Podiums in Bama!

Finally cracked the top 5 for the first time this year today. Getting better with every race it seems. The temperature and humidity was disgustingly high this morning. Ninety something degrees and 90% humidity. The water was in the upper 80′s and uncomfortably warm. My warm-up consisted of a Grande Coffee Frapuccino with a few stretches in the shade under a tree. I managed a great start and found some feet on the first lap. Then surged on the second lap to make up some ground. Hit the bike hard and felt smooth and in control in the rough and twisty woods. There is a big climb in the middle of the course that I wanted to destroy and possibly bring back faster swimmers like Seth and Craig, but I just didn’t have the horsepower I was looking for today (see note below). Ended up riding in 5th place on the bike, after the first few miles, throughout the entire race. Still a good ride, but looking for better. Hit the run with no one really behind me and ran a steady pace up and down the killer steep hills while withering under the heat and humidity. Crossed the line in 5th place well ahead of my next competitor. Conrad Stoltz took the top spot with Josiah again in second, Craig Evans in third and Seth Wealing in fourth.

The only other EPC’er representing out there was Jason Hilgers. He pulled off his career best swim, proving that his increased swim training is paying off. Rolled the bike strong and moved up on the big climb on the backside of the course. The heat and humidity also worked him over pretty well, but he held strong and finished an impressive 2nd place in his tough 30-34 age-group (5th amateur) which included Xterra standout Omar Fraser who took the win and second overall amateur on the day. After the race Jason was seen pounding down a Five Guys burger and fries and topping it off with an iced mocha preparing to wreak havoc on innocent travelers in the seats surrounding him on his flight home this afternoon. After sharing a hotel with him this weekend I know what they are in for. Dangerous territory for sure. Great race Jason!

On a side note…

Big props go out to Seven Cycles for not only building a great bike for me to race, but more so for impressing the likes of Mr. Xterra, and devourer of bike course himself, Conrad Stoltz. He was oogling my bike all weekend and later was found writing on Facebook that my Seven is “Definitely the coolest bike on the course”. Pretty big comment coming from a long-time Specialized sponsored athlete. Pho-shizzle! Check it out (left). We’ll ignore the part about it needing more horsepower (although it’s true, along with better cornering skills).

Off to Richmond tomorrow with my buddy Trevor. Round four is next Sunday. Some good rest and lots of practice on the course will be on tap next week before we go at it again in the south! Bring on the heat!