Endeavor to Adventure, Rev3 Venice

Last spring when Rev3 announced the season ending race in Venice Florida at the end of October, I planned to enter. Same location as our family get together in October the last two years. Sisters and brother said they would come and the race was on.

Arrived just in time for the far edge of hurricane Sandy to stir up some serious waves. Day one at Venice I hit the beach for a practice swim in the angry ocean. Had a great talk with lifeguard Jamie Who gave me some good advice before venturing the waves. Try as I might I couldn't swim north into the current for anything. Had a good feeling the swim would get canceled with the crazy wind, waves and currents. No way to swim a straight line.

Two days later on race morning with the wind still whipping 20 to 30 mph the swim did get canceled, so just the 56 mile bike and 13 mile run. Cake walk right :)

Started in number order one every 3 seconds, basically by age so I got to meet all the other 50-54 guys. Nice bunch for sure. Got to run into transition to start the bike. Got out in 39 seconds and had the best part of 30 miles with a tail/crosswind. Just being careful to pace it and 25 mph average felt pretty easy. But the last 20 miles I just lost power from the engine room for some reason and struggled in uncharacteristically bad.

Found out why when I transitioned to the run and both quadriceps cramped up as soon as I started to run. Not just a little, but a serious ache. Knew then racing was out the window and for 13 miles it would be serious hurt to finish.

Saw my family all there just outside transition cheering for me so I made a wide turn and gave them all a high 5. The highlight of my day by far. Sherrie even got a great picture of it. How cool is that.

Took in salt tablets at mile one which helped me run to mile five. From then on it was 50/50 walk run to the finish. Embarrassing, painful, but I had no intention of quit in me. Finally finished and the family was all there cheering for me yet again.

When our mother passed away a few years back I believe she left me with a message that we should consistently endeavor to get along. She would have a smile for us this day.

Had many friends check on me and helped keep my head up which I totally appreciate. So onward ever to persevere to the next great adventure.

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