Here's the race report from Sunday - all the HEAT members Dave C., Doug,
Raf, Miro, and myself survived, which was a success alone, considering the very hot conditions.
The weekend outlook was not looking so great with temps forecasted in the 90s, and no working AC in
the car. Sat afternoon we made the drive up and checked into the hotel. Slept
well, only a few nightmares in which is was snowing--how far from reality could that be? Sunday arrived at the race
site and saw fellow heatsters Miro, Dave, Doug and Raf. Raf's sister was there also (boy that Martinez family is a
tough bunch). The swim was definitely the best part of race. The water temp was
perfect (about 70) and the lake was completely calm. The swim was a 2 loop in which you had to exit the water onto the
beach and reenter for the 2nd lap. The swim was definitely short - my split was 32min and change and we all
know I can't swim that fast. 
Headed out onto the bike and within 10 miles I could feel the air getting warm and I knew I'd be taking in more fluid that usual. The bike course was a 2 loop with some flat sections and rollers. Only a few climbs and
none of them steep. The steepest climb I did all day was the one I did by mistake.
About a mile after the bottle exchange I saw some arrows pointing
right and made the turn which descended to a dead end at some train tracks. I should've known better as there were
cones at all the other turns. You really needed the course direction as the competitors were so spread out - there were
miles where I was riding alone without another person in sight. The road conditions were good also-only 1 small section
with potholes that were marked with cones. The course was a hair long - I think I heard someone say 57.2 miles-I got
57.7 on account of my little detour. I think my bike split was about 3:10. I
was dead already at the start of the run, so my goal was just to stay running for as long as possible. On the run was
the 1st time I saw the other Heatsters-passed Miro first-the heat had done him in as well. After a few miles
(mileage was pretty unclear as there were no mile marks on the course)
, I saw
Dave C followed by Doug headed back toward the finish. Both were looking strong.
A while later I saw Raf and asked him how much further to the turnaround-at that point he was looking pretty good but his ankle did him in
later. I managed to make it till the mile 10 water stop and then needed to walk.
I walked/jogged the rest of the way in. Postrace spread was Boston Market which was great for sodium
replacement. They could have used some drinks, though. There was only the water
available at the finish. Raf I have your award medal.
Here's the results from the day.
Couture, Dave 5:30:52
Lord, Douglas 5:37:03
Anastasio, Karen 5:49:25 2nd AG
Martinez, Rafael 5:52:38 1st Clydesdale
Baldyga, Miro 6:11:35
PS This was the first time I wore my new uniform, and it felt great!
