June brought a warming temperature to the western slope in Colorado, where several members of Team HERD set out to complete the Boulder IRONMAN 70.3. In addition to the handful of longtime HERD members, the group was joined by a new generation of HERD members, know as the Boulder Young Bucks. The weekend began with a surprising showing, as Kona and Off the Couch, made an unexpected, but greatly welcomed appearance, for the race. With their constant updates of “We are here in California” vid’s along the journey to Colorado, only those that live and call this great state home would recognize the iconic “Welcome to Colorado” sign in the background hinting of their arrival.
As with any IRONMAN 70.3, the day began with thoughts of redemption, completion, and survival. Beej, who had attempted his first IRONMAN 70.3 last year at the same venue, would not be deterred this year. Managing a great swim, a solid bike, and a faster than anticipated run, Beej, crossed the finish line at 8:00:23, marking his first completion in an IRONMAN 70.3. 1st time athlete Jon Ankrom, also crossed the finish line at 8:21:25, all the while his daughter was in labor with her first child. Team Castillo posted solid days with El Prez finishing at 6:02:25, and EnJenn crossing at 6:29:18. Hooch, who managed to temporarily close the bike shop for the race, finished with a 5:23:57, and Brewmeister put down a 6:29:16, while James closed out his second 70.3 with a 7:16:10. Remarkably, El Prez, Hooch, and Brewmeister all Qualified* for the World Championships in New Zealand, where they will join EnJenn in racing for IRONMAN 70.3 Immortality and the title of World Champion in their respective Age Groups. Kona, 6:59:22, and Off the couch, 6:48:49 continue to prove that 365 days of drinking have zero negative effect on their IRONMAN bodies or mindset.
The Young bucks, all first timers except Winger, had a mixed day with several finishing and 4 falling just short. Seth Martin boldly predicted that he would be in the 5’s and true to form, finished with a 5:48:10. Thomas Wetzel 5:53:03, Winger 6:16:35, Travis Choy 7:26:42, Jacob Oliver 7:42:38, and Phil Thornton 6:38:24 also notched their names in IRONMAN 70.3 history. The group deserves special mention, primarily based on the fact all their bikes were rentals and were mounted for the first time at the event. The one exception was the Winger sled. Shedding the 1985 Bianchi that he rode last year, Winger stepped up and purchased a new state of the art bike for the race this year. Asked if the bike made a difference Winger responded, “I have to say, with all the state-of-the-art carbon fiber, rims, and tri bike configuration on my new bike, it’s still hard to beat the Green Goblin for pure smoothness, comfortability, and style.”
King RED brought up the rear in true firework fashion slogging an 8:23:23. A great weekend was had by all, once again proving that the Boulder course is one of the best 70.3 courses on the circuit, held in the best state of the union, Beautiful-Colorful Colorado.
* In this context, Qualified simply means willingness to stand around long enough for roll down slots to be handed out and paying the $800 entry fee…
