Race Recap - T100 Vegas
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the memorable training and racing experiences I've shared with my family and friends. These moments will undoubtedly feature prominently in my highlight reel for the year. One standout experience was the T100 Las Vegas race. Below is the race report that was originally published a few days after the event.
Typically, when I am driving west from Vegas to the coast, with a self-help audiobook blasting away, I feel a tinge of regret for what just happened over the past few days. However, the drive home on Monday felt very different. In a reversal, I felt uplifted and immense joy for the T100 experience shared with Vivian and the team. In fact, it feels like it could have been the best team race trip I have ever had. That is saying a lot, as there have been a slew of unforgettable team events.
This experience stood out for a number of reasons. Of course, we shared with all the other participating athletes in enjoying the first T100 race in Lake Las Vegas. The venue was quite cool, and spectating the pros the day before was more enjoyable than expected. The race was well-organized and supported. The course was challenging but engaging and ultimately fair (some of the local vehicular traffic might not agree, but that is another story). The weather was close to perfect!
But what really stood out for me this weekend were the people, our people. It was thrilling to share this experience with so many of my fellow teammates. We had 16 athletes competing, mostly from Orange County, but we also had Team Canada and AZ in the house. Everyone finished safely, and we all set PRs over the 100km distance. Rachel took a podium, and we had superstar performances from Alex, Mark, and Nam, who all finished in under 5 hours. Watching Vivian and Vinh run down the finishing chute side by side had me tearing up. George Lee was inspiring as he fought through to the finish despite significant physical challenges.
During the race, it was uplifting to have a crew of supporters cheering us on, including Coach Sherry, Scott VL, Darlene, Katherine, Ashley, Shonna, Ethan, Karen, among others. It still amazes me how helpful it is to have friends and family cheering from the sidelines.
Beyond the race itself, what I think really made this event special were the opportunities we took to come together to socialize, strategize, commiserate, and chill with each other throughout the weekend. There were some great shake-out runs and rides, a number of shared team meals, chats over coffee, and post-race celebratory sessions. I am definitely not going to forget this one and just need say thanks to everyone who participated in person or spirit. You made this experience one for the record books.
~Mitch
