I wrote this in 2013 after I’d had an encounter with an enraged motorist. My old website was deleted and I lost the blog. Fortunately, I found a backup in an old Garmin workout where I always write down how I feel and what happened after the workout.
This is particularly important because last week, Thursday, December 10th, 2020, my friend and Every Man Jack Triathlon teammate, Tom Trauger, was one of five cyclists killed by a box truck while out riding their bikes just outside Las Vegas. I've been trying to process what has happened the last few days and am at a loss for words. I'm heartbroken and numb. This should not happen. I urge you, please please PLEASE be safe while driving. Don’t text and drive. I know I’m guilty of it sometimes, but I am going to make a concerted effort to stop doing this. Also, wait to pass a cyclist or runner until you have a clear path. If you don't have a clear path, please wait 30 seconds or heaven forbid an entire minute. Our lives are worth more than that. Tom's life was worth more than that.
Back in Omaha for the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships. This triathlon season has been anything but smooth. If you missed what’s happened so far, take a look back at my GR Triathlon and Tri del Sol races. Then, take a look at my post on being consistent. If you want the shortened version, I was 5 and 7 minutes slower than I was last year at those races. Part of the reason I think I've been slower is that I’ve been traveling a lot working with a sports nutrition company and been unable to get any solid training or resting in. The other part? Keep reading and you’ll find out 😉
The finish: Across the line, into the med tent, and providing a "sample"
Immediately upon finishing, I grabbed the nearest volunteer and told them I needed help. Like I said, I gave everything I had and couldn't even hold myself upright. I knew I had crossed the finish line in first place, but it didn't really sink in that I won my age group for a little bit. Let me explain.
After being held in Milwaukee, WI the last two years, the location of this year’s USAT Age-Group National Championship (AGNC) will be in the Gateway to the West: Omaha! This will be my second year competing in the USAT AGNC and after the great time I had last year, I’m looking forward to another fantastic race.
Three years ago in 2012, the Reeds Lake Triathlon was the first ‘big’ triathlon I ever competed in. I finished 14th that year (and got chicked by Abby Geurink!) and remember telling my friend, James Fry, that one day I would be up on the podium.
Every year USA Triathlon puts on a national championship for the top amateur triathletes in the nation. I decided to do this race in part because of some peer-pressure from my friends Todd and Sam Kennedy (thanks guys). Since I had already done the collegiate national championship, I wasn’t sure why I should do this race too. However I am very thankful that I ended up doing this race because it was an even better atmosphere and experience than collegiates.