Swim went pretty well. I passed two and was passed by two or maybe three. I felt good and didn't get out of breath. I concentrated hard on remaining calm and relaxed (as much as possible) which really helped. I did better than I originally thought I could do. I turned in a time of 12:00 for the pool swim so I was happy with 9:05. There were a couple of times that the folks in front of me were slowing me down and I had to stop and stand up. Other than that, it went well.

Turn in a more accurate time!

I was a little winded coming out of the pool so I did a slow jog from the pool to the transition area. I knew right where my bike was and had no problems finding my spot. I threw my goggles and cap down, sat down, dried off my feet, put on my gloves, socks, shoes and helmet. I grabbed my bike and walked somewhat carefully in my shoes (I'm not used to them yet). I crossed the mounting line and had trouble getting my cleat into the clip. I took my time since I didn't want to FALL! This was only my second time to ride with my new clip pedals. So I was nervous. Once I got my first foot clipped in, I pushed off and the other one clipped in pretty easily.

Practice running in my cleats and clipping in.

I didn't have much energy during my ride. I was struggling to maintain even a slow speed of around 14mph. I was passed up by a couple of people at the beginning of my ride (one of them being my friend, Jamie, from my gym). Then I made my first turn...the scenery was really nice. I think I was focusing more on that than cycling. I saw some horses and one was really pretty...he had his head over the fence and was intently watching the cyclists. I couldn't help myself...I had say "Hi" to him. He (or she) had really beautiful crystal blue eyes. After that encounter, I saw a guy on the side of the road fixing the chain on the mountain bike. (He was the only person I passed! LOL) I was feeling good about myself! LOL
I was passed by some more cyclist and then low and behold - the mountain bike guy passed me too! I tried so hard to keep up with him. I stayed behind him for most of the ride...getting close and then he would speed up again everytime someone passed us. I never was able to pass him...but I stayed not far behind. I tried to stay hydrated during the ride and only drank one of my bottles of Accelerade.

I am going to lengthen my ride distances to increase my stamina and speed.

T-2 time was included in the bike time.

I don't know...since I don't know how long I took! I think it went okay. I CAREFULLY dismounted before the line and ran into the transition area. I racked my bike and changed shoes. I removed my gloves and helmet. I put on my cap and took off.

Time included T-2 and cycling time.
My low back didn't bother me too bad on the swim or bike but it really was bothering me during the run. I walked alot of the run. Towards the last mile of the run...I started getting abdominal cramps on my left side.
I was tired and wasn't feeling good and I STRUGGLED with the run. When I began approaching the finish line...I heard my friends and family yelling for me...I saw Jeanette and JL cheering me on...then I heard Joe really yelling...I mustered up the last bit of energy I had and ran in across the finish line. (Thanks Joe and Bonnie!) My daughters and Randy were cheering me on at the finish line!!! I did it!!! The ice cold towel was nice at the finish. Robert (tag) came and congratulated me on the finish. Then I headed to get some food. My brother came over and we congratulated each other. I ate and talked to friends and family. Then, we noticed that the transition racks were being dismantled, so we headed to get our stuff before our bikes were set on the ground.

Run...run...run. No more elliptical training since the knee is better.

I ate food with the cold towel on my neck.


I still weigh too much.


I will do it again next year! I need to beat my 2006 time!