Thursday, February 24, 2011

Rev3 Costa Rica 2011

 Rev3 hosts it's first 70.3 distance Triathalon in Playa Conchal. 

After 16 years of living on the sunnier side of the hemisphere I've come to respect the summer weather in Costa Rica. Much can be learned from the locals: (a) always stand in the shade and (b) when the sun hits it's apex it's time to seek out the hammock for a quick siesta. Heaven forbid any serious physical activity. Well... this past week my eyes were opened to a brave breed that willfully embrace pain and those staggering triathlon distances.
Two of those few athletes who dare stand at the start line of a Rev3 event, stayed with us here at Villas Las Ventanas:

Michael Brown, a remarkable young man who just happens to be married to my wonderful niece Jacqueline.  Made the trip from Canada with their amazing new baby MacKinley to soak up some warm weather and for Mike an opportunity to kick start his 2011 triathlon season. He participated in the 70.3 triathlon and I can proudly say he placed 25th of the 120 competitors. With every grueling lap Mike made, I elbowed the guy next to me and proudly said : yea... he's family. Congrats Mike we're all very proud of you.





Gayle, a good friend of mine forever has taken her personal success story to another level by now participating in triathlons - her first one was last July and this past weekend she took the plunge from the safety of a pool to do open-water swims in the balmy Pacific.  Her inspiration touches everyone she meets. The only Canadian to participate this year's Sprint event, I hope that encourages more gals from the North to unthaw and participate in next year's event. Gayle did the Sprint race which was a 3/4km swim, 20km bike and a 5km run.  After the race she was asked 'So how do you feel?'  Gayle's reply 'I'm fine, not sure if I'll do it again that bike course was BRUTAL!'  
But I know she'll be there right there at the start line next year.



Inspired? Damn right I am, but right now the sun is headed to it's noon position and I'm thinking... where's my hammock?