Pre-Race Prep: Friday night was spent a combo of napping, drinking a lot of water, massaging myself, putting the bike together, and hunting for food at Trader Joes. On Satuday for race day check in, I ran into the UCLA Alum crew, Dylan, Courtney, Liz, Greg, and Vivien. I spent most of the time helping Dylan put his bike together and find his skewer but really I just sat there most of the time pretending I was helping him. In the midst of all this I got in a quick swim, quick shake out run with Courtney, buttload of rice from a teriyaki place, and finally a quick bike ride after I got back to the hotel.
Oh yea, I slept like a baby that night, score. I get 10 points. Let's talk racing
I was pretty delirious I must admit when I headed out of the transition. I forgot my garmin watch unit. (I have a detachable set up with the wrist band and a bike mount for my garmin 310xt). So I ran without knowing my pace, like high school again! I felt okay for the first 2 miles but I felt kind of out of it. I was running well 6 flats. I was able to catch Karl at around mile 2.5 and kept going. But at mile 4 when all hell broke lose. I started bonking and dying. I felt like I can hardly control my muscles. I tried to muscle it out but was passed by a charging Derek Garcia. Quickly after that I was passed by an age group woman, who I thought was a pro woman at first. At that instant I got really depressed. I was like oh man, Yu, you really suck. But I looked at her bib and was like oh cool....she's just an age grouper. I'm gonna lie to myself and tell myself that she's on a relay team and that's why she's running so fast. I calmed myself down and slapped myself a couple times in my head and said you gotta consolidate and think of something. So I started drinking all the coca-cola I can at every aid station, downing 2-3 cups. After 3 more miles of real strugs, I came back to life at mile 8 and was able to book the last 4 miles and finish in respectable time of 4:14:02.
All my UCLA buddies had super awesome finishes, with Dylan placing 2nd overall, 4:21, Courtney with a 6th place with in her first pro race, Liz placing 4th being in the money, Greg winning his age group 25-29, and Vivien 2nd in her age group 18-24 with a road bike! After the race we hung out and had a great time. It was awesome to hang out with old friends. The highlight is definitely in Greg's words, (maybe modified at bit), "When you hang out with Dylan, expect your meal to be delayed 2-3 hours". :D
The trip started out feeling pretty lonely but it didn't end that way at all.
I didn't fly home until Monday night, so had some time to enjoy Seattle. Visited the space needle and olympic sculpture garden. Also had the time to go to Trader Joes to get some chicken wrap for dinner. Life points, 20pt.
The race of many firsts:
1. First time flying with a bike
2. First time flying alone, traveling alone!
3. First time in Seattle, Space Needle, etc.
4. First 7th place finish at 70.3
That is all folks.
I would like to thank
Keith: my coach for again guiding me through tough times after Vineman. You got me in the best shape possible with what I had and we showed it! upwards and onwards, we will get there.
Jay: the kits and bike again are sweet. I never take those things for granted.
My sponsors: Pacwest Athletics Argon18 bikes, Castelli Cycling, and Newton Running,
UCLA Alumi crew: Dylan, Courtney, Vivien, Greg, thanks for spending time with me this weekend. I had a blast hanging out with you guys. You guys all kicked ass this weekend!
Finally, Weichung and Cindy, thank you guys for your hospitality. I couldn't have done it without you guys' help.
Next Race.....either Pacific Grove or Challenge Rancho Cordova, see you there!