Going into the race, I was struck by how many senior athletes were racing with Team USA. Even in the older age groups, and how quick they were! So many veterans of multiple Worlds races! They were all so willing to welcome new racers to Worlds, share tips and advice, and make the experience special. USA had podiums in every senior age group in Friday’s sprint duathlons, and the expectation was to add to that in today’s races.
Coach had prepped me carefully, with advice in the final 5k run including these gems “Enjoy that final lap, representing your country”, and Tim Yount of Team USA, “Never second guess your ability to perform.You are here because of that earned right. You’re racing for your country”. Racing for my country! Wow, what an inspiring honor. It had us ready to go on race morning!
The morning greeted us with another brilliant cloudless sun and a thrill to line up in the staging coral with athletes from so many nations in their country’s race kits. The gun started us on the first 10k, and I settled in my 9-minute run, and 1-minute race-walk plan.
This quickly developed into a mini race with a couple of other guys on similar paces. I’d pass them on the run and they’d get past me on my race-walking intervals. Then I’d catch and pass the next run. The incline ramp we’re on here is indicative of the shoulder-to-shoulder racing throughout. This went on throughout the 10k, until time to transition to the bike.
The course was in two distinct sections: the first twisty and technical, the second fast, aero, and flat out on an oceanside highway. There were more bumps at speed than I remembered from the recon rides, and my bottle of Maurtens nutrition somehow bounced out of its seat bracket going over one of the speed bumps, I didn’t realize this until reaching back after 20 minutes for the bottle, only to discover it wasn’t there! In the technical portion I learned from the faster athletes who carried more speed into the twisty corners, especially in the roundabouts and fast sweepers, and my second lap was better as I gained confidence leaning the bike over. I also caught and passed my two run competitors, this time building a cushion they couldn’t catch.
That led to the final transition, by now under a hot, relentless sun. I was pouring water on my head each aid station while downing electrolytes, as we dealt with the heat. With a quarter mile to go, the USA coaches were out handing American flags to us to carry through the final sprint to the finish, I grabbed one and proudly sprinted as best I could through the finish arch and cheering crowds.
Each finisher was rewarded with a medal and an ice bag to cool off. The race photographers were on course for all of this. Much appreciated was no fee for downloads of these pictures.
I finished in 2:45:49, and was very happy with 13th of 24 in the Men’s 65-69 age group. So much fun, I loved every minute of this. It was an honor and inspiring to race for USA in that kit. I learned where I can improve and go quicker. And Team USA took gold in Men’s 70+, 75+ (pictured below) and 80+ age-groups! These guys are so inspiring yet humble and sharing, and flat out fast. I want to be like them when I grow up. If you’re racing in the Nationals in Atlantic City next month, say hi to Tim Yount and Hans Ernst of Team USA. Their relentless work for athletes makes these possible, and great guys who helped me immensely. A huge shout-out to Maria Simone and JoAnne Bullard for their tireless work in preparing me mentally and physically for this. It was an experience I’ll never forget and hoping others get to enjoy it!
Racing for Team USA: A Journey of Inspiration, Community, and Personal Triumph
