Ed's Week in Review: October 21, 2011

by Ed Galante

Just another friendly reminder to all team members make sure to get your membership renewals in…you have until Oct. 31^st, and your renewals will help us determine how many spaces we will have available for new members. Also, prospective members, make sure you submit your applications by November 1^st. No applications will be accepted after that date.

Now on to the Week in Review. The weather is turning, but the Blue and Green is still podiuming. Pat Dwyer continues to make his push for comeback of the year by not only winning his age group in the Mt. Washington Bank 5K, but also winning the race overall! Also Mary Lou Tierney found her way to the podium with a 2^nd place age group finish at the Scituate Duathlon. In addition, Eric Lambi flew through the Paddy's Road Race and Jen Scalise-Marinofsky crushed the Bay State Marathon, qualifying for both Boston and New York. Jen talks about her experience in her race report.

Race Report: Bay State Marathon

by Jen Scalise-Marinofsky

I decided in the summer that I wanted to finish my season with something big, especially since I don’t know what 2012 will have in store for me. That’s where the idea to do the Bay State Marathon came from. It is a great, low-key, local race that I could decide to train for but then sign up for last minute in case I decided to back out. No pressure….

I went to pick up my number on Friday and accidentally picked up the shirt for the half….was this a sign? Should I do the half? (They had plenty race morning, so I was able to switch). Throughout my taper, I had a lot of doubts about my training, since I really only put in a month of marathon training. Quality over quantity, right?....We’ll see how it goes…. It’s kind of strange for me to be doing a big race and staying at home. I know a lot of people say they like that, sleeping in their own bed, etc. But for me, this was the only drawback…..I felt like I could use a little more hype for a marathon. The day before was a normal Saturday around the house, cleaning, errands, etc….nothing that made me feel like I was about to race the next day. And the day after the race, was just like any other Monday (except for the incredible pain!)

Race morning…..perfect marathon weather! In the low 60’s and partly sunny….I didn’t even have to think about what I would wear. I felt nervous, but this was the one time I was glad there was no hype. I felt more relaxed than usual. Race morning is a little different with a toddler to take care of….I have to say I was wishing for a swim and a bike before tackling this run. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself, so I did a quick warm up, kissed my boys and was ready to go. At the start, I had my usual tears and thoughts of “I can’t believe I am doing a marathon today”. It doesn’t matter how many races I do, I still fell this way before the long ones. The start was a little crowded, but nothing like the big marathons. And even with the half starting at the same time, it quickly thinned out. Throughout the race, it felt like I was doing my usual long run, just with some other runners around.

This is the first race where I wore my garmin and I did appreciate knowing my pace throughout the race. I had a particular goal in mind and the garmin helped me to stay on target. Typically I do the math at each mile, but I was very happy not to be doing it! I started out too fast (I knew I needed that swim and bike first to warm up!)…..I decided to take it down just a little, but race faster than my target pace and try to hang on. I was definitely unsure of what would happen in the long run by doing this, but I felt really good, so decided to go for it. At the half, I was still ahead of pace, so continued with my plan to go for it and just hang on at the end.

I only had a couple of bad times during the race…..a couple of times with some gi issues that required me to stop and visit the port o potty…but I was able to start running again. I was glad that I had built up a little time cushion. A word of advice…..if you haven’t been drinking caffeine for 2 years, don’t try caffeinated gels…just an idea…. I continued on, in the back of my mind hoping that the wheels don’t come off after mile 20…. I made it through mile 24 before I really thought I couldn’t run anymore, but this is where it became mental. I kept saying to myself that I worked too hard for too many miles to let it go now. Almost there….. This is the first time that when I got to the finish line, I was in tears, not tears of joy, but in pain. The first thing I said to Dave was “good luck with that!” because he is running New York in a few weeks. I was hurting, but I was ecstatic because I had accomplished what I set out to do. My time….3:34:15. I qualified for Boston and New York and PR’d by 20 minutes. Thank god it is for Boston 2013, because I don’t think I want to do another marathon anytime soon.

I definitely recommend this race to anyone who is looking for a laid back marathon that is mostly flat (there are some short hills). It is very well run…the volunteers were great too! This race has come a long way since I did it in 1999…..

Member Spotlight: Brian Kearney

by Scott Kleekamp

When most triathletes finish a race, the first question they are asked is, "how'd it go?" or "what was your time?” However, for Brian Kearney, an FDIC bank examiner based in Newton, the inquiry is entirely different: "Where's Newman? Is he here?"

For those who know him, this should come as no surprise: Brian, a literal man-for-all-seasons, is the owner of a yellow Labrador named Newman, perhaps the most famous and well liked dog on the New England triathlon circuit.

When he is not travelling for work (his job keeps him on the road about 60-70 days per year), one thing is certain: Brian, and usually Newman, will be outdoors. Depending on the season, this could mean snowboarding at Killington (Brian is an Ambassador there); training and competing in triathlons; hosting BTT members at his family's Lake Winnipesaukee home, or sailing in the Virgin Islands. Most remarkably, recent neck and knee surgeries haven't slowed him down one bit: his last race was a 5 hour performance at the Timberman Ironman 70.3 event on August 20.

***

Growing up, what was your sports background:

Basically, anything that kept me moving - soccer, basketball, track, baseball, swimming, waterskiing, snow skiing, sailing...competitive team spelunking (just kidding). Oh, and my parents implemented a training regimen that included pre & post dinner driveway sprints, which was really just their way of ensuring that I would burn off enough energy to actually sit down for 5 minutes...

When was your first triathlon and what brought you to the sport:

My first tri was Concord, NH, YMCA in 1987. It was actually a swim/run/bike format and the only one like that I've ever done. I think I was clueless at the time of the danger of finishing on the bike in an all out sprint because it never crossed my mind how strange it was. I had done some running races starting in 4th grade, but to say I had a track career would be a bit misleading, I was no star. My older brother inspired me with his interest in bike racing after he got out of college and he did the family's first triathlon. He didn't stick with the triathlons, but he convinced me that I should DEFINITELY do them...

If you could substitute one discipline in triathlon and replace it with another, what would it be:

My weakest leg is the run so I guess I'd replace that one. I love snowboarding, but we'd have to work out some of the logistics - snow and open water swimming don't really go together well.

What one race is on your triathlon/multisport "bucket list":

I don't really have a bucket list, yet, but have started thinking I need to do some destination races. Any ideas?

If Snow, Sailboats, the Superbowl, Beer, Bicycles, and Basketball disappeared forever from earth, which would you miss the most:

Definitely snow.

What's on your playlist these days:

I'm on a podcast kick, Adam Carolla, Jay Mohr, Bill Simmons, but when I'm listening to music the most common groups on my iPod are U2, Counting Crows, The Cure, Everclear. Other favorites lately: Cake, Buckcherry, Weezer, LMFAO, Mickey Avalon, Modest Mouse, Jane's Addiction, Green Day.

What's the most money you ever found lying on the ground?

$100, in Brighton, about 20 years ago - sorry I don't remember the serial numbers.

What's the longest you ever sat in a plane on a runway?

Probably about 3 hours, gotta love thunder storms.

Strangest thing you ever saw on a business trip:

Here's a few odd things I've encountered: an ice storm in Atlanta where they only had 3 functional ice trucks for the entire city, are you kidding me? An 83 degree day in Boulder followed by temps in the 30's and snowing hard a day later. Bike lanes on major highways in Colorado - different priorities out there. Ted Kennedy (the older version) sitting in coach on the DC shuttle.

What two things do you never travel without?

My cell phone and flip flops.

Best city in the world:

Austin, TX; Boulder, CO, and Flagstaff, AZ are 3 really cool towns.

What sporting achievement are you most proud of:

I guess coming back from my multiple surgeries in 2009 and 2010. Let's just say I'm not 20 anymore.

What sporting moment was the most fun/memorable (either as participant or viewer):

I'd have to go with the Sox in 2004, at the Stadium in South Boston, it was a madhouse, friends sprayed champagne all over the place.

Most underrated bar in Boston:

You mean other than the Kinsale and Asgard? If you asked about favorite ski town bars I'd have a more informed opinion (Longhorn or GLC in Whistler, No Name Saloon in Park City, and Lookout in Killington). Recently had a good time in town at Post 390 with some BTT and FOBTT so we'll go with that.

How many Maple Syrup trophies from Timberman do you have at home?

Excluding the 2 from Granite Ledges and the 1 from Mooseman relay, maybe 5? But one was a relay that I really owe to BQ [Brian Quigley] and Joe O'Leary. Pancakes anyone?

Word association. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear:

Tour de France: The Alps, one of these years

B2B: FAST pacelines

Ironman: no thanks, keeping what little cartilage I have left

Basketball: Larry!

Work: bank IT

Play: snow, water, bikes, NEWMAN

Hills: down as in downhill

Snow: freshies, no friends on a powder day

Friday: hooky (used to play more- need to again)

BTT: Blue and green and fun all over

Newman: Hello

Ed's Week in Review: October 14, 2011

by Ed Galante

First thing, I want to remind all team members make sure to get your membership renewals in…you have until Oct. 31^st, and your renewals will help us determine how many spaces we will have available for new members. If you don’t renew by the 31^st, we will assume you are not interested in renewing and we may give your spot to a new member. Also, prospective members, make sure you submit your new member applications by November 1^st. No applications will be accepted after that date.

Now on to what’s happening with the team. I would like to thank everyone for another successful Sponsorship Night last Tuesday including a big shout out to Landry’s for hosting the event and to all sponsors who participated! It was a great time and all of the team, friends of BTT and sponsors were well represented.

In regard to racing, it was another big weekend for the blue and green. We were seen all over the BAA ½ marathon course with great performances by Noah Manacas, Kelwin Conroy, Erica Allen, Bryan Canterbury, Victoria Arrigoni, Dave Marinofsky and Sasha Dass. (I am pretty sure there were other members who raced this too…) Way to go team! Rookie Bryan Canterbury talks about his experience here.

Elsewhere, Noah Manacas was seen tearing up the Cyclocross scene, Elaine Metcalf continues to dazzle with a another age group podium finish up at the Ottawa Fall Colours Duathlon, Sean McCormick headed out West to make the team proud in the Raptor Ridge Off Road Half Marathon, Audrey Perlow flew through the Army 10-Miler, Mary Beth Begley raced up a storm on the Tufts 10K race and Kate O’Malley cruised though the Chicago Marathon. Kate talks about her race here.

Race Report: BAA Half Marathon

by Bryan Canterbury

If I have ever gone into a race less prepared, I don't remember it.

My training has been less-than-usual due to work, travel and other commitments. I never bothered to set out my gear or check the course map. I think my taper started about 2 months ago when I finished the Sharon Triathlon. I managed a single 10 mile run about 10 days before the race.

I wasn't expecting much.

And my morning started off on the wrong foot - or shoe, as the case was. I tossed on my shoes and running gear, drove to a gas station to fill up, and thought, "My shoes feel funny." I realized I put on some random pair of non-running tennis shoes. Thankfully, I was close to home and could get my New Balance running shoes with little delay in getting to the race.

At the race, my warm-up consisted of running to the (disgusting) portapotty and some light stretches. Ran into some Boston Triathlon Team mates and chatted. Got into the starting pen with 5000 friends, had a Power Bar Gel, and we were off.

If you've never run the BAA Half on the new (2010 or later) course, it is beautiful. It goes along the Emerald Necklace from Franklin Park down to the Longwood area and back. Nice scenery, picturesque location, and some interesting architecture. The weather was great - sunny and warm. Couldn't have asked for a better day.

I was setting a decent pace (for me), passing folks, chatting with some, sharing jokes with others. Another Power Bar Gel at mile 6, and try to figure out where the water stations were (something else I didn't do before the race). My Garmin 405CX gave me a few issues, so I was questioning my pace through the second half of the race (it was giving me numbers, but they didn't make sense with the distance signs the race had up). Oh well, enjoy the day, and keep trotting.

Remember that 'Course Map' comment earlier? I was a little thrown by a course change (coming into the finish stadium from the left instead of the right); a little thing but could have been prevented had I actually looked at the map.

And disappointed I didn't see a zebra in the zoo this year.

Coming into the finish, I sprinted hard (or at least whatever I could muster), and managed to set a half-marathon PR by about 8 minutes! Not bad for poor training and no race strategy! Imagine what I could do if I actually worked hard at this stuff!

Top 15% overall and in my age group. I'll take it!

Race Report: Chicago Marathon

by Kate O'Malley

In the days leading up to the Chicago Marathon, the biggest worry on everyone's mind was the weather. Reports were predicting anywhere from mid 70's up to low 80's. Not exactly ideal to run a marathon. I tried to not let this worry me as, honestly, there's not much you can do about the weather. I simply made it a point to drink as much water (and coconut water) as possible for the few days beforehand.

Race morning arrived fast - met two of my girlfriends in the lobby of my hotel at 5:30 and we made our way over to the starting area. Dropped off our bags, quick bathroom run, and before we knew it, it was time to head to our corral. This is one thing I love about this marathon...very little chance to sit around and simply wait for the race to start!!

At 7:30am, the gun went off and we started our race. My friend, Laura, and I decided that we'd start together, as we had the same pace goals. Through the first five miles, we definitely could feel the warmth, as we started sweating a lot earlier than usual. But, outside of the sweat, we were both fine...no feelings of heat exhaustion or anything similar. The good thing about the weather was that, although warm, it was dry. Considering the humidity we had been training in all summer, this was a welcome surprise. The miles continued to fly by throughout the first half, as the race winded through Lincoln Park and the tall buildings of the Loop. Laura and I continued to stay together, holding a good, comfortable pace.

The second half of the race made its way out to the West Loop, winding through Little Italy, University Village and Chinatown. The miles continued to cruise by and Laura and I still managed to stay together, making our way through even mile splits. After about the 20 mile mark, the weather definitely started to get warmer and we slowed it down a bit to accommodate. Still, though, we both felt strong and were happy that we had managed to run so much of the marathon side by side. With just a few miles remaining, we knew it was clear that we would cross the finish line together, which made the race that much more meaningful and exciting. The final stretch of the marathon brings you out by the Chicago White Sox stadium, running along side the highway (NOT a pretty area) before it loops back up Michigan Ave and toward the finish. That stretch out by the stadium was tough, but as soon as we turned on to Michigan Ave, we got a surge of energy. With about a mile left to go, I saw my husband screaming my name. This was so great, as I had missed him at Miles 3 and 13. We were so excited to see him (as you can tell from the picture he snapped) that we sped up and made our way to the finish. Crossing the line in 3:48:44, breaking my course record and my goal of beating 3:50, felt great. Even better was being able to run the entire marathon with Laura...and even better than that? The free beer they hand you almost immediately after the finish line!!

Chicago is an amazing city and they put on a very organized and fun marathon. I would recommend this race to anyone who is looking for a big-city, well-supported race!

Ed's Week in Review: October7, 2011

by Ed Galante

First thing, I wanted to remind everyone of next Tuesday’s Sponsor Appreciation Night. We would really like to see a big turnout. There will be plenty of beverages, food and fun! It’s taking place next Tuesday, Oct 11^th from 7 pm until 9 pm at our sponsor, Landry's Bicycles, 890 Commonwealth Avenue, BOSTON, MA 02215 (http://www.landrys.com/storelocations/Boston/default.aspx). It’s free to all and it’s open to all team members and all friends of the team, especially those that are considering applying for next year’s membership. And BTT Members don’t forget to wear some team gear!

Now on to the week in review. Last week was a slow racing week for the team. We saw Mary Beth Begley flying through the Harwich Cranberry 7.3 Miler to take 3^rd in her age group and once again find herself up on the podium! Also, Paul Newman (the BTT member not the deceased actor) also made BTT proud in the Canton Road Race 5K.

Finally Rookie Matt Mead was set to take on the Pocono Mountains half Ironman as a training race for his upcoming Ironman in Arizona and talks about his training experience here. (Read Matt's race report.)

Race Report: 50.7 Concord (Was 70.3 Pocono Mountains)

by Matt Mead, BTT Rookie

I wake up Friday morning and go to work as usual. Race weekend is here. The plan is to get on the road Saturday morning by 8:00am and head to Stroudsburg, PA for the 70.3 Pocono Mountains. Race on Sunday morning at 7:00am and then turn around and drive back to Arlington, MA. The trip one-way is roughly 5 – 5.5 hours. Then late Friday afternoon I received an email from the 70.3 Pocono Mountains race director that they have CANCELLED the swim due to heavy rainfall they have been getting all week. The water level is over the crest and the current is strong so they decided the river was unsafe. SWIM CANCELLED. So the decision now is to spend 10 hours in the car for a bike/run. What would you do?

Here is my race report:

Swim: CANCELLED

Bike: BAILED

Run: BAILED

So now that you can see I decided not to make the trip to PA here is my race report from Sunday, October 2, 2011. I raced the 50.7 Concord.

I woke up at 5:45 and had my pre-race meal, bagels and cereal (Banana Nut Crunch). Grabbed my gear and was out the door. I was at Walden Pond at 6:55, the gate was closed. Called a friend who was meeting me and he was about 30 minutes behind still on RT 93 coming from the North End. The gate was opened around 7:05 and it started to rain so I setup my T1 and T2 in my car and got dressed for the swim. My buddy showed up around 7:30 and we headed to the beach after he set up his transitions.

SWIM:

It was pouring when we stared to swim, but the water was nice and like glass. The plan is to do a 1.2 mile perimeter swim around the Pond. We enter the water around 7:45 – 8:00, not sure exactly and the swim went well. No kicking, no goggles falling off, and no punches to the side of the head. Almost got hooked by a fisherman on the other side, but good thing he saw me because he stop casting and told me to swim on by. I apologized for my lack of sighting and swam on by. When I finished the perimeter swim I could see my buddy slowing down, so I started to swim a little further and did a short out and back to arrive at T1 at the same time. Total distance: 1.5 miles; Time: 0:45:57.

T1:

Swim to bike transition was the hardest transition I ever experienced. No one was there with my gear bag or to take my bike. There were just too many steps that I did not practice. Walk up the hill from the Pond, find my keys in the gear bag, unlock the car, get the bike out, change out of wetsuit and into rain bike gear, put all remaining gear in the car, lock the car, don’t forget the water bottles, wait for buddy, so on and so on. Time 0:17:14…awful.

BIKE:

The plan was to do the 56 mile Harvard Fruitlands Ride, but since we were roughly an hour behind schedule from the late start we decide (well I decided because I needed to get home) on the 32 mile Sherman’s Bridge Ride for those familiar with it. We were off and headed toward Concord Ctr. About halfway up Monument Street I was moving pretty good and the rain had stopped (but the roads were wet) and I never saw rain again….Awesome. I found myself solo for the majority of the ride, which was a great mental challenge. On my way back to Walden my buddy was not in sight so I decide to head down Baker Bridge Road to Sandy Pond Road to the intersection of Sandy Pond, Lincoln, and Bedford and then turn around and come back to add on some mileage. I experienced a lot of stops for cars, traffic lights, and one grooved section (motorcycles be careful sign) but over all a great course and good ride. Total distance: 36 miles; Time: 1:50:47, 19.5 mph avg

T2:

Bike to run transition was not as bad, but still stuff I should have practiced. A lot of same steps needed as in T1, but with different gear and process. After a pit stop at the Walden bathrooms I was onto the run, but then I saw my buddy in T2 so I decided to wait for him. Time: 0:12:39….not great, but better.

RUN:

The plan for the run was a 6.55 mile out and back for 13.1 miles. I decided on the last 6.55 miles of the bike course (Sherman’s Bridge) that I just rode. We started out together and then I picked it up a little around mile 2 then I needed a bathroom. Was thinking of heading back to Walden, but then noticed some woods around mile 2.5 and jumped right in. After my short break I continued down RT 126 and took a right onto Sherman’s Bridge Road and saw my buddy. I caught up to him and we continued together for a little bit, but then we separated around mile 4.5 – 5 and I took a left on Water Row Road. I got to the 6.6 mile mark (according to my GPS watch) and turned around. A quick hello to my buddy and you look strong, then a conversation with a few dog walkers asking if we were racing since I had my BTT jersey race gear on, then I was alone again. Back onto RT 126 and the last 2 miles I could feel it. The course was tougher on the way back than I expected. I could feel the rolling hills, especially if you stay on the sidewalk paths rather than the road. Total distance: 13.2; Time 01:52:01, 8:29 pace.

Results…my 1^st podium finish in my career. J

If you are interested in racing this new 50.7 series let me know.

On a serious note, I am still training anyway for IM AZ and have been riding out of Arlington or Walden on Saturdays and Sundays (schedule varies due to family commitments), but if anyone is still interested in riding let me know.

Member Spotlight: Trish Henwood

by Kim Kaltreider

How did you get your start into triathlons? You’re so fast it seems like you were born with the tri-gene!

Haha, well I’m the 3^rd generation of a big Philly rowing family so I guess I’m lucky to have inherited some athletic genes but I was the first Henwood triathlete. Not surprisingly, my life revolved around competitive rowing for about a decade, but after tearing a disc in my back I was unhappily sidelined for quite a bit and when I eventually rehabbed, I got into running races. Then I was working at a pharma company and riding with a lot of weekend warriors, they on their corporate high-end road bikes and me doing century rides with them on my little brother’s mountain bike - worked out great because it kept us all at the same pace. Having always wanted to get into triathlon, one day it dawned on me that if I figured out how to swim, I would be set. Not knowing any triathletes, I went to Barnes and Noble and bought Triathlons for Women by Sally Edwards. I read the chapter on swim technique, then went to LA Fitness next to my office, yes even bringing the book to the pool deck for reference, and luckily was able to teach myself how to swim laps. So that is how it all got started…

What was your first triathlon and how did that go?

St. Anthony’s Triathlon in Florida, April 2005. Ended up doing relatively well though I vividly remember how freaking long I thought that first race brick run felt! Raced a lot that season, doing better and better each time and I was totally hooked. After doing a bunch of half IMs, I realized my over-training tendencies meant my workout volume was as much as normal people do for IM so I pulled the trigger and did IM South Africa in April 2009.

For those BTTers who are unaware, Trish is an ER doctor…Trish, how do you find the time to train?

Trying to train legitimately during residency has definitely been interesting. Doing emergency medicine, my schedule switches day/night on what feels like a daily basis and I work upwards of 80hrs a week so I pretty much just do whatever workout I can fit in and don’t have a real training plan. I definitely sacrifice sleep for training at times but I’m happier and have much more energy from working out than not – but does become a challenge when racing longer distances and trying to find time to rest and recover!

What do you do in your spare time – if you even have any?

Hum, spare time, a relative term I guess? I recently started a non-profit focusing on bedside ultrasound education for physicians in Rwanda so with that added to my clinical shifts and tri training I’m pretty busy lately. Luckily for me all are exciting endeavors so the hard work seems less like work (always the goal). Otherwise I’m game for anything involving some sort of adventure – whether it be far flung travel, hiking a new peak, sad attempts at skate skiing with Tammy (Thompson), run-ins with border patrol and the nice Canadian police with Nicole (Kimborowicz) and Maggie (O’Toole), or even just a night out in Boston with some fellow BTTers can be all the adventure I can handle at times!

What has been your most memorable triathlon moment this year?

Would have to be the Cohasset sprint. The week prior I had a bike crash commuting and busted up my shoulder, and I was sick on antibiotics so I wasn’t even sure I would make it to the starting line. I showed up and immediately ran into Sue (MacLeod), Will (Bruce) and Erica (Allen) pre-race so was psyched to see some BTT. My residency director lives next to the transition and was surprised to see several of my co-residents had gotten up at the crack of dawn and were there to cheer before the swim start so I was feeling more than a little pressure to perform. Happily my arm held up, I went hard, and ended up 4^th overall of the non-elites and won my age group. Best part of the day was having a BTT podium sweep with Sue and Erica up on the stage with me!

What has been your favorite moment with BTT since you joined last year?

I think training weekend last year would have to be it. I went in not knowing a ton of people on the team, and had NO idea what fun I was in for when I ended up in the condo with Elaine (Metcalf), Chrissie (Hines), Kelwin (Conroy), Kim (Kaltreider) and Trish (Weston). I live with a work hard, play hard mentality so training weekend was the perfect storm…climbing the Kank by day, condo happy hour and then team dinner/party that night was questionably too much fun for one day! Luckily, my new friend Kim offer to drive me and my car home on Sunday…

Any insight as to what your future holds?!

Broad question huh? From the tri perspective, I’m waiting for my schedule to lighten up a bit before going back to Ironman training. Kona is the ‘one day…’ goal and I don’t want to risk injury by training so hard when I don’t have enough recovery time. Over the next year I think I’ll continue to focus on shorter/mid-distance races and try to build more speed (see below question), and if my schedule allows, hopefully will represent BTT and Team USA at Sprint Worlds this time next year in New Zealand.

One last question – when should we expect a BK and Trish showdown?

Haha, you'll have to ask BK (Brian Kearney) - I know he won't let me chick him any time soon! Think he started training harder when my bike time was within seconds of his at Quassy so maybe I missed my window? I blew up in the heat at Fairlee and put up no fight there, and then he had a great end-of-season race at Esprit and again showed me no mercy. It could take years, but it is better to the hunter than the hunted right? ;)