Everyone was stretched out in a long line for the swim start, therefore, there was very little pushing and shoving, as usual. I felt really good at the beginning and I was able to get into a good breathing pattern and stay that way for the whole race. I couldn't believe I was around 5:30 when I got out of the water, it was very fast for me! There was a pretty long run up to the transition area, but this year they had changed it a bit so it was not as long as last year.

Just go faster. Otherwise, nothing.

I took the wetsuit top off in the water, and the rest in T1, although it was hard to get off my feet for some reason. Then I put on a shirt which took a few extra seconds and never did go on right so was crooked the rest of the day because I am a dork and didn't pay attention. Otherwise, I whizzed out of the transition in hot pursuit of my sister, who was in a wave that started 5 minutes ahead of me. I had to catch her!!!

Faster removal of wetsuit, get comfortable in my own skin so I don't have to put on a shirt in transition.

I was pushing really hard the whole race, although my split time is slower than last year so I don't understand that. Perhaps it was just my being slow up the hill. I went past my in-laws' house which was about 1/3 of a mile from the turnaround and my husband and kids were there to cheer me on. I saw my sister coming toward me so I knew I'd catch her soon. After another pass by my cheering section, I put the hammer down and caught my sister. We chatted a bit up the hills, and she was cracking me up with tales of how she had no idea how to shift her bike since it had been 2 years since she'd ridden it--she'd gone up the first hill in the hardest gear. She finally figured it out, though. After we got up the hill, I said goodbye and floored it, since I am super fast downhill and have much, much more gravity-assist than she does. I knew she'd catch me on the run no matter what.

Ride more....I've slacked off on my long rides lately....next year I need to stay more focused all season!

I took an extra second to put on my cute new race skirt/race number belt combo. Otherwise I flew through T2. I knew Barbie would be close behind me and wanted to get a jump start on the run.

At mile 1 I checked my watch and it was at 8:40. Mile 2 was similar. Then Barbie caught up to me. She was very out of breath from trying to catch me, so we ended up being able to run together for the rest of the race and finish at the same time. I can't wait to see the official picture of that since my mom missed it!!! My overall run speed lends me to believe I really ran fast the last mile and a half!

Run faster.

Water....talked to mom....put bike and gear in car.


My weight, as always. It's a bummer that no matter what I do I have extra gravity. Then I get discouraged because my sister, who is stick-thin, can not train for two years besides running, and only be behind me by five minutes. Oh well, we are all individuals.


Great race, as always. Awards took a very long time to get going and many people had gone home. They also should sweep the shoulders of the course for gravel beforehand, as there were some big piles out there. Otherwise, it was top-notch.

After the race I headed to my husband's family reunion and then to my sister's birthday party. She'd at least gotten a nap, that brat! :) It was fun to hang around with our race numbers on our legs together. Good times!!

JUST FOUND OUT THAT I WAS FIRST PLACE ATHENA! Looks like BuDu had a mess up with results as it happened to others, as well....yay!