The Comeback Continues Strong Run at the Village 2 Village in Mountain Brook, AL

I have always had this on my bucket list of local races to do. Today, I completed it. I got to see several people (Ana Flores Tucker and George Theodore, not related) I haven't seen in a few years and it was nice to catch up. I met George's son too. George learned of my 40 pound weight drop and showing at Statue-to-Statue and was so impressed that was the story he told as he introduced us. George asked me how I did it. I said, "I stopped eating sh*t and started exercising." And, that's how I did it. Nothing fancy and no gimmicks. I saw my friends Lito, Sophia and Travis Self too. It is nice to see old friends even for brief moments.

As to the race, I felt strong the whole time and my pace is definitely coming down! The next thing on my list is the collection of all of the ingredients for a triathlon at Chattanooga Waterfront on June 26. Bring on the 

Results

Check out my age group competition! Smoking fast, wow!

May 22, 2022: Birmingham, AL Village 2 Village 10K 10K, 6.2 Miles
	Distance:	6.2 Miles
	Time:	1:07:33
	Heart Rate:	156
	Pace:	10:54
	Weather:	Scattered Clouds 77° 76% Humidity

2022 Cheaha Challenge: The Toughest Race in the South

I was not expecting to do this event when I laid out my plans for the year. I was talking to my friend, Sophia Lal, a little over a week ago and she suggested that I should do it. So, I signed up and we met at the race event and completed the 62 mile ride. I saw her and other Vulcan Tri folks and people I know from Birmingham throughout the ride. Sophia tried to talk me into riding one more climb, the Wall when we got to the turnaround point; I respectfully declined (I was intimidated by the notion of climbing "The Wall") and recognized I would be wiped out at the finish without it.

This is the elevation profile of what we rode:

I took my road bike of the Kickr Wahoo smart trainer, put a wheel on it, and adjusted the rear derailleur the day before. I decided to leave the rear rack for attaching paneers on it. I noticed I got some interesting looks where cyclists were clearly thinking, "Did you see that rear rack at a race?". I know what it took to install that rack, and I do not care to repeat it by putting it back on again later. As it runs out, I was definitely fit enough to complete it and despite my fear, there was nothing for me to fear to this ride. I would be afraid it I went further, the fear of the unknown, I reckon. The weather was beautiful and the riders were all extremely friendly and I met quite a few folks and had some great conversations along the way.

Hard to tell, but this was a very scenic view along a relatively level part of the ride looking into the mountains.

Sophia and I at the top, turn-around point for the 62 mile ride those are not our bikes behind us.

Sophia feeling jubilant and, dare I say, doubly peaceful.

Results

May 15, 2022: Jacksonville, AL Cheaha Challenge, the toughest ride in the south 62 Mile Ride (metric century) [62.3 per Garmin]
	Distance:	62.3 Miles
	Time:	4:25:54
	Heart Rate:	116
	Pace:	14.1 mph
	Weather:	Scattered Clouds 73° - 786° 73% - 44% Humidity

Shaking Up the Race Calendar

•  Added Metric Century at Cheaha Challenge May 15, 2022
• And business travel was going to make Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon at Gulf Shores, AL difficult. So, I switched to Riverbluff Triathlon in Ashland City, TN.