Blacktail Triathlon - Olympic Course - TriathlonOlympic

Horrible, horrible swim. I was so cold I couldn't get into any kind of rhythm. I had to breast stroke in this swim more than any other I've ever done. I couldn't catch my breath, I just couldn't get going. I didn't panic per say, but I just never felt comfortable. It was all I could do to just keep moving forward.

I'm not sure. I was just so cold.

My hands and feet were numb. I was worried on the bike as soon as I got going since I was so cold--wasn't sure how I was going to shift, etc.

Nothing, I fumbled along the best I could.

I don't know what happened. When the bike race was discussed all I heard was out and back. there is one road in and out of the area. I assumed that meant about 13 miles straight into town, 13 miles right back. I was wrong. There was one intersection that we were supposed to take a left. I didn't hear that part nor was the road marked to turn so I completely missed it in my frozen misery. I had gone another 2-3 miles past the turn before a van caught me and the driver leaned out and said 'uh, you were supposed to turn back there'. So I turned around, headed back uphill into the wind to get back to the turn. At that point I considered quitting. I was freezing, dejected that I missed the turn, the wind sucked, the hills sucked, I just wanted to be done. BUT...my 10 year old daughter was waiting for me back at the run transition. How could I show up there and tell her I quit? I made it back to the turn I missed and continued on. It was a lonely section until finally I saw a few people on their way back. I made it to the proper turn around and finished the course. Along the way I figured I could just not do the run--my feet were frozen, I was frozen, it was windy and cold and I just wanted to stop moving!

Not missed the turn I guess. I don't know why they didn't have it marked. I found out later the lead lady missed the turn as well.

I still couldn't feel my feet. My hands were still numb, took forever to tie my shoes.

Nothing, did what I could.

At the start of the run I started the bargaining process. "I'll run one loop. If it's terrible, I'll quit. I did my best.' Problem was my daughter was sitting in the bed of the truck holding a Kick Butt Mom sign--the first time I passed her and saw her holding that sign, I knew I had to finish. By my third loop I could feel my feet again and the sun came out and it warmed up. I also realized I like the loop we were doing--it was actually a fun run, especially the trail section, lots of ups and downs. I found myself smiling and enjoying the pretty flowers, the view of the lake, and actually thinking 'hey--this was a sucky race, but even a sucky race day is better than a good day sitting on your butt!'

Nothing, I found a way to enjoy the run!

Packed up, turned the truck heater on and finally got warm!


I guess the cold and, as always, genetics!


There were volunteers except at the turn on the bike! I don't know why they didn't station someone there to direct us.