OMG! This swim was the toughest swim I have ever done. I had to self talk my way through both loops. I guess the first 200 yards was OK, but then I got in to far and lost the group and then started hitting those swells and it was all over for me. I am a cork out there. I pretty much bobbed the whole way out and across to the 2nd turn buoy then I was able to ride the waves back in somewhat. I kept getting mouthfuls of water and I kept getting thrown all over the place. I finally got through with the first lap in 57 min. and stopped on the beach to have a gel. I really did not want to get back in. A team coach was there that I knew and he said "what have you got to lose, you have 1 hr. and 23 min." So, I went. Hated every second of it. I just went from bouy to bouy the whole way out and would stop at every bouy that I was somewhat close to and hang on to it and count to 10 then proceed to the next one. Drank even more water. I'm going to be lucky if I don't get Giardia. Ended up throwing up a couple of times out there. FINALLY got to the turn bouy and made my way across that 100 meters of hell. Stopped a kayak once and almost quit, but found out I still had some time, so continued on. Rounded the second red bouy and rode the waves back in. Mentally exhausted when I hit the beach. Had no idea how I was going to go on.

I really need to work on my arm turnover so I am not such a bobber out there when things get rough.

Got my suit removed and my bag and headed into change tent. Just kept moving forward. The gal helping me was trying to hurry me along a little, but I told her I was taking my time I needed to get it together. Finally got my socks, shoes, bike shirt, helmet and gloves on. Applied deodorant and put some biofreeze on my arms. Stopped and got sunscreen since I knew I was going to be on the bike forever. Headed out over the mat, got on the bike and headed out.

Nothing if conditions were the same. Hopefully next time the swim will be better and I'll be able to just go.

Well, I knew after that swim this race was just going to become a matter of survival and making the cutoff times. I headed out towards Higgins and I was still feeling pretty ill from all the lake water and air swallowed, very bloated and a little sea sick. Just set a goal of getting from aid station to aid station. I told myself I could stop at every one if I needed to. The first hour was definately the toughest. A lot of self talking, not sure if I could make it, etc. After that started feeling pretty good. I have a triple crank so I put it in that small granny gear for every little incline and all the big hills. Felt like I handled the bike well. Had to watch my line because, of course, I started getting passed by the pros and then some of the faster AG. The first time through the hills my legs felt great. They never did burn. I mabey could have gone a little faster, but I was soooo tired and I wanted to save something for the marathon. Ended up taking a 5-10 min. break at every other aid station. Definately had it's ups and downs, but didn't have to play the mental game the whole way through the bike anyway. On all the hills the second loop I would think about Eminem's song "Till I Collapse" and I would say the opening lines to myself over and over again. About mile 90 I started planning my run/walk strategy for the marathon. For nutrition I had South Beach Diet bars in bite size pieces in my bento box that I would snack on whenever and then I would have a gel and 4 endurolytes every hour. I had one bottle of water or GU20 every hour alternating. I did have some gatorade on the way back in the second loop just because I was craving sugar. Also at the 1/2 way aid station took 2 asprin and applied some biofreeze to my legs.Also applie chamois cream every time I used the porta potty. Thank goodness I'd found those little travel sizes.

Nothing. Couldn't have done any more.

T'2 went pretty well. Stayed in my same clothes. Forgot my endurolytes in my tansition bag.

Make sure I have everything.

I starting the run thiking I would be happy just getting one loop done. I had it in my head I would go until I couldn't move forward anymore or I didn't make a cut off. Walked up pretty much every hill both loops. The first loop was more running than walking. Felt pretty good. When I would walk I would try to walk a 4-4.5 mph pace so I was moving along pretty well. Caught up with one of my training partners at the 21.5 mile marker. She had walked the whole thing. I debated going on, but in the end I thought what is another 15-20 minutes at this point really. So I walked in with her and had a nice visit. It was really starting to hurt everywhere to run anymore anyway. I thought we were moving a little faster than we were, but we got her done with plenty of time to spare. We did run from the corner all the way down Sherman. One upside of walking most of a marathon is that you can eat pretty much anything without worry of stomach upset. Wound up getting pretzels at every other aid station to replace the endurolytes. Not sure how well that would have worked out if I had been pushing harder. For nutrition on the run I alternated gels and pretzels every other aid station. I was glad they still had decaf gels. I drank water (lots) and gatorade (a swallow or two) each aid station. Also took some asprin and put biofreeze on my legs at the 13 mile mark.

Nothing.

Crossed the finish line, got medal, hat and TECHNICAL shirt(it's about time), photo op. Walked over and got some food. Walked to the car and headed home. Had planned on sitting in our hot tub that is now filled with cold water but I took a cold shower to clean off before getting in it and just couldn't bring myself to go sit in it. Had pbj and chocolate milk and went to bed.


Pretty much gave everything to that swim. Need to swim fater.


Well, I figure after this race I have nowhere to go but up. I am still pretty proud of myself for finishing considering I'm just over a year out from my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Just glad to be here and be healthy enough to do it. Will definately work on speed and strength training for next year since I'm already signed up!