Got on the heels of another girl and stayed there until almost the first turn buoy. I could see one other girl to the side of me. I passed one of them going around the buoys and was able to hold her off the rest of the way back. The sun was directly in my eyes the whole was back so I just swam straight into the sun. As it turned out, the buoy was right in line with the sun because I swam right to it. Got out of the water 2nd in my wave but, as it turned out, the girl ahead of my was in a different age group.

Nothing. I felt strong coming out of the water.

Couldn't get my helmet buckled and fumbled with my bike a bit.

Calm down. I think I was too concerned about getting passed in transition.

The benefit of going out with the 'old ladies' in the late waves is that you get to pass ALOT of people on the bike! Had a good time on the bike. Spent a good bit of time trading spots with a couple of buff 60+ year old men. They were awesome!

Pushed hard but not too hard. I wanted to have something left for the run. I wasn't passed by any females so I thought I was still in first.

Need to work on my cornering. After my crash at Latta, I've gotten way too timid going around the the turns. Need to HTFU!

HTFU on the corners.

Must have been uneventful because I don't really remember this transition.

Leaving transition I was 'running scared'. I pretty much knew it was my race to lose. Running is my weakest discipline and I knew I had to keep moving if I hoped to podium.

But my legs felt pretty darn good coming off the bike so I just settled in. I passed a few people and was passed by a few people. Everytime, checking their calves for a 40-44. I'm so use to being run down that I thought it was inevitable. When i got to about 18 minutes into the run, I realized I might be able to hold on after all. I picked up the pace a bit and cruised into the finish. Of course, I made the rookie mistake of slowing down after the first timing mat until everyone started screaming at me to keep going! lol! Either way, this was a tri-5k PR for me, so I'm happy. :)

I was a little miffed that they didn't have mile markers on the course. I hate not knowing where I am but, afterall, it is my responsibility to know the course. So...

Downed a bottle of water and a bottle of Endurox. Hung out with all the finishers and cheered more people in. Stretched a bit and got a little work from the sports chiro on site.


Running ability.


This was a really good race for me and I needed it. My last couple of races had been tough (injury, wreck) and it was nice to feel strong again. Plus, it's a big local race so I get to spend the morning with all my Tri friends and meet new ones too -- like Carol (keyone). :)