So, I went in with no expectations for this race. I started the swim and couldn't get any clear water, the wave was so crowded, i had tried to get up to the front before the start, but couldn't do it because there were so many people i couldn't move. I swear these three girls boxed me in the whole swim and I couldn't get around. I wouldn't say I went all out on the swim (like I usually do in tris) there were two reasons for this: 1. I wanted to save some energy and 2. The swim is my easy part once that was over i knew the long part of the day would begin.

Get to the front of the wave before the start!!!!

I always get a little dizzy in T1, don't know what it is. Usually in my shorter races, I am speedy through transition, but today I was all about taking my time. Got shoes on, got helmet on, grabbed food i would need for the bike and started to head out.

Nothing, it was perfect.

The last time i had been on my bike at all was August! SO, I had no expectations and just told myself to save my legs and stay in a comfortable zone. The first 20 minutes or so felt hard, but then I kind of got into the groove. The first lap was slightly demoralizing as the beginning of the bike usually is, i swim faster then some people, but they sure kick my butt on the bike! I was having trouble breathing as I have been congested lately, so I had to chew my food with my mouth open in order to breath, i'm sure that made for some good photos. I saw my time after the first loop and was really happy with the pace i was holding, started to really have fun on laps two and three. Luckily this is flat course, so being out of shape didn't kill me, until the hills. Oh dear god the hills, and yes they were small hills, but they nearly killed me, lol. But all in all I was just having a blast out there, smiling at the cameras (or trying to), and talking to volunteers and fellow racers.

not a thing. this was so much fun

Holy slow transition. I got of the bike and tried to run my legs were like: yeah right! But slowly they got into the groove and i managed a jog of sorts through transition. Then of course i got to my sport and there was no room for my bike, so i had to unrack someone's bike, move it over, then rack mine. Then my socks weren't cooperating, but I wasn't really worried about being speedy so I just took my time. Then I was out thinking 13 miles??

Nothing really.

So my mental approach was really not about pushing it on the run. I could have pushed it, and probably gotten in under 2:30, but remember today the goal was fun! So, I ran until walking sounded good, then i walked for a bit, and then I ran some more. Parts of the run felt like i could go on forever, others I was so done, but all in all i felt comfortable and had a good time. Got to see Milton, Lisa, Elliot, Dustin (as he blew by me), and travis on the run, said hi and kept on going! Didn't really eat much on the run, because i had fueled well on the bike and didn't want to upset my stomach. THANK GOD for the ice though, I felt we got lucky with not a crazy hot day, but that ice down the tri suit was a marvelous thing! Got to the turn for the finish, and got a surge of energy for a kick to the finish line.

Like I said, I could have run this faster and done less walking, but that probably would not have been fun. It was more important for me to have fun and I did. I genuinely had the best time out there!

Felt good, grabbed some more water, and waited for others to finish. More time hanging with the cool kids is always nice.




I didn't train like i should have, but i'm pretty laid back but that allowed me to go out there and just have fun and not worry about times. Maybe next year i'll worry about being fast, maybe =).


LOVED THIS RACE! At first I thought it was too expensive, but having done the race, I think I got what i paid for. GREAT VOLUNTEERS! Well marked course, nice shirts, visors, and goody bag! The only thing i would change is to add the distance to the medal.