The Life and Times of Sam Luna

I Traveled to Birmingham, AL to compete in the first 2002 Duathlon World qualifier. I Competed in the 20-24 age group. The distances of the race were 8k run, 60k bike and then another 8k run. For those that only understand miles, 5 mile run, 37 mile bike and then another 5 mile run. I flew to Birmingham with my parents on the Friday before the race. Also on our plane was Jack Murray, a fellow ATC team member. Sat was spent putting the bike together and picking up my race packet and info. We drove the course to get a feel for things. The run was two loops around a dog race track. During the run there were two main climbs one at miles 1 and 3.5 and the other at miles 2 and 4.5. The bike was also two loops, however it did not have definite climbs. It was a long rollercoaster. The down hills last 1-5 miles and so did the up hills. It was possible to be going 27+ mphs for quite a time and then have to climb at 15-17 mph for twenty or so minutes. After the bike it was back out

Ok, wow this was a fun race. I usually don't race this early in the year, but since I am preparing to race in March, I figured I might as well have some fun. This race was the longest to date for me. It was a 5k run 30k bike and then another 5k run. Oh, did I mention it was COLD!! I stayed at a fiends place the night before. When I wonke up in the morning there was ICE ON THE WINDSHIELD! I did not come prepared. I got to the race sight and set up my bike. Everything was going great until the race started. I did not follow my race plans to run around an 18:30 for my first 5k. Instead I ran a blistering 17:30, puttin gme in the top 10 along with Pro's James Bonney, Dana Lyons, and Adam Reiser to name a few. As you can imagine, as much as my coach, Tad Molloy, Said, I suffered on teh bike. To start with, as I left Transistion zone, I was attempting to place my feet in the shoes that were already connected to the pedals. I knocked the shoe off, forcing me to stop, dismount my bike,