I never actually felt like I got into the rhythm of my swim. My breathing seemed off. I usually breath every other stroke, but found I was breathing every stroke through out the entire swim. Despite that , the time for this swim was good for me, and about 5 minutes faster than last year. Even though I was in the very back of the pack, and the last place Athena, I was still happy with my swim time!!

Go faster!!

I ran out of the water and up the beach, repeating glasses, socks, shoes, helmet. That is my routine in T1. I repeated it over and over until I got to my bike. Once there, my sentence went something like this - glas..., WTF? Yes, that last part was out loud. Because my glasses and helmet were not on my bars where I left them. I felt bad about saying that out loud and looked around real quick to make sure no kids were around and heard me. Then a thousand thoughts went through my head as I stood there staring at my bike. Why would somebody take my stuff? WHO would take my stuff? Maybe somebody took mine and left theirs. Maybe somebody has an extra helmet. Should I shout out and ask? I am not going to be able to finish the race without a helmet! Of course, looking around there were not that many bikes left, and only a few people, since I am a slow swimmer! It felt like an eternity! Then I noticed about 4 transition spots down was my helmet!! Okay I thought, I can go without my sunglasses, as long as I have my helmet. As I ran down to get my helmet, I noticed my sunglasses about 2 spots further! I grabbed my stuff, got ready and off I went. A little slower than I hoped for, but at least I found my things.

Not rack my bike next to a jerk!

This was an okay bike for me. I passed quite a few people at the beginning on the biggest uphill part. Many people were walking, and a few were just standing at the side of the road, so I was able to ride past them. I felt good during the entire bike, and felt good as I was finishing also.

Ride more.

My legs felt good coming off the bike. When I got to the bike racks, the guy next to me (yes, the same guy that I think knocked down my stuff for T1) had his bike racked so that it was directly on top of my transition mat. Grrr. I found a place to put my bike where his should have been. Also, I felt like I couldn't get a good breath (Yes, I have Asthma.). I decided that I needed to use my inhaler. So, I grabbed it as I ran out of transition and took a couple hits, then threw it to the side. That is the first time I have had to use it in a race, but I don't think that it slowed me down at all.

Not need my inhaler, and again, don't pick a transition spot next to a jerk!

I love this run course. I always do so well on it, because it is so flat! I am pretty sure that it is a little short, but even if it was only a 5k, instead of 3.5, I would still be happy with my time. Did I say that I love this course??!!

Nothing!

My husband and dad were waiting at the finish line to greet me with a bottle of water. I drank the entire bottle, then went to the pavilion, had another bottle of water and some home-made baked goods. YUMMY! I had a mini-muffin and 2 (okay maybe 3) cookies. I love that they have home-made stuff. It makes the atmosphere so fun!! Of course, then I waited for the awards ceremony and got my gold medal!!!!


The engine.