In the week leading up to the race the water temps were above wetsuit legal temps. We had a bit of a cool down and some rain in the days prior so I took my wetsuit just in case. But then I got to the race site and decided to leave it in the car. It turned out that the water was 75 degrees come race time. I didn't feel like walking back to get my wetsuit so I swam without it.

We did a time trial start with an awkward run down a ramp and then a leap into the water. I wish I had video of my ungraceful entry into the canal. We could all have a good laugh about it I'm sure. Graceful or not I made it into the water and was on my way. It was a fairly uneventful (and slow) swim with little traffic and not much need at all to sight. I had my usual five minutes of torture trying to settle into a good rhythm but I finally found my groove and cruised to the finish.

I really need to find a way to relax at the start of the swim. I always spend the first few minutes of the swim hating the fact that I ever took up triathlon and vowing to never do one again.

Rank - 59. This was a smooth and easy transition. I was in. I was out. I was on my way.

Like riding the cobbles at the Tour de France. I think they picked the worst roads in town for us to ride on. I also almost got hit by a dumb ass in a car who, for some unknown reason, decided that he needed to be in the lane that was clearly marked off and was chock full of cyclists. He was so unbelievably clueless that it was almost funny.

About half-way thru the bike segment I realized that I needed to pee. I actually contemplated stopping at a gas station that was on the route. The bushes also looked inviting. Instead, I kept pedaling forward and decided to make a pitstop in T2.

Rank - 82

I got my bike racked, changed my shoes, grabbed my race belt and visor and looked deperately for a porta-potty. I asked a volunteer and she pointed some out that were way off course. I decied to forego the long trek and see if I could find a nice quite spot on the course.

I frantically searched for an appopriate place for a nature break. I never found one. I did, however, find some pace booty. A gal in a pink tri suit passed my early on in the run and I spent the rest of the race trying to pass her back while simultaneously trying not to pee myself. It kept my mind occupied and helped the miles fly by. I never did catch the pink lady - I got close but she out-kicked me at the end - and I never did get a chance to pee.

I said a quick hello to my mom and then it was a beeline for the thankfully deserted porta-potties. I can't believe I raced with a full bladder for as long as I did. I might actually be more impressed with that than with my finishing time. I'm more than pleased with how the day played out and I'm tickled pink with my run time. I'm getting better on the run with each passing month. If I learn to ride my bike I might actually turn myself into a mediocre triathlete!