Steven - Day 13

Today was the big Epic Camp tradition of the 400IM. A minor competition so 3 points were up for grabs with it dropping by a quarter per position. It was a little disappointing that a number of campers didn’t do the race. They’ve missed out on classic Epic Camp. We’re 12 days in and still people are willing to race hard even for the minor placings. It’s funny to see accomplished athletes race hard at something we’re all pretty amateurish at. Some nearly drown just doing the 100m Fly at the start.
Scott and I managed to put on a great race in the first heat. I’ve just watched it on all on Rips camera ... good viewing. Here’s the text version. Scott went off hard and must have been a body length up after 25m fly. I kept calm and stuck to my guns of steady fly. Gordo went with Scott and blew big time. Come the backstroke I was 10 - 15m down on Scott. I worked the back and did some great turns and probably closed it to a body length. Then the breaststroke. In my swimming days this was my weakness but in this crowd it’s a strength. I managed to gain about a body length lead and held it for the win. I kicked hard down the last length and was regretting it with 10m to go but in hindsight it was a good idea. I did 5:55. Scott 5:57. Next heat Nick did 6:01 and in the final heat John N did 5:57 !! Pleased to bag 3 points.
The ride today was awesome. A John Newsom perfect pull to the first aid station. Then out of the aid station Petro hit it hard. I kept thinking this can't last long... then 10k went by, then 20k. I'd moved up on the inside to give Jo some shelter from the crosswind and allow her to get back on Russ's wheel who was hugging the white line so close Jo could almost have been on the front for the draft she was getting. See the look on Jo's face at the work she was doing a few times was enough for me and I headed to the front asked Petro if he wanted a break and the proceeded to try and ease it up a little.
I was worried he would suss me out if I eased up too much so I just took it down a notch initially and slowly over the next 10k tried to ease it off a little more. Hard but friendly was what I was aiming at - no surging over hills - hoping to keep everyone together. I pulled the next 30k to lunch and was pleased to see everyone there... well everyone except Petro who i guess had had a minor detonation and rolled in 5 minutes later. That's what 6k swimming last night and 6k this morning can go to a guy !
After lunch I pulled us to Omaru and then we all road two up along the fantastic coast road chatting and enjoying the scenery. Possibly one of the most enjoyable rides.
For me I decided to chill and sample the other side of camp life and sat shooting the breeze with the troops over a couple of beers. Very enjoyable. Perhaps one day I'll do a camp, just do the minimums, and really enjoy the social side !