I finally feel like I put in the training time needed to complete the swim comfortably and it paid off here. I was comfortable in the water the whole time. My sighting was spot on, I even swam under a buoy so I was right on the buoy line for sure! The clear water really does make swimming more enjoyable as well because it is easier to pick up drafts as you can actually see other athletes so I was able to draft effectively as well. I wasn't super fast but the goal was to come out of the water fresh and under 1:30 so I accomplished both of those.

Getting out of the water was great because of the fan support and seeing family. I made the awesome decision to try and twist my ankle by slipping on the timing mat, but it was all good. Wetsuit stripper was AWESOME, one yank and it was off.

Those change tents are just a mess of nastiness and I will leave it at that. I hit the bathroom before taking off on the bike. Oh and I really appreciate whoever decided it would be a good idea to put a garbage bag in my crank set that was helpful.

The bike segment started out great for me, seeing as I got out of the water with a lot of other strong cyclists I was able to pace *cough*maybe slight draft*cough* with them for the first 20ish miles. I don't have a power meter but my general plan was to and keep an even power profile for the course. That meant I sat and spun at the bottom of the hill while the others stood and hammered then I would catch them at the top of the uphill and start passing a lot of people on the downhills. This strategy worked great as the first 35 miles flew by.

When we hit the climbs up to Veyo I started to feel a little sick as I had been drinking gatorade and ate an Uncrustable. Granted that is some sweet ass eating but my stomach wasn't having it. At this point I dialed back the power a bit to help myself digest and at the next aid station I switched to only water and just natural food bananas, etc. to calm my stomach. Thankfully that worked quickly and by the time I was out of Gunlock I was feeling much better.

We hit the big hills just out of Gunlock and I was wishing for a bit bigger cassette but the winds were fine so I didn't have to push too hard, the first pro male caught me on the first hill and made me feel like I was going backwards then the rest of them caught me on the Wall.

Once again going over the top I was of the mindset to take what the course gives me and at that point it was giving me a sweet downhill so I took advantage and passed a LOT of people on the way down into town. Going into Snow Canyon the winds had picked up as they always seem to and I hit 45mph on my bike. Scarily my bike got a bit nervous of the speed and wind and started to give me the lovely speed wobble! I straightened her out and promised no more 40+ mph for the day.

The start of the second lap was no fun as we turned off Highway 18 right into a strong headwind that lasted about 10-12 miles until the turnoff up to Gunlock. As soon as I was out of the headwind though things got SO much better. I just kept telling myself as I pedaled up the hills that this was the last time my tires would EVER roll over this stretch of pavement again. Let me tell you that kept the tires rolling. The only issue I had was that my feet were really starting to get sore and with a marathon ahead I figured this was a very bad thing. Then I got an idea and pulled over to a rest stop and rolled up some toilet paper and stuck it under the ball of my foot. Bingo! instant riding on clouds. I was proud of my mid race MacGyver move and it helped me finish up the second loop strong.

Side note whoever decided it was a good idea to send us down then back up a 1/2 mile 8% grade hill a couple miles from the finish should have fire ants inserted in their underwear. After that it was fun riding down seeing all the runners out rocking the course.

Nothing too exciting in T2 I took some extra time to stretch my back then as I was going to put on sunscreen some guy came up and asked to borrow some. Seeing as I was all about good Karma I said sure and he proceeded to spray little bits in his hand then rub on his nose, cheeks, forehead, neck, armpits, fingertips, toes, knees, nose again.... ok maybe not all that but damn it felt like he took his time. After that I grabbed some water and quick bathroom break and I was off.

Started out the run by checking in with Jen's family to see how she was doing. I was happy to hear that she was doing well and it looked like she would make the bike cutoff. I took off running and my arse hurt something fierce. I just pretended it felt like a massage and kept running. My plan for the first lap was to run gentle uphills, flats and downhills and walk the steep uphills and aid stations. The fans and aid stations were amazing on this course there were fans lining the streets for the first mile or so then we hit the well organized aid stations. I was quite a bit over the first mile or so then I loosened up enough to start running what felt like a decent pace.

I had a slim chance of seeing Jen come in on the bike as the first 2 or so miles of the run course are along the end of the bike course. So I ran where I could see the cyclists coming in. Then I saw Jen! I was literally so excited for her that I put my arms up and was jumping and yelling "YES! YES!" at her, she had a huge smile on her face as I knew this was the part of the course that was responsible for a ton of stress and I was so happy that she had made it. I think everyone around me thought I was psycho though as I was acting like I was crossing the finish line at 2.62 miles instead of 26.2. After that I had a ton of energy and I cranked out the first half marathon in about 2:30.

After the first half though I was hurting. My whole body hurt to the touch, my arms legs/everything just HURT so needless to say the start of my second lap was slow and relatively miserable. I was walking a good portion of the start of the loop and I was kind of down until I saw Jen for the second time. I loved being able to stop for a second and talk with her because she was in such good spirits it really lifted me up. After that I was still walking but at least I was walking with a purpose. On the uphill I even passed a few people who were running.

At the top of the big hill I decided I had to figure out nutritionally what to try to get my ass back in gear. I was very close to ditching the vegetarianism for the chicken broth when I overheard someone saying to try coke so I started taking on some cola and a bit of water. After a couple aid stations I was really feeling quite a lot better so I could start running again. After about 8 aid stations I was f*cking HIGH on caffeine and running like a pack of wildebeests was chasing me, I saw Jen and I must have looked like I was snorting coke not drinking it as I told her "YOU.MUST.DRINK.COKE!" After that I petted a pig (really, well it was fake, whatever), also petted a dog (real one) and passed like 50 people on my way to a fast last 6 miles to the finish. Once I hit the top of main street it was an amazing experience as the fans were lining the side of the course cheering so loud. Then I slowed to separate from the group in front of me so I could have the chute to my self. I got in the chute and heard my name called and just couldn't believe it. It was a strange feeling because even surrounded by people I felt like I was alone in a tunnel, I just soaked it all in and crossed the line, nothing in sport beats that feeling.

Still high on adrenalin and caffeine I chatted with the finish line catcher who was super helpful and nice. He was like "You seem to be in good spirits" I just told him it was a great day to be out there. I went directly back out to the finishing chute to continue to watch people come across the line.

The sight of seeing Jen finish made me happier than I can express here, we both went through a lot to get here and we were in no way sure we would both make it. But to have us both get to share in the finish was an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.


"Why do we do this? Why do we sign ourselves up for these races that are purposely more challenging than we think we may be able to accomplish?" Both questions that I asked myself a lot after going up to St. George in March and being defeated. Crossing that finish line and reflecting on the experience as a whole is why. We forced ourselves out of our comfort zones during training and during the race, in that we learn more about ourselves. All those experiences when put as a whole are the reason for pushing oneself beyond the limit of comfort because reflecting back now I can say the reward is greater than the risk.