SOUTHWEST CHALLENGE SERIES
A Duathlon and Triathlon Championship Series
20th Annual - 2010 Season
Race Previews 
and Recaps 
(bottom section)
Musings and Rambling thoughts from the odd mind of Mark Balsiger
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previews 
PREVIEW #1
WSMR DUATHLON
Saturday - FEBRUARY 7TH, 2009
5K Run/30K Bike
Brent Jones (575) 678-3374
http://www.wsmrmwr.com (click on "Bell gym")
Registration Deadline: January 24 FIRM
NOTE: RACE START AT 0800
MUST be at security gate BEFORE 0600!!
Synopsis:
The White Sands races, consisting of five events, have been one of the foundations of the Southwest Challenge Series. In the early days, there were far fewer races than we have today, so with their full slate of events White Sands and the Series were almost synonymous. It has been more a brotherhood rather than a business relationship. The White Sands events have been particularly popular with the El Paso and Southern New Mexico athletes as they can drive to the venue in the morning and be home by noon. They are not USAT sanctioned events, and therefore not bound by the usual formulas. Each of their races is different from the others with varying lengths to the bike and run. All the swims are in the base pool and are 400 yards in length. As the run & bike legs get longer the advantage goes starts to swing to the runners and cyclists and away from the swimmers. Good thing for me! All USAT rules such as NO DRAFTING apply. While not strictly enforced, in the interest of sportsmanship, it behooves us all to play by the rules. While there may be no penalties, we all still have eyes, and you don't want to get tagged with the label of being one of "those guys".
History:
The WSMR Duathlon started life way back when as the President's Day Duathlon. It was held as close to the President's Day holiday as possible. In 2006 the name was changed to the John Stermer Duathlon. John was an extraordinary athlete. He was my fiercest competitor and through our competitions we became fast friends.As a 50 year old man he ran neck to neck with eighteen year old college track stars. John was struck down with Lou Gehrig's disease in 2005. He kept racing even as his physical condition deterioted until he had to be confined to a wheelchair in early 2006. John finally left us in 2007. White Sands had a precedent of naming their races after some of our most notable Southwest athletes who have passed on. Frances Stevens became the namesake of the Frances Stevens triathlon which is held in June. It was fitting that the February Duathlon was named after John, as he was scuh a spectacular runner. Good thing, on a bike we called him "Snake Wake" and he swam like a stone. I loved John and am a little saddened that WSMR has decided to adopt more genric names for their events.
However, names don't change the quality of the race and this duathlon still, in my opinion, is the perfect event to shake loose the off-season cobwebs and love handles that may have begun to appear.
Course:
If you're new to the world of multi-sport this is a "must-do" race. The perfect introduction to the sport. It's not a "real" duathlon in the sense that it deviates from the formulaic "run, bike, run". This is a toned down format of a 5K run and 30K bike without that second deadly run. Again, perfect for the beginner athlete, or anyone looking to get a jump in the Series points race, or the experienced athlete looking to shake off the holiday lethargies.
Make no mistake this event still has it's challenges. Usually the run is a trail run that sends you off into the desert negotiating sand and some slight hills. If the weather is bad making for muddy terrain, the course may revert back to the standard course on the base roads. The weather has historically often been a factor. I have strong memories of being so cold the water froze in my bottle. There have been races held in driving, freezing rains. There have also been a few idyllic, balmy, sunny races. It's a true roll of the dice at this time of the year. Makes it more interesting. The bike course will either be an out an back or a big circle. The out and back is basicallly flat & fast. There is a bumpy section halfway out-just hang on. The circle course has one respectable climb with a corresponding fast descent.
Heads-Up:
Being a military base, they carry their own insurance, therefore no need to them for the USAT certification. The good news is that being on a military base makes this a particularly safe event. Traffic is of little concern and the "volunteers" are actually members of the base recreation department. The same guys are at each event. They have it down to an efficient, practised science. However, being on a base also means that security is of primary concern. Unlike civilian race venues the entrance into the base can be time consuming. It's best to be at the gate two hours prior to race time. There have been several incidents of athletes missing the start due to not taking into consideration the time to clear security. Along this same theme, registration closes two weeks before race date as the recreation staff has to do a fair amount of paperwork to clear the registrants and get the lists to all the proper personnel.
PREVIEW #2
RAPTOR DUATHLON
Sunday - MARCH 15TH, 2009
5K Run / 30K Bike
MSgt. Bautista (575) 572-2391
reynaldo.bautista@holloman.af.mil
http://www.hollomanservices.com/
Holloman
Registration Deadline: March 7 FIRM
Synopsis:
I just think the beginning of the SWCS racing season couldn't be designed any better. You've got two relatively mild duathlons to kick things off. The formats offer the opportunity to ease into the season after enjoying a bit of a rest during the holidays. And the Raptor Du is another opportunity for the beginning athlete to warm up to the sport. Like the White Sands Du, this is another military base offering, non-USAT, and therefore not bound by the strict format of "run, bike, run". Again though, the restricted traffic makes this an ideally safe racing venue
History:
Ever since I've been around, this race has and it's sister triathlon in the Fall have gone by the name of "Stealth". Well, this is an Air Force Baase, and the latest super duper flying machine is now the "RAPTOR". Maybe it's just me, but can there be a cooler name for a badass fighter plane? Can't wait to see the T-shirts! Stealth and Raptor---sounds like two good racing strategies to me: "sneak up on 'em and then eat 'em alive"
Course:.
Until just the past couple of years, the run was always billed as a five miler. However, it was never measured correctly, and was probably closer to four miles. It was neat though, to pretend you got a five mile PR.. It's a flat as a pancake run on a concrete running path. The bike is also flat with one little burp of a hill about halfway out. Basically it's a close twin to the White Sands Du, however, the luck of the roll when it comes to weather is even dicier, I believe. It can be very cold, one year as low as 10 degrees., however, being just a month later than White Sands makes you that much closer to the windy season. There is ALWAYS wind on this course. You'll think there's not until you hit that turnaround on the bike, and WHAM! Some invisible wall will bring you almost to a standstill. It just comes with the territory. If it was easy, everyone would do it, right?
Heads-Up:
It's a military base. There's a war going on. Can you spell S-E-C-U-R-I-T-Y? You MUST get your apps in on time. If you are not on the list on race day, you will NOT get in. Trying to get a non-racing guest in may also present problems. I would enclose a note with your app, if you're bringing a cheerleader, just in case.
Historically, Holloman's race directors have gotten a bad rap (that's no intended pun on "raptor"). Unlike White Sands, for whatever reason, the recreation personnel has been a revolving door moving at the speed of sound. With no continuity in experience, this has led to a host of horror stories that in retrospect could be amusing, if you're the easy come, easy go type. One year there was no list and no one got in. Another year, no bike racks, and we just laid them on the parking lot. There was the time there were no t-shirts, and someone ran down to the commissary and bought a bunch of generic ones. There was a short phase of paper certificates as awards. (Now, however, they've been going with some really handsome wood plaques with engravings of the Stealth bomber. Way cool.) And then, my favorite year when there was no one at the bike turnaround. Bikes turning everywhere-looked like a dogfight out there.
I PROMISE you, those days are well in the past. If you've stayed away from these races recently because of the above tales, I ASSURE you, it's safe to go back. The current recreation crew has been together the past couple of years, and have their heads in the game ONE HUNDRED PER CENT. They learn from each race, and they've got things humming.. So travel boldly and confidently and and race for all you're worth!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PREVIEW #3
SULLY SUPER SPRINT TRIATHLON
Sunday - MARCH 22ND, 2009
3 Mile Run / 15 Mile Bike / 360 Yd Swim
Ryan Baade (432) 857-8792
P.O. Box C-23
Alpine, TX 79832
Race day Registration Allowed
Synopsis:
This is our first triathlon of the year. Nothing too dramatic. Once again, a GREAT introduction to the sport for the starter, and a nce way to ease into the season for the veteran. The town of Alpine makes this event one that Mariana & I look forward to every year. It's as close as you can get in the Southwest Challenge Series to a destination type race.(With Santa Fe new to the schedule this year, there may be some competition to this claim, but don't sell the Big Bend Country short, in any case)
You're in the country of "There Will Be Blood", "No Country For Old Men", and "Giant". This is the ground that the "Lonesome Dove" duo of Woodrow Call and Gus McRae had their adolescent adventures. By the way, the above films and books are your official homework assignments as part of preparing for this race.
History:
This is the fourth year of the Sully Super Sprint. The race is put on by and takes place on the campus of Sul Ross State University. The school recreation staff handles the triathlon. Four years and three race directors. This will be the first year that the previous year's race director will repeat. None of them, I don't believe have been triathletes, but I think all have done a good job. They have been through the typical growing pains associated with transition area flow patterns, and some minor registration hiccups. Nonetheless, I have to say this is one of my favorite races of the series. A lot of it has to do with the town, but also while new, all of the race directors have been great to work with. They have listened to all suggestions, and the race has gone smoother each year. There biggest contention is endemic to the time of year. It has rained for part of the race all three years, and the temperature has seemed to drop for each race. But this is a rain or shine sport, and not to be repetitive, but "If it was easy, everyone would do it!"
Course:
As most veterans of the Southwest triathlon scene know, we are not famous for our lakes down here in the desert. Accordingly, most of our swims are in pools. And because of the inherent problems of mass starts in pools, the majority of our "pool" triathlons are run "bass-ackwards". That is to say it's run first, bike, and then concluding with the swim when the athletes are spread out. Such is the case here.
The pool is an odd length, 30 yards, I believe. So it's only a 360 yard swim, up and back a couple of times in each lane. Hence, the pool can be a bit congested for the middle packers. The bike is a fast one. Relatively short on on a good highway, out and back. A bit rolling, but long shallow climbs and descents. Trust me, the course is a flyer.
Even though the run is first, I've saved the description of the run till last because it deserves some added attention. I know I've portrayed this race as relatively mild. It earns that rating because of the bike and swim. The run, however, was designed by the midnight demons. It IS, hands down, the toughest 5K on the entire SWCS circuit. It winds through the Sul Ross campus which sits on a couple of hills. It's like chasing the rabbit in Alice of Wonderland or Brer Rabbit in an Uncle Remus tale. It's through the grass, around the tree, up the hill, slide down the gravel slope, puff up the next hill, scream headlong downhill, another turn, a curve, up, down, around, dart, sprint, dodge and duck. The only other run I've experienced that's compreable is the "Escape From Alcatraz", where you really do feel like an escaped felon running for your life through the woods chased by the hounds. Thank the stars that Sul Ross is a small campus and they couldn't squeeze anything more than five kilometers out of this maze of a race.
Heads-Up:
The town of Alpine is small, but a delight. Plenty of shopping for antiques, jewelry, and Old West memorabilia. This is definitely one where you want to take your spouse and arrive a day early, if possible. If you're the "all-business" type and just want to arrive, race, and leave, there are plenty of generic reasonably priced hotels. If you want to get some real flavor, I would recommend the historic Holland Hotel. Warning though, try to get a room well away from the road. The trains run through town ALL NIGHT! The German restaurant on the first floor just oozes charm. Probably not the best place for pasta, but rest assured that after the race, you will find your author here along with the Greers, Felix Hinojosa and his crew of young athletes, and any and all triahtletes that get a kick out of watching a bunch of old-timers misbehave, around a big table passing around sausages and guzzling some dark and stormy brews.
If you like a little more comfort and have some extra silver in your pocket, go with the Maverick Inn, right across the street from Sul Ross.
If you're going to follow my lead and bring the dog, kid, and kitchen sink, then book a cabin at the Antelope Lodge which is on the west edge of town. Not real fancy, but plenty of room, the dog will love it, and you're within a stone's throw of the best place to eat. Can't rember the name, but it's the first place you came to as you enter town from the west. They have everything you want on the menu and lonnnggg tables where you can sit with all your noisy triathlete friends. There is an upscale Italian restaurant in town, called the Riata or Rialto or something like that. Great food, but you have to act civilized in there.
You should find all you need to know at: www.visitorcenter.alpinetexas.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PREVIEW #4
MVTC TRIATHLON
Sunday - APRIL 5TH, 2009
5K Run / 25K Bike / 500M Swim
Don & Genia Shepan (575) 524-7824
Early Registration - March 28, Late - April 4; No Race Day Registration
USAT SANCTIONED
Synopsis:
In the beginning, there was just the vast emptiness of a space called New Mexico, then came the "Big Bang" and that's how the four sprint triathlons known forever more as Mesilla Valley, Milkman, Jay Benson, and Socorro came to be. Not buying this theory? Well, you explain it then. As long as I've been around these four have been with us. I've met no one that can remember a time without them. I personally go back almost before recorded time, when cokes were five cents, cars came in one color-namely black, and gas stations offered you bribes of dish settings for four, if you got your tank filled up by a gal named Ethyl, and as far as I'm concerned these races have been around. They're remarkably similar in length, and if you draw a line dot-to-dot between them, you roughly get the shape of baseball diamond. Very Mysterious! But most remarkable, is that these four have consistently been among the most popular races of the entire region. Basically, if you want to get in, you have to get your app in the mail, the second you receive it. I won't claim to know the reason behind the amazing popularity of these events, but it might possibly have something to do with the lineage of race directing excellence. First up of this "Gang of Four" is the Mesilla Valley Track Club Triathlon, or MVTC.
History:
This is our first USAT Sanctioned race. It has always, as far as I know, been firmly under the capable direction of Don & Genia Shepan. These two are the Godparents of running and multi-sport events in Southern New Mexico. I don't know what motivates these two, but thank the stars for them. They run the track club in Las Cruces (MVTC) and organize well over half a dozen races a year, including 5K runs, 8K's, 10K's and the legendary ordeal up and over the rugged Organ Mountains through the Baylor Pass. This race is always held on a Sunday, and more times than not it's usually the Sunday when the clocks "spring forward". There always seem to be a couple that watch the runners take off while they're toting their bikes to the transition area. Be mindful of the time!
Course:
This is a sprint race of about average difficulty. This is one of those pool swim events, so the run is first, in order to spread the field a bit before getting wet. The run is basically flat with a couple of lonngg subtle grades, but nothing to get into a snit about. Same thing with the bike, basically flat on the frontage road of Interstate 25. A couple of rough spots, but again nothing to lose sleep fretting over. The race finishes up in the fabulous pool facilities of New Mexico State University. It's a fifty yard pool, up and back in five lanes, for a total of 500 meters. If you're a strong swimmer, this race will fare you well. Over time, the bike course has changed a few times from winding a couple times around the campus to the straight out and back that has been the favored course the last few years. The long experience of Don & Genia will guarantee a well organized, glitch-free race. All of the run is on the campus which makes it safe from traffic, and the frontage road is very lightly used, so you're getting a safe and efficiently run event for your buck. Awards are always handed out around the pool with an abundance of lawn chairs and loungers in which you can decadently indulge yur fatigue while the podium winners are called.
Heads-Up:
This race is VERY popular. Due to the confines of the area, it doesn't quite draw the numbers of it's three siblings, but a word to the wise, is arrive early to grab your spot on the bike racks. This event will be FULL! Don & Genia always bend over backwards to keep the athletes happy, and probably, if you turn on the "Doe Eyes" could be talked into taking race day registrations. But please, don't procrastinate. It's way inconvenient for them to do so. They will mail the applications out in plenty of time, and there will be downloads available on the SWCS website. Don & Genia are almost family, so let's do our part and make it easy on them. Finally, if you're coming from a fair distance away and want to make a weekend of it, I highly recommend a Bed & Breakfast, Dream Catcher Inn, out Highway 70 in the shadow of the Organ Mountains. This place is a real jewel. It'll give the weekend that special touch. www.dreamcatcherinn.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREVIEW #5
WIND TRIATHLON
Saturday - APRIL 11TH, 2009
5K Run / 35K Bike / 400M Swim
Brent Jones (575) 678-3374
http://www.wsmrmwr.com (click on "Bell Gym")
Registration Deadline: March 28 FIRM
NOTE: RACE START AT 0730
MUST be at security gate BEFORE 0530!!
Synopsis:
This is the second offering of five annual multi-sport events put on by the recreation staff at White Sands Missile Range. You'll notice that the bike leg is five kilometers longer than in the duathlon held in February. This is a familiar pattern for the White Sands events. Each race will progressively increase in length in either the run or bike or both. The swim will remain at 400 meters throughout the year.
History:
This event takes it's name from the usual weather conditions. Any long-time resident of the Southwest knows that March and April mean almost continual winds ranging from brutally mild breezes to OMIGOD! In 2006, the wind was so fierce that the bike racks blew over. One had to be ever alert on the course and riding at a 45 degree angle leaning into the wind was the only way to survive. The last couple of years the name of this event was changed to the Tax Day Triathlon. I guess they figured that the reminder of that unpleasnt annual event was more unwelcome than a reminder of the blowing sand and dust. Whatever the reasoning, we're back to the "Wind" Triathlon. This event has always been a triathlon except for a couple of seasons a few years back when the base was experiencing difficulties with their pool. There was a crack in it, and it took several construction attempts to get it repaired. It was a welcome reprieve for those of us that swim like stones. We had two complete years of just duathlons from White Sands. Those were the days! But now we're back on the intended track with this event , White Sand's first triathlon of the calendar year.
Course:
The only difference here from the Duathlon course, is that the run will likely be on the paved roads around the base. You probably won't see the trail course again until the Yucca Triathlon in September. The bike will either be the out & back or the big loop, both described in the Duathlon preview. Basically flat, with a couple of minor rough spots on the out and back, and one hill if it's the loop. This is not a USAT sanctioned race, but the enclosed nature of the base assures a traffic free and safe course. The long experience of the staff assures an efficiently run event.
Heads-Up:
Please take note of the starting time. It is at 0730, a half hour earlier that the usual 0800 time. Security is still the key word here. It's a military base, folks. Get to the gate at least two hours in advance of the start time. In this case that would be 0530. The staff has to go through an approval process on the apps, so be aware of the registrtion deadline, and get your paperwork in on time. The traditional post-race spaghetti meal has been discontinued as have the awards presentations. It is requested that you depart the base as soon as the race is finished and awards and results will be mailed to the participants.
RACE RECAPSRECAP #2
Saturday - FEBRUARY 7TH, 2009
5K Run/30K Bike
In my preview of this race, I said this race was perfect for "first-timers". I was taken at my word!
When I was a sailore we called it a "shakedown cruise". It's also been known as "getting the bugs out", "trial run" or "getting your feet wet". This race was all of these things. I saw things out there that had me smiling open-mouthed with both amazement and amusement.
Let's start at the beginning. It's common practice in these affairs to give your real name at registration. Clever aliases not only assure that you won't get credit for the race and series, but you've also assured a delay in getting the results out to everyone, as the officials try to follow the clues and guess the identity of the mystery guest.
Secondly, I personally liked seeing the mountain bikes. To me the important thing is that the individual was game to compete with whatever tools were available. I call that moxy. This race was for learning, and hopefully the lesson here is that to be competitive you need a narrow wheeled "go-fast" bike.
The coupe d'gras was the athlete who took a wrong turn near the end and crossed the finish line from the wrong direction. Don't feel bad, our own legendary nationally renowned "Bobby Gonzales" has a long reputation for going the wrong way. So you're in esteemed company. Unfortunately, this results in a DQ. Still, it's a live and learn lesson in a race perfect for "learning the ropes"
We had a fair amount of drafting, but I had my eyes opened a bit when informing a competitor that such was not allowed. I delivered the message in my old sea captain's booming voice, and was humbled to receive in turn an embarrassed outburst verging on tears ( I immediately thought of the movie line from Tom Hanks, "There's no crying in baseball!") and a beseeching defense of not even knowing what drafting meant. That won't happen again at any race I'm at as I will assure that definitions accompany the terms we veterans take for granted! Let this also be a reminder to club leaders and friends that are bringing along novices that you need to fairly explain the rules and etiquette beforehand.
It was a perfect day, brisk with light winds. The turnout was very good with approximately seventy competitors. The clear majority of athletes were new to the sport, a fact which truly gladdened my heart. I can't think of a better endeavor in which to become involved. The one exception to this was the hotly contested 40-44 age group. With the most competitors, well over half were seasoned veterans. The course consisted of a 5K trail run into the desert along a sandy and rocky jeep road, followed by a 30K "BIG" circle on the bike.
Esteban Lopez (30-34) was able to grab the top male spot due to the insurmountable lead he built up with his blistering run. Cid Lopez (40-44) and Mark Trtjnar (35-39 came in second and third overall.
The performances of the day, in my opinion, belonged to the ladies, two newcomers, Ashley Messoline (25-29) and Brooke Harris (30-34) finished four seconds apart taking the overall sixth and seventh spots, and both winning their age groups. Well done, ladies! I think it's safe to say that they are probably well bitten by the multi-sport bug! Full results are on the White Sands website.
So, next up is the RAPTOR Duathlon at Holloman Air Base on March 15. This is another duathlon similarly formatted. Another chance to get your feel for the sport and start fine tuining for the long season ahead.
Congratulations to all the competitors. Welcome to all our new-comers. Hope to see you all again and again and again!
And as always thanks to the White Sands staff for another safe and efficiently run event.
Recap #1
2008 AWARDS CEREMONY AFTERMATH
Everything is the same. We will take your best eight races and total those. A quarter point will be added for every race completed after eight. There will be TWO bonus races this year: Buffalo Springs per usual at a 1.25 multiplier, and Milkman at a 1.125 multiplier. Milkman this year and next is a USAT special qualifying race for the National Championship.
I'm going to ask everyone to indulge me in a "Proud Papa" moment as I encourage you all to go to the Buffman & Squeaky website and check out the photos. Mike & Marti initiated a new tradition by announcing a new "Spirit Award" for this race which is along the same lines as the Pegy Marshall award given at the Milkman and the SWCS sportsmanship award. It's given to that individual that emerges as an inspiration to us all by their spirit, attitude, and there treatment to all those around them. This year's inaugural award went to my "treadmill" training partner, and handicapped little stepdaughter, Christa. She is on permanent oxygen, stands four feet tall with horrible scoliosis, mentally challenged and too many health problems to mention. However, she brings cheer to everyone she meets, knows every volunteer, athlete, and dog of every race we've taken her to, and helps us all put our own problems in perspective. She touched the Greers, the Buffalo Springs staff, the athletes, and now the with the thoughtfulness of this award, Mariana, (Christa's mother) and myself are likewise touched. Thanks to you all!
