Have a Great Burn!

To those of you travelling to Burning Man this week, I wish to send you good luck on your journey and hope you have a meaningful experience! I am unable to attend this year due to work obligations and a Rodriguez family reunion this weekend in Yosemite (a rare occasion). Believe me, I would love more than anything to ditch it all and stand on stilts like my friend Malekei here at Coachella- amidst all of the shiny happy people. Of course, that would set me back pretty far on my training, which by the way has already begun to slack if I may be honest...

Anyway, one of those attending is my boyfriend Brian who leaves today. It was hard to watch him pack his outfits and decorate his bicycle, knowing I would not be joining. It will be his first time though, and I know he'll have an incredible experience on his own. My first and only burn was in the year 2000. It was a different time for me, I certainly wasn't training for any triathlons!

In the spirit of the event, I made a funky dance CD for Brian to inspire him:


1. Point of View - DB Boulevard
2. Double Dutch Bus - Frankie Smith
3. Missing Sweet Love - The Arbiters mash-up remix
4. Boogie No More - Dorfmeister vs. Madrid de los Austrias
5. World In My Eyes (Cicada Mix) - Depeche Mode
6. Comfortably Numb - Scissor Sisters
7. Days Go By - Dirty Vegas
8. Love sensation - Eddie Thoneick & Kurd Maverick
9. Anyway - Amber
10. Flashing For Money - Deep Dish
11. No More Conversations (mylo remix) -Freeform Five
12. Money In The Bag (Sharam Jey Remix)- Kraak & Smaak
13. Policy Of Sweet Dreams - DJ Earworm - Depeche Mode/Eurythmics

August Tri For Fun - pics just in!

RUN FORREST! If you had seen the green sludge in that lake you would get it.

My brown skin can be seen behind this homie, but unfortunately I did not get my own pic I was running so fast... I had images of cold beer in my head- and don't forget my song was also motivating me, "YOU'RE A SUPERSTAR!"

DA-YAMN them blisters on my feet hurt!

Here my ass is seen running with no socks in the June 2006 Tri For Fun- the run of which was anything but for me. Jerry says that it saves him time not to wear any socks, but for me the act proved nothing less than damnfoolishness. My feet are kinda retarded anyway and these Adidas I bought in NYC last Spring have given me trouble before. But nothing like the blisters that formed on this fateful day- good lawd! How hilarious is that wince of pain as I smash the injured foot again one last time while the leprachaun behind me gains some ground.

I think the playlist I had that day was actually a lot better, as I had created it especially for this race. The songs I was most feeling at the beginning of Summer were a mix of old favorites and some remakes, with a sprinkle of new ones:

Love Sensation / Enjoy the Silence (ewan pearson remix)/ Mas Que Nada (Sergio Mendes + Black Eyed Peas) / In My Arms (Tocadisco Remix) / Bette Davis Eyes (Kim Carnes) / Situation (Yaz) / Somnambulist (BT) / Get It Get It (Scissor Sisters)

I actually don't think it took me so long to run that I was able to listen to all these, but you never know... those blisters have a way of slowing one down. Perhaps even to the tune of 12 minutes slower!



Here I am a few paces after that earlier pic. Don't I look a lot better all of a sudden? I always find the energy to really haul during the last 50 yards, this past week I kicked it up a notch even earlier down the hill. It makes me wonder how much I could keep it going if I just sprinted harder during the whole run. I guess I'll have to wait until the next event to find out! Pacific Grove has been planted in my mind, and I will decide this week if I will be going down.

Funky Fried Chicken by Juanita MORE!

Chiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiild.

They say every athlete has a reward which follows a fantastic performance. Y'all know about my Ben & Jerry's fetish by now... Well, I have a new fabulous monthly brunch to look forward to. Local drag personality and queen of fabulosity, Juanita More! cooks up some incredible funky fried chicken at Mars Bar & Restaraunt in South of Market. She also sizzles the decks with old school soul and R&B, along with the City's very own house legend David Harness. Shit I need to work for a club zine.

ANYWAY, let me just say that this stuff was more than finger lickin' good. I was praising the lord by the time I had all that honey off my lips. It was complimented with a sensible green salad and some homemade corn muffins. Add to that a nice tall Bloody Mary and some carrot cake for dessert (also made by Juanita) and my ass was in ghettolicious heaven! I just want to say if you get the chance, try to catch this one next month. It will stick to your soul.

Final Time: 1 hour 10 minutes 11 seconds!

400 yard swim, bike distance 11 miles, 3.1 mile run
It is challenging to convey how far one has come without quantifiable evidence. In triathlon this translates into hanging on to your final finish time as that proof and hopefully beating your personal best. A good friend once mentioned how hard it was for him to feel excited about a sport when you are well aware that you won't stand a chance at placing. But having just beat my personal best (June 2006 Tri For Fun) by 12 minutes, I can honestly say that I'm totally THRILLED!



I'll have to post the video I shot on the ride to the event later. . . Suffice it to say that I missed the exit due to my concentration on getting the right shot of the early morning light. It was gorgeous! When I left the house it was about 6:10, dark with deep indigo skies opening slowly. The city was still shrouded in fog and that extended well into the East Bay. I was afraid for a minute that the weather would be Le Suck but I was ecstatic at seeing a sunny horizon as soon as I got to Pleasanton- well Livermore by the time I realized I missed the exit.



I got my bike out of the trunk, plopped helmet on head and grabbed my two transition bags with much the usual crucial items and JuJu. When I finally set up my stuff I could hear them announcing the first wave would be leaving shortly! I made it in the nick of time to swim with the fast group, first out, again. In June, I had more time to warm up in the water and chit chat. Today I had to hold my pee until the I got in the water- and let me tell you I am not the only animal that released its waste in and around that nasty beach. I could see the horror on the swimmers' faces as they looked down to find their bare feet walk unprotected over many an unspeakable item. They oughtta rename the Shadow Cliffs Park as Duck Shit Park.

My swim was relatively strong. I stayed toward the back of the pack, which did not spare me from being whacked by limbs once or twice. It was actually nice to see so many young and toned bodies working hard at getting through the water. I wish I had sighted a bit more because I did not swim a straight line by any means. I also will remember not to wear my wetsuit in the September Tri For Real, because the water really is warm enough and the suit just makes me feel a bit constricted. My last two months of training and events really helped me preserve energy hear and this absolutely carried over in the next event, the bike.

As soon as I was done climbing the first hill out of the lot I ripped open my GU (carbohydrate gel) and sucked half of it down. I took a swig of water. I was not hungry because I ate a bowl of cereal and a banana in the morning. I also had a large glass of OJ- and pizza the night before. My legs felt great, I kept pushing forward. I had half-completed the first stretch when Jerry passes me on the bike! That's the second time that's happened and it's starting to get to me ever so slightly. Maybe I'll be training harder in the next few months and can manage to make him work harder at catching up during Catalina! The route was the same as it was in June but somehow I felt more prepared. I didn't let as many people pass and I was able to power ahead of a few others.


As for the run, I felt totally on top of it. It's funny because I struggled for about 50 yards in the beginning trying to untangle my iPod headphones. It was well worth it though- as the music uplifted me every step of the way. I passed a few folks and really felt more in control than the last time. I also wore socks this time, and did not get blisters as I did the last race. When I began to approach the finish, Love Inc.'s "Superstar" came on. Ah yes... an old circuit club favorite. It was actually a nice closer as they say in clubland- the lyrics perfectly addressed the progress I had made. It was cheesy, which I love, and made me get a few chills. It also inspired me to haul ass in the last 1/4 mile. WHY didn't I play this song sooner???!!!

"Reach for the sky and hold your head up high. . . And don't you be afraid, Think of all the friends you've made. . . You're a superstar.

Everything you are today, Is what you want to be.
So don't be someone else when you can be the best so easily.
If you try, and believe, my baby you'll succeed,
And your eyes will make you see,
You're a superstar."

-Love Inc.

Oh no I didn't! - Sammy's Tri-Blunders

I think I might be casting myself in too good of a light on here so I just want to take a moment and "make it real" as it were. I've had my share of moments during triathlon which I am happy to forget. However, they are worth mentioning if for no other reason than to make me look bad.


Here my ass is seen WALKING across the finish line of my first triathlon- 2005 Treasure Island Tri. I honestly thought the race was already over. You better work.

Not a picture of happiness, as I leave the water in the Auburn sprint triathlon. I later lost the wetsuit I have on, my airhead ass left it behind at the venue- $300 + loss, OUCH!

For some reason I thought it would be cute to wear my ORCA singlet to Gay Pride. In restrospect I maybe shoulda coulda woulda rethunk that number. Can you say Richard Simmons- ech.

Here I am at the last ill-fated tri where I got my flat. This pic shows me trying to gain on the trollgirl ahead of me. I also passed a 73 year old man who placed first in his age group and several hot big mommas as well.

Why Do I Tri?

which way east bay?


So here I go again on my own. Looks like I'll be gettin up on Saturday at 5am and driving once again by myself to Pleasanton for Tri For Fun #3. I gotta take a moment and do some 'splaining bout why it is I do what I do, that is, triathlon. It's so easy to get all caught up in the little stories and breaking down the technical aspect of training. But I'm sure some people out there haven't got a clue why people such as myself take the time to stay fit and train for events. The following are my top five reasons:

Reason 1: It makes me happpy! Quite literally, the act of jumpin in a pool and swimming even for ten minutes helped me today to turn my attitude entirely around. My body was still aching from my cold and hungover from my night at Trannyshack and stressed from my bullshit at work- when I decided to take my lunch and head to the USF Koret pool! Working out releases endorphins, as you might already know, which are natural painkillers that get you hiiiiiigh. And that's why I try to do it as often as possible...

Reason 2: It makes me sexy! Um... hullo? Now I know for a fact some of you wouldn't be reading were it not for the updated nekedness. I have to say I'm proud of the body god blessed me with- I just have to take issue with how he makes me work for it. Seriously though, the more I stay active the more I'm able to eat those pints of Ben & Jerry's (yes one to myself) and drink those vodka + sodas. I don't wanna sound like a partyboy (but I am) however as we all know it's about balance. And with each new milestone achieved I not only feel a sense of accomplishment but I think my boyfriend wants me more... and you do too, dontcha? dontcha?

Reason 3: It helps me connect with Mother Earth! Nature is the one thing that has kept me from moving to LA or NYC to work those industries. The time spent with the elements is absolutely one of the best reasons to be a triathlete. The San Francisco Bay Area has some spectacular bike trails, running trails, swim locations and vistas to catch along the way. My favorite part of the sport is the meditative moments to myself which I get during training and on race day. I have been able to forget life's worries for a short time during a run to the bridge. I've focused on how my body interacts with the elements in order to get through a swim in the Bay, or while biking up a bitch of a hill. And I love it!

Reason 4: It introduces me to new people! Anyone who knows me already recognizes me as a highly social creature. It was my coworker Jerry who initially got me into triathlon, and I've made several friends through him. I also connected with folks through the Gay Games and the training leading up to it. I'm hoping this year to introduce more of my current friends and family to triathlon- or at least to considering new ways to stay in shape. It's important to have a support network in this sport, and training is more fun in groups.

Reason 5: I can eat like a big ole pig! Okay maybe I already said that, but damn those Ben & Jerrys are good. I have to mention that some people are very strict about their diets while in training. Those people can go ahead and run past me now, I'm gonna stick to my piggy ways. Of course I am concious about what I put into my body and put extra effort at getting those fruits and veggies. But you won't see me turning away dessert. Life is just too... yummy!!

I am dying for a Cherry Garcia + Double Dutch Chocolate cone!

Tri 4 Fun - Saturday August 19th

Does anyone want to participate in the 19th Annual Tri 4 Fun in Pleasanton this weekend- with me? I am considering doing this triathlon, which is a short sprint (400 yard swim, 11 mile bike, 3.1 mile run). I participated in the June Tri 4 Fun and it was an excellent event for a beginner like myself. Even if you don't own a wetsuit, the water is warm enough in the lake to just wear a speedo! How HOT is that?? I challenge anyone to take the plunge- it's all about finishing. They don't even give you timing chips or record your time- you have to kind of look at the clock yourself. Consider it:

http://www.onyourmarkevents.com/TriForFunInfo.htm

ps no i don't know who that is in the pic, but he sure looks fast!

Healing at Home

Our relay team has canceled it's participation in the Folsom International Triathlon. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little dissapointed but it seems the universe did not have this event in store for any of us. I came down with a mild chest cold over the past few days, which I could have ignored and swam/ran anyhow but I'm glad that I'm actually resting instead. Our cyclist got food poisoning last night and was attempting a light ride today to see how he was feeling- it wasn't gonna happen for him. Lastly, and most seriously, Jerry had to leave town due to a family medical emergency. If any of you out there believe in prayer please keep him and his family in your thoughts over the next few days.

I will be home tonight chillin with the boy (yay!) and drinking lots of fluids.

Folsom International Triathlon - Who will Swim 1.5K?

On my way to Folsom Saturday and I'm not talkin South of Market. My coworkers Jerry Castro and Paul Hettler convinced me to run the 10k leg of this International distance triathlon relay. The swim is 1.5k, the bike is 40k and the run is 10k. However, Jerry may have to opt out due to a family emergency and so I have been frantically searching for a back-up swimmer this morning.

It appears that my lovely own Brian Burns might step up to the plate if Jerry can't make it. I am shocked. Brian just started swimming again a few weeks ago. I guess he feels pretty strong- I reminded him that it is 1500 meters. That's further than I've ever competed and usually for your first tri the swim is the most mind fucking of the events. I'm pressing Brian to stick to the running but I'll let him decide.

Part of the reason I'd rather he run is because he helped Jerry and I win 3rd place in the Wildflower Triathlon this Spring. Bri was running about 6:15 minute miles! That's definitely faster than I can run, but it remains to be seen who is the stronger swimmer. I'm puttin my bets on him, but a part of me wants to beat him at something. Maybe I am competitive after all!

Here's the goldenboy during the Wildflower Triathlon

Gay Games Part Three - Martial Arts, Soccer

I've received requests to finish my coverage of the Gay Games, which are now almost a month behind us! My initial purpose for attending the Games was as a spectator to my boyfriend Brian's soccer games. But I quickly realized that this was an opportunity to do more than just watch, and I am very pleased that I decided to participate in triathlon and the 5k run.

After planning my trip, I learned of other friends who were participating as athletes. One of the most special moments during my time in Chicago was watching my friend Victor Tang, of Los Angeles, win the gold medal for the weapons individual competition of Martial Arts. It took some time to get to the venue at the Univeristy of Chicago but it was well worth the travel. Besides, I forgot to mention in an earlier post, Victor also woke up early Sunday after Opening Ceremonies to join Brian in watching me compete in the Sprint Triathlon.

So I sort of owed it to her. Below you will see exactly what I did in the first round of Victor's competition. I only caught a portion of the second competition due to some battery issues (arrrgh). But the whole event was surprisingly dramatic, engaging, and even grounding in a meditative way.



That's my boy! Did I mention that Victor also was a Madonna dancer during the Drowned World Tour? That's right, when Nikki had the red mohawk and the dancers all sported their own hawks. I like to say that they ripped my look off that Summer of 2001 because I had a red mohawk in 2000. But I digress... Another guy from LA named Tony who I met while in Chicago walked with a bronze medal. Again, I didn't get the whole performance but what I did capture looks very fun:



After watching Martial Arts in the morning and getting a good dose of disciplined butch/queen action (there were some very tough lookin gayboys and gay girls as well as the occasional flambouyant queen with high kicks and screams- I'm not even lying) I decided to head out to Oak Park and catch the afternoon game of the Spikes vs. Team America.

Now I want to make it very clear that the SF Spikes are a superbly talented set of players who have won several tournaments as a team and often dominate in their Marin league. They are the only gay soccer team on that league, and this fact is not lost on their straight opponents. I have watched this team evolve over the last two years, and learned much about the sport especially with the off the field explanations from Brian- who plays defense for Spikes. This group of men is so admirable for their serious dedication and competitive attitude. It is groups like the Spikes which push the bounderies of what it means to be an athlete in the gay community while shattering misconceptions about our ability to perform in the mainstream. You guys rock!!


The Gay Games always hold some surprises, and the favored Spikes encountered this first hand. Our team was eliminated in a very close match against New York which was to decide who was proceeding to the semi-finals. It's always painful to see these things play out in penalty kicks and that is exactly where it was decided. Yet, with this incredible blow to their prospect for a medal these guys managed to keep their heads up. I was amazed to see the comeraderie and unity in their loss. . . Let's just say, we got our party on early that day. Congrats for coming this far guys! There will be plenty of upcoming opportunities to prove yourselves in the near future. Here are some images from the Games:







My apologies for the sloppy layout of the pics!







My boy Brian with beloved coach and skilled player Karl Myrvold



This video was created by SF Spikes player Ismael Ruiz:

The good ole days

Me at 5AM the morning of my event at the Gay Games.

My training buddy and Unity triathlon leader Glenn Galang.

Training buddy and fellow Unity triathlete Lawrence Manuel

Good Lawd!

I hate to make this site about me and my neked-ness. But don't I look super after experiencing a 40 minute delay of tire drama? Even coming out of the water I don't look as gassed as I have in other shorter distance races. Success has many measurements.

Dude Where's My Bike Pump?

beautiful seacliff beach, aptos, ca - .5 mile swim around the cement shipwreck

Mr. Sandman brought me a dream alright, a dream of seeing the finish line. . .
I woke up around 11:30AM on Saturday morning feeling most excellent and ready to take on the day. Have you ever slept so much that you almost feel like the whole world has sprung to action but yourself? As Mr. Sandman's dreams sifted from my subconcious I gradually put my ass in gear to get the heck out of SF. Two nice dark cups of coffee and a bowl of cereal later I was on the road.

Santa Cruz is my alma mater, I graduated from UCSC in 1998 and lived there for about 5 years (don't do the math). And yet having spent so much of my youth in this nook of the California coast 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco, I rarely am tempted to return. There is a myth about Santa Cruz that a hippie dippie friend of mine once shared- he said it was Native American but whatever. Basically it says something like all the white men who move to Santa Cruz will be trapped there, if not forever for, like, a really really long time. Thank God I aint white.

But nevertheless, I did live there for some time. And it was only fitting that I should have the most unique of my triathlon experiences here. My hosts were this Filipina-Puerto Rican couple I've known since highschool who shall remain nameless due to their wishes. These two kids are possibly the funniest and most perfectly matched pair that I've known all my life. But we're not gonna talk about them. I'll just say this, they now live less than a block from the ocean and had the coziest pad for me to chillax at before my race. We burned some time together.

When I awoke on race day (Sunday) to coffee being made, I felt bad about having to turn it down. Now I love me some good café but not on race day. It dehydrates the body too much- and lawd knows the beer I drank Saturday night did enough damage. I find my way to Seacliff Beach by 8am, the race has a very humane 9am start time. Jerry and Christopher are at transition when I get there. Somehow I can't chit chat too much before getting in the water- it's part of my ju ju I guess. My wave is the first to go so I get into the ocean right away to warm up.



Unlike my last time in a triathlon in the Pacific (Treasure Island - Nov. 05), this race begins on the beach and we run to the water at the sound of the horn. I thought this was really cute and all but I guess I shoulda ran a little faster because I got hit by the first wave of water and was held back a bit. Fine, I thought, I'll just swim at my own pace since this part kind of freaks me out. I was doing real well out there, my head was calm and the water felt just right. A secret I learned surfing while in school was to pee in your wetsuit, it sounds like a bad scene out of folsom street fair but let me tell you it will warm you up quick! I'm feelin good in my now warm space and doing the breathing my swim instructor taught me. Stroke, stroke, stroke, Breath, stroke stroke stroke, Breath... very zen.

All of a sudden some asshole kicks me square in the face - hard. I swing at him futiley but only manage to fuck up my rhythm. He kicks me again- harder. I'm trying to stay cool, take it easy, that's part of the sport I tell myself. Keep on swimming. It quickly comes to my attention that I cannot see out of my left eye because he kicked my goggles so hard they are like supersucking my eye socket. I can't even blink the shit is so tight and I can feel the pressure on it. Keep on swimming. I think I see blood in the water, actually it's a red tide. I try not to swallow. The first buoy is just ahead so I gotta keep going. I'm fuckin quasimodo in an ocean of red piss and somehow I manage to maintain my cool!

Now I know they say it's a .5 mile swim, but I really have to challenge that. I would have a better idea if they actually issued us timing chips but all we had to work with was the total time. Maybe that's a good thing. See I made it out of the water feelin brilliant, got into my bike shoes and put my helmet on and zoomed on outta there - they even had to tell me to dismount my bike until I left transition I was so happy to get out of the water - happily chuggin along what I thought was the front of the pack. I get passed once, twice then again and again and again. I notice that the age group is changing, the wave 5 minutes after me has caught up! Next thing you know I hear Jerry call out "Good job Sam!" Good job my ass, you just passed me with 5 minutes in my favor!

Next thing you know I'm done with the first of the hills and humming along a straight highway... I had seen two other suckas fixin their flat tires and thought to ask if they were okay (universal sign for are you okay = thumbs up). But I decided not to be so cynical, who was I kidding I wouldn't have stopped. But I sure was slowing down...
I look below at the rear tire I just had "fixed" at a bike shop in Santa Cruz the day before and it is flat flat flat. I think God does have a sense of humor. Of course I had brought a spare tube- DUH. But dude, where's my bike pump?

It is not uncommon for triathletes to not carry bike pumps actually, so I've been told. You figure, if you are unfortunate enough to get a flat- basically you're done. Well I was unfortunate but I wasn't ready to give up. See, I'm not a quitter. But I am a loser. I went door to door interrupting mommies with their kids having breakfast until one finally was able to help. Her husband was really nice and dug through his tools to find the right adapter for my tire. 30-40 minutes later I was back on the road, giving directions to other poor souls who were stuck on the side of the road with their flats. One of these characters later passed by me on the run, he just starting as I was finishing. We slapped high fives as if this were the our moment of glory- overcoming adversity to finally, FINALLY reach the end of the sandy line.

Headed to Santa Cruz for Sandman!

Me about to enter the water at my first Tri: Treasure Island Triathlon 2005


I've officially lost my mind
My coworker Jerry, a 46 year old man in better shape than myself who was my original inspiration for training for triathlons, has convinced me to join him Sunday for an event in my alma mater of Santa Cruz! Now I'm not certain that I'll be able to register the day of the race- but I'll find out tomorrow. It sounds like it hasn't filled up. It's also nice that it doesn't start until 9am and it promises to be a fantastic 74 degrees!

Sandman Triathlon

.5 mile SWIM - 15 mile BIKE - 4.2 mile RUN



I'm sure I can conquer those distances. I hear the run is particularly challenging since it is all along the sand on the beach in Santa Cruz. But I'm more worried about the swim, believe it or not. The last time I swam in an event in the Pacific Ocean I didn't feel too hot. In fact, it's safe to say that I panicked midway. I hardly even remember swimming. Most of the time was spent on my back trying to talk my heartrate down or swimming a mean dog paddle around the course. It was a totally humiliating experience for me as my first event because my parents and boyfriend were present- along with two other friends. But it also was a good lesson as I had not spent much time training in the open water before the race.



I should probably stop right now with the self-berating. Brian brought to my attention that I may not be giving myself enough credit regarding my athletic abilities. Indeed, I may have painted a sorrier picture of my nerdy youth than was necessary. But I only mean to provide a context to my newfound thrill for triathlon. You see, even for someone who dreaded team sports as a kid, triathlon can be a very rewarding experience that fulfills some of those missed opportunities. And to be fair to my parents, I did receive swim lessons as a young boy and was taken to the pool and the ocean often when we lived near it. This has helped me overcome my fear of the water, as I simply have grown more used to the natural feeling of being out in the ocean. I would like to add that recently I've spent a lot more time training in the Pacific at Aquatic Park in San Francisco. I still get the jitters on race day, which is normal, but I no longer feel a sense of emergency when I realize I'm far from land.


I'll be keeping you posted on what happens in the next day regarding this race.

Chicago Gay Games VII - Part Two (triathlon)

FINAL TIME FOR SPRINT TRIATHLON: 1:31:50 (5th place in age group)







No that's not me in the tutu! After swimming the 750m stretch which is featured in yesterday's video, I sauntered out of the water and was made to run an extra 1/4 mile to my transition area where I finally peeled off the wetsuit. By this point it was really motherfucken hot and I only emphasize this because getting that second skin off was my main priority! In transition many people invoke their personal "juju" as my triathlon buddy Jerry Castro puts it. For me, it simply means getting wetsuit in bag, having my sunglasses ready in my helmet, and steppin into the bike shoes with only my shorts on (which I have underneath wetsuit). One of the first things you do when arriving to the event is get marked with your number and administered a champion chip to strap onto our ankle. This records all "split" times, meaning how you performed in each sport as well as what took your ass so long in transition. When I competed in the Treasure Island Triathlon, Brian was screaming at me as I exited the water, "Hurry up! What the hell are you walking for!!" As you can see, he is a hard as nails coach- and I appreciate it.

My buddy Eli from Denver


Below are my splits for this particular race. Have to say I'm pretty happy with how I did- though I wish I powered a bit harder on the bike. Maybe I would have medaled? There's always what-ifs after a race, and these splits make it hard not to overanalyze one's performance. They also provide the best means to track improvement.

750 meter Swim, 20K Bike, 5K Run
Overall 50th (154 participants) - 5th place in Male 30-34 category
Swim | Rank | Tran1|Rank | Bike| Rank |Tran2|Rank | Run |Pace | Final
14:47|__48|_5:46_|_60_|43:19|__64_|_1:12|_63_|_26:47|_4:19|_1:31:50

One bit of info I believe was recorded wrong is my running pace. It says I ran a 4:19 mile!! At that rate, I should have been having my mimosa before Brian got to the finish line. Actually, he never saw me cross it because it was tricky to find where the race ended. My one complaint was that there was no dance music awaiting us at the end. What the fuck?! I mean I understand people have a budget to watch but at least hook an iPod to some speakers or SOMTN! I've been to plenty of mainstream events and there is ALWAYS some dude blastin high energy dance music throughout the day. And we're gay, we're supposed to be the keepers of such things. It was shameful.



On that note, I do usually take my iPod with me for just such emergencies and have been known to wear it during the run. This is usually against the rules however, and I would advise one to take a look around to see if anyone else is daring to do it. At worse they might dock a minute off your time- which would suck. But some argue that having music really does improve your speed. Whatever the case may be, just be advised that it is a risk.



As to the bike course on this day (I know I'm out of order here, bike is second) I was not too wowed by the flat highway straightaway. I happened to rent my bike in Chicago to save money, and am grateful for it. I don't think it could have been about the bike, as lance armstrong puts it, that day. What really would have helped me out would have been more spin classes and training along CRISSY FIELDS. Most of my bike training has been longer course with some hills. For some this was a relief, but I felt pretty unprepared as I was passed by cyclists on the road. One of these cyclists is another buddy of mine Anders Nelson. Also a beginner triathlete, I felt a little more competitive once he zoomed past me toward the end of the bike. I was able to beat him in transition somehow, and as he explained later it was probably due to his choice of laced bike shoes! So remember, every bit of velcro goes a long way people!

photo credit: jim provenzano



The 5k run went from Monroe Harbor to the museum at Soldier Field. It was very pretty and also very motherfucken hot- but I already said that. A lot of folks got dehydrated on this stretch and I even saw some of them walk. For my part, I felt pretty good- not even the usual cramping which I experience when I get off the bike. I guess my morning commute with the Night Ride may have warmed me up. There were a lot of supporters cheering us to the Finish Line. This felt awesome. There were also a lot of familiar faces from my triathlon team in SF, Unity Triathletes. . . But as I mentioned earlier, there was no god damn dance music to get the party started at the end. So I regret to say that I did not wait around for all the Olympic distance competitors to finish... Just a few of the fastest!

Next: Out to Boystown and the Spike's Soccer game...