ChesapeakeMan Ultra Tri Race Report

ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon

2.4 mile swim/112 mile bike/26.2 mile run

September 27^{th, 2008}

Well, the ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon is in the books. It was yet another memorable day, as ironman always is. I have recapped a few of the highlights and lowlights for your reading pleasure. Race day was Saturday, September 27. I was once again fortunate enough to be able to “borrow” the home of a friend, fellow Team in Training coach and athlete for race weekend. Her house is gorgeous and sits right on the bike course. I cruised down to the Cambridge Maryland area on Thursday to help out race director Rob Vigorito and crew with registration. I can’t say enough positive things about Vigorito or the Columbia Triathlon Association. They are a stand up organization who are into this sport for all of the right reasons. I did my thing at registration, meeting some old and new friends along the way. Then pigged out at the pasta dinner at the Hyatt Resort in Cambridge. After a cold beer with my buddy Kevin Kunkel (3rd place overall – great job Kev) from Reston Virginia, I made my way back to my borrowed house.

There in the driveway, about 50 yards from the house was a downed tree which blocked my way. I was forced to leave my car at that point and truck my gear through the fallen tree and up to the house. It was also pitch dark at that point so that made for an interesting little journey. Perhaps that was the first “event” of the weekend, but I did get through the jungle crawl with no problems. I made it to the front porch and stopped dead in my tracks and I stared at a bobcat – yes BOBCAT, who stared back at me and looked a little annoyed that I was on his turf. Wait, HIS turf ?? Jude is my friend, I was allowed to stay this weekend. Who was this dude and what was he doing on the porch? Fortunately, I didn’t have to answer any of those questions because my little buddy ran off into the woods. (I hope that’s where he ran). So, I passed the second event of the weekend which we’ll just call “Where the Wild Things Are”, and went to bed for the night.

Friday morning I jumped out of bed and searched the garage for something that I could use to disassemble that fallen tree. I found a nice sized bow saw and went to work. I guess that was my next weekend event and a nice pre race warm up. Friday was full of more registration help, gear bag packing, prerace meeting, and meeting up with a number of friends and general miscellaneous “what can I do with myself now to take the edge off” activity. Around dinner time, my wife MG, daughter Jennifer, and her boyfriend John made it to town and we ate at our favorite pre race place for grub, The Palace. My family is the ultimate support crew. They come out to every ironman event and spend the entire day volunteering and supporting my crazy passion. They love the people and camaraderie as much as I do and really enjoy being there. Then it was time to check and recheck a few dozen things – a few dozen times, then off to bed. It took me about 30 minutes to make a decision on what time I should set my alarm for. The ultimate decision was 4:30 AM, but that didn’t really matter because my buddy Kenny Modica decided to send me a text message me at 3 AM to wish me good luck. Thanks Ken.

Race morning had me up at 4:30 AM – no wait – 3 AM, that’s right. (Thanks again Kenny) But I faded in and out again until 4:30 and then threw down two cans of Ensure and a Cliff Bar and made my way to the start of the race. The plan was my family would grab a few more winks and meet me at the start. The weather forecast for the weekend was not good. A threatening tropical storm was making its way up the coast and in preparation, race director Rob Vigorito reconfigured the swim course to consist of two loops in a safer, more contained area of the river. It proved to be a good move. Shortly after the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, the rains came and stuck with us for the better part of the day.

I was feeling good at that point and expected a good second loop. Bad assumption. Driving wind and harder rain picked up for the rest of that loop. It made for a challenging ride but then again, it is ironman. If it were supposed to be easy, it would be called …. Golf or something. A couple of washed out roads added a new discipline to the race which I am calling “Cycle surfing”. And a flat tire added to the fun. BUT, I managed and made it back to transition to head out for the run.

The Chessyman run is interesting. It’s a 3 loop course which is great for seeing family, friends, and competitors. But, if your legs are spent, it can be demoralizing knowing that you have to repeat those same loops three times. The best part about the multi loop set up is that each time, we are able to run towards the high school and see family. My daughter Jennifer picked me up with each loop and ran the small jug handle with me while my wife shot some video. I used those 2 or 3 minutes with Jennifer as an opportunity to catch up and fill her in on my status. I remember at one point telling her that I felt nauseas but at the same time, craved a cheeseburger. Which really does make sense if you have ever been out there. It translates to “gels and Gatorade is making me want to yak, and I need a burger”.

In the dark of night, (and in the teeming rain), I concluded my final loop and headed in to the high school track to finish my day. As I entered the stadium I heard the voice of race director Rob Vigorito announcing the arrival of “Remissionman”. And with that, Jennifer ran to greet me and we crossed the finish line together. It was my 10th career ironman finish and my 5th Chessyman. Although somewhere around that second run loop, I began to question my sanity and wondered why I do what I do, by the time I crossed the tape, I knew I was coming back next year. It was another great day and great experience. Thanks to Vigo, his crew, and my family for allowing dreams to come true. This race was far from my best effort. But, the knee held up and I got it done. And all in all, it was a great time.

A few post scripts .

ps1 – Our younger daughter Danielle is a freshman at Temple. She wanted to be there but we urged her to do the college thing and go to homecoming weekend. That was a mistake as she was missed and homecoming was sort of a bust. We made sure we called her throughout the day to keep her dialed in to my progress. Danielle will be there next year.

ps2 – Tim Durning – You are the man. I was so impressed by your support and encouragement. I can’t thank you enough. “More Stones”.

ps3- George Alteri and Fred Sommer – It’s always a pleasure and an honor to hang out with you guys. Thanks for all you both do for the sport. Fred, I can’t believe you still have the IRONTOE rock from the original GFT TRIBE rock garden.

ps4 – Wendy – It was great to finally meet you and your awesome husband. Sorry if I spooked you on the run.

ps5 – Jeff Candyman Gura – You are my ironman brother of 8 years. It was great to see you and hang out at yet another race.

ps6 – There is no doubt that I missed something or someone and for that I apologize. Thanks to everyone for a great weekend. My family rocks.