This swim was not quite as good as it was on Sat. I had a very hard time catching consistent feet. It was still a decent swim, so I have no real beef.

Line up in the wave closer to the front to try and get a better start.

pretty solid T1. It was 15 seconds longer than sat. T1, but the run in was just a little longer. Had a small issue with getting on my riding shoes, which was probably the bigger issue.

Overall happy with the consistency.

I ended up with a dry mouth by the end of the ride. Think I needed to push some more fluids. Also should have put at least one more gel in the flask.

train. Lack of hill training really showed. I was forced to sit up more than I would have liked, and out of the saddle a bunch to get the blood moving some more.

This was an ok T2. Went for some electrolight tabs to help with possible GI and cramping issues. Got razzed by one of the former RDs for not enough hustle. He was right, but it was all in fun.

Not much, I was tired

Goal #1, finish. Goal #2 not walk. Goal #3 have fun. Mission accomplished on first two, and considering that I was redlining the whole run, I will accept #3 as done as well. Got passed a ton, but got some great encouragement. Also ended up with someone to run with around mile 5. Again, I picked up a run walker, and had her slow down to stay running. She put together a great kick in the last 1/4 mile as we entered the grassy area. It is great satisfaction to help someone put together a strong finish. I know the feeling well from the Sudbury finish this year.

When the run started, I figured I would walk run, but decided to see what I had. I knew I put almost everything I had into the bike and saved only a little. I even tried to re pass Glen early in the bike just to say I did it and see the look on his face. This little stunt was not the best idea, but was fun, and that is what it is all about.


train, what else is new.

Here I died. Two years ago, I laid down totally spent and ended up with EMTs all over me to make sure I was ok. I stumbled over to a chair and sat down. I think DK and Scott came over first. My nose was going numb, and I was afraid I would get a bloody nose. I also felt like I would pass out at any minute. When I push with the IV or bust mentality, I keep pushing harder and getting closer to it. This race was BRUTAL! By no means was it my fastest, but tactically, I think it was my best.

I had to ask a volunteer to get me a bagel that was on a table less than 10 ft away. I knew I desperately needed the carbs, but could not stand to get them. I am pretty sure I would have passed out if I had tried.

Next I think Glen and Joann came by. The carbs from the first bagel started to kick in and after about 25 minutes, or what seemed like that long, I stood back up. Grabbed a second bagel 1/2 and started to shuffle out of transition. I think it took about 10 minutes to walk the less than 1/2 mile from the finish line to transition. I wanted to grab my crocs so I could go for a dip in the lake.

On the way to transition, I started to think clearer. I also tried to put into perspective what I had just done. On May 1 of 2012, I had heart surgery. Mentally, I was unprepared to start working out again even though I had the all clear from the docs.I deferred my entry to Cranberry to use this year. Throughout the weekend, I tried to remember how lucky we are to be able to choose to put ourselves through these physical tests as a hobby.It is an expensive sport and that can limit many people from attempting to race. This was quite humbling.

At this point, I was already emotional when I came up with a profound thought. I raced as hard as I safely could on the bike, leaving a little something to try and run the whole last leg. I just put my head down and paced to Eminem's "Til I collapse" in my head the entire run. I ran slow, I tried extremely hard.. I never hit the wall. Instead, I rand right through it to the other side.

At this point, I had to do everything I could to not just drop to my knees and cry with joy. It was equal if not a greater joy than when I broke 3 hours at this race years ago. This was a slightly expected experience, but much more strong than I had anticipated.

Finally, I made it to the water and sank in. My body responded better than expected. I just kind of sat down let my arms float and closed my eyes. I was looking towards the sun. The feeling I got was as close as I have ever gotten to a religious experience. When I exited the water I was refreshed and could walk normal again. I was almost ready to go out and do it all over just because ( well metaphorically at least).

Joined Scott, DK Glen and Joann for lunch. Joann took first....again. Overall this was a great time.



train damn it!


I so love this race. You know it is good when DK show up on race day to volunteer, and they do not need it. We had such a great time that DK and I actually helped out for the kids race on Sat, after we had raced our sprint. So happy I did this and hope to get the band back together next year.

To add to all of the other great things about today's race, I was actually faster this year on the oly than 2 years ago by over 5 minutes!!!!!