The Fairport report

[MattCollister]

This little race keeps getting bigger and bigger. More than 400 registered this year. Lots of newbies and first timers. Jen and I both raced, and we had special guests in from out of town--my sister and her boyfriend drove up from Charlotte. Grandma (my mom) came as well, eager to spend a little time at the beach with little William (our son) whilst mommy and daddy raced.

Great morning for a race. A little steamy, but not quite the brutal heat of the past week. I saw lots of Cleveland Tri people there--too many to mention--but I will call out Lou Dregley and Tim Edwards, only because of the definitive way they both dropped me on the run.

Race was basically good for me. I thought my swim was decent, and except for having a little issue with my racebelt, T1 went smoothly. We had a nice tailwind on the out portion of the bike, and I was able to easily hold around 25 mph.

The organizers changed the bike course this year. Rather than out-and-back with a turnaround at the intersection of Bacon and Lake Road (mmmmmm bacon), they sent us down Lake Road into Painesville on the Lake, then out Hardy road to re-join Fairport Nursery road for the ride back to Fairport. So, a lollipop-shaped course (mmmmm lolipops). This added a few additional turns. With all things equal, nothing exceptionally difficult ... but with so many bikes on the road there was potential for diceyness. Yet, everything seemed to work out and we avoided any "Johnny Hoogeland" moments.

The run saw the debut of my ace-in-the hole. A pair of bright green racing flats. Several independent, scientific studues have proven that brightly colored shoes will make you look faster than you actually are. This is important to me, as I am not actually fast. Although my time for the 5K (more like 4.5K) was modest, I looked awesome doing it--every step of the way--and a lot of people made favorable comments about the shoes.

[jamesi]

So THAT'S what the bright green blur was...

[JenCollister]

Matt, that's one funny make me laugh out loud report - love it!

Typical mediocre time for swim for me, although I felt so good the whole time. Wonder if course could have been long? Anyway, totally killed on the bike and had plenty of people to pass being one of the slower swimmers in the last wave. Only complaint is wish everyone knew to ride right and pass left. I can't tell you how many people I had to yell at to get over or to stop riding next to their buddy or ... I'm sure I looked like a total jerk whizzing by on my fancyass bike yelling at everyone, but rules are rules, right? Came off the bike in what looks like 4th place in my age group, but was definitively passed by 3 ladies on the run which included 2 of my besties, Sam and Nicole. I even made Nicole tap me on the butt as she passed. Run was a tad disappointing in that my shins were on fire the whole time, so couldn't hold a good pace. But, overall I'm pleased with my performance especially considering 1) didn't even want to race up to the minute it started and 2) haven't really trained specifically for triathlons this summer. Nice to see so many familiar faces. I'll call out Janet (the photographer), Elizabeth (the cheerleader), Charlie (triumphant return to racing as the swim part of a relay team), Chuck (also triumphant return to racing as bike part of same relay team) and Brandon (runner on that relay team who gave me a smile and word of encouragement as he passed me on the steep hill with authority). Oh, and my friend Hallie was 4th female and she has become smokin' fast this year!

[watchman]

Matt

you averaged 25 mph easily? dang

considering how big you are ( wind resistance) that is amazing.

I feel like i wasted the last 4 years focusing on swim and run and not bike.

I have a long way to go on that but now it is my focus

good job btw I agree about the shoes. newtons are very bright also and make you faster

mike

[MattCollister]

Mike, I didn't say I averaged 25. I was able to hold that speed easily with the tailwind during (much of) the out.

[chuckm]

Yeah, it feels so fast and easy on the way out, only to turn around and get blasted by the wind.
Jen, you looked great on the bike as you rode away from me.

[watchman]

sorry Matt

I read to fast . I was in a hurry and missed that part

still you are fast on bike for your size for sure

size probably helps with a tailwind right?

mike

[MattCollister]

Thanks ... I think.

[Charlie]

I had a lot of fun. It was nice to be at a race as an athlete again. I hope to participate more in the future. Back when I was training for 3 sports, R Reddy asked how long I plan to stay in the sport. I told him for the rest of my life. As a swimmer, I know this is possible. Maybe some day I can become a fast swimmer. Either way, I know it will keep me fit.
It was a lot of fun, and I was happy to be able to spend a Sunday morning with so many of you. The PD is doing a profile piece on me, so I had a reporter with me all day. As we watched the rest of the race, I found myself telling her all of your stories. The members of this club have inspired me in many ways. It is what has kept me wanting to remain a part of this sport despite my disabilities....It was of you that taught me that anything is possible.
My last marathon is best remembered as I passed Matt Collister at an aid station. As he handed me water, I remarked that my knee was killing me. He told me, " Keep moving forward". I haven't forgotten that advice.

[MattCollister]

Dang, Charlie. You just made my morning (honestly). I remember that moment at the aid station. Glad you finished that day, and I'm very glad you're back now.

MC

[MarkD]

Nice !! Good to see club members who have membership numbers in the single digits still at it !!!

mmmmmm. Bacon.