Greatest updates thread... I remember the play-by-play of ML vs. Hirsch last year, and was waiting with bated breath.

I am currently sober So even if this works tonight No guarantees for race day.


Which begs the question, how much sleep are you going to get between now and race time tomorrow, sober or otherwise?

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

Rumor has it JH is nursing a run injury, so playing the part of JH in this year's action will likely be Rich Burke.
Please adjust your scorecards accordingly.

But, there is a cast of hundreds, so who knows what other doodes (or doodettes) are going to bring their A-games tomorrow?


Rubber-side DOWN, everybody!

---

float , hammer , and jog

I've got $6 and a 6 pack riding on you ML. You know how much I like my beer.

Don't let me down.

---

Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

Mendy Taylor will chick ML in the F1. You read it here first.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Done, and done. What kinda beer? I need to know my motivation.

It's on like Donkey Kong.

---

float , hammer , and jog

Can you check to see if I'm in first? I don't see anyone around me and I've been running since 7:30 this morning.

---

Roar Lion Roar

Assuming she good and he's not planning to DNF - thats bad news as my son just asked me if I was getting chicked tomorrow.

I kid you not There's a porcupine sitting on the side of the trail Not looking too healthy Missing most of his quills just sitting there. I almost stepped on him. He's just passed the long wooden plank section Before you start the third and steepest climb.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Is the porcupine sober? Maybe he needs a drink.

Is it raining there yet? It's about to pour here on Long Island.

---

Roar Lion Roar

All the great updates in the past were complements of boots. I've got big boots to fill.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

No rain here yet. being alone in the woods with the sick looking porcupine I did not stop to inquire as to its sobriety.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

I have all the respect in the world for Mendy, she is a monster.
That being said, she failed to chick Chris G 2 years ago, and Yoda last year.
So unless she's found her inner Chrissie or Rinnie in the past year - it ain't happening.

---

float , hammer , and jog

She has gone from novice cyclist 2 dropping doctor mike on the climbs. Good luck not getting chicked.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

My choice so 1. it'l be expensive and 2. it'll be a stout or porter. 3. I love free beer

---

Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

The other day on a bike ride, I did the mental math and figured that a 6:15 F1 was highly unlikely. Maybe a 6:30 (to 6:40) depending on weather conditions. A little while ago, while prepping the bike, I realized that with the 30 minute earlier start, the Long Course winner will most likely finish before me. That, for some reason, really, really sucks.

I'm off to the garden of Gethsemane to have a little one way discussion to see if this cup can pass me by.

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

Just picked up 2 cold kegs from Keegans, Mother's Milk Stout and Hurricane Kitty IPA.
It's up to the rest of you to bring the Red Bull, Jamesons and Baileys.
The run course is marked with our new patented, idiot proof signs. Huge yellow signs with black arrows.
Or will they build a bigger idiot?
Rhinebeck Brewing's head brewer and son have canceled their trip to a NJ Xterra. The son will be racing the Canadian Women's division; the father will be drinking all your beer if you don't hurry up and finish.
Today at the shop, he was handing our samples of RBC's Antietam Beet Lager. Tomorrow he will tap a new dark hefe-weizen.
Brian, the RBC head brewer, will be the other guy in a kilt. The handsome man in a kilt, with bagpipes, will be your humble RD.
AmZof legend, Kevin Krol, the only 6 time finisher of every long course to date, has finally succumbed to all his hard drinking and debauchery (not unlike your humble RD). Sadly, he will not be racing tomorrow, but has travelled all the way from Ohio to volunteer for the rest of you. He will be the honorary starter of the long course, a race that indelibly bears his mark.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Just packed my Rhinebeck Brewing shirt...I am officially ready to race!

In addition to driving from Ohio to volunteer, and being tomorrow's starter, Master Krol is an accomplished home brewer. I'm quaffing his black ale as I type and I must say it's fer shizzle!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Just hand the phone to Mrs. Tetsuoni right now. You'll be half lit in another minute.

Saw Mendy Ride up the front side of Mohonk with one leg while whistling through her eye lids.... all awhile gaining on Trooper Champ 2011. She is tough and i know i wouldn't want to piss her off!

You may want to check out her I eat Murphy Law for breakfast Tattoo.... pretty mean looking

True, but I won't be tomorrow. Promise.....

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

While on the topic of my consuming alcohol, I've just cracked a Krol Stout and it is good craik.
In between Kevin's brews, the fair lasses from up north did provide this evening's de riguer La Fin Du Monde.
Merci!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

AmZof - the only race the starts its live feed 15 hours before the gun.

I wasn't joking about the porcupine.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Good morning everyone. Time to head over to Spring Farm for the 7th Annual American Zofingen. I hope everyone has a fun, fast and safe day.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Game on! It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Get some.

---

float , hammer , and jog

The roads are slightly damned But it is not raining at the moment. I'm leaving that typo created by the droid microphone. I meant to say d a m p

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

How wet are the roads? I have to make a quick game time decision between the safe handling road bike sans race wheels, or the sketchy handling/braking tri bike with the tubular Zipps.

GO ML and SEVENRIDE!

---

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Thx!!

Lt rain off and on. Mostly on.
57 degs. No wind.

25 mins to LC start. Good luck out there folks!

---

float , hammer , and jog

The roads are quite wet now. Long course starts in 18 minutes. Horse record holder josh beck is in the house.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

The long course is underway with the rain really starting to pour. Sadly, I did not warm up my pipes and the squeaked horribly.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Those roads are damned....you got that right!

Don't you dare turn off that autocorrect on the Droid, JM. This is gonna be funny and will only get funnier as the day goes on and the beer goes down!

Best of luck to all the racers!

I really dislike the weird hype this race receives.

1st LC racer to T1 is Josh Beck in 34:30. He's 2nd onto the bike given his usual slow transition. F1 racers on run course. Heavy rain. Next up Canadian Womens.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

I can only assume you've never done it. If you had, you would understand. Frankly, I'm surprise Triple-T doesn't have the same thing going on. Once you've done that one it is hard not to be part of the cult following.

T1 update. Rich Burke in lead with Bakker nipping at his heels. Both sub 35:00. Danny Stratford from Asphalt Green in 3rd with Tri Gods and Greg Pelican not far behind. Everyone slathered in mud. Rain poundingq.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

All I'm saying is the inside comments are on the creepy side. Otherwise I hope y'all have a good time.

Sounds postively lovely! The good news is that it looks like the rain will mostly subside as the day goes on. Ya gotta post a pic of the candian womens as they come into T1. Should be epic expressions! And thanks for sparing us Bakker's limp wristing...sounds like he's right on target. If he can ride what he predicted in this weather, I may have to permanently retire from AmZof without hope of ever beating him.

I won't argue with you that several of our racers are very creepy Especially the much despised murphy's law. The rain is trickling of the a bit. Top short course racers entering transition now. jim stafford leading. Eric Waldron 2nd. The biggest losers tara costa is back this year looking lean and mean.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Thanks for the updates John. Extra tough day for the racers

Greetings from my hospital bed here in New Jersey. Please keep those updates coming, as they will be my source of entertainment for the day.

Good luck and safe race to everyone out there. See you all in 2012.

It's very foggy here And I'm told the descent from minnewaska is also foggy. There are about a dozen bikes left in transition. My spotter on the bike course just informed me That john hirsch is a kamikaze Passing cyclist and automobiles over the double yellow line on the wet descent.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Ceecee left T2 about 5 minutes ago. Tara Costa on bike course. THIS JUST IN Josh Beck thru bike lap 1 at 2:03:00!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Watching all you guys riding up the hill past my house here in the pissing rain this am. Good luck one and all....

Ceecee Has probably know realized that I took the water out of her water bottles And replaced it with canadian whiskey. She called me an a****** in T1 for some reason.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Eric from Philly @ 5:00 behind Beck. Eric easy to spot in pink kit including pink aero helmet. Dr. MIKE Halstead in 5th. Kegs still not tapped. The bike path into transition looks like a cyclocross course. Rain has let up. Kegs yet to be tapped.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Fellow Slowtwitcher Erik Reitinger aka Hot 4 Triathlon ... He's a beast on the bike.

---

_______________________________________________

You never have the wind with you - either it is against you or you're having a good day. ~Daniel Behrman

Bakker aka murphys law onto run 2. His lead is over 2:00 and counting

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

F1 update. Ethan pond and rich burke 2nd and 3rd about 4:00 down. Stefan Judex in 4th at another 1:00 down.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Tri yoda now in. No car bomb yet. He says T4

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Chris G in. Said his brake was rubbing.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Of course Bakker is leading the other womens in the wimp's race, but is he still on time to beat his own predictions?

It's eric is a beast on the bike then backers ride is all the more impressive. First lady f 1 n 2 t 2 is ellen tarquino.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Mendy taylor 2nd F1 lady 1:00 down. Slow transition.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

John hirsch leading the short course just left transition

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Army cadet chasing quickly for second place in short course

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Many f 1 and short course racers passing through t 2 now. waiting on backer to emerge from the fog. it's now been 36 minutes since he entered t 2. Still no sign of backer. He will not get a 36 minutes split for the second run. However he should still have a commanding lead In the middle distance race.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

N f 1 rider just came into t 2 Claiming to have client to the top of mohonk And missing the turn back into the transition area. It happens. Still no sign of backer.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Backer is in t 3 now. He says he's having fun but that was a 40 minute run split.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Rich burke made up 3 minutes on the second run 1 chasing backer

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Josh beck is on his third lap of the long course pike. Try yoda is on his second bike ride now. Erika ruiz and jean norton are the ladies leaders of the short course. They are neck and neck.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

John Hirsch wins short course in 2:47:13

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

So disappointed that I did not make it up there to race SC. Really wishing I had but just was not able to. What was the slogan on the tshirt?? Keep the updates coming. Good luck to those racing

Erica ruge wins women's short course. Jeanne Norton 2nd.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll puke.
Ok, Maybe you won't laugh.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Bakker in T4.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Josh Beck in T2 in LC @ 4:55:xx

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Stefan do ticks in second place. 5:00 down on bakker. Ethan pond. Next then rich burke.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

GO ML
GO ML
GO ML

---

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Tri yoda in T4.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Randy Hadzor in 2nd LC @ 20:00. Erik redinger in 3rd @ 22.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

((((Go Yoda ))))

Randy's a fast runner and cool doode!

thanks for posting the live feed......good stuff.....

Mike Bakker wins F1 in 5:04:49, Rich Burke 2nd, Stefan Judex 3rd

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Congrats ML!!!

Tetsuoni - How about an update on the beer situation? What's been tapped? Who's drinking what?

Has ML ever finished out of the top 5 at any AM Zof race he's entered?

---

Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

Keegans kitty and mothers milk tapped.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

To quote ML - never out of top 4.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Tri yoda narrowly outsprints chris g.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Yoda 4th and chrisG 5th? ChrisG has always been fast but thought yoda wouldnt let it be that close. ML is impressive and troll-like at the same time. Great updates john wishing I was there

I had the opposite reaction to the "weird hype" back in '06 when I first read about the race. Called the RD immediately (Friday night) and asked if there were slots still open. Drove 10hrs the next day and picked up my packet at his house where he was hosting several out of state competitors for dinner that evenining...pretty cool. Took way too long to drag my under-trained arse around the course that Sunday but it was worth every quadbusting pedal stroke and stride. Totally blew my taper for Chicago Marathon the next weekend. Best race scheduling decision I ever made.

Congrats ML, ChrisG, and Yoda!

---

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

You'd think most of the racers/STers posting about the race were friends or something...

Josh Beck and Mimi Boyle crushed dreams as per usual.

Lots of STers scored Big Honkin Mugs.
Tough day at the office, but better now after numerous RecoverWrongs and a bunch of burgers.

Dreading loading up my wet muddy gear.
Will wait til later, beer and burgers calling.

---

float , hammer , and jog

Worst race tactics ever. First person in my race I saw in hours so I scream YODA when I am coming up behind him. On a second note: never try to out sprint a skinny dude up hill.

First off, hats off to tetsuoni for putting on a fantastic race yet again. To the folks who don't buy into this race's "hype", the hype is well-deserved. Don't knock it 'till you try it. There is a reason this is an annual race schedule highlight for a lot of people (myself included). This course is TOUGH and there is a mutual respect for everybody out there (particularly on a nasty day like today). Haven't seen this kind of vibe at any other race. The food and beer isn't bad either.

Fellow F1 racers:
Murphys Law - Your performance backs up the smacktalk... And there was a lot of smacktalk. Time to bring back "King Murphys Law"?
Rich Burke - Complete animal. Flatted on the second lap and pulled it all together to finish second. Flying on the run.
Stefan Judex - Perfect pacing. I want to see the splits, but I have to imagine they are pretty close to even. This isn't an easy race to pace.

Outing myself: EPOND! In light of the three guys ahead of me, I might change my name to "slimkindafast"

Huge respect for all of the long course finishers. All I can say is "F-THAT".

Nice work, Bakker. I'm guessing you'd have gotten your prediction if not for the initial weather.

AmZof is all that. Even for the ITT. $45??? No better value anywhere! A harder 112 miles? Doubtful.

My highlight (besides the beer and food); ChrisG about to pass me; "This course is evil"
So right! Try a fourth lap!

Props to John M, and all the volunteers (Tough job on a good day. Today, exemplary. Thank you!)
First class, start to finish!

So I say to Chris in the pavilion, why would you warn a guy that you are catching up to him?
Chris, takes sip of Rhinebeck brew, responds; Because I'm an F'ING IDIOT!

Can't argue with that!

Thanks to all cheering from home, it's fun knowing that we've got a following out there.

Stover - what kind of beer did I score for you? It'd better be good.

Props to all the first-timers for taking on AmZof on the 2nd toughest day in course history, you earned your finish today for sure.
There were remarkably few DNF's, and a great heaping serving of HTFU being served up all day by many.

Thanks as always to JM, the Mohonk Preserve, ALL the amazing volunteers (I really think they took it to another level this year, in spite of the weather), and all the racers who took on the challenge. Great to see lots of old friends and meet a few new folks as well.
Main Street Bistro just crushed it this year, with their usual killer chili, AND burgers grilling all afternoon. That was sheer torture running by the last lap with the charred deliciousness wafting up thru the woods. I saw one LC dude grab a burger in TA and take it out on the run with him. Awesomeness.
And of course, it wouldn't be AmZof without beer, so thanks as always to Keegans, and also to Rhinebeck Brewing, for supplying copious quantities of RecoverWrong to all the athetes and fans.

I believe this was LC win #4 for both Josh and Mimi - Winning Tetsuoni's Money is a habit for both of them.

---

float , hammer , and jog

Nice day all around except for the weather and the racing. That was freaking hard. Still can't believe I positive split the bike by 50 watts. Wtf?

Burgers were an awesome addition. Very happy I did not do a car bomb. Left my car at KAlbers which was also a good call but forces a.run in the am. That will be interesting.

Props to Tetsuoni for the great race and lending me a wheel. Full service as usual.

Congratulations.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

This :)

btw, who was dissing the veggie burgers? By the time I was ready to have one.... they were all gone!!!

I think I heard somewhere that this race was hard and I now have firsthand knowledge that it is all that and then some. But I enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. Thanks go to JM and the whole team that put this year's AZ together. Great job! We racers thought we had it tough with the weather but the course marshals and aid station volunteers put in a hard day and deserve our thanks.

There were some awesome performances out there today too. Congrats to all the winners.

This race is a must do for anyone that can clear some space on their May calendars. JM - I think you're going to have to get creative to meet some swelling demand.

Recover well everyone and have a great rest of the season.

Big props to the other Cathy who was EVERYWHERE volunteering today.
I know she was only stripping timing chips to try and peek under my kilt, but still... she was awesome!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Rich, awesome race today. When you took back 3:00 from ML on the 2nd run, it was very exciting. I think you came into T4 in 4th or 5th then threw down a killer 3rd run for 2nd overall. Great to have you at AmZof! You'll get your revenge against the much despised Murphy's Law at Lake Placid, as will I (resting on my 9:59:22 from last year). You'll break that; he won't.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Ok, get it right, buddy..... CeeCee is CATHY with a C.

The other KATHY is KATHY with a K. She is the one who was using my cell to text you for the past 3 days while en route, threatening to look up your kilt.

She says, and I quote..... " In my defense, YOU asked me to do that job, I did not volunteer. It is NOT MY FAULT, that I was bending over at people's ankles and your kilt was right above my head which allowed me a WEE PEAK."

And now, we return, to our gourmet dinner in our hotel room, of Mikes Hard Lemonade and PopTarts and Cheesies. Healthy, EH????

Thanks!
There was no "inital weather", it was tough all day, rain or no. 2nd bike lap was very foggy - the Million Dollar View was worth about $.10 cents, a penny/ foot of visibility. Run course went from wet to slick to swampadelic.

Nailed 3 out of 5 lap split goals:
R1 - goal <35, actual <35
B1 - goal <1:30, actual <1:29
B2 - goal <1:35, actual <1:35

R2 - was slowed by having to stop 2x to tie my shoes, once each. Both on the long carriage road descent after the aid station.
Certainly wouldn't have hit my goal, but I'm sure that cost me a chunk o' time.
R3 - mailed it in. Walked both steep climbs, and wasn't running particularly fast anyplace else. Just wanted to be done at that point.

T-times - sucked. Wet stuff is hard to put on and take off. Blah.

One plus was hitting 51.6 on the descent - that might be a new land speed record for me.
Another one was successfully recoving my Joule after it ejected on the 2nd descent, Kyle and I went back later and managed to find it.

---

float , hammer , and jog

he's actually, in person, not. that. bad.

oh gawd, I can't belive I admitted that.

That's because I set the bar of expectations SO low w/ my online persona, that as long as I'm not a serial killer in person, folks think I'm not half bad.

And now back to our regularly scheduled taunting, already in progress...

"Oh, Canada - we wear you as a hat..."

---

float , hammer , and jog

hey RD, post the results already, will ya?

Great Job today.

Don't forget kdw. He also flatted and still managed 4th OA. Without a flat he might have got third. For a first timer at AZ, he really was able to handle the twists and turns of the bike with style.

They are still working on v31 of the F1 results. Check back in 2 weeks.

Be nice :(

my achilles is killing me on my left leg but at least my IT band is equally sore on the right!!! (reminds me of ace ventura 2: throw me the spear...throw me the other spear. ahhhhh!!!! ahhhhh!!!!!).

It's really too bad Chris Wilhelm broke his chain on the first bike loop. Got to give the guy credit...after hitching a ride back to the pavillion, he went for another run (not sure if he did 1 or 2 more loops...probably 2 knowing him). However, he really liked the event and plans on coming back next year.

The F1 is just brutal. I can't imagine doing the long course.

Just kidding. In their defense, there were three whacked out courses going on at once. I count 13 splits.

"was slowed by having to stop 2x to tie my shoes, once each"


What? I mean, I knew you were a rookie, but damn...it's 2011...who ties their duathlon shoes anymore?

Glad you found the Joule...and in one piece. Bit of Irish luck, right there!

Anyway...congrats to all. Sorry to have missed the festivities.

Well, as my second year doing LC....I forgot how uncomfortable this race was last year....fortunately, I tend to forget the bad times within a day... so I guess by tomorrow I will be ready to sign up for next year.

I think JM made some deal with the devil to birth this course
Not realizing how hot I was getting with the rain, I was ready to DNF during the second loop due to dehydration... but managed to drag my fat ass back to T2 to suffer and finish the run.

Rain, mud, more rain, more mud, left my shoe in the mud....wouldn't change this for anything.

To quote JM when he handed me my hat...."I can wear my hat to IM and tell them they are a bunch of p#$$ys".....hahahaha

I laughed...before the start.....I cried....during T2....I watched someone else puke and run puke and run, then take off like his pants were on fire.

Love the event, the helpers and maybe tomorrow I will love the RD.

Rod

That's good to know because somebody called the RD an a-hole this morning and his feelings were hurt ;)

ML talking about himself. CeeCee thinking.... will this guy ever shut up???

A motley crew of STers
Tetsuoni, Chris G, CeeCee, ML, kdw, Parkito, TriYoda and friend..... and a lovely flag ;)

And more motley..... Parkito, Chris G, CeeCee and KAlber (who did NOT run extra miles this year!)

Whoever would deface Tetsuoni's store at midnight? I dunno..... ;)

We'll get them up as soon as I get them from the timer. He was there for the last finisher at almost 7:30pm, then had to break down his equipment, pack it in his car and drive 2 hours home. I expect he'll get them to us today.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Vandals from the north!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

They've sacked York!

---

float , hammer , and jog

Well played.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Someone needs to explain to me how Corky from 'Life Goes On' and Neil Diamond were able to have a kid together.

Many years ago, a young Michael Bakker summoned Satan and said - "I'll do anything to win Tetsuoni's money."
Satan said "done" then handed ML a mirror. Resisting the urge to throw himself from the top of Mohonk Tower, ML has gone on to never be out of the top 4 of any AZ race he has entered and has even won the Long Course.
Here's a shot of what the riders saw cycling out of transition:

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Cyclocross skills came in handy on that dirt hill going in and out of transition. Of course, had JM been racing, he would have walked any techical sections, so as not to soil his kit (in more ways than one).

I took everything I brought to the race and threw it down on the lawn and hosed it down to get most of the mud off.
Was even smart and lubed the chain.

---

float , hammer , and jog

He ran 2 loops for fun. Interesting choice.

Well, the whole running over to your house to get my car thing was not as bad as I thought. The first 5 minutes were touch and go and then things started to loosen up. Better yet just as I got into the car it started pouring. Have had enough running in the race for a while, glad I missed some today.

Had enough of running in the rain?
But you look so happy here:

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

As an AmZof newbie, I want to extend a well done to the bagpiper RD and the crew of staff/volunteers/racers/carnies that put on this Sufferfest. I was wrangled into this event by some smooth talking, beer smuggling Canucks (CeeCee + Kathy) that are willing to drive 10 hours……so who am I to forego a 2 hr trek? Love the mud and rain as it adds a layer of honor to the HTFU protocol. A monster salute to the F1, LCC, and ITT folks. That be a long(er) day!!! Props on the entire day and the relaxed and engaging gazebo fare. I understand there are some incredible views to be had on a clear day……alas I shall return next year to suffer willingly. That climb out of the preserve is a first class B*tch! Thanks again.

PS: On the Kathy sneaking a peek up the kilt, "It looked like a penis, only smaller..."

I was also a first-timer yesterday and had a blast on the LC. By far the hardest race I've ever done and props to everyone that finished any of the races in what was harsh conditions. In hindsight I should have stayed overnight last night after getting in at 1am.

Loved the beer afterwards.....the turkey burgers were pretty damn good too.


Great race, def. recommended for those that want to puke during their races!

Yet another first-timer to the sufferfest created by the RD. Did the LC and, for weeks before the race, I kept asking myself what the hell I was thinking about as I realized my training was woefully inadequate (good thing I didn't know just how inadequate or I might've stayed home). Sometime during the second loop of my run as I walked up another obscene hill and held onto a tree to avoid slipping down due to the mud, and with no sign of any other athletes around, I realized THIS is why I do this. Not for another silly finsher's medal (though I do appreciate the hat and will wear that with pride). Not for a PR. Just for the challenge.

Props to the RD and his great staff of volunteers out in the crappy weather with us. Thanks for the beer, the grub and a mind warped enough to come up with an event like this. Toughest race I have done so far, even without the mud-factor that raised it up a notch (having the mud suck the heels out of your shoes on lap 3 of the run leaves one in the dangerous position of needing to bend down to get them back in).

HATE HATE HATE that I wasn't there yesterday. The sidelines are clearly reserved for slug-like people that are content sitting inside all day watching it rain.

---

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

I stupidly did not walk the tricky downhill near the end and twisted my ankle, went face first off the side of the trail and managed to not go head first into a large tree only by hitting two smalller trees with my arms. Lots of contusions on the arms, ankle swelled up like a melon by the time I got home. Fortunately, x-rays are negative. But the 3rd place age group award (albeit in the Canadian Women's Race) - priceless.

(I've also got to give some props for the Canadian Women's Race) - it may be shorter, but it is raced at a much higher intensity. No walking on the uphills in the short course race and the bike is all out because you don't have to save anything for another loop. I feel like I did at least a half-ironman yesterday (and played a football game due to the contusions and ankle sprain).

what is the story? had expected to see you there?

Short course record stands another year....you should offer $$$ to someone to break it.

---

---

Follow me at http://www.justinjharris.wordpress.com

Got my butt kicked this year, but learned alot! I've never know suffering like that before! I truely thought my heart was going to stop beating on the second bike and third run. Great race and a huge thanks to all the volunteers and the Catskill crew!!!! Next year...... there will be training........

Awesome awesome race... I owe it all to the excellent bike fitting from CM2!

---

"if you chose it, it's not really pain"

If I offer money for the shwer course record youll just keep breaking it by 1 second each year. congrats on your pro debut yesterday!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

wtf is wrong me? I suffered through the ITT, read all these posts and sit here at my desk pondering which race I'll do next year.

Good god.

Just want to say thanks for putting on another great race. This was my 3rd LC and easily the most epic.

Your volunteers are second to none. I'm sure those teenagers could have thought of a lot of other things they'd rather do, but they kept up handing out fuel and smiles the whole day.

And I did laugh...on the 1st lap of the run out of T2, near the end, coming down that single track towards the field in that ankle deep slime, what else could one do.

Thanks. Can't wait till next year.

---

================================
blog
twitter

PS, please let us know when results are posted.
Thanks,
Victor

---

================================
blog
twitter

Thanks about the bike fitting. I'm out on the run course now cleaning up So I guess this is officially alive dance off update. Cool droid microphone typo. It's raining and lonely up here but I just remembered that I have the kegs in the back of my truck with a little beer left. Its 5 o'clock somewhere! Life is good.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

The ones that were sitting in the trunk of the car caused me to almost fall over laughing. I'd say they had a harder/longer day than the racers.

When are results going up, I'm really interested to see everyones times.

The timer told me I would have them today.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Looks like you had a boatload of fun. Should've brought an ark.

I alerted JM that I'd be a DNS late last week. I've got some equilibrium and E/N/T issues that started before Boston. It gets sketchy when I'm pushing hard on the bike, and I figured I'd be more of a hazard than a threat out on the course. Based on Saturday's workout, it was the right call. You heading up north for Edot week?

---

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

Less than an hour behind ML - and my hands hurt from riding the breaks down the hills (I didn't want to be in your shoes).

that bites, hope you figure it out. Edot is permanently on my calendar. Hoping for nice weather for the climb this year!

What Chris said. You were missed.

Hopefully you get it sorted out soon - you want to avoid being on the dreaded tapered list for Whiteface and E.dot.

---

float , hammer , and jog

Dude, I hope no one ever has to be in my shoes....I piss on the bike and run.

great day, great rave, great volunteers. thanks to all the usual suspects for putting on such a good show.

---

****************
it's all about the run

What Chris and Murphy said - we need to rock that train of ours again this year at E-dot. I'm re-inspired again to get my fat ass back into shape after yesterday's heroics. I just got back from cleaning up the run course, picking up our "idiot proof" signs, and I cannot believe anyone actually ran in that slop! I was walking and the mud sucked my shoes off.
To the racers who were smart enough and considerate enough to drop their gel packs at the foot of the signs - thanks! Very easy to pick up afterwards at a spot I'm going to definitely be at.
I actually lost 5 pounds in 1 day with no training! Race Directing does take its toll.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

You really should have video'd your reaction to the slop...to hear you say you cant believe anyone would run is that slop...is priceless...I think I will take a sharpie and write that on the back of my hat with JM's initials.

I feel prouder today thinking back to the epic battle I had with myself yesterday.

And once again...hats off to the volunteers....and hats off to my wife for waiting for my LC finish...she should have gotten a medal :)

When we marked the run course late Saturday it was very runnable. What a difference an inch or so of rain can make. Congratulations on finishing!
Given the rain and the high speed descents, I'm please to say that the only reported crashes were on the run.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Well that was a baptism by fire.

"Only" did SC... the second run was humbling. Running uphill in that mud in flats was an absurdity of Dadaist proportion! Maybe I will not be an ass and run a trail, maybe even a hilly one, in preparation next year...

Happy to have finished, the AG beer mug is icing. That Mother's Milk is good stuff!

Huge thank you to JM, Kurtis, and the rest of the CM2/AmZof team and all of the GREAT volunteers. You really do have a special thing going.

My suggestion for the 2012 tee:

Crush your enemies.
See them driven before you.
And hear the lamentations of the Canadian womens.

Me likey!
Before the memories of misery fade, does anyone else have fresh T shirt slogans?

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

The mud was MUCH worse after the LC ride than before: what was just wet early on was churned up and mashed into a slippery quagmire after the SC and MD racers got done with it.

---

================================
blog
twitter

ChrisG's umbrella was used for the National Anthem.


RD killing it on the pipes!


LCer's are off!


F1 is off!


F1 racers!


F1 racers!

Great photos - thanks for sharing!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Agreed. Even the first F1 run was pretty decent, and my split was within a small margin of what I normally do.
But throw 110+ F1 runners, 60+ SC racers, and an inch of new rain onto the mix, and the subsequent laps went from bad to worse.

Sections I normally fly thru had me hunting and pecking for a semblance of secure footing.
Managed to keep the rubber-side down all day, but only due to not really pushing it. Really didn't wanna eat it.

---

float , hammer , and jog

A hearty thank you to yourself, the volunteers from a canadian womens first timer. I knew this going to be a hell of a race as I ran up the creek that was the first climb. Looking forward to reclaiming my manhood again next year with a stab at the f1 course.

I like the conan quote. Here's one I came up with the other day.

These hills are funny. First you hate em...then you get used to em. Enough time passes you get so you depend on them. That's american zofingenized!

Murphy'sLaw takes by force. It's all he wants or understands.

The climbs will hurt you, the descents can kill you, but the beer and burgers make it all worth while.

Very nice - that's a front runner.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

So.... How're we making out on getting results posted?

Not to throw Mark and crew under the bus, but - why not raise the entry fee $5 a head next year, and then we can afford the Boots & Ellen experience w/ zero extra out-of-pocket cost to the RD? I'd gladly pay the $5 more - having them do the live ST updates is worth that premium alone.

---

float , hammer , and jog

Here's the results for the F-1. (hope it helps)

1'st Murphy's Law.
2'nd. does not matter
3'rd. matters less than #2
4'th till last - matters less than the one above

Just got off of the phone with Mark who is on a business trip. He said he'd pull over for some wifi and try to get them to me right away.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Will he have the "original" results available? You know, the ones that put me ahead of Yoda and ChrisG?

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

And had KAlber in front of all y'all. I'm telling ya, that doodes kneepads must be about worn out from getting official results "corrected" like he does. ;-)

---

float , hammer , and jog

Wait, ... that works?!

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

Another rookie report: Yikes! I managed to survive the F1 and fortunately hooked up with Shane on the 1st run and he gave me some pointers for the run course (thanks Shane!). Coming from Crooklyn I hadn't spent much time riding hills like that so I was feeling it on the first climb up Mohonk rd and the descent was certainly "sporty". The second run was HARD and saw a girl blow by me then have to stop when her shoe disappeared in the mud (she quickly recovered and toasted me up the hill!). I actually had a better split on the 2nd run. Cyclocross out of T3 was "interesting" but the 2nd trip up Mohonk was nearly the death of me. The 2nd time up Minnewaska (44/55) I actually started feeling better and had a decent climb chatting with some locals doing the ITT (crazy SOBs). After the crest of the hill we were COMPLETELY socked in a cloud and by the time I came to the turnoff (by the scenic overlook) some jerk (in a car) cut me off and I locked up my brakes. My heart rate monitor alarm was beeping then!! Feeling good, flying down the hill, turn onto to Granite rd and hook up with another rookie. We make a wrong turn (dont ask me how) and end up back on 44/55 flying downhill. Had to turn around, climb back up to granite and get back on course. The kicker by the chapel KILLED me after the detour and I almost didnt make it over the little dirt hill before transition. By this time my friends and family showed up to lend support and that helped. I'll be honest, I walked up the hills on run 3 and ran the carriage trails. Finished the race (surely at the back of the pack) with a big smile on my face.

This race is Amazing, the people are so friendly and the course is diabolical. Serious props to the LC and ITT racers...true machines. I am already looking forward to next year. There were hats for finishing? Oops, must have missed that in my delirium.

GG

had no idea that you bagpiped?!?!

Glad you enjoyed it. Welcome to the club.

PS - Finishers' hats for LC racers only.

So no - you didn't miss that part in your delirium. Other stuff? More than likely. ;-)

---

float , hammer , and jog

The locals know that the little kicker before the chapel is the steepest pitch on the course. We HATE that bitch!
Finisher's hats are only for long course. They got medals too - they're all so hard core, they all told me the medals are lame.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Ahhhh...got it. Thanks for the clarification. like I said, total rookie here.

I told you yesterday, the back of my throat is killing me.

As Inspector Clouseau would say, "not anymore". That AmZof cherry got popped but good yesterday.

---

float , hammer , and jog

I know the spot you went off course and we'll make sure to mark it better next year. See you in 2012.
Crooklin?! I used to race Prospect Park but that pimple in the middle of the circuit won't prepare you for our 1st 800 meters of mud.
Floyd Bennet - raced that a lot too - the only place as flat as that is inside the pavilion.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

As an AmZof and LC rookie I would like to say thanks for not going home until I showed up. I knew it was going to be a long day when I was standing doing 4mph up that first pesky F#$%ing hill out on the bike course. That was a wicked course to say the least, I just wish I was able to see the view on the descent off the Gunks or for that matter the road, oncoming traffic, deer etc.

Absolutely fantastic race John, I was laughing at the start line thinking about Placid in '08 . I Officially did not laugh after going under the banner and came real close to crying when all the burgers were gone.

Thanks to the guy who handed me the beer. " It's a bit hoppy " was an understatement, but worth the wait. Someone who had been done for quite some time came up and shook my hand, thanks that mean't alot.

Thanks to all the volunteers who suffered through that rain but kept motivating us all day long, you guys /gals were awesome.

No longer wondering and proudly wearing a really cool hat and shirt.

LC or bust

Jim

---

_________________________________________________

My brief ITT race report:

Now I understand why every reference to people doing this race was something along the lines of "fools," "idiots," or "poor, deluded souls - pity them."

Another epic adventure in the books for me. My 2nd consecutive LC finish and am pleased I hung on. Many thanks to the organizers and volunteers. Special thanks to Mr. Kroll for tirelessly running through the mud to encourage the LC die-hards to a strong finish. We've never met, but much respect, Sir - seriously.

One thing though - last year - my first LC - I learned I placed 3rd in my AG (45-49) but went home mugless...This year I finished with the same time (dunno what place yet), and in a dark & scary foggy mud-swamp, but I went home hatless and mugless. What gives? You folks have something against ponytails? Where's the love?

In all seriousness - thanks for planning & holding this race. Class act all around. Volunteers rock and great grass-roots vibe.

Cheers,

I keep telling you that you need to give belt buckles for LC finishers. You could double the entry fee because the belt buckles would be the most prized finishers item in multisport.

---

*********************
"When I first had the opportunity to compete in triathlon, it was the chicks and their skimpy race clothing that drew me in. Everyone was so welcoming and the lifestyle so obviously narcissistic. I fed off of that vain energy. To me it is what the sport is all about."

You folks have something against ponytails? Where's the love?


I'm telling you, there is a seriously sinister undertone going on at Am Zof this year regarding cranial hair.

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

Goddamn hippies!! GET OFF MY LAWN!!! ;-)

---

float , hammer , and jog

Make one wrong turn heading for Woodstock and you end up surrounded by a lot of strange geeks in nauseating lycra. Man, it's like Children of the Corn time, I'm telling ya.

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

CeeCee offers the Murphys Law limp-wristed salute so that Tetsuoni can verify she is a true STer. He then grabs the FDM beer transported across the Cdn-US border (at great personal peril I might add) and says something along the lines of "Now get the F back to your own country" ;)

Canadian Womens were everywhere this weekend....

Thanks for everything John, and your family, staff, volunteers, and all the other participants. I thought I did pretty well to hold it together this year but I still got all emotional at the end of my SC race. The difficulty of the terrain of this course makes it a truly profound experience.

The best thing about AmZof in the spring...... there is NOTHING in the rest of my 2011 race schedule that comes remotely close to scaring me. What's that Marine saying, It tears you down and builds you back up again. As I crossed the finish line, I was totally physically and emotionally spent. A day later, I am ready to take on anything, athletically and professionally.

I apologize for the delay in the results.

The overall and age group results are posted here:

http://www.coolrunning.com/...15_Americ_set1.shtml

Run and bike splits will be posted on Tuesday.

Thank you!

Mark

---

Fast-Finishes.com
Triathlon and Running Race Timing
Athletic Event Management

PM me and we'll take care of your much deserved awards and schwag.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Now, that there's funny.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

I don't want to second guess you, but I could have sworn Rich Burke was in 2nd place in F1, and definately in the top 3. He doesn't even show up in the results.

If I recall top 5 was:

Bakker
Burke
Judex
Pond
Waletzke

I know for a fact that Rich Burke was 2nd O/A in the F1.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

I definitely finished in 5:19, so:

Bakker
Burke
Judex
Welch
Pond
Waletzke

I thought that Eric Reitinger (sp?) guy was 3rd OA in LC, and now he's not listed?

---

float , hammer , and jog

Eric is listed, but there is a semi-colon instead of a regular colon so he is listed as last with a time of 7:31;08.

I was about to congratulate you for moving up to 3rd OA and demand that you send me the first place mug...

But now its Looking like I may have to steal one from ML if I want to complete my collection after all ;-)

Actually, it's a bit of a funny story about the mug, and thankfully Stefan is enough of a stud that there was no way I was catching him for 3rd because if I had and gotten the smaller mug I'd probably still be in CT right now.

As I was leaving, I figured "Long drive, better get some water." and filled the big honkin mug up with water. When I got in my car and started driving, I realized after a few unsuccessful attempts to drink that it wasn't possible while driving without dumping water all over my lap, so I left 2/3s of a mug of water sitting there.

Somewhere on 84, I look down and my temperature gauge was shooting up to the "Yer screwed" setting. I pull over and sure enough the coolant is super low. After letting it cool down, I was able to dump the ~30 oz of water still left in the mug into the radiator and all systems were go to get me 10 miles to the next gas station...

Eric was 3rd O/A in the LC. He got his mug and check before driving back to Philly.
He was the guy dressed in pink with the pink aero helmet.
Everyone, I'm sorry about the glitches with the timing. If you find your result listed wrong or missing, please contact the timer. mark@fastfinishes.net
I'm confident that all chip data was captured. He's apparently having issues with scrubbing out multiple records. Once that's done, it should all be accurate.
A lot of the provisional results printed yesterday at the race site had "finish times" for racers that were actually their split starting their 3rd run in the F1, or their 3rd run lap of the LC. Thankfully, many honest racers came forward with their actual finish times which matched what was in the computer once the data was located.
Mark should have this all cleared up soon.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

You're kidding that 2012 is sold out already, RIGHT?????? PANICKING HERE!?!?!?

You're the first to notice. Yes, I'm kidding.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

on certain things, I'm very observant.

For example.... it's pouring today in New Paltz!

ps I stand by my assessment of you from T1 ;)

You're not alone in that assessment. Safe voyage home to you and Kathy.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Updated results are here:

http://www.coolrunning.com/...15_Americ_set1.shtml

I appreciate your feedback.

Mark
mark@fastfinishes.net

---

Fast-Finishes.com
Triathlon and Running Race Timing
Athletic Event Management

All that means is that ML was given free entry into the 2012 event as partial award for his O/A win. Based on his ability to dominate the AmZof masses, there's really no point in allowing anyone else into the race .... therefore, it's effectively sold out!

---

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

I think there is a better chance that ML has to pay double than him getting comped...kinda like "well I owe you boys $200 and you drank $300 worth of beer"

Free what? Partial who?

Nah, I pay that bastid full boat for my fun, just like everyone else.
When I raced LC at least I used to win it back; not anymore.

---

float , hammer , and jog

you must have done a hell of a job as you now do not even exist...you sure you were there at all?

It's better off that way. Less ridicule.

yeah but did Yoda win the bet? He and I for sure lost to ML and KDW crushed dreams. You were his only chance...good thing we never agreed on the terms...

There's something very weird about the SC results- going from 3 hours to 4 hours and back to 3 hours again. Are they missing a loop on some people somewhere?

Funny, it took me 7min4secs to change out my flat on bike lap two. Next year ML, next year!!!

Ahhhh, my minions were successful in their task. ;-)

Great job Rich. I am sooo thankful to not have had to try to outrun you at the end. Since I couldn't have possibly done so.

See you next year.

---

float , hammer , and jog

"See you next year."

Nah...you two rockfish get to duke it out for Round 2 at LP in 2 months...

From the most recent SAT Exam:

Writing a $500 check to Mimi Boyle is to Drinking Beer, as Writing a $500 check to Michael Bakker is to Drinking:

a. cream of some young guy
b. draino
c. bong water blended with rat poison
d. all of the above

The correct answer is D.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

That's a great story!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

---

float , hammer , and jog

The original anti-pasto's trash talk bet from yoda was that he'd be finished before I started the last run. I know I saw ML in my last transition (which ruined my day ;) but yoda was not close to living up to his original drunken prediction. I'm not sure what that really says. Either way, I failed miserably on the last 2 legs of the race.

I will admit that on my last time through the gazebo I looked around and was happy to NOT see ML standing there with a beer in his hand...

Well done. Which guy were you? You must have been in stealth mode ahead of me the whole time. I saw Burke and Judex on the last run lap, but don't think I ever saw you and definately didn't see ML after R1.

I had the white top and white helmet, riding the P2 with disc. Karate Kid headband.

My race report goes something like this:
- R1: Too fast. There goes any hopes of pacing!
- B1: Now that pacing is out the window, let's ride like an idiot! 275 avg watts, Wow that lap felt easier than it should have.
- R2: CALF CRAMPS. Guess that "easy" lap wasn't so easy. Never had cramping issues before this, also never pushed those watts for 1:30 and ran afterwards. Blazing new territory.
- B2: Groin and calf cramps. 230 avg watts, So THIS is why I was planning to pace. TIME TO PAY.
- R3: Judex and Burke both passed me early here. More cramps and a drunken zombie run. Not a pretty sight. Finish in 5:23.

I have been a bottomless pit since the race. Literally can't stop eating.

"which guy were you?".

Here's a hint - his super-secret, encoded screen name can be decoded to discover an amazing coincidence:
His last name starts with a W. Those other 2 letters appear to have some sort of meaning as well. It's like the DaVinci Code, only with better acting.
;-)

Great race, and if it makes you feel any better, I don't think any amount of "proper pacing" can help much at AmZof.
The last bike and run suck, regardless.

---

float , hammer , and jog

Haha, figured that out, but I am trying to jog my memory to which guy he was on the course. I would have asked, "what were you wearing" or "what were you riding" but that could have gotten weird...

Also, meant to say I saw Judex and Burke (not Welch) on my last run lap.

My report - from a 1'st timer.

Last years male 35-39 won in 7:30'ish - I wanted to be sub 7 worst case, sub 6 very best case and not get chicked. Finish with-in 1 digit of the winner was also a goal (i.e. he goes 5:XX, I go 6:XX (5:01 and 6:59 would meet this goal)

1'st run - kept myself in check, very close to goal, only concern was thinking about the downhills for R2 and R3 - it was already slick.
1'st bike - dirt path was a little concerning, 1'st hill - not so bad, 1'st down hill - very scary. After that I expected a much bigger/steeper hill (both up and down), based on the course profile which never came, this was a pleasant surprise. Close to my goal again time, a little high on the watts, hands hurt from the breaks (I think they need to be replaced)
2'nd run - good run - close to goal again, no real issues - downhills were definitely a challenge, warmed up from the bike.
2'nd bike - better than the 1'st for 26 miles, then I started getting pain in my right leg. Kept telling myself, just get to T4 and off the bike, almost crashed on the dirt (mud) path to T4. All in, close to goal again - another success,
3'rd run - through the pavilion, (time has 5:32 (I think) so I drop 30 minutes and I'm at 5:02 - run 5 11 minute miles and I'm under 6. Also hear ML had not finished yet - all is GOOD. Right leg is giving me a little problem, but I've started doing the mileage count down in my head and I'm happy. One of the top 2 female racers and myself go back and forth a little only for her to bury me on the long downhill near mile 3 or 4. Another young guy passes me as well, but I finish in 5:52. Good burgers, good chili, good cookies and I got a small mug. To bad I age up next year.

Overall - It was a success:

The Good,
Didn't crash (always goal #1)
Very close to the individual times I wanted, and better than any of my predictions for the entire race
Finished with the same hour mark as the winner.

The Bad:
Got chicked twice - when you have 2 sons, that race - this is never good.

DSC_1406 and DSC_1408 on page 2 of the thumbnails, red/white/blue kit over a black LS jersey.

I passed a guy about a minute into the second down of the final run, are you sort of tall? I flatted on the first bike loop so was playing catchup all day.

I am tall, so it was probably me. I was most likely blacked out at that point.

"I was most likely blacked out at that point."

Heh...it was right as we went by the Aid station for the 2nd time. I was doing an "Anti-Chris G" pass and going as hard as I could without breathing like a freight train, sucking in the gut, etc etc so as to not inspire you to any kind of heroics and remember thinking "no way I'm slowing down to get a drink here."

Hey KDW, I noticed that Trek of yours out on course. Is that a speed concept P1? I was on my maiden voyage on a new P1 on Sunday. What a $hitty day to christen the new steed. It's still leaking black liquid two days later and that's after I took several parts off to help it dry out.

So I am perusing the semi-official results, and I notice that a Mr. Peter Rutherford and a Mr Scott Harrison finished in 6:37:18 and 6:40:04 respectively. That regrettably puts them ahead of my 6:41:20, yet I managed to walk out of the pavilion with a second place mug. It seems like I was destined for a third place mug to complete my set after all. Is there something to be done to correct the situation? I don't recall seeing either one of the other two gentlemen in question during the F1 awards.

While it may have been entertaining to be part of the closest age group finish of the day, it kind of sucks for having spent those 2-3 minutes in the loo at the start of the second run, aaarrgh. Pre-race eating/nutrition was totally goofy and was totally on me.

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

Rich,
Mine is a TTX. I've got long legs/short torso, so the TTX is pretty much perfect for me (a better match than the SC) and since everyone else loves the latest/greatest, they were pretty excited to get the ttx out of their shop last Fall. I'm pretty psyched with it, although I "only" hit 49.8 mph compared to Bakker's 51.6...damn aero water bottles put him over the top I think. I'd previously been riding a soloist with a tri-config. It's been a nice upgrade.

Nice Spring for you so far (both AmZof and Boston). Sorry I didn't meet you afterwards, I'll definitely be back next year as a grizzled veteran.

Kyle

Once the results are finalized, anyone feeling that they are owed a prize should contact me.
Anyone who feels compelled to return something may do so but I'm not looking for that.
Slainte!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Thanks for organizing such a cool event! It was a great day, even with the rain, fog and endless mud (and cyclo cross action the second time out of transition). I will definitely be back! Any chance the pictures will be posted online?

John

Here is a link to photos of the race:

http://www.flickr.com/...s/72157626616941143/


Enjoy!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Goddamn hippies!! GET OFF MY LAWN!!! ;-)




I found the solution for next year's look:

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

Might have been me on the last run. I asked you about mileage, and said we could still break six hours. Sound right? I just wanted to be done at that point!

Yep - you were moving.

Interestingly, I left with a third place mug, but according to the results I finished in second place AND in sixth place. Go figure.

I smell a math problem with fractions coming up.

---

Behold the turtle! He makes progess only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryant Conant)
GET OFF THE F*%KING WALL!!!!!!! (Doug Stern)
Brevity is the soul of wit. (William Shakespeare)

You are not even in the results. What did it take to get your slow time expunged?

I wasn't really racing. I just did it for fun. I still can't believe the swim was cancelled.

I should explain my absence from the award ceremonies. In what was probably a somewhat befuddled state, I looked at the preliminary list of finishers and thought I saw parkito listed as finishing almost an hour ahead of me. The fact that I cannot read anything with my contacts in may have also been a cause, or maybe he was one of the finishers listed with his B2 time instead of his finishing time. In any case, thinking that I had been thoroughly trounced, I slunk back to my car and headed home to NJ in disgrace. So I was pleasantly surprised this morning to see the fine showing put on by the over 55 crowd, in the most competitive bracket of the day. There is no need for a RR from me, it is a mirror image of parkito, with each leg of mine within 1 or 2 minutes of yours. My only disagreement is with your complaints about the 24 inch tree across the path. I think there should be more of them. In fact, I believe you were right behind me on R1 and were complaining bitterly about the unfairness of me being able to step over the tree so easily.

In any case, my son Michael and I had a great time (he finished in 5:35 and he will sooner or later be inserted into the results) and will be back next year. He is looking forward next year to avoiding the rookie hazing that required him to climb the Mohonk Hill twice during his first bike lap.

Peter Rutherford

Hmmm... I suppose if we just exchanged mugs, that would take care of it. I must say, though, I've already been enjoying the standard size mug. Much more practical. I've already used it multiple times...
The large one from last year mostly just sits on a shelf. A single beer looks kinda forlorn in the bottom of it, and there's not so many occasions to have 36 oz of beer all at once like that.

Where were these kinds of questions when I was taking the SAT's??? Thanks for making me question (once again) if I should just suck it up and sit in 9:07hrs of focus groups on paper towels or some other household product with a bunch of over-caffienated women, or torture every muscle in my body for that duration of time all in hopes of winning $500. Obviously I have a fear of 2-way mirrors.....

---

http://www.true-motion.com
http://Twitter.com/mimiboyle

They don't serve cold beer in BIG HONKIN STEINS after focus groups. You chose wisely.

---

float , hammer , and jog

It wouldn't be AmZof without our Goddess. Thanks for racing with us again - you continue to amaze.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

"and there's not so many occasions to have 36 oz of beer all at once like that."

How about days ending in "Y".....

The one problem I have with the mugs is that if you drink with your right hand, the logo faces you...but I already know how awesome I am...the logo should face out.