A very good swim. My coldest swim ever, but a good warm up right before was helpful. Got really choked on water for about a minute. Called over a kayaker so I could maybe not drown, Then, it was back to swimming.

My goggles were the foggiest they've ever been, so I'm glad this was a short race.

Someone had knocked the helmet off my bike onto the ground, so it took me a few seconds to figure out what happened. How rude.

I totally need more time in the saddle, but for what I've put in after knee surgery, I'm OK with this time.

It was nice not to have to bother with a race belt.

Got confused about which way to go for the run, so that was annoying.

Something strange happened when I saw the run turnaround for the mini: I started tearing up. My last triathlon was a half Ironman last year in Muncie, after which I tore my meniscus and had knee surgery this April. I was just so happy to be back racing again, because I love this sport and it felt like coming home.

When I saw the sign, I knew I'd be done soon. I couldn't wait to see Gary; when I did, I started getting teary eyed again.

I felt a little silly — it was just a mini, my shortest tri ever — but when you see your knee the size of a softball and can barely walk after surgery, you appreciate the "mini" things in life. I was grateful and happy.

Forgot to stretch, so I'm feeling it this evening. Ate half a banana and half a PB&J sandwich.