I was lucky enough to be in the first wave which was men and women 55 and up. Most of the athletes were hanging back by the shore, I moved up to the buoy for the start and this time started on the outside rather than the inside. Gun went off, got up to speed pretty well, felt good. Rounded the first buoy and suddenly people were really dropping off, and I ended up with 2 guys, I was 3rd out of the water for our wave, first female. I think this was measured a bit long, felt like my time was at least 10 seconds per 100 off from what I usually do for an OWS. Water was WARM!

Not much, felt like I gave this a good effort, had good sighting and pretty much a good swim.

This transition includes a LONG uphill run up this snaking ramp from the river (where I saw the possum earlier). The 3 of us that came out of the water about the same time were neck and neck running up the ramp. Ran all the way to my bike, got switched out and got out of there...

Not sure how I could have made this faster, felt like I did it as fast as I could.
2nd AG

I was a bit disappointed in my speed, I've averaged over 20 on this route, but that was before they chip sealed it, not sure if that made a difference. Also, because I was very early out of the water, I didn't have a lot of folks to chase down. Eventually the swim wave behind me (20-29) started passing me, and when I crossed the dismount line they told me I was the 3rd woman in, even though I had only seen one pass me. I knew I was still in the lead for my AG.

Maybe ride with the Garmin? I could have ridden a little harder, and without it I really didn't know how fast I was going.

I was 3rd AG for this transition, and I thought I was faster! Racked the bike, got the bike shoes off and running shoes on, grabbed the rest and ran out. I did have a longer run to get out of transition since I was closer to the bike in/out, but not sure why this was kind of slow.

Do it faster! Practice getting my shoes on and off while standing up!

This is where things fell apart. Started off pretty well, but I was breathing hard, probably more noticeable since I'm used to running with an iPod. Had to walk twice in the first mile, and the 1st AG lady passed me here, and FAST, no WAY I was ever gonna keep up with her. But I didn't give up and kept chugging along, walking as I needed to, but by about mile 2.5 I was really struggling to keep going. At the 2 mile water stop I poured some ice down my bra, and that helped for a bit. Tons of people were passing me, lots of 20 year olds. Then a 60 year old lady passed and she was going a nice slow steady pace and I tried to pace off her and still had to walk. Then a 67 year old woman passed me looking really strong, that was a bit humiliating! Walked the final ramp up to the pedestrian bridge and then ran it as hard as I could (which was still pathetically slow). I felt like I left it all on the course in spite of the run sucking so bad, got my finisher's medal and an ice cold bottle of water and walked to a shady grassy area and just laid on my back for awhile.

At this point I don't even know what to do to make this better? I've done the bike both holding back and riding hard and honestly the run is the same. This is the one portion of my tri that has not fully come back since the melanoma, even though it is improving. I guess just keep training, and I think I need to add in some strength training and some speedwork.

Laid on the grass and tried not to pass out. Drank my water, went and checked results and cooled down before heading to the food tent which I hit twice... 1st time Oreos and a banana, second time more water and a piece of cheese pizza. Met some tri friends while waiting for the awards...


The *F*in' run!!


This is my favorite race of the season, and my 5th time doing it. I thought I really did well on the swim and the bike, I am more determined to whoop that run into shape, I will be unstoppable! And even though I placed, I am disappointed that this was my slowest time doing this race...