by Mary Jimenez

This feature is a continuation of the post-race coverage of the River Cities Triathlon in the September issue of Runner Triathlete News. For more details on the event, pick up a copy of the September issue of RTN.

You never read about 'all' the winners in a race or competitive event.

It would not be possible at a race like the Sportspectrum River Cities Triathlon held Sunday to find all the winning stories - conquered vices, new lifestyles, achieved goals, the courage to just keep on going.

A lot of inner winner stories are private. I'm sure many of us compulsive athletes know the feeling of trying to finding clarity in life's roller coaster of dilemmas by racing - learning to except that pain dealt us on the way to a finish line. But explaining that feeling is different. Sports and competition are a natural outlet for humans. We don't like to give up and we don't.

A few stories grabbed me Sunday as I watched the triathlon held at Cypress Black Bayou Recreational Park.

Bruce Boyett, 53, from a city outside of Houston called Conroe, came across the line in 2 hours 2 minutes and 25 seconds. His stride had a limp, but I had been informed Boyett was running with a new hip and this was his return to triathlons.

Four years ago Boyett started racing triathlons from the encouragement of his friend Richard Bryarly. One of his first races was River Cities and he has returned every year. Last year he raced with his own hip, this year his right hip is made up of titanium and cobalt. Boyett, a barrel-chested strong looking man told his story..

"Arthritis ... it hit me like 18 months ago," said Boyett, who stopped talking briefly and let the emotion that was visibly trying to push tears from his eyes pass, "it just destroyed it."

Then as if remembering what he'd just accomplished Boyett's shoulders lifted and his voice rose with a new verve.

"Six months ago to day I had the operation."

The doctors said Boyett's titanium and cobalt hip should give him 20-30 years wear. Running will be limited, but Boyett is happy to bike and swim all he wants. On being forced into changes and going a little slower (his time was 15 minutes slower than last year) Boyett had this to say.

"It's life. It's not a bummer. Before the operation the pain was excruciating and would never go away. I couldn't do anything. Now, there's hardly any pain," Boyett said. "I'm just glad to be able to these things again."

The overall male winner Achmed Zaher, 38, had his own inner winner story. He literally grew into a triathlete at River Cities. Four years ago he came just to watch. He said he couldn't image doing the race in a bathing suit. "So this I had to see," said the tall six-footer in his Egyptian accent. Three years ago, after going through a divorce and quitting smoking he entered his first triathlon (River Cities) and then began racing triathlons consistently. Last year Zaher placed third overall at River Cities and this year he captured his first overall win of his career here. Although he prefers a longer distance event, River Cities will always be on his race calendar.

Zaher flashed a broad grin on Sunday for his win. After working as a mechanical engineer for a major car dealership for years Zaher is now a personal trainer at the YMCA in Dallas. He also coaches a triathlon club. "I get paid a lot less, but I'm much happier."