Friday, April 24, 2026

Still Another Early Triathlon Event. Metroplex

 


Metroplex –Grand Prairie, Texas

 

June 12, 2005,

Grand Prairie, Texas, Joe Pool Lake 

800-meter swim, 15-mile bike, 5k run

My son did this one with me.  He had an injured ankle from a motorbike accident, but he soldiered through, and I was proud of him for it. 

This was probably one of my best overall performances.  I had a great swim – probably my best at 800 meters – I biked a personal record (at that time) of 19 miles per hour and followed with a good run.  I transitioned well too: solid effort, the kind you strive for.

 

On the bike, I was passed by a man in my age group.  That made me catch fire, and I stayed with him all the way to transition.  He was wearing bike shoes and cleats.  I always ride in my running shoes, so I knew I would out-transition him.  Sure enough, I passed him as he clop-clopped to his rack area.  I put my bike up, put on my cap, and left on the run while he was changing shoes.  I never saw him again on the course.  

It was hot, very hot, coming back on the run.  I kept passing a young man who was walking, and then he would run to pass me.  

We did this a few times. Finally, I passed him, and he said, “You’re the man today.  Way to go, Mister.  Good job.”  Sportsmanship under tough conditions.  That is the essence of triathlon.  This was a good race for me, and I thank  God for it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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