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The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9!
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So 21 days, 3 big races, and still don't know how it ended the way it did. I posted the Kona and Austin 70.3 Race Report over here: http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...h%20amateur;#4814981

In summary:
10/12-Kona- 9:03 (6th in AG) http://aftriathlonguy.blogspot.com/...3rd-times-charm.html
10/27- Austin 70.3- 4:16 (2nd in AG / Worlds Slot) http://aftriathlonguy.blogspot.com/...on-accomplished.html
11/2- IMFL- 8:58 (1st in AG/ Kona Slot) http://aftriathlonguy.blogspot.com/...ple-is-complete.html

Here is the IMFL race report:

2 Nov-

6 days ago I was struggling on the run at Austin 70.3, thinking to myself "how am I going to get IMFL". I honestly didn't know, if I felt like crap 7 miles into a 70.3 run, how was I going to do with a marathon. All I knew is only time would tell. I came back to Ft Worth on Sunday night after the race. I worked on Monday and then packed up and headed to Florida. I didn't train at all on Monday or Tuesday (I drove the whole day).

I got to Florida with no incidents and arrived to the condo where I would stay for the week. Shortly after getting their the "Animals" showed up (my coach Scott DeFilippis and his girlfriend Carrie Lester). It was just the three of us at the condo till Friday, then Scotts family would arrive. Wednesday morning we woke up and headed out for a short brick and then to the pool in the afternoon. Thursday I put in a solid run set with some intensity and the legs started to loosen up and felt quite good. Friday was the typical pre race day with an easy bike and easy run. I was going to do a short ocean swim but the ocean was a bit crazy so just skipped it.

Friday afternoon Scotts family arrived; Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother in-law, and two nephews Needless to say the condo got a little crowded, but a great family to hang out with. They showed up and then started making dinner right away. We had a great pasta dinner and then sat around and talked a bit before calling it a night.

Saturday morning I was up bright and early at 0350 and had my typical pre race morning meal. Oatmeal, Banana, OSMO Pre Hydration, and then regular OSMO Active Hydration. I then headed down to drop off special needs bags and setup up my bike. I had brought my MTB with me since I had driven and it made it quite nice to be able to ride down race morning instead of walking. I then left the MTB for John and Nick (AF Tri Teammates and good friends) to use during the race.

Now onto the race.........

Swim 2.4 miles (1:00:59)-

I am sure some of you have seen the pictures out there from the swim. There is one that is photo shopped quite well and it makes the swim look a lot worse than it actually is. I didn't think it was all that bad. The start was something new WTC was trying, a "corral" start. Except instead of it being a corral that feeds through the start line like running races it was a corral down the beach line. With blocks for different expected swim times. I started with the "60 minutes and under", but right next to the "60 minute to 70 minute" guys. I made it through the waves pretty quickly and didn't get beat up by the waves or people. I was really happy with how my swim went, considering the conditions and in comparison to how I swam at Austin I thought it was a bit better.

Bike 112 miles (4:38:06)-

I felt pretty good early on in the bike. I knew I would have some ground to make up and quite a few people to pass so I slowly started working my way through the field. Around mile 35 a small group of 5 formed and I rode legally with them for about 15 miles. For those of you that have done IMFL, right before the rough section (I think it is around mile 50) I went to the front of the group and started to ride away from them. From there till about mile 70 I rode solo, and at mile 70 caught a group of female pros. I went to pass them and a few minutes later looked back and they were sitting legally behind me.

I hate having an influence on the women's race. I rode at the front a bit longer then went to the back where one other guy was 7 meters off the back. I sat 7 meters off the back for a few more miles and then went around them again. Same thing, couldn't "drop" them. It took till mile 80 to get rid of them, but then around mile 88 I caught 2 more girls. Same thing, but by mile 95 I had "dropped" them.

At the last out and back section I could see the "big" group that had formed behind me and was a little frustrated. I believe that initial group of guys I had ridden with were all in that group and they ended up only pulling in less than 2 minutes behind me into T2. A little frustrating but it is what it is, I was still feeling pretty good.

Run 26.2 miles (3:11:50)-

The first few miles of the run course are nice because there are a lot of fans. Makes it hard to slow down and run under control, and I ran a 6:43 first mile and then got under control for the second mile and backed off to 7:11. I was aiming to a 3:15 and thought the conditions were ideal. In the first 2 miles, Tim Hola and eventual 2nd place female pro Ashely Clifford went storming by me. I just watched them run away, impressive runs by both of them. Around mile 3 I caught a Wattie Inc guy named Drew. We ran together all the way till special needs. It was great having someone that wanted to run the same pace and we had a great conversation the whole time. Drew decided to stop and change shoes at special needs, I thought we were running well together so I waited for him.

We then started running again and about a half mile later he told me to go. So off I went, and lone and behold another runner came up to me pretty quickly, Anton. Anton was content with running 7:20 pace. We ended up running together till about mile 20 when he told me he was going to speed up. Nick and John had been out on the course giving me splits and I knew I had a pretty big cushion, at mile 10 it was 8mins. Then the tracker crashed, but they did some visual recon and didn't see anyone close, so I knew I was in good shape. I thought to myself and talked to Anton about it when he decided to push the pace and I decided to hold back. I didn't need to push the pace, and he had a few guys breathing down his neck so he needed to. I kept trying to hit 7:20 miles and felt like it was going well.

Around mile 23 a younger looking runner came up to me and was running pretty well but breathing really hard. I asked him his age since he had compression socks on and he said "I don't speak English". This frustrated me, I said some choice words to him. 25-29? 30-34? He first said he was 28, which worried me. He then said he was 34, so I didn't know what to believe. I had to run with him, I couldn't just let someone run away from me in the closing miles. A guy on a bike rode by and I asked him if he had a cell phone. Luckily he did, I asked him to check the guys number and find out what AG he was in. He did in fact end up being 30-34, so I ended up letting him go.

I came around the final corner to Team RWB cheering like crazy and the FW crowd was there cheering as well. It was a great feeling to come down the finish chute and know I was going to break 9 hours. It was a crazy dream to even think I would break 9 at Florida, just 21 days after Kona and 6 days after Austin, but once again it was one of those days where the stars aligned.

Swim (2.4 miles)- 1:00:59 / 9th out of 102 in AG / 153rd out of 2,802 Amateurs
http://www.strava.com/activities/92830060

Bike (112 miles)- 4:38:06 / 1st out of 102 in AG / 4th out of 2,802 Amateurs
http://www.strava.com/activities/92828434
For the power gurus, Training Peaks file: http://tpks.ws/XMpH

Run (26.2 miles)- 3:11:50 / 2nd out of 102 in AG / 15th out of 2,802 Amateurs
http://www.strava.com/activities/92830101

Total- 8:58:21 / 36th out of 2,891 Overall / 6th out of 2,802 Amateurs / 1st out of 102 in AG

Results: http://www.ironman.com/...y=2013#axzz2jz4cFVBM

It has been a crazy 3 weeks of racing. I know there were some people out there doubting the decision I made to race these last 3 weeks. I knew everything was going to be fine when my coach said from the beginning that "I know exactly what we will do", well I think he worked things out just fine and it all worked out. Now if you asked me to try and duplicate these 3 weeks of racing next year, I am not sure if it could go as well as it did. Thanks for everyone that believed in me and supported me along this journey.

It has been one heck of a year, I did not think at the beginning of the year that I would be sitting here in November with a 70.3 Worlds and IM Kona Top 10 and then already have slots to 70.3 Worlds and Kona for next year. It still hasn't set in, honestly I mean that, I was looking at races for next year and I didn't even have 70.3 Worlds on there till about half way through the planning phase.

I can't thank Scott and teamTBB online coaching enough for how much they have helped me. It is a rough time for their team right now, and I am glad on Saturday I was able to go out their and show that they do amazing things by giving people hope and opportunity through sport.

Lastly, I can't thank my sponsors/supporters enough: FRS Healthy Energy, Honey Stinger, Kiwami, HED Cycling, Zoot, teamTBB, Fort Worth Cycling, Arundel Bike Products, Clever Training, ISM Saddles, and Team RWB for all of the support!

Here are some pictures from the race:


The swim start


Out early on during the bike

Running out of T2


Coming down the finish



Myself and Kelly, both members of Team RWB, won our age groups and qualified for Kona.


25-29 Podium

-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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Congratulations that is an awesome few weeks!
As a DFW 25-29 Age Grouper, Remind me to avoid your name when signing up for races!
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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Congrats on a string of Awesome races!!!

Http://darkhorsemultisport.blogspot.com :Riding the Awesome Train with Darkhorse Coaching
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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Congrats on a very successful month! IMFL was my first, and while I'm a slow cyclist (and runner for that matter) it was fun to see you pass by me on the bike. It was a great day and quite the learning experience.
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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You're crazy man! haha nice work this month mate

JT Multisport | Facebook | Instagram | World Sport Coach
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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So what you're saying is you are pretty fast. Congrats
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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That is an impressive month of racing! Scott's a good guy and from the looks of it, pretty good at coaching too. congrats

56-11...the only way to fly
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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Congratulations that is impressive.


I am a little surprised that the photo of the pace line above isn't getting any attention yet.
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [Sanuk] [ In reply to ]
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That's an impressive racing streak, congratulations. Did you have particular recover strategy after Kona and Austin to help you get through and race so well?

http://www.tri-monkey.co.uk
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [RLB] [ In reply to ]
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is it still 7m in the usa ? . why do we have to do 12m in Australia . im very slow on the bike and got warned a few times for being 10m in my ironman
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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Incredible string of races! Congrats! Besides being a MACHINE, do you have a day job?

Also out of curiosity, what possessed you to throw in a 70.3 between Kona and IMFL?
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [Sanuk] [ In reply to ]
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Sanuk wrote:
Congratulations that is impressive.


I am a little surprised that the photo of the pace line above isn't getting any attention yet.

It is a weird angle, not trying to defend it, but I never have a problem putting my power files out there. I am pretty sure there is a fair amount of guys on here that have raced against me and know how I race. I think it is really hard to take one picture and judge off of it, not necessarily this one photo, but how do you know someone isn't making a pass etc. Now if you have a bunch of photos from out the whole course and a power file, then sure you can make assumptions. I use to judge off of photos, and have realized they are really hard to look at one still shot and come to the conclusion that someone isn't drafting. Some of the guys in this picture are from that group of 5 that I talk about that I was with from mile 30-50, not sure where this photo was taken, but somewhere before mile 50.

And thanks for the congrats......

-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [RLB] [ In reply to ]
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RLB wrote:
That's an impressive racing streak, congratulations. Did you have particular recover strategy after Kona and Austin to help you get through and race so well?

My coach put stuff on the schedule but I really just listened to my body. If I didn't want to do something I didn't. Looking back that may have been good, but I also think maybe moving around a bit more could have been better. I really didn't do much post Kona, just Sunday right after the race, Tuesday and then the 4 days leading into Austin and the 3 days leading into IMFL.

-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [MI TRI] [ In reply to ]
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Congrats Brad, very impressive finish to the year!
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [MI TRI] [ In reply to ]
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MI TRI wrote:
Incredible string of races! Congrats! Besides being a MACHINE, do you have a day job?

Also out of curiosity, what possessed you to throw in a 70.3 between Kona and IMFL?

Day job- Nope not a "day" job ;) I work 230pm till 11pm Monday-Friday and typically one weekend a month if it isn't on a weekend that I am racing. Work has been really good about letting me go race and attend a few training camps. On top of that I took 6 college classes this year (that is the most I can take while using Tuition Assistance). I took those classes from November-July, they are 9 week courses and at times I was taking 2 at a time. I am able to get most of my school work done at work, so it doesn't have a huge impact. Also, I am here in Ft Worth by myself with no family or kids, so am in a different boat than a lot of people.

I had already signed up for Austin and was trying to race Cozumel. The military was making it tough to get down to Cozumel, so I tried to get into AZ and no luck with it being so full. At the last minute I was able to get into IMFL. At that time we really questioned doing Austin, but myself and my coach thought it was still possible. We felt that I emptied the tank enough in Kona that I wouldn't actually be able to completely crush myself at Austin, which I wasn't. Then we just hoped that I would bounce back fast enough for FL. I almost feel like Austin cleared out the cob webs and got things going again.

-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [thecouch] [ In reply to ]
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As far as I know, 7m, 4 bike lengths for amateur, and 12m for pros. They say to use the dotted line in the middle of the road as a point of reference here in the US.

-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [tucktri] [ In reply to ]
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tucktri wrote:
So what you're saying is you are pretty fast. Congrats

Actually I just looked I didn't mention fast anywhere in there. I got beat by 2 pro women at both Kona and IMFL, and I think Bek Keat got me at Austin 70.3 So nope I wouldn't say I am "fast". It is all relative though, I may be faster than you but I wouldn't know since you don't use your name. You may be the next world champ, I don't know.

Fast is a term that some people like to use, it is one that I don't use because there is always someone faster out there than you.

And I am sure someone will eventually say I need to start racing pro, I wrote this back in April, and almost all of it still holds true: http://aftriathlonguy.blogspot.com/...-pro-card-why-i.html

-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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Really impressive Brad. :)

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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I said it before, but its worth saying again - great 3 weeks and a great job representing the Eagle and the U.S. Air Force. Thanks for serving and for supporting our Troops.
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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afbadbrad wrote:
MI TRI wrote:
Incredible string of races! Congrats! Besides being a MACHINE, do you have a day job?

Also out of curiosity, what possessed you to throw in a 70.3 between Kona and IMFL?


Day job- Nope not a "day" job ;) I work 230pm till 11pm Monday-Friday and typically one weekend a month if it isn't on a weekend that I am racing. Work has been really good about letting me go race and attend a few training camps. On top of that I took 6 college classes this year (that is the most I can take while using Tuition Assistance). I took those classes from November-July, they are 9 week courses and at times I was taking 2 at a time. I am able to get most of my school work done at work, so it doesn't have a huge impact. Also, I am here in Ft Worth by myself with no family or kids, so am in a different boat than a lot of people.

I had already signed up for Austin and was trying to race Cozumel. The military was making it tough to get down to Cozumel, so I tried to get into AZ and no luck with it being so full. At the last minute I was able to get into IMFL. At that time we really questioned doing Austin, but myself and my coach thought it was still possible. We felt that I emptied the tank enough in Kona that I wouldn't actually be able to completely crush myself at Austin, which I wasn't. Then we just hoped that I would bounce back fast enough for FL. I almost feel like Austin cleared out the cob webs and got things going again.

I think your strategy was perfect...mainly all rest, one "workout" at Austin to get things going, and more rest. It is not like you lose Ironman endurance in 2 weeks.

As for the picture, guys, if Brad had anything to hide, do you think he would post that picture ? He would have just not put it up.
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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It is a weird angle, not trying to defend it


I do agree, very hard to tell anything from that angle.
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [afbadbrad] [ In reply to ]
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afbadbrad wrote:
MI TRI wrote:
Incredible string of races! Congrats! Besides being a MACHINE, do you have a day job?

Also out of curiosity, what possessed you to throw in a 70.3 between Kona and IMFL?


Day job- Nope not a "day" job ;) I work 230pm till 11pm Monday-Friday and typically one weekend a month if it isn't on a weekend that I am racing. Work has been really good about letting me go race and attend a few training camps. On top of that I took 6 college classes this year (that is the most I can take while using Tuition Assistance). I took those classes from November-July, they are 9 week courses and at times I was taking 2 at a time. I am able to get most of my school work done at work, so it doesn't have a huge impact. Also, I am here in Ft Worth by myself with no family or kids, so am in a different boat than a lot of people.

I had already signed up for Austin and was trying to race Cozumel. The military was making it tough to get down to Cozumel, so I tried to get into AZ and no luck with it being so full. At the last minute I was able to get into IMFL. At that time we really questioned doing Austin, but myself and my coach thought it was still possible. We felt that I emptied the tank enough in Kona that I wouldn't actually be able to completely crush myself at Austin, which I wasn't. Then we just hoped that I would bounce back fast enough for FL. I almost feel like Austin cleared out the cob webs and got things going again.

Based on this description you work, and train and study. No need to defend that you are on your own and don't have a family and kids.....most of us, when we were your age, we spent all the time you spend training at the pub or at parties doing nothing particularly productive and likely squandering our youthful legs. Good on ya for having all that focus on drive. Many people say they want to do it, but only a few actually back it up with their legs.
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [Sanuk] [ In reply to ]
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Sanuk wrote:
It is a weird angle, not trying to defend it


I do agree, very hard to tell anything from that angle.


By the way, since two of the 4 people on ST who care about Ultraman Hawaii are on this thread, I suggest you and I ship Brad out to Kona for a loop of the island on US Thanksgiving Weekend!
Last edited by: devashish_paul: Nov 8, 13 5:24
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [Sanuk] [ In reply to ]
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Sanuk wrote:
It is a weird angle, not trying to defend it


I do agree, very hard to tell anything from that angle.

Look how thin those shadows are. If you look at the road there are clearly more than 4 shadow widths between each riders shadow. The only guy who might not be legal is the fifth guy back and he is still probably good. There are always many cheaters at IMFL, but not these guys.
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Re: The Triple: Kona, Austin 70.3, & IMFL....2X Worlds Slots and Sub 9! [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
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By the way, since two of the 4 people on ST who care about Ultraman Hawaii are on this thread


Up to 4 people already…it will soon be time to find a new sport of interest. :)
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