It was interesting to swim in the pool. It was disappointing to have to wait so long before getting started, but I think the directors did a good job keeping things flowing.

I would have let that lady pass me and draft off her for a while.

My helmet and sunglasses were knocked off my bike by someone going through the transition before me. I had to run around the rack to get back to my helmet... and I actually couldn't find my sunglasses in my efforts to get going. I probably used some inappropriate language as I was running to the mount line about my missing shades... it was VERY sunny out!

I tried putting my helmet on the seat of my bike to cue myself where my bike was... usually I keep it on my handle bars. Maybe I should have stuck with the handlebar route. I thought I had the helmet secured... but apparently not.

I really enjoyed the bike portion. I was passed by the same woman who drafted me on the swim. She said hi and have a good ride... she was riding a nice road bike while I hammered away on the old Mountain Bike. Lots of people did have mountain bike though. I passed someone at the very end of the ride going into the transition. Otherwise, I only saw people coming towards me after the turnaround. I cheered everyone on.

My seat kept sliding down. By the end of the ride, I was almost on my cross bar. I should have gotten off and fixed it, but I did not want to waste time. I probably just wasted a lot of energy with my seat so low. I could not get a full leg extension. I also almost swallowed a May fly. As soon as it hit the back of my throat, I spontaneously spat... needless to say, my spitting skills need work. The bug/lougie came out of my mouth and splattered on my shoulder. Classy. Must improve my farmer's Hork.

For some reason there was NO room on the rack when I got back. The person next to me... probably the same person who sent my helmet flying put her bike in the middle of my spot. I just jammed my bike on top of hers. But then I had to run around to the other side and get my shoes. I also spotted my sunglasses, so I ran around again to grab them. This was a terrible transition.

Try to rack next to someone I know, or next to someone who looks like they know what they are doing. I was a little choked about the whole transition area. But it was partly my fault for not securing my own stuff better.

It was crazy slow. I really started feeling bummed about my run. I have a mental block about speeding up. I was also passed a million times by... everyone behind me. This awesome lady came up behnd me... she must have been a pro... told me to stay focussed and just give her. She was great. I really wanted my run to be under 30 minutes. I just couldn't do it. I try not to live with regrets... but I really should have just tried harder and run faster. I just get into my comfort zone and run. (I did speed up briefly when a wasp was chasing me, I HATE WASPS). Hmmm. Maybe that should be my new training method.

I don't know what to do about speeding up my run. It is such a struggle for me to speed up with running. While I feel like I could run forever, I can't speed up. I really need to start speed training. Or even start learning to run again. I don't know.

I crossed the finish line and wandered around looking for Mike... couldn't find him... wandered some more. Ate a banana, banana, cookie. I was tired. After a race, I can't make a decision to save my life. Oreo or choco chip, oreo or choco chip... Hmmmmm... can't decide... ohhh look a dog... hmm, I wonder where Mike is... maybe I should move my bike... oh wait... oreo or choco chip. Post Race Stupids I guess.


Mental Blocks. My love of racing in my comfort zone.


The venue was great and I really appreciated racing with all women. I would also say that over half the field wer first timers. I thought that was great. I was irritated about the long wait for the start, but I was happy once we got started. It was just too bad that people were finishing before I ever got in the pool. There were some GREAT door prizes. I got a VO2/LT testing session with a sports lab. They also had an inspirational story competition and they selected me as the winner. I don't think I am all that inspirational, but hey, they picked me. Check out the site if you want... http://www.leapingdogracing.com/tri_heroines.html

I would definitely do this race again!