With a quick count-down to 10, we were off. There was a bit of jostling and hitting from people at the beginning, but I think that's because it was so hard to see under that murky water. It didn't feel violent...just crowded. The swim went by quickly. I tried to remain calm. I had to remind myself to swim and not just smash at the water. This was a great swim course. I usually have a hard time staying on course, but the buoys were placed so that it was quite easy to sight.

I was stoked with this time. It was 20 seconds faster than my "best possible" prediction. Next time, I'll try a wetsuit. Also, I didn't start my watch when the race started, but I did remember about 30 seconds into the race.

I could hear my family cheering for me. There's something quite motivating about that.

I was going to wear arm warmers, but couldn't get them on quickly. So I just threw them back into my bag. There's a regret! I was cold.

I was having problems clipping in, and these ladies standing next to me were cheering me on. I think I made some sort of comment about not being able to clip in, and they very calmly talked me through the process. I said thank you to them, but wished that I had looked them in the eye as I did so.

My "best possible" goal was three hours. I made it with a little to spare!

First of all, it was beautiful out there. I got to ride past vineyard after vineyard while watching the sun make it's way through the clouds and the fog. It was one of those mornings that should have been in the movies. At mile 30 two deer ran across the road. They were no more than 8 feet in front of me.! I could hear their hooves trotting across the pavement. I couldn't help but laugh...I don't see stuff like that every day. I am glad that they didn't decide to jump across the road any sooner. This would've been a very different race report had that happened.

It was cooooold out there. Especially for a Hawaii girl who gets cold here :(. I had a hard time getting my hands around the water bottles at the first aid station, and I managed to knock two water bottles out of volunteers' hands before I properly grabbed one. Thankfully, the volunteers had a great sense of humor about it, and were very encouraging as they cheered me on when I finally properly grabbed a water bottle.

I had to constantly remind myself to stay easy for the first 15 miles. Which is really hard when I felt that great, and all the speedy people were zooming on past. The next 25 miles, I allowed myself to push a little more, and tried to push even more for the last 15. My family was out there in the middle of the bike course ringing cowbells, cheering, and even playing the trumpet! I got another boost as I passed them...grinning from ear to ear. They were also at the very end of the bike course. T2 and T1 were about 15 miles apart, so they had to do some traveling to get to there various posts.

The bike ride was over before I had time to wish that I could be done. Between the view, the deer, and my family, it felt like more of 30 mile ride.

Put on my arm warmers. Push my "hard" a little more.

My feet were totally numb when I got off the bike. So much so that I had problems getting my bearings and dropped my bike while running to the transition area.

Not much I can do. I laughed it off. Maybe wearing socks would've helped. Everything else went smoothly.

I saw my family again as I exited T2, and they still had the same level of excitement. 'Twas another boost.

It took 3 miles for my feet to get back to normal! I was taking in gatoraide at every station. I was continually reminding myself to go out easy, and get my HR down. I started just enjoying the view, and watching racers who were finishing their day. I upped my effort from miles 4 through 10. Those miles are a blur. I saw Kurt around mile 5, and I got to the turn-around point before I knew it. After mile 10, I was feeling pretty good, and realized that I had far too much energy left for the remaining distance. So, I picked it up, and told myself that this was just a sprint...go for it. Other racers were cheering me on as I ran past. I felt great, and ran it out to the end.

I don't remember what my exact time was at the half-way point, but I do know that it was a negative split on the way back.

Start working sooner.

I found my family. Even through the sweat, they gave me real hugs. Now, that's love. We took some pictures, and talked about the race. I managed to eat some fruit and a cookie...and then stretched a bit.


Not knowing my physical limitations.


Great race. Anyone thinking about doing this one should sign up.