My buddy G-Zip brings home the hardware....too (UNC Wellness supersprint)

Not only did the Diesel bring home the hardware for 3rd place in the masters (7th overall), my buddy G-Zip finished third in his age group. I take a great deal of satisfaction from this accomplishement because I am the one who was responsbile for introducing "zip" to multisport. It was only a short few monthes ago that he took over 7 minutes to transition between events... and now, not only are his transitions competitive, but he is spanking me in the water and on the runs. Results

Aside from G-Zip's success, the race was exciting. Richard Puckett, who has been closing in on the Diesel, went out 30 seconds ahead of the Diesel in the Pool. The Diesel closed 13 seconds in the pool and then finished off the next 17 seconds in the first mile of the bike. Given my ride of 22+ mph on a hilly course with a power output north of 260 watts, I never thought I would see Mr. Puckett again, but he greeted me in T2 with "Nice Ride Diesel" which freaked me out because I knew that guy could run so I did what I could to hold him off to the last 400 yards. He passed me and made up 13 seconds but it was not enough and I ended up with a 17 second victory. Very rarely do you get to race head to head in a pool start. We both had a blast.

I was 7th overall and in striking distance of the leaders so this meant that I got some good points for the series. There are two more races in the Endurace series so I have to hope that my scores are good enough to keep me in first. Series Standings

Your in the Diesel's house now (Mission Man Sprint)

The Diesel is back on the podium with a 2nd place age group finish and 23rd overall (results)

The mission man is an Endurace Series race (Development Series) but a popular race all the same. I clocked a 15:27 swim for the 750m but the distance was long and so the time was better then it seems, certainly better then the Tri latta race (+17min).

As usual, the race hinged on a strong bike ride (13 overall and 1st in age group). I even manage to beat Tony Kobet on the bike by 8 seconds. Tony is one of my closet competitors. I had to avenge my lose to him at the Triangle race. Tony is a great guy and I love racing him, he beat me by 1 second in the first race of the season. That 1 second has provide ample motivation in other races this season.

I think my swim strategy worked well. I went out kind of easy and slowly picked up the pace. This allowed my some control over my effort and I was able to remain effcient. I really focused on my kick. (DIESEL TIP) Mike Beaman from Inside-Out Sports suggested that I might be dragging and dropping my legs. It would explain why I am so much faster in my wetsuit. You need to kick enough to keep the body level.

Anyway, it feels good to race at my potential.