Last time I was in that lake I left by ambulance, so it was a real rush for me to finish strong. I realized going into it, though, that I have no clue as to how to pace myself for a good strong swim. So, although I am fairly pleased with this time considering I was WAY too far out on the outside up and back, I'm pretty confident that I could go faster, too, without killing myself. I still had some nausea for the 1st 50 yards or so, but never succumbed to breast stroking - the ginger pill & earplugs really seemed to help the motion sickness. And, don't know why I didn't experience SIPE this time, but between my blood pressure being better controlled, sleeves on the suit, double-neoprene cap, & a little under-hydration, plus warmer water temp, it all came together.

I was encouraged to hug the right shore then cut over towards first turn buoy. I think I might start more aggressively next time - perhaps not quite so far to the right, and cut over sooner.

greeting the adoring fans takes time!

hurry

Auspicious start: halfway up the hill for bike-out, realized I'd forgotten my sunglasses. Dropped Bikey on the spot and ran back for the glasses - knew it'd be worth it.

I really can't complain (otherwise!) about the ride. This is the best pace I've ever had on that course, and far faster than my "healthy" ride last November. I used my granny gear liberally & without shame, and it saved my hip on the hills. My plan was high cadence/low gear on every hill, but I've lost so much strength that I couldn't keep up the cadence even in my lowest gear. Made the most of having fun with all the great spectators and volunteers, which made the ride fun. And, the route's so pretty, and with such perfect weather, it was truly a glorious ride. Once I hit that last block on the way to the park, I just couldn't stop grinning - it was a blast!

nothing. wish I could've trained for it, lol!

I knew I was in no rush, so no biggie

Really a misnomer for me to call this a run - more like a shuffle-jog. I had cramps in parts of my legs that I didn't know could cramp. I probably stopped to stretch every half mile or so, if not more often, but was pleased that I was able to jog part of every mile. I really wondered if I'd be able to finish at first it hurt so badly (esp - oddly - outside of my ankles, and inside of my knees), but I took really small steps, slowed way down, and got through it.

train!!

cried


my damn body! ankle sprain January, torn hip muscles March. Had worked my way back up to running 3 miles, very slowly, by race time.


The most important part for me was to just show up - I race for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, so just being on the course was important to me. Too much cancer in my life, and I love being part of Team Fight. It was also a great life lesson in accepting the body I have, and not the one I'd planned to race with. I may be injured, but I know how lucky I am to be as healthy as I am, so this was something I needed to do, however "well" I was able to compete.