another great white north triathlon...5th time...

well, here i am yet again.
the great white north triathlon.
a long course, 1/2 ironman.
2000 meter swim, 90km bike ride, 21k run.
waking up at 5am yet again, loading up the gear, driving to hubbles lake/allen beach for the start.
the race to the porta potties, and then the mass rush from the beach into the water begins.
why?
i'd say it's fun. which it is.
the challenge? don't know, don't care. i just do this stuff because i like doing it. among friends, among fellow competitors. i like to swim, i like riding. not so fond of runnning, but it can be enjoyable, given the right set of circumstances.
my 1st shot at this was in 2004. a finish time of 6:06....i haven't been that fast since. 2007,2008,2009 and now 2010.
i was registered for 2005 and 2006, but bailed out both years. so just showing up for me is an accomplishment. finishing is never a mystery, i'll crawl if i have to.
don't know why i bailed out those two years, something about being really tired, ill, or just not into up for that challenge.
the goal for this year, finish, as always, and to enjoy myself.
and, well, to get a good nite's sleep.
after last week's ride to conquer cancer 220 km ride, have been really tired, so don't imagine the race is gonna help. will just have to try and survive.
i've always had a good swim here, and not a bad bike, but except for my 1st attempt, i've always cramped as soon i've gotten off the bike, then it's always been a run /walk between cramping quads. except for that 1st attempt. maybe it's an age thing.
oh well, i will swim, i'll bike, and i'll attempt to run. and i will show up. i have to my bike's there.
above all, it's all about yet another t-shirt, and it's all about doin' shit with my friends.

w