Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Vineman 70.3 Spectator Report

Long time, no see! Yes, yes, I have literally been too busy to blog for all these days. I’m taking a few moments out of my work afternoon to put this up before I delay any longer.

After my long run Saturday morning (yay for long runs!), I headed north to Santa Rosa to meet up with Kate and Kim, who were both racing at Vineman. We ran around like crazy day-before-race people, picking up Kate’s bike, driving the run course, checking them in at the expo, dropping off their run gear, and then driving the bike course. I also met up with Rob at the expo! We tried to make driving the bike course fun.

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We finished the night off with dinner poolside after Kim’s friend Abby arrived. Ah, it’s a rough life.

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Our morning dawned very dark and early, as Kate was going off in the first amateur wave after the pros, at 6:38 am.

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I found Rob again, modeling for the cameras.

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Once the race was started, I hung out with Macca until Kate finished her swim. Hey, it counts if he was standing only 2 people away, right?

I will let Kate report on her own race, but I was very happy to cheer for her all day. Once she headed off on the bike, looking DARN cute

014 I drove over to Windsor High School to park and begin my own ride for a few hours. There were some eucalyptus groves.

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And lots and lots of grapes.

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I rode backwards on part of the race course so I got to see Kim rocking it on the bike. I made it back in time to pack up my stuff, change and see Kate roll in on the bike and head out on the run. I knew she’d be a while to the finish so I went to see what the expo had for food. Mmmmmmm, grilled turkey leg.

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I spent a lot of time in the sun. I cheered Rob in to the finish.

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And this guy.

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And Kate!

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After some serious decompressing time, and a mango smoothie, and a plate full of food, and picking up all her gear, Kate was ready to head back to the casa, where she had the perfect post-race activity in mind.

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As I said, it’s a rough life.

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Kim finished and made it back with Abby just after us.

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We finished off the day with dinner at a lovely restaurant in downtown Healdsburg.

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On Monday morning, we had to split up the gang, ship bikes, and head for home. Kate came back with me for an extra day before she flew out of San Jose and went home after several weeks in California. We hope to see her again soon!

Unfortunately, my weekend ended on a sad note, with news of the tragic death of a lifelong family friend. We’re all still quite stunned, I think. I will always remember Jan’s laugh and smile and enthusiasm for life.

11 comments:

ADC said...

It is a hard life. What a great sherpa you are.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss.

Jennifer Harrison said...

YOU are a great sherpa is RIGHT! I was so glad you were there with Kate and Kim - HOW FUN FOR YOU ALL !!!! :)
I am so sorry to hear about your friend, Jan too. Sometimes life is so unfair. :(

Sherry said...

So very sorry for your loss, Molly. :-(

What a fun-filled weekend! Kate-the-Great looked amazing out there. I agree, I don't think it's possible to be any cuter on a bike. Both ladies were very lucky to have you as sherpa-supreme!

Glad y'all had a great time!

Wes said...

What the heck? Is that a California turkey? ROFL!!! Great job, supa-sherpa! I'm entirely jealous that you got to meet Kimmie! Sorry to hear about your friend... I hope I'm doing something I love to do when I go... Small consolation....

Jennifer said...

Love reading your posts as I'm a local gal too. I was part of the SF Tri Club aid station at mile 5 & 8 of the run, which was a total blast. The guy in pink was a hoot; he came up to me and gave me a big sweaty hug... yuck, but funny! Happy to have also gotten in a ride too... gorgeous countryside.
And most importantly, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss; that always puts so many things in perspective.
- Jennifer

GoBigGreen said...

I am just catching up here Molly. First off i am so sorry about your friend. How awful:(
KO and Kim are so lucky to have you as a sherpa and tourguide. I will get to Vineman someday I promise!
Hope you are doing ok, hugs your way.

Middle Name Marie said...

Sorry your weekend ended on a sad note.

Looks like you had a great time helping at the race!

Beth said...

Sorry to hear about your friend Molly. So sad.

Maria said...

Sometimes I think being a spectator would be just as much fun as racing...I gotta find people to Sherpa for! What a weekend!

I'm sorry to hear about your loss and the loss to the athletic community.

TriGirl Kate O said...

THANK YOU MOLLY!!! Wouldn't have been half as fun without you there.

Kim said...

yay, so glad to have finally met you. thanks for being an amazing sherpa!