My first Xterra was on this very island 4 years ago amidst a Tsunami, this is where it all began, met some life long friends in the Moore's and the Browns and Xterra racing took off from there. Fast forward to this morning, where 60 brave souls lined up on the beach where the American invasion forces landed some 70 years ago. The swim was interesting, a strong current combined with a low tide made for dolphin swimming where you push off the bottom and stay under to avoid the current. Too bad I couldn't practice that in the pool with Rich. I came out of the water middle of the pack and hit the pedal to the metal on the the first climb in order to catch up on age groupers. The bike course is challenging with a lot of climbing. I passed some peoples but for the most part I was alone on the ride. A cloud cover was welcome during the assault on Mt. Tapochau but some strong winds almost threw me off my bike! The coral section was rideable today which made it better but those last climbs were taking a toll. After a quick transition it was time for the run, which is also grueling. It's a jungle trek! By that point I have no clue where I stand in the race. As I exit Death Valley I can see a runner ahead of me. As I catch up I see that he's an age grouper, I passed him, look at my pace on my watch and hope he wouldn't be able to keep up. All I could hear was the sound of his runners hitting the pavement. I just hope I had more in the tank than him as I made the right turn heading along the beach with about a mile to go. Luckily for me I would cross the finish line ahead, claiming my age group and a first overall amateur for the second week in a row and again I have punched my ticket for Worlds in Maui. Congrats to pro Ben Allen and Carina Wasle for their win. A big shoutout to Roy who cross the finish line healthy and happy. Jay for a hard day of racing. The commander winning his age group, GL for being such an inspiration and to Allison for breaking the Saipan curse. I also need to thank a few people, first and foremost my fiancée Stephanie who, although stuck in school, was cheering from afar and always support my racing endeavors. To my sponsors, Caps Westwood Cycle, Synergy/Gray, Sugoi and Vega nutrition, for the products I get to use, I'm grateful. It's been two weeks of great training and racing, the next couple of days will be for some R and R before heading back to reality. It wouldn't be Saipan if I don't get to eat some BBQ spam! Happy trails!
Carpe Diem
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