I've been rather stressed with all the travel in the last few weeks. I did not feel well when I woke up. I actually felt like I wanted to puke during the swim. I felt a little seasick which is unusual for me. I took it easy to start off with in the hope that I would settle in, and feel better.

I really thought I was losing it when I was coming back in. I'm trying to sight on the finish arch, and couldn't see it. It turned out it had collapsed. Despite how I felt, I still caught people from earlier waves. It got a little crowded as I came in with the early starters.

Not try to do races on back to back weekends that involve lots of travel by plane, and car.

I couldn't wait to get out on the bike, and see if I could eliminate the sick feeling in my stomach. Too much stress, not enough sleep, and eating out all week. Despite a marginal swim, I came back to a rack full of bikes. (Always a good sign!)

As usual I had my battle with the wetsuit versus the timing chip. I was still feeling a little light headed so I sat down to pull off the wetsuit, and change into my bike shoes.

I was not at my best climbing, but still had enough to pass people. I mixed it up with the guys as usual. (Passing on the climbs, and getting passed on the descents.) I still didn't feel 100% so I probably didn't go as hard as I could have.

At one point I dropped my chain after going back to the small chainring. I was afraid I was going to have to stop, but I switched back to the the large ring, back pedalled a bit, and it jumped back on. When I caught up to someone who had passed me during the drop he said "You look like you've practiced that." Truth be told I've never practiced that before, but I've watched other people on my training rides do it, so I figured it was worth a shot before I stopped and got my hands all dirty, and messed up my red shorts.

I love coming back to empty racks! Clean transition.

Nothing.

I knew I was in the lead in my AG, I just didn't know by how much. This run course is always a little short. It's the only race where my run time comes in under 8:00 per mile, and I know I don't suddenly start running sub 8 miles after doing 8:30 to 8:45 the rest of the season. Knowing that it's a little short allows me to push the pace a little harder.

A lot of guys and younger women pass me, and I pass a few people too. On the way back I start checking out who's coming in the other direction. I'm not sure how far along I was when I see another woman from my age group. She looks like runner. I had scoped her out in the transition area before the race. I pick up my pace a little bit since I have no idea how far ahead I am.

As I get on the last straight away I hear footsteps gaining on me. I have no idea who it is, but I crank it up a notch and outsprint the person. As I crossed the finish line I glance back and see it's a guy who was trying to give me a run for my money.

The usual. Run more, and get a foot transplant. :-)

Walked around a bit.


The stress, and lack of sleep combined with the overall sick feeling I had in the morning.


Keith Jordan puts on a great race. I love his events!