We started the swim at the public boat ramp. We were not able to warm up. The swim started off the docks at the boat ramp. There were no ladders to get back onto the dock. We could have gone in the water via the cement boat ramp but it was slimy and full of barnicles and I did not want to risk injury so I decided to just stretch and hope for the best!!!I was in the last wave with the athenas and the clydesdales. I waited with my husband and Kathy G and her family arrived. We chatted for a while and then it was time to get in and swim.

I jumped in from the dock and positioned myself to the middle of the pack. There was very little contact with the start as there were probably only 30 people in my wave. I swam fairly fast for the first 500. I was breathing every stroke which I never do but I was so nervous my heartrate was really high. Once I finished the first length of the jetty I settled into a nice pace.

There were 3 docks along the way with dive teams on each dock. There were alot of kayaks in between the bouys and a few jet skis throughout the course.

I knew I was doing OK because I passed a few of the other colored caps on length 2 and 3. I could hear my family ringing their cow bells and shouting from the jetty. It was kind of fun to actuallly have my family see me swim!! I wanted to yell Hi or wave but that might have caused the dive teams to think I was in trouble so I waved each time I stroked...bad form...but fun!

Once we finished the 3rd length we had to round a double bouy and swim into a channel in the harbor that was filled with boats. As I was swimming into the harbor it seemed as if the double bouy was moving. The waves were much larger. I then heard the divers from the dock yelling at me. I stopped, and they told me that the bouy had let loose and to stop following the boat!!!!! I was relieved and turned toward the next bouy in the harbor...I probably lost a little time chasing the boat!Its really hard to sight in the wake of a boat. Once I passed the next 2 bouys I could see the Mayflower and I kicked it up a little. I got to the dock I climbed up the ladder but got a cramp in my calf which I had to stop for a minute and work out. I then ran up the ramp and off to transition which was about 1/4 of a mile away!!! I ran pretty fast and actully passed a few people.

Kathy G took my chip and away she went!!!!!!Pike on a Bike!!!!I talked with Todd (our amazing runner) and then we headed to the bike course to watch for Kathy!!!!

I would do absolutely nothing different!!!! We had a great time at this race. We cheered for Kathy each bike loop...it seemed that she got stronger with each loop which was just incredible!!! While Kathy biked we had a barbeque with friends and family. When Kathy passed on her last loop we headed to transition to send off Todd. Kathy passed off to Todd we headed to the run course to cheer.

It was alot of fun on the run course and most of the participants were greatful for our cheers and "waves". Once Todd did his last loop we headed to town for the finish line. It was incredible to watch Todd cross the finish line...he gave his all for our team!!!

What a feeling to be part of such a wondeful team. A great day with friends and family. This is my second season doing triathlons and it was an honor to be part of this team. It was an unforgettable experience!