Monday, April 07, 2008

So That's Why I'm Tired (The Tale In Pictures)

Just when I think I'm over the whole race picture thing, some decent shots come through and the narcissist in me takes over. These pictures, from the Lone Star Quarter, also give a hint why my body is so cooked after training through this effort.


Swim Exit 1
Swim exit: note how the Greyhound is HOOFING IT up the ramp with one leg totally flying behind and ripping the swim cap off. Running from the water is atypical for the old dog.




Swim Exit 2
Another of the swim exit: note here how both of Greyhound's feet are airborne as he motors with superhero like speed to the strippers. Wetsuit strippers, that is. In Houston, you have to be more specific. Note also that way in the background is another swimmer with the same color cap as Greyhound. Again, atypical.







Start of Bike
And here is Greyhound screaming out on the bike, banking, standing and hammering out of a turn. Banking: an indication of speed perhaps? Who knew?






End of Bike
And hammering along the sea wall to get back to transition. Note the red face and bulging veins. This is what 24 mph in the wind looks like. Who is that guy and what have you done with Greyhound?







Run
Running off the bike at faster than 8 minute pace in the heat. Who the hell are you, and where is the mushy, suburban dad who got winded at kiddie soccer practice? (Oh, and Bolder, note the forefoot strike).





Finish
And finishing: again, both feet going airborne with high knee lift. Who knew this old dog could motor?

All kidding aside, I wish I had some "before" photos from four or five years ago. Although I was never huge, I was way soft and 30 pounds heavier than this. No ink. No arms. No quads. Mushy belly. I am not the same guy. And the biggest changes are not in my body, but between my ears and in my heart.

Wildflower awaits.

19 comments:

SWTrigal said...

Wow-great race time and great pics!

Amy said...

Great race pics! You had good form out there.

I'm glad you kicked bananahammock's arse coming out of the water.

Spokane Al said...

Way to push it through until the end.

Rock on buddy!

CoachLiz said...

Looking Good!

I am sure that Mrs. Greyhound and Superpounce are happy with your changes as well.

Jane said...

You look quite sleek in your wetsuit. And the tattoo suits your bicep. But eeew - who is that dude in the multi colored speedos behind you?

Trisaratops said...

You look fierce, Dogg!

Donald said...

Awesome pics! You look like you mean business.

21stCenturyMom said...

No doubt, this year's WF experience will be significantly different from last year where you stood in the pre-swim area in a way too big wetsuit looking like you just wanted to die. This time you'll be wearing a well fitting, totally hawt wetsuit and and IM tat and most notably, some confidence.

Race hard! Race well.

Unknown said...

Wonderful! Wildflower awaits, indeed!

Bigun said...

I'd have run hard too with wierd-speedo-guy on my arse. Well, not "on" - you know what I mean.

KCWoodhead said...

Your pics are way better than mine...:-(

Brent Buckner said...

Great event! Glad you're happy with putting the pedal to the metal.

Forefoot strike!

Supalinds said...

Sweet pics!!!!

TRI TO BE FUNNY said...

So...seriously. Are you going to pose nude now?!? With a bod like that, how could you NOT?!

Sarah said...

Wow, you got some great race photos! Mine are all crap. :) Congrats again on a great race.

Fe-lady said...

Great shots! You went so fast on the bike that something happened to your sunglasses!
Looking GOOD! Don't you just LOVE the race photo companies...they do such a good job!
Have a great time at Wildflower! Wish I was going again this year!

Bolder said...

*forefoot strike noted*

great pics too...

Kim said...

im just saying, you are one effin photographic triathlete!!! you managed to look kickass in all of the pictures! i especially enjoyed the picture of the guy in the speedo behind you.

p.s. youre jacked and kind of scary.

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

That's what I call RACING!

I think we have the same bike, by the way. 2003 Kilo?