Started towards the front and off we went. I was swimming with others the whole time (first for that), was able to draft a bunch which is cool, plus then I didn't really have to sight. I was swimming next to Seth for awhile, but I don't think he saw me. Was on the inside of bouy and had to swim out and ended right next to the bouy with a guy stopping right in front of me. Best drafting here..women to my right stayed to her side, and a guy catches up to her, so I draft behind both of them. It was great...I was towards the back of the MOP, but comfortable and calm in much closer proximity to others than before. Great learning experience!

Next Day: Last year swim time 12:37, this year 7:43 wow..can't really beleive it! Estimated T1 time and subtracted from swim time.

Maybe go harder, but doesn't make a huge difference with this short of a swim.

Swam up to shore so when I stood up under my knees...good...ran to my towel, got wetsuit off quickly, bike helmet, sunglasses, shoes on and off I went...ran with bike pretty far to bike mount. Kevin, Emily and I think Brian were there cheering me on. Timing is on the way out of transition.

Fun stuff..out of transtion with lots of other bikes. Start passing some right away. Get to the uphills some pass me back, me downhill or flats, them uphill. I rode up the three hills quickly and on backside pushed hard to go fast and passed many here as well. I loved passing the 20 something guys, who didn't seem to like it much! They'd work hard to pass me back, some did, some didn't. I heard Rob and Meridith cheer me on as I zoomed down a fun hill passing someone at the start of loop 2...great motivation to hammer it a bit more.

Second loop felt stronger in the hills, and enjoyed riding with others..chatted with quite a few on uphills which was fun. Pushed as much as I could on downhills and flats. Here is where I see the big advantage of my tri bike...as I can easily pass younger/thinner/guy triathletes...Rob you were right! Stretched my calves maybe 4 times on the bike in hopes of warding off full blown horrible cramps. The folks at this race are fantastic!

Last year I didn't make the bike cut off so I only did 1 loop ( 6 miles)...this year made two easily and the fastest people didn't loop me...whoo hoo!

Drank about 14 oz of Gatorade and ran out in begining of 2nd loop.

Next day: Last year averged 15.43 mph on one bike loop of 6 miles...23:20, a year later 37:34 for 12 miles 19.17 mph which includes a long run to mount and dismount area.

Come on...never done 19+ mph at anything on my bike...very excited!!

Long run from bike dismount over grass, sand (saw Brian...go Mom) and back over timing mat. Saw my girls cheering for me in the water...waved at them..they jumped around yelling ...very cute! Laid my bike down, took off bike shoes and one of my calves cramped bad, but left quickly...which I was happy about...struggled a little with my socks, grabed hat, small bottle of gatorade and was off.

Worked on keeping quick and light and fast turnover....which I think helps me run faster. It felt hot and muggy. I saw Rob at the beginning of the run course and asked him to turn up the A/C...but he didn't do it.

First hill was tough as my legs weren't quite back to normal...it normally takes about 8 minutes hills before that time is over are hard. Next hill felt great...saw some chalk on the road...and kids cheering. Final hill was tough, but someone encouraged me saying this is the toughest part. Pushed on trying to keep quick and light...found my run zone...and just kept going.I did the best that I could and felt okay with a challenging effort...Will's words...great words to motivate me on the run.

All those folks I passed or was in front on on the bike, started passing me right away...ah but I come to expect that. For each one that came by I smiled knowing I had done great on the bike. They were still coming as I finished the run. Some of the folks that ran passed me I would think wow..I was faster than you on the swim/bike... saw it in a positive light ..awesome bike not a negative thing typical of the past..like it sucks to be slow or everyone is passing me.

Came into the last turn into the park, as I got to the grass area, Emily, Shasha and Libby came beside me and started running fast, so I had to push hard as we raced to the finish...I think I beat them but not by much. Great motivation to go a bit faster than I normally would...surprised I had more in me at the end than I thought I did...good lesson.

Finished to cheers of family and BTers...great way to finish.

Next day: Last year 37:56...more than 5 minutes improvement...sweet!

Push harder sooner towards the end...I think I underestimate how much I can push myself.

After I read results online: Hmmm maybe hammer on the bike hurts my run a bit...but still glad I did great on the bike!

Walked around a bit, took off shoes and socks, few brief words with BTers and then ran and jumped in the lake...played with the girls. Best warm down ever! Kevin grilled steak, we ate, listened to awards, and I even won some body glide.

Chatted briefly with BTers as family wanted to be with me. Bummer that Mark was hit by a Jeep truning into their driveway ..road rash on his elbows and back.. bent his basebar..bike looked pretty good..hope you feel better soon!

Next race we come to I think we should plan a post race BT mini-party...grilling or something and hopefully everyone can stay a little later.

Cool thing is that I didn't really think too much about what my time might be, as I went how fast I was going, I just enjoyed the race...this is progess for me. When I crossed the line, I didn't even look at the clock..just enjoyed knowing I did well and had a blast. Just as we were leaving I checked my time and I was stunned...no way did I think I would do that time or I had done the race that fast....curiosity set in..hmmm wonder what my bike time was, when the results are posted tomorrow, I think I'll be quite pleased!

I'm liking this no gadget racing...it helps me focus on just having fun and doing my best and not thinking about results/pace. I feel free out there..just me and my bike, or my running shoes doing my best.

Next day: Last year I did the race in 1:16:19 with only biking 6 miles or 1 loop. This year 1:20:15...so it took me just 4 minutes more with 6 extra miles...great improvement. First time my swim placement was better than my bike...cool! I think I was the 2nd oldest women there...mostly women in their 30's and younger...fun to compete with them.




Working on getting faster ..improving on the run would help a lot. Maybe doing another sprint tri 4 days ago slowed me down. Ah, but I did my best, had fun, enjoyed the competition with others...great night! I can always get thinner and faster which will come in time...but I'm pleased with my progess in the last year. Lots of the credit goes to Will who has designed my training, supported and encouraged me...he is a fantastic coach!


Great race...fun people come to race and cheer us on...all made better with wonder BT friends. What a bargin only $15!