MRC at USAT Tri Nationals

[freestyle78]

Okay here is the lowdown on the Nationals. Goals: Top 15 and under 2:20. Finished: 16th and 2:21. Top 18 qualify for Worlds in London next year. While I met my Goals was really disappointed in my swim which is my strongest leg. Lost 2 minutes going off course due to glaring sun and not lifting head enough. Had to be redirected by one of the boats, UGH. Good thing for strong bike and decent run for me. Oh well that is how it goes, could have been a flat on the road also. So all in all happy with results.
I know looking at the results that Jennifer Goff finished in 2:39:39 and 81st in her Age Group. Heard from a number of folks that this year was more competitive due to the fact that the Worlds are in London. Sorry if I missed anyone else, as I know the Sprint was the following day.

Now the sad part of the race, one of the Tri guys that that has the same coach as me passed away at the Nationals this weekend during the Swim. I only knew Rich a very short time. On a conference call he offered a hotel room to me at a very cheap price right downtown Burlington, my hotel was 30 miles away. I spent the afternoon with Rich and his family riding in his car so Rich and I could get a sense of the Bike course. Rich treated a total stranger like a friend, I was very impressed by this. Rich was very competitive, excellent shape, and was looking to place high in the 50-54 age group, to boot we both found out that we were Springfield College grads. That morning with our wetsuits on, I went over to Rich and his family to wish him well, we gave each other high 5's. Little did I know that was the last time I would see Rich. Wow. Thank God for what we have because our loved ones could be gone in a second.

[Smudger]

Tragic news. Please pass on condolences from all at MRC to his family.