The races involved 2 things I sucked at: left turn and counting laps.
I signed up in April and was on the fence about inline racing 4 weeks before running Dallas marathon, my 2013 "A" race. Simmons Racing’s attendance tipped the scale: I was desperate for my boots to become usable.
_logistics
Driving races are simple. I threw bunch stuff into the car Thursday night, including all 3 pairs of Simmons customs. I left work early Friday hoping to beat Houston rush hour traffic.
I wanted to hang out with Danube friends after race but didn’t know when I’d be available after the race. I’d call after race. If I hurried, I could meet Keith Wegan before his departing Dallas for rest of his skate across Texas.
_preparation
I delayed the easy week on my running schedule.
I turned down Donnie and Doris’ margarita invite and stayed in the hotel room to read ultra-runner
關家良一’s book. I barely skated after A2A; I set my Bear Creek expectation accordingly.
_300 meter
I had no clue how to race 300 meters. No one I asked was able to articulate pacing in a useful way. I considered asking Eric Gee buy didn't want to use a
牛刀 to kill the chicken.
My left knee didn't healed after A2A. I played it safe: start easy, focus on form, go hard after half way. I peaked at 24 mph, averaging 21.4 mph. Top 4 guys averaged 27+ mph.
Result: 00:33.58 (21.4 mph)
_Simmons
David Simmons arrived! We went to work right away. 2008 Mojo issue was obvious—reverse April change and shave the mounting blocks. We wasted time looking for tapes and writing tools. I wished Dave had the personality that would ask me to prepare such things.
2013 Mojo were hairier. It was hard to focus on all 3 symptoms in midst of other Simmons customers. I was determined to make progress before leaving Houston.
_10k
My 10k race included pro masters but no pros. I looked for the widest steady racer to suck wheels. Theoretically I only needed to go hard for 15 minutes then hold off competitors.
The start was a zoo as the indoor skaters crowded the front. I overestimated my maneuverability and came close to skate off the road. I blamed the new 110mm set up that was 16 mm higher than what I was accustomed to. "This is gonna be a long day." John later apologized for pushing me at the turn. A few simple words restored my confidence.
Mike didn’t make the corner. 8 stitches.
[photo from FB]
Everyone was stopped before end of lap 1 due to timing issue. My left knee was stiff. I abandoned any race ambition. "Just have fun. Make sure David Simmons doesn't get away before fixing the boots." I visited washroom.
I missed the 2nd start and technically had a 100-yard advantage. I came to a complete stop, let the fast guys go by, then started chasing. I caught the group wondering how I’d be penalized.
I was able to identify other 19 mph turn-challenged skaters. We quickly formed a pack and stayed together.
Hernan won pro master. Alex didn't optimize his race mistakenly thinking it was a point race.
Renee told me not to worry about the false start.
Result: 19:16.00 (19.35 mph)
_Simmons part 2
Eager customers wanted David’s unique product. Jennifer assured me they’d be there all day. Spending another night in Houston wouldn’t be end of the world. I considered calling Brock for free lodging and a tour of his media business.
I warmed up for the 21k race while Jason sat in the casting chair. Jason missed the final race.
_half marathon
The pace stayed slow for the first lap, then someone picked up the pace after the headwind section. I let the big pack go and was dismayed no one else stayed with me. I rolled at 10 mph before Bob and John picked me up. I was favoring right leg but felt confident with the frames; I was getting away with using new equipment on the race day.
[orderly start, photo by Doris]
Bob attacked. I assured my pack --"he's not getting away." Secretly I wished for Bob to fly away. He survived many minutes before we took him back in.
We picked up overly optimistic racers; most were too fatigued to stay in. Pros lapped us, trailed by skaters unaccustomed to 22 mph average speed. I jumped pack; John and Bob let me go.
I stopped worrying about knee injury and focused on my form. I felt capable of hold 18 mph all day.
Remaining laps were routine: the small pack skated cooperatively; I practiced crossovers; a young indoor skater kicked my shins; I had no clue what lap I was on.
I saw Bryan’s 80mm wheels after pros completed half marathon. I chased. An extra lap never hurt anyone; in case everyone miscounted, I’d be the winner.
Half marathon time: 42:55.38 (18.37 mph)
Splits:
20.4
19.8
16.2
18.5
18.3
17.8
17.3
17.9
17.4
20.1
18.4
18.9
18.1
17.6
18.2
18.2
18.0
_Simmons part 3
The booth was a zoo while everyone waited for delayed award ceremony.
I put on running shoes for scheduled easy run. Every few laps, I stopped at the shelter to check on award status. Outdoor skaters socialized. Indoor kids practiced basketball before their Sunday indoor race. I ran 10k before award started. Simmons packed its booth.
I got 2nd in my age group. Casey could’ve won open category if he was there. We would skate 2014 Montreal Duo, almost definitely.
David used the heat gun on my boots after awards. The 2 hot spots took several iterations to identify. Jennifer was resigned that lunch would be delayed ‘til dinner time; David told me not to worry about it. 2 of us talked about topics that interested me: bike wheels, power meter, Olympics. I asked him why he stopped casting weighed feet; the change was one of the reasons my shinny boots were unusable.
_post event
I said goodbye to Dan as his wife came to rescue him from locking key in his car.
It was 4 pm by the time I got back to car. No time to hang out with Danube friends. No time to run at Huntsville State Park.
It felt like yesterday when I DNF’ed the 50-mile run race in Huntsville. Events cancel; sports evolve; sicknesses occur; people struggle; lives go on.
