I hate, hate, hate, hate contact. I started at the back left. Shocked at the lack of visibility but then realized that was normal for the muddy start so kept head out of water for few more strokes. Then kicked by two separate Clydes and pulled back to let everyone go.

Soon, I don't know why, I took a huge gulp of the tasty water. It just messed with my psyche. I immediately began to backstroke and pretty much stayed with that for the whole race. I tried to butt kick myself into freestyling and would for a while but then either contact or breathe control or fear would send me back to the backstroke. Siting is hard with backstroke.

Learn to deal with contact. Force myself to freestyle instead of going to the slower backstroke. Basically HTFU.

Exited the water slightly dizzy. Had my wetsuit down to my waist quickly but then it really wouldn't come off although I was lubed up. Was worried about the cold but decided not to put on tights. Took FOREVER to put on my socks. The long sleeve shirt, tobaggon, shoes, gloves, helmet, and sunglasses went on easier. Lori, Tally's own Jillian Michaels, got in my face several times and yelled, "Move, move, move!" I love her but she slightly scares me.

Not brought compression socks. Move faster.

I was shivering and the hill at mile 1 just about killed me. I wanted to turn around but I thought of my sweet mentor group and wouldn't/couldn't. I saw no one and thought I was in last place. Around mile 7, simultaneously I was passed and saw someone pull out of the race so I inherited the tail police car.

Folks, let me admit something. I HATE BEING LAST. I felt like I should be branded with a big ole L for Loser. I thought about how the finishers would have to wait for me to return before they could get their gear out of transition. How humiliating! But then I thought about it and I have never in my life considered last place finishers to be losers. NEVER. So why did I give myself that label?

But I did do one thing right. A couple of years ago I developed ITB issues at mile 17 of a marathon. I stomped for multiple miles before I decided that I could be an a.h. or I could be gracious. So I resolved to try to always be pleasant in a race - no matter how bad I sucked. So at least I smiled and thanked everyone. Even joked with that cop tailing my butt.

Right before the end, I passed someone and find it's a friend. We yell encouragement to each other although the distance, the wind, and the helmets kept us from hearing everything. We finished tho.

Train on hills. Train on flats. Train, train, train.

Hard time racking bike because three bikes were on top of my stuff; man, they were crammed in wrong. Removed helmet, tobaggon, shoes and got my running shoes. Almost forgot to grab my bib.

Not worried about racking bike on top of my gear.

Did fine on the run. Not nearly what I should do but what I expected after a hard ride. Feet were frozen until mile 2 which is great for my PF.

While on the trail, I could hear some WooHoo's and then started hearing my name. Couldn't find who it was until the group came around the corner. It was all of the cute, young, fast people who were going out for a cool-down run. It made me smile.

Wish I had more in the tank but I didn't.

Crossed the line and hubby said we need to go so we can see son's baseball game. Lugged all equipment out, loaded, home, unloaded, shower, and then hit the road within an hour of finshing to drive to Ga for son's baseball game.

Several days before this race, I was thinking of pulling out. It was going to be cold and my training had not been what it should have been. My son needed a ride to the school for the bus for his out of town baseball game and logistics were tough with both K and I racing. I thought about sleeping in, taking him to the school, and then being on time for the game. Instead I didn't. Instead I get hugs from one of our fast cute guys (Think a young, non-scruffy Brad Pitt with better checkbones), cheered by the young, energetic speedsters, saw lots and lots of friends, and even tho I was cold, it was a gorgeous day.


Lack of training, panic issues, PF, mental.


Very well organized and lots of sweet, cheerful, helpful volunteers.