My wave was last and my goal time was 40 minutes. Over the loud speaker, the announcer said if we were having problems during the swim, we could raise our hand and a kayak/lifeguard would come over to us and we could hold on to the boat until we felt better and could continue to swim. We would not be disqualified as long as the boat didn’t pull us forward. Those were the most comforting words of the day! Our wave started and I was off, I started in the middle of the pack looking for someone to draft off of. I took it slow and followed a girl until the end…it was perfect because she did most of the navigating and the feeling of not wanting to lose her kept me going. To my surprise, I was not last getting out of the water! It was too hot for a wetsuit but 95% of the competitors were wearing them and I would wear it again.

Swim more in open water and in the pool

I was feeling great, I ran out of the water and saw my friends and yelled to them, “I did it and I didn’t even stop” and then I tripped over my feet and fell into the sand. I heard them laughing which made me laugh – volunteers rushed over to see if I was ok and I told them I was although I had no idea if I was or wasn’t. I ran over to my bike assessing the damage – there was none – I was ok other than my pride was a bit shattered. It didn’t matter though because I had finished the hardest part – the swim. Then I heard, “Carolyn, you’re doing great!” I looked up and it was Bill and Jo – I don’t even know if I acknowledged them but they made me feel soooooooo good! Transition was fast and I was ready to get on the bike!

Practice swim to bike transition and taking off my wet suit

I clipped into my pedals and I was off but I felt completely drunk so I took a gel. I felt like I gave it all on the swim and had nothing left. Two people passed me on the bike and I was getting so discouraged – this is my strongest leg and I’m doing horrible! I was all over the lane and almost drove into the ditch. My mind was playing games with me – at 2k I thought, I could stop now and its fine…I accomplished the hardest part, the swim. Then another person passed me and said, “You’re doing good, just get your cadence up and spin for awhile”. So, I clicked into a lower gear and started peddling faster….and it worked! I was afraid to pass people because I didn’t want to play leap frog with them and it was a really hilly route – sure I could pass them going downhill but I didn’t want them to pass me on one of the many climbs. Finally breaking frustrated me because I didn’t want to get a penalty for drafting so I started passing people – I was feeling good again! My friends were on the bike route, snapping pictures and cheering for me – I know it sounds crazy but I was actually starting to have fun!

Practice swim to bike transitions

I was so happy to get off the bike and get started on the run. Hung up my bike, put socks and shoes on and off I went.

Nothing

I met my buddy Todd on the run course and he ran pretty much the whole way with me. I walked during water stations but otherwise ran the distance. Todd said this is the perfect sport for a single guy…where else do you get hot women in spandex telling you that you are looking strong and great! I don’t remember much other than the end of the race. At about 8k my nagging foot injury started to act up and at 9K I just wanted it to be over. I crossed the finish line and started crying like a little baby. Again, a flock of volunteers asked me if I was ok and I said, “yes, I’m just emotional".

Nothing

Walked over to the water table and walked around drinking water, walked to the food tent and walked and ate a cup of fresh fruit and half a bagel with cream cheese. Then I took off my shoes and went back into the lake to cool off the legs.


My weight


The food was awesome – pancakes, fruit, bagels and creamcheese. I won an awesome door prize – bouquet of flowers, technical t-shirt, tin of tea, 2 entry forms for the Sound of Silence 10 k run, and some chain lube.

Thank you to all of you for your support!