Race Coverage

Hippos, Numb Tips & The Space/Time Thing...

Wednesday, 25 August 2010 05:00

More Race Coverage - In an effort to feature as many voices as possible on this site, we ask athletes to write about their racing experiences. Our reason for this is simple: Numb Tips!

Huh?

Numb fingertips. A function of being forced to tap out too much of the site's editorial ourselves.

Sometimes no one answers the call and we tap our tips--not every finger, mind you, we are primitive hunters-and-peckers--into insensate insentientosity.

And sometimes everyone submits stuff, which we love. That's why you are about to read the 3rd--count 'em!--Young Life Triathlon race report. Joining Sam Janicki and Dr. Christel Kippenhan, whose.. stories were utterly good, is Steve Sander (photo left, not right. Steve prefers Grain Belt to Bud Light), who is a totally cool guy with a completely bald head that looks "nifty." His report came to us in the form of a letter which included three photo attachments that are apropos of nothing. Two of them are posted here because we think they're funny. We hope you do, too.

Hey MTN - Sorry I couldn't get back to you earlier. I am stupid busy at work and don't get a lot of free time at the house. I saw Sam's article and he pretty much nailed it on the head except for where he forgot to mention that if he went any faster he would have been traveling back in time.

I was really looking forward to this race for a couple of reasons. One, it was my first multisport win and the race supports a great cause. Two, I was hoping to defend my honor against Sam or at least stay within a couple of minutes. Sam destroyed me at Alexandria for his coming out race and I wanted to see if the first race was for real or if I had a bad day. Unfortunately I did not have a bad day in May. In fact it may have been a good day compared to Saturday.

I knew going in that Sam was going to kill (not literally) me in the water, but I have been working hard on my stroke and hoped to keep him with 2-3 minutes. If I did that and put the hammer down on the bike hopefully I could come into T2 with the lead and pray for a good enough run to hold him off. I hit the swim and felt good. I even managed to catch a draft for most of the swim and came out of the water feeling fresh. When I passed my mom she said I was about 4 1/2 minutes behind. So much for my plan. At this point all I could do was hope that Sam would blow up in the heat.

I got on the bike and started to pound but Sam never came into sight until I was about a mile from T2 and he was already running. I shouldn't say running so much as sprinting. I dismounted my bike and gave chase, if you could call it that. Sam and I met again as he was on his way back and I was about a half to three quarters of a mile from the turn around. I told him he was having an incredible race and we gave each other a high five. The run was hot but I felt strong the whole time. As I neared the finish Sam was there waiting to cheer me on. Sam had already showered, ate lunch and taken a nap when I crossed 8 min 30 sec behind him.

After I cooled down a little Sam and I hung out while he was waiting for his girlfriend to finish. It was great to get to know him a little better. I get the impression that Sam has no idea how fast and talented he is. Sam is very modest and an awesome guy. In May I was shocked but now I am blown away by this kids potential. This race should certainly earn him a Performance of the Year nomination. He would have my vote. DL is a legit Olympic Distance that even has a rather long swim and Sam crushed it in 1:55. I did not hold back at any point and even felt strong the entire race and he made me look like a poodle in a pit bull fight.

Congrats also to LuAnne (race Director) and Young Life for putting on another great race. Last year was good but this year was better. They are really starting to make this more of an event that a race. There was an awesome post race BBQ and great door prizes. If anyone is thinking about a race next year that they can turn into a weekend vacation this is it. I hope to be back next year.

- Steve Sander