EGG HUNT DUATHLON

Despite not finding any eggs during the day-before-Easter Egg Hunt Duathlon in CB Smith Park, I thoroughly enjoyed the hunt for a personal best for the distance.  Of course, having one of my daughter’s present, as well as my wife, motivated me to travel the distance faster than I should have. 

Knowing better not to run the entire distance because of knee issues, I set aside my common sense and replaced it with false pride.  And my un-cool choice to run instead of speed-walk did take its toll in the way of both knees and my lower back.  With a half marathon on the horizon in one short week, in Nashville, TN of all places, I should have known better.  We live and learn, do we not?  Or do we? 

Again, there were only two of us in my 70 to 74 age group.  And again, just like this season’s first duathlon in Tradewinds Park, I took second behind fast Frank N.  Even if I went back to my prime years, I would have never been able to beat Mr. Frank.  Knowing this, why, then, do I run instead of walk the running portion?

It is very difficult to give up what you were once very good at.  The transition from fast to slow is agonizing.  

Anyway, the bottom line is that my Lynda enjoyed witnessing her first ever participation event.  Along with watching her father run and bike, she couldn’t help but notice all the ultra-fit gentlemen swimming, biking and running – and afterwards when they were receiving their free massages and food.

Lynda had fun, my wife enjoyed watching the entire multi-sport scene, and I came home with another medal to place on our crowded medal rack.  I call that a good day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbgNg2l8NRo


            

I LOVE DUATHLONS

I love duathlons, even more so than marathons, half marathons or any distance running event. The only event that I like better than duathlons is touring on a road bike with a large group of fellow cyclists. Camaraderie comes into play during those events. But, regrettably, those are far and few between the running and duathlon events and usually miles from home.

What makes duathlons more appealing, at least in my view? I like the combination of running and cycling, plus the transitions from running to the bike and then back to running. Transitions add an extra degree of difficulty to the sport.

So far, during my short lived duathlon career, I’ve participated in only two, one in Port Saint Lucie, FL and the other in Coconut Creek, FL. Either by default or fleetness, I placed second in my age group during both of those events.

Both events were put on by the good folks at Multirace.com.

I’m looking forward to my third duathlon this coming April 23^rd in Pembroke Pines, FL, an event that will take place in CB Smith Park a mere ½ mile from my home. How convenient is that!?

And to add to the excitement of my upcoming duathlon,
 my oldest daughter will be visiting us and joining my diminutive cheering squad. This will be the first time she’s seen any type of participation sporting event, large or small.

How can I not do well with my beautiful wife and oldest daughter cheering me on!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i1IxJHlvnI