2009: Race

Historically I haven't been too keen about participating in organized race events. Prior to the year 2009 my total experience in organized events entailed having done a few here and there and usually only when sponsored by an employer in accord with my do-it-when-free attitude. After all, it does seem wasteful to spend money to compete in an organized event when every weekend there exist unorganized events, like the BOS bike ride in Scottsdale, where cyclists such as myself can get dropped from the pack at no expense except pride.

However, the year 2009 was exceptional, a real breakout year for me, as during the year I participated in nine organized competitive and non-competitive events spanning bicycling, running, and even some swimming. There were successes: I finished third overall in a sprint triathlon; won my sex and age category along with a pumpkin, a.k.a. "victory", pie in a 5km running race; and just missed the podium in a sanctioned bicycle road race. There were failures: I caused a two-man crash in a semi-competitive bicycle race; with cramping legs, barely finished the swim in an Olympic-distance triathlon before going on to finish the event well in the bottom half of the standings; and just missed the podium in a sanctioned bicycle road race.

I learned a lot. I learned firsthand that bicycle road races over flat terrain are dangerous (because of people like me). I learned that you can't fake a 1500m swim. But mainly I learned that dropping a few hundred dollars on organized events throughout the year can be every bit worthwhile when you're already dropping much more on equipment and gear.

Here's the list of organized events in which I participated during the year 2009:

* Casa Grande Century (101mi)
* P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona half marathon (13.1mi)
* Ragnar Del Sol Relay
* El Tour de Phoenix (72mi)
* Town of Payson Sprint Triathlon (500yd/15mi/5km)
* Skull Valley Road Race (55mi)
* Nathan Tempe Triathlon (1500m/40km/10km)
* Arizona Road Racers Turkey Trot (5km run)
* Running Masters Midnight Madness (3mi run)

Hopefully the year 2010 will be as varied and fun.