to Wood tick road and rode past rode up boundline again getting on to route 322 before getting onto 69 and doing a lap of my old hood and riding the last quarter mile home. All in all it was about 60 miles. in 5 hours average speed was about 16.5 mph not an earth shattering record breaking pace but it wasn't supposed to be. I capped my Sunday off with a 3100 yard pool work out up at Central. Monday was a some what rest day...went to class ,lifeguarded. got in about 1000 yards in the pool trying to pace Bjoern. Tuesday I got up early and got in a 4 mile run, followed by work, class, a 3500 pool workout and collasping until 8 am this morning. Today had plans for a 6 miler between work and class but a mad scramble to help my sister get fundage for college took precsdence ( how do you measure true love your brother will cancel his work out, max out his cards, sell his old books, and offer to pawn his high school ring for you. Along with your parents and other siblings doing the same...and when we find that mortgage broker who's been jerking us around for 6 months....well...alright it's not his fault our other lender is being a dick ..it's complicated and neither here nor there.) Tonight finds me letting off good karma and bad steam into the blogosphere.I've got 12 computer science questions plus 6 hours of sleep to get in so I can cram in my 7 miler tomorrow before work, school, and flirting with the sexy chicks from my guard chair. Leave the Love, or hate, or apathy, or utter randomness. Also Please Donate to the War on ALS! Even though it might sound completely insensitive we really need to Bitch Stomp this disease!

R.D.

As Mark Twain Put it....and the tri gods are trying to tell me something.

As Mark Twain put it , If you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute and it'll change. Today's bitch stomping long ride was cut short and the pool work out never happended. Here's how it went down. After sleeping in until 10am...I know I'm a bum....I decided to head to my little sis's cheerleading competition..otherwise known as a football game. After showing up late...I went to my Grandfather's to stock up on drinking water..( small note about my town 90% of the population myself included have well water. My parent's house is on a a former swamp and the water is high in iron. My grandfather's ( formerly my uncle jerry's place..rest in pieces uncle jer.) is on a spring needless to say his water tastes good and ours is between slightly rusty and brown slugde.) When I got home after seeking water....I decided to scratch the pool work and just go for the ride. I got out to Lake Waramaug and conditions were good, sunny, some gathering clouds, hot and humid as hell. I got on the Bitch Stomper and began to ride the Half Iron Course. I got to Angevine rd. and saw the familar gravel on road warning signs and slowled to a grandmaesque 5mph. I wanted to shoot myself due to my low speed and the fact that I had to dismount for two major climbs ( because I didn't want to push the speed and find myself axel deep in gravel.) Also I crawled down two kick ass decents for fear of loose stones on road. Needless to say when I got to the end of this section and found most of the worry spots had been well swept I was a pissed off mofo that I had taken them like a grandma. I turned onto to Route 45 hearing rumbles of thunder and slight to moderate rain. I had just gotten out of the center of Warren and had passed a little graveyard when my hopes for a long ride were as dead as Warren's founding fathers. As I headed out toward Cornwall and got to the bottom of a slight descent, I looked at the climb ahead of me. I heard a loud thunder clap and noticed a rather large lightning bolt crashing to earth about a mile away. I immediately turned around and high tailed it for the lake, not wanting to join the souls that had been at rest in that little church yard since the late 1800's. i managed to get in a loop of the lake before the storm caught up with me. All in all I got in 30 miles and had yet another attempt to learn the course thwarted. I honestly think the tri gods are telling me I'm not supposed to know this race course...that I am fated to wander it like a blind kid in a china shop, not knowing what can screw me up. Well any hoo. I got back to the lake. I jumped in to rinse all the salt, sweat and shit off. And I managed to change and get back to my car as the storm unleashed full fury. I drove out to Winsted for dinner with dad, and have now been warned by my outback, something is amiss in the engine..yet another expense to be dealt with, needless to say it goes into the shop Monday, as I borrow my sister's car or hopefully a loaner from the dealer. Tomorrow I plan on going to mass, followed by a 50 to 60 mile ride in Middlebury ( on a course I know. Angry holler if you want it, even if it's just for one loop.) and then a work out with the tri club at CCSU. All in all I'm hopeing for more fruit for my labors. If anyone has managed to get in a loop of the Nutmeg State Half Iron Course concider yourself blessed.
R.D.