Dr. Adventure

On Sunday, with God’s help, I gave it my very best at the Super Sprint Triathlon for Jimmy in Wesfield, Massachusetts, but I came up just a little short of retaining my title as Overall Champion. I got beat by an athlete 31 years younger by a mere 25 seconds!

Despite getting water in my goggles that impacted my sighting the swim exit, plus crashing my bike as I was mounting it after T1, plus taking a wrong turn on the bike, I am still very happy with placing 2nd.

Second place makes you hungry for the next race. It also means you can’t have a come-back until you have a set-back. I did get two course PRs: T1 improved by 2 seconds (1:06) and T2 improved 4 seconds (21 seconds) which I am thrilled about.

A Super Sprint (300 yard swim, 6.5 mile bike, 1 mile run) is the bastard step-child of triathlons compared to the longer distances of the Sprint, Olympic, Half and Full. Super Sprints have a reputation as being too easy. As a sprinter, I absolutely love them, and I look forward to coming back next year and crushing it!

I have to remind myself that I’m 57, and I still can continue to do this utter non-sense, thank the Lord! All the proceeds go to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston where my Beloved daughter, Rachel Denham works. Since I have a lot of cancer in my family, the race is particularly meaningful.

I also had the chance to connect with my fellow classmate from St. Lawrence, Emily Bailey Santella. It was great to see her, and I have always been impressed with her energy and zest for life.

Thanks to all my supporters for your well wishes. I can’t thank you enough. Most importantly, I’m grateful to my Beloved Lisa Luce, who always says, “Go Kill It Babe!”

NEXT UP: Ticonderoga Sprint Triathlon on June 17th

Another Wonderful Winter Wednesday for my triathlon friend, Chris Fernando’s annual ice climbing trip with Dr. Adventure!!! It was just Chris and I at The Quarry. We had some deep and meaningful conversations about life on the ride up and the ride back. The ice was thin in some spots, but that's what makes it challenging and interesting.

I just had some momentary fame this past week thanks to a Tweet from USA Triathlon. Looking forward to competing again at Sprint Nationals this August.