This is the first year Donnie and I didn’t race elimination. Donnie broke his shoulder; I failed to convince the organizer to reverse course direction.
April 25
I was thinking of racing half, but legs recovered quicker than anticipated. I wanted to skate with my teammates, and it’s wave start. I hesitated before checking the “pro master” box on registration.
It was a beautiful Austin day. I had no personal ambition; just wanted to enjoy the day. I felt blessed standing next to so many familiar faces. Debbie was one of the last racers getting to the line; she had matching boots this year.
Coach Mike led the team for our own pace line, letting the long bungee cord speeding away. Mike and Timo controlled our pace as we slowly pick straglers. We reeled Candy in. Timo suggested she should join Texas Flyer.
[photo by Donnie Lucas]
I started having difficulties setting left skate down and decided to leave the pack after a final pull. Mike told me the exact point he expected me to lead. It’s nice to have clear direction some times. The pack slowed as I finished popped off. I stayed with the pack.
Final lap. Ryan couldn’t contain himself and accelerated with Timo. Ryan had matured as a speed skater. I’ll probably never fly by him again, regardless how much my helmet looks like a sperm.
Not to waste the brick opportunity, I put on running shoes for a lap. The quads were a little heavy after skating; it took couple miles before body adjusted.
Post race: I walked downtown streets and fantasized moving to Austin and train on Veloway for Montreal 24 Hour solo.
Had my annual dinner with Ray, Jenny, and baby Asher before the long drive home.
