Hi guys! Yesterday, I went to Medoc off indicator workouts that led me to believe there was no way I could lose. Tim Surface (pro triathlete on Team Timex, 2nd overall Trans-Rockies) toed the line looking to set an uncontested course record. The 2-person battle would play out over 10 miles. This is the story:
Pre-Race:
Law school fall break! Ten days ago, I had gone 2 months with a focus so pointy, an intellect so rotund, that only the shiniest of objects could divert my attention. But over fall break, all of that has changed. Now, my unmotivated state-of-mind has returned (a family of chipmunks singing Journey songs on repeat), and my running is really taking off.
So after my first stretch of really solid training in three years of running, I traveled to today’s race with newfound confidence, strength, and Not Stopping Believing-ness. But could I hold on to that feee-eee-liiii-ing? Well, I was told by the race director that Tim Surface was also racing, a pro with a 2:20 marathon and heart of gold (wink). So it would be a race. As an added bonus, this race had “trail names”, and I signed my dad up as “Nose Hair the Magnificent”. BONE DREAMCRUSHER MOCKS YOUR OLFACTORY CANALS. Anyway, sign-in, warm-up, THROW-DOWN.
Race:
The first 1.3 miles were on pavement, and we took off as if it was a road 10k. After hitting the mile in 5:02, Tim asked who I was. Who am I? YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE. Especially if your worst nightmare is a person who races shirtless in 40 degree weather, and kind of has a thing for kitten photoshops. After 1.3, we started on the trail, and Tim immediately dropped the hammer. I was ready, and responded, coming up alongside his hip. Then, a truce formed over the rolling, rooty single-track trails until 4 miles. Ahead was Medoc Mountain, and he took another shot. Bounding up the hill, his lead stretched to 2 meters, then 3, before I realized that someone with his resume COULD NOT be given a gap. Increasing the stride rate, I crested the climb on the inside, and took the lead for the descent.
Knowing his distance pedigree, I wanted to hurt his legs on the downhill. Opening up a sprint, I jumped down the mountain and I heard an urgent panic in his footfalls. As the trail turned back up, I slowed to force him to the lead. At that moment, I KNEW I had him. He looked beaten right there on the trail—but I also knew he could stick a move, so I waited. Performing a back-and-forth waltz up stairs and across bridges, we came to seven miles side-by-side. The race director went crazy, astonished this was a 2 person race. Tim grimaced. I smiled.
The track race would play out over three miles. I thought he had conceded. I thought I couldn’t lose. Mile 8, no change in positions. Mile 9, the same. Butterflies crept up while my heart rate inched even further down. This is the moment, nothing left on the table. Slight downhill leading into a climb, it is time, wait…wait…GO.
With 800 meters to the finish, I unleashed a full sprint. 10 meters became 20, which became 50. My legs powered up the rocks, the win all but secured. But wait. OH SH**. I slowed for just a second on a sharp turn and he seized the moment. The gap shrunk as the single-track opened into the bright green clearing. Wild cheering and legs searing, still a 20 meter gap. Final right turn, only a football field to the finish. I looked back. Never look back! My mom’s screams rose out of the din. Pump your arms! PUSH! A first-down to the line. Suddenly, a green flash. Failure from the peripheral vision.
So yes, Tim won. He deserved it. He led nearly all of the race. His power of will and physical strength were awe-inspiring. And, most importantly, embracing and talking after our battle, I realized that I will be a tougher athlete, and a better human being, for losing to such a great person.
Executive Summary:
2nd overall in 57:30 (6 minutes ahead of course record). I went stride-for-stride with a gladiator, and it was an honor.
Thanks so much for reading, hope things are great! As always, check out BeautyAndChange.blogspot.com for more!
