This past Saturday was the
6th annual Sachems Head Triathlon. I should probably give some quick history on race. My two good friends growing up decided to try and one up each other in a home grown triathlon that was a race with just two of them, on a course that was set in the neighborhood that we all grew up in. They did the race twice that summer and Tom won both times. The third running I participated in, I was third. In 2002, we had the race again with a group of 10 but there were no spectators and it was all about the pride of finishing. In the last 5 years it has grown and now in 2007, we had to limit the field to 50 because there was too much interest. It really has turned into a neighborhood event. The staging area was moved to the field across the street to make room (thanks to the Fishers for the use of the field). But the course is still the original from Tom and Peter's first dual.
The gear laid out before the race.
Now this years race. It was sunny, humid and temps in the low 90's- HOT! Peter and I have been putting our time in getting ready for the event, Tom rolls into town from where he lives on the west coast the day before with minimal training and had to borrow a bike. This could be the year that Peter or I knock him off. I am right with the Peter leaving the water in the lead group and Tom is a few behind. I in a moment of glory pass the riders ahead and am now leading the bike. In the 5 times I have done this race, this is a first and a big one. I am in the lead for the start of the run leg, this leg was just not kind. I am passed by Tom, and then Peter. The pecking order is back to normal. Jay Stockmann sneaks in with a mile to go and I finish 4th. Amy Steffen was the first woman but with Dana close on her trail. Good times. There were as many spectators as competitors. This was the best tri yet.
Here I am coming into the finish
Pre-race meeting
Part of the spectator crew. Thanks Bing, Kerry and Ike for cheering me on.
The transition area
Dana, Ike and I checking out the bikes.
Start of the swim
Here I am headed onto the bike leg out of the water
And the winner heading out for the run. To add insult to injury he throws on some 70's garb to show boat the crowd... Nice job Tom!
Also, according to babynames.com: "The meaning of the name Ike is He Will Laugh. The origin of the name Ike is American." Although I wonder how and who determines the meaning of a name, I like that his is a happy thing :-)
