Racing the Clock on Ironman Time

Two hours give or take is about how long it takes to ride from Peet's in Corte Madera, through Muir Woods, and then up and over into San Francisco. So no big deal if we leave a little after 6am right? My calendar is clear.  As Jon rolled up to my car, around 610am,  he says " I have a 8am call but we should be fine". Oh boy, when an Ironman tells you that, well let the fun begin.

I know the route like the back of my hand. Using my current fitness level as a variable I quickly solved for x what sections I needed to speed up the pace. (Yes I like to think I'm coaching my son in 6th grade math) With our high intensity lumen dispensers shining on, we flew through Mill Valley on a slight upwards slope. We actually were going fast enough that the Golden Gate Bus was dissuaded from attempting to pass us. Or perhaps the driver was giving us a three foot buffer thanks to the newly passed law in CA. But that law doesn't take affect until next year. Just the same, I already notice drivers giving me more room. Of course there will always be those who don't. 

Jon was kind enough to set the pace up to four corners in Mill Valley, and then again as we climbed out of Muir Beach. He basically set his tempo to how hard I was breathing. You know, the perfect make him struggle and earn every turn of the crank, but not so much so he rides off the edge...cause well that would be a bummer. Besides his graciousness the only reason I was able to hang on was due to pure stubbornness. That, and if you hold out a carrot I'm going to give chase. Even if you are like the poor cat that chases the toy on a string...never able to catch it...it still pursues it.

Recovery on the descent was fleeting. As we approached Mikes Bikes in Sausalito we had 45 minutes to get to work. It was going to be close. Again, knowing the pace it takes I pushed our limits through Sausalito. Jon led most of the way on the climb again and when we took the Bridge it was my turn again to pull. 

If you haven't noticed already this ride was about go go go. No conversations to be had unless it had to do with shouting "Car!" Or pointing out various hazards on the roadway. Although I did share that he should be so proud of me. After all, I didn't have ice cream last night. He smiled and said he did! Conversation is overrated.

Other than a fog horn blasting on a foggy day, the distinctive sound of a clearly blared "whooOoop!" Can only mean one thing. Yep, just as we took the bend towards the House of Air, Wheel Destroyer had spotted us. His clan had stopped to enjoy the amazing views over the bay. I yelled back a hello after a double take but there were no views to enjoy for us. We had a 8 am call to catch.

Nobody passed us the entire ride. anyone latching on was quickly disposed of. When I'm working against the clock I'm motivated to fly. So did we? Well after some questionable decision making through the maze of crazy known as Northpoint and Embarcadero, we got to the garage at 8:01. 

Close enough. As Jon rushed off, I sauntered over for a relaxing hot shower before splurging for my chai tea latte.  But the best part of the ride...was it the fact that I didn't make a fool of myself today? Or that I'm reaping the rewards of a few days off earlier this week? Nope, none of the above. The best part was his call was cancelled! Classic. We didn't hammer for nothing though. If you hold a carrot out for me, I'm going to give chase. Even if it's just for the fun of it.