St. Anthony's Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

Had a BEAUTIFUL melt down just prior to queing up. Had been hanging out on the beach with GTRSax, Sue, GatorGirl, BonBon, InfoSteward and some new folks who were really chatty and I was just having my stress.

They called my wave and I lost it. Shaking, crying ... I think I said something stupid to KPT like "I DON'T WANT TO BE A TRIATHLETE ANYMORE!" Sue and Wendi curled up around me (thanks guys!). He got me by the shoulders and said, 'Make me proud.' Oh, good. No pressure. I think he worked harder to get me to the swim than I did. Not really.

My wave got in the chute and I stayed near the back. Music was playing so I just tried to groove. Hmm, hmm, hmm And just when, it hit me, somebody shouted out, He started "Play that Funky Music White Boy ... Play ..." HEY! You're doing a triathlon here!

KPT stayed the other side of the fence where I could see him. And then this pink pillar apeared next to him. FRANK! (Scuba Punk). Rushed the fence to give him a hug and a kiss. I'm so glad I got to meet him!

Girl next to me was nervous to. I pointed to KPT and said ... heh - I brough my own lifeguard. She was like ... can I borrow your lifeguard? Yeah. He's a generous soul. Gave KPT a 'thumbs up.' The pic is a keeper. I'll post it later.

Horn went off and I waded in. Found some water and started swimming. Did okay with the breathing, but then it got busy. Just kept stroking side to side with my head out. Knocking off the buoys. Get to the turn and this chick *literally* pulls her knees up and kicks off my chest like I'm a wall. Girl? I know God was generous to me, but they ain't here for your benefit. Hope the salt water felt good in the scratches I left on her ankles. I think Sue passed me at the first turn around.

Swimming along the straight, I can see the paddle boards coming up to check me. Gave them a thumbs up. Slow, stupid, but determined.

Make the second turn, and I think Wendi passed me at this turn. I look up and I see red caps, green caps, yellow caps, pink caps. It's a freakin' basic box of Crayola crayons in front of me AND I DON'T CARE! I just made the second turn!

There are arms and feet everywhere. I am in the mix and throwing elbows with the rest. I am loving this.

Keep throwing my arms over my head and the buoys keep disappearing. I get to: THE STAIRS! Guy grabs my hand and says "Okay, here comes gravity." Dude? I'm 44. Gravity and I have had a long, cantankerous relationship. Was kinda bummed because I was psyched last week when I thought RBSchlesinger was going to be a catcher. HOW COOL! A buddy to drag you out of your first Oly! Alas, was not to be.

Work my way up the stairs only to be confronted with a morass of MUD. Woo Hoo! And KPT! He's right there next to the photographer! Grab his hand and do a wiggle dance. Wander in T1.

NOTHING! I DID IT! I'll worry about 'different' later.

Okay. I can definitly pick up some time in Transition. I wandered up to Sunny and said Hey! Chick on the other side of idiot chick had tossed her stuff into my transition area. Took some time to toss it back. In some random direction. Went to wash my feet off and realized after foot one I was using the water mixed with E-gel. Poo. Got my bike shoes, sunscreen, lip balm, helmet and sunglasses on. Checked my manicure. Had pancakes. Called for the valet and then off we went.

NOTHING! I already won!

It's a beautiful day for a bike ride! My calf DOESN'T HURT! Girl in a wave behind me (who witnessed my diva collapse) rides up and says: "Beginner Triathlete? How was your swim?" and gives me a big smile. "GREAT!" I say! "Your's?" "Good." I notice she's got a 31 on her leg so I say "Go kick my ass!" She rides off but, oops, I passed her!

Yea! They put carpet over the railroad track! I'm having a blast. I forgot that I remembered to pack my Garmin, so I was riding naked. FELT GOOD! Listened to my legs. Good gearing. Passed a lot of people. Rode like I ride in training. Took the speed humps like I do in Sherwood. Very happy with my ride.

Somewhere on the back end of the ride I hear a 'WHOOP WHOOP!' Came to find out later it was Wendi! :)

Had Accelerade on the ride and I liked it. Got sweet towards the end, either need a bigger bottle or need to mix in less than is asked for. Should have dropped Nuun in there. I got salty.

Remember my Garmin to get a better take on MPH.

Wandered in. Handed Sunny to the Valet. Put on my socks with the Right/Left technology and my flamingo pink running shoesies. Grabbed my hat. Spritzed on some sun screen. Checked my make up and put on some more lip balm. Recharged my e-gel water bottle and tottered off.


NOTHING! I was perfect for today! :)

I don't think I drank enough on the bike because I was getting thirsty. Had Accelerade on the bike, and e-gel in water for the run. Took water at the water stops, but I think I was drinking too much.

Came out of the Run start and there was KPT! I missed him on Bike In. High fived and mugged for the camera, and off I went. Missed the Garmin because I went out to fast. Closer to a 9/8:30 mph than the 10 I wanted/needed. Tried to imagine our training runs because KPT is dead on for a 10mph pace. Oh well. Just tried to pick out a target to run to, and then gave myself a walk break.

Saw so many BT'rs! JLDiCarlo dashed across the street to point and say "Way to kick Tampa Bays Ass!" :) Saw Sue (heart!). Lucy blew kisses (swoon!). Saw but didn't know it was him, Robit (Adam) and yelled 'Go BT!' KathyG before the turn around. Coming back Wendi and I'm crusing along and this hand grabs my hand from the opposite direction. I get spun into this big hug: RMaldon. "I knew I'd see you out here!" he said. Probably would have run faster if I wasn't stopping to hug and kiss all these wonderful people.

Walked over the bridge because my calf and now my right hamstring are getting cranky. I really thought this race would BLOW my May race. But hey! I'm this far! I've won already and I don't hurt. I don't need to push this!

Get to the last water stop and I hear "Go Janice!" It's the host from our B&B! He's ridden down to cheer us on! And another somewhat familiar face is jumping and clapping, but I don't really recognize her. Turns out it was the wife of the third athlete, from New York, who was staying at our B&B. Saw Run4rYrLife at the TNT station and said hay to him.

And then I'm at the chute. I start to hyperventilate because I'm starting to cry. Shut that noise down. Until I hear the announcer say my name. Lost it! But still took the time to get my a) water b) wet towel and c) FINISHERS MEDAL!!!!! :) :) :)

KPT was at the Exit and grabbed me into a big hug. I DID IT!!!!! :)


NOTHING! Stop asking me this question!

Okay, bring my Garmin to better pace my run.

KPT and I reported directly to the beer tent.


The list is long, and illustrious. But I'm not thinking about it right now.


We walked up to the BT Banner and rkreuser is sitting on the ground. He looks up, squints and says "I heard them say your name." I break into my Happy Dance!

Made the mistake of then walking up to people with my medal around my neck saying "Look what I got." As I said, God was good to me. Blessedly, they searched until they found the little spot of pewter. I stopped asking that question pretty quickly.

I HAD A GREAT DAY!!!! :) :) :)