Revolution 3 Costa Rica 2011 – Race Report

Revolution 3 Costa Rica 2011 – Race Report
Although everyone’s experience is a bit different, just like everyone’s pictures are, we would all agree that the REV3 Triathlon in Costa Rica was awesome!

My REV3 Costa Rica story
This REV3 HALF was: hills, heat, nature at its best, friendship, the warmth of people, and more hills and heat.

Swim - Water, Colors
At 6:45 the start countdown ended, and we made it into the pristine waters of the white-sanded beach of Conchal in the North of Costa Rica – waters which were nicely warm for a morning swim. The blinding sun soon came out, and we could see the mountains as we pulled our faces out of the water for breathing. The mountains were both covered with brown dried grassland and green trees, while the blue waters gave a beautiful contrast to the yellow and red buoys, yet on our last strokes, our eyes were definitely fixed on the blue REV3 arch.

Just past the blue arch, I saw my friends again. Again that is right, I had already met with friend competitors and their families:
 the Segura’s (Ivannia, her niece Andrea, her sister Fanny, and her friend Juan Gabriel),
 the Prada’s (Ricardo, his wife Yamileth, his daughter Karina),
 the Ocampo’s (Armando, and his wife Alejandra),
 the Alvarado’s (Ricardo, his dad Raul Sr., his mom Aracely, his brother Raul Jr., and his fiancée Jessica) ,
 Triton teammates (Jorge 171 from the gym, Esteban Segura, and Chacha)
 Even Krista from REV3 cheered me later on during the run – ehhhh!!

And I may be forgetting a few names… you know my forgetful nature – ha ha.

Bike – Hills, Wind
Off T1, on to a 100-meter climb in 1.5 kilometers; and then came the corresponding down slope --- fast! Steep was the name of the game. Then after three loops in a rather hilly and very windy landscape, we had to climb the same hill to reach back to T2, this time around a bit worn-out though.

It was definitely not a course to improve one’s PR, but to enjoy.

Run – Sand, Heat, Water, Sponges, Hills, Tree Shade, Friends
The 21 kilometers were spread into four loops, the first of which seemed the toughest one; right after the bike – no wonder. T2 started off by heading into the beach were Ivannia was waiting to run along with me, and give me both food and drink, but most specially great vibes.

Just past the beach and onto the pavement, I stepped into the Alvarado’s territory. Right, my friends the Alvarado’s were there with sponges soaked up in ice-cold water, which I squeezed on my back and head, and without which I would probably melted onto the road.

After the first loop, I had picked up a pace that felt more bearable and which kept the thought of walking away.

The second half of the loop was just hills and trees, oh and a golf course with an ocean view!!

After my fourth run loop, my friends were at the finish line; in fact, they were always in the right place at the right moment, what a blessing!

Then upon crossing the finish line, with a coconut in one hand and a beautiful medal hanging from my neck, I headed to the nearest ice-water bin and doused my body thoroughly with cold water, to bring my temperature back down and also simply as nice treat amidst the heat and the humidity.

and mixing a few of my favorite quotes, I'd say: REV3 let me confirm once again that in triathlon, we accept the challenges others only contemplate. People say that we're searching for the meaning of life. I don't think that's it at all. I think that what we're seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances within our own innermost beings and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.

And yes indeed, it is one of the strange ironies of this strange life that those who work the hardest, who subject themselves to the strictest discipline, who give up certain pleasurable things in order to achieve a goal, are the happiest men. When you see 20 or 30 men line up for a distance race in some meet, don't pity them, don't feel sorry for them. Better envy them instead.