spin / second sole multisport team

Here’s an odd story for you:  SSSMST’s two best swimmers both secured spots to the 70.3 World Championship Triathlon this weekend.  What’s odd is that they did it at a duathlon.

The Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon took place on Saturday, but the leftover wind and chop from a recent storm made it impossible for the organizers to hold a safe swim portion of the event.  Instead, the race started with a 2.1 mile run, followed by the usual 56-mile ride and 13.1-mile run.

Jim Lamastra and Rob Reddy were, obviously, very dissapointed about the switch!  They resolved to funnel their anger in to the bike, and both posted blazing times.  I don’t have Rob’s split, but Jim averaged 25.1mph over the bike course (which was a little short, by all accounts).  That’s just sick.

The run is flat, and both guys were able to hold position to the finish.  Jim said each of his splits was slower than the previous one, but it was enough for him to secure 11th in his age group, and 33rd of the 2000 starters– and a spot for the 70.3 Worlds.  I don’t have Rob’s times yet, but I know he also qualified for Worlds– I’ll pass on the details when I get them.

Mary Davis also started the race, resolved to push it hard on both the bike and the run.  This is a scary and courageous way to test yourself, and although she didn’t finish, the effort involved in pushing like that is worthy of serious respect.  Next year, Mary!

Filed under: 2008 |