Asbury Grove Duathlon

There are many things I look for in a race; fun-factor, entry-fee, proximity to home, and of course, my availability (damn work). So, when a fun race, with a $5 entry fee, happens about 3 miles from my house, AND it's before work, I'm there.

I don't consider the fact that about 5 miles of running is involved, and I haven't run in months... that level of detail is irrelevant.

Yeah, the Asbury Grove duathlon is great event consisting of a 2.4M run, 9.7M ride, 2.4M run. I've done it a few times in the past, but my work schedule has kept me away for at least the last two. Mike Lawless was there, as was Jamie White and about 45 other people... some who looked pretty serious.

My first run was a rude awakening. Running is hard, but I can suffer through 2.4M, well, once at least.

I was definitely more at home on the bike, but was feeling the effects of the run. I made up some good time, and with my slow run-bike transition (including having to wait for traffic to clear to cross the road), I ended up with the 5th fastest bike time. As a biker that occasionally dabbles in running, that's all that matters to me.

Anyway, the second run was more of a slog. Many of the people I passed on the bike trotted past me on the second run, and I didn't even have it in me to trip them.

I picked up the pace a bit coming across the finish line, you know, to look good for my fans, and my effort was good enough for 14th overall.

After that, I had time for a quick, post-race cookie (thanks to Violet, AKA, Boo-Boo), then rode home, showered, and was off to work.

Thanks Asbury Grove!