Took 1 GU gel 10 min before the start. Did a few warmup laps. I was cold. I was in the first wave after the pros. We were fortunate going out because it was overcast and the sun wasn't in our eyes. I forgot to put my goggles under my swim cap and I realized this as I was making the last adjustment about 10 seconds before the start. There was more body contact for a longer period of time in this race. I kept getting sandwiched between people and I worried about my goggles coming off if I got hit. I wasted some time trying to find my own space and finally gave up. I did find some feet for drafting and hung on as long as I could.

The unexpected issue that came up during the swim was nausea. I felt seasick the whole time. I've experienced this off and on in my training at the pond but didn't expect it to rear it's ugly head today. I had my ear plugs in and that usually helps. The water was calm but I had that up and down feeling of riding waves. I hit the turnaround and there were some safety boats using diesel fuel. This turned my already queasy stomach inside out.

All things considered, the swim was good. I knocked 6 min off my time from last year.

My rack was the first one to the right as you enter transition. Not sure how I missed it but I ended up in the second row and could not find my bike. Good grief. Post swim brain? Anyway, I still knocked 2 seconds off my time from last year.

My plan was to settle in for 10 min and then start my nutrition. This has always been successful in the past and I figured I could count on it today but the nausea from the swim was hanging on. My stomach wanted no part it. I knew I couldn't race without it so I sipped and nibbled and stuck to the plan as best I could.

My legs were popsicle sticks. It took a full 15 min for them to start thawing out. The weather was beautiful so I don't know why they were so cold. Nothing like starting a 56 mile ride with uncooperative legs and a pukey stomach. Got through the first 5 miles with a blazing 12 mph pace. Everybody and their brother and the idiots out for a Sunday ride on the highway were all passing me. I finally made it to the turn on St. Vrain Road and had pulled my pace up to 16 mph. I LOVE this part of the course. I got down in the drops (don't have aerobars) and flew. Made the turn on 75th feeling strong. And then the wind came. Struggled through this and started my second loop.

The first section of the second loop was easier this time since my legs had warmed up. I was in the drops more than usual, trying to stay aero because of the wind. My girly parts were screaming and I ended up with saddle sores on those unmentionables. Ouch. My neck was feeling it too. My stomach revolted with everything I shoved down. The last stretch completely trashed my legs. I was pushing as hard as I could and watching my pace drop. The nausea was taking it's toll. Still, I wasn't that far off from last year's time at this point in the race so I was feeling confident. Sometimes it's good to be naive!

Ridiculous. Closest to the bike start but a long way from the bike finish. Wasn't sure I could even stand when I dismounted and the trek to my rack was quite comical in my cleats. I moved pretty fast once I got racked but then I had to make a potty stop. My stomach was a mess and the smell of those who had visited before me brought on the dry heaves.

Just wanted to stay strong and steady here. I was hoping to make up some time. My brain told me I could pull this off. My body wasn't on board. There's a hill at the start of this course and I allowed myself to walk it and let my heart rate settle down after the bike. Started with an 11-12 min pace and felt like I could hold it. My stomach was bloated and swollen and the jogging motion nearly did me in. There's not a stick of shade on this course and the heat/nausea combination wasn't a good one. The wheels started falling off around mile 4. Jim was worried when he saw me start the second loop. I had dropped to a 13+ pace and I must have been green.

There comes a point when it's wise to drop out for your own physical safety and I knew I was getting close. I had switched to water with GU and I was taking electrolytes like candy. I had to figure something out if I wanted to continue. I had been walking the aid stations on the first loop. I decided to walk whenever my body needed it just to stay in the race. I used the cold sponges and even had some coke with ice at one station. Mile 12 took me 15 minutes. Ugh. My right hamstring and calf were cramping. I love the run and I like to finish strong but I was simply in survival mode at this point.

I could finally see the finish line chute. My coach was on the sidelines. I wanted to stop and hug her for coming but I knew I couldn't or I'd be done. I crossed the finish line and I cried. I buried my head in my husband's chest and cried. Not because I was disappointed in my time or because every part of me hurt. I cried because I didn't think I would finish and I did.

This was a huge accomplishment for me. Last year I won an age group award. This year I struggled to complete the course. We never know what race day will bring. I went into that dark place on the run where I questioned why I was even doing this. But I know why I do it. We have days where we shine and we have days when it's not our turn. I was strong. I stuck with my plan. I finished.

Something stirred up my allergies last week and they were still all whacky. I blew the most awesome snot rockets out there. My mother would be so proud!

I must take a moment to apologize to the 1000+ racers who passed me on the bike. When I put my tri shorts on I realized they were quite thin in the back. I'm sure the view was less than pleasant. I promise to buy a new pair for next season.