an expensive brick in boulder city, nv

Before I begin my race report for "Showdown at Sunset 2011" I wanted to share a short story of my ever growing belief in God's undaunting power and plan for us all.  A few days ago i received an email from one of my closest friends, Kelly.  Kelly and I often use email communication to start prayer chains for those sick or in need.  (or sometimes I think kelly just likes to see me cry at my desk once a month.)  Regardless, this email was no exception.  It was the story of the Hoyts.  its a story i am familiar with and have followed since their original kona debut many years ago.  if you never had the pleasure (or honor), http://www.teamhoyt.com/.

i mention their journey because i found myself reflecting on it several times during yesterdays battle with headwinds and inclines.  my focus was to overcome last weeks race and hit the water hard while staying calm.  God had another plan entirely.  Post 5 hour drive from Los Angeles to Lake Mead, Nevada left me at packet pickup wetsuit in hand only to be informed that the swim portion had been cancelled due to the cold weather and wind.  I made an attempt at getting bumped up to the long course, to no avail.

My newest and most amazing new utah friends have taught me to expect the unexpected, learn to adapt. so that's what i did.  i took the extra time to hit up a quick drive over to the hoover dam.  bucket list. check. check. and check.

with the later start we shuttled down to T1 around 3 pm for a 3:30 start.  i chatted more than usual (yes, i know shocking)  pre race and ended up meeting a guy that had done st george the year prior.  he gave me some tips, i wished him luck and we were off.  the bike was hilly.  and it was windy.  and dare i say i loved it?  a beautiful course.  the last 8 miles or so was a steady uphill climb on a paved bike path.  (which aided in my ever growing fear of a flat tire)  i passed a few people (and got passed a few times).  i focused more on shifting and climbing technique for st george than anything else.  i got off the bike for a quick transition and was off to the run.  my legs felt great but i have  this weird numb toe thing that started again which made it that much more painful on the climbs. (i'll have to start researching remedies for this one)

it was a great pre race for st george.  at the end i felt like i could have kept going.  each time i felt hurt or that i wanted the finish line to be closer than it was, i thought of dick hoyt.  after that.....the rest was easy.