6 laps in the Keller natatorium, which is where I do most of my swim training. Jason & I got in line and the butterflies started going off in my stomach. I had to pull out my May mantra... "Why do we do this? Cause its FUN". The best part is while we were waiting I got to lean up against Jason. He was nice and warm.

The pool wasn't as cold as usual, and we had the whole lane to swim in. I was pretty much on my own for the whole thing and even passed a few people

I don't worry about speeding through transition. I figure I'm in it for the haul I may as well get done what I need to get done.

It rained while we were in the pool, so everything was a little bit damp pulling it on.

The best part was Jason was still out there, so I got a kiss before he took off on the bike.

Like I said it had rained while we were in the pool, so the streets were a little bit damp. It was also kinda chilly out there. We'd driven the route the day before and knew we had some hills to contend with but nothing too bad. The roads were wide, and very safe. There were lots of police out there keeping us going through the lights. They were so awesome standing out there in th rain for us. Oh yeah, it started up raining again while we were on the bike. It wasn't too bad, but it was coming in my eyes when I was trying to take advantage of some down hills. You had to do 2 loops, and I think I got better on the second loop, because I knew where I could take advantage of things. I got passed many many times, but I also got to pass a few people too.

Oh and I started remembering one of my favorite parts about tri, everyone is so nice. I would get encouragement....as the other biker was flying past me!

Get better on hills. I'm going to work on my hill repeats this winter. I've also got to get a faster cadance. I have such slow turnover!

As I was walking the bike in I saw Jason looking like he was getting ready to take off. I hollered at him and he waited around and talked to me as I switched into my running shoes. He runs wya faster than me, so he gave me a kiss and we took off for the last section.

I settled in to my run. We had walked the course yesterday, so I knew what to expect. I really need to do that on all my runs...that way I can coach myself through the hard bits! As always run is my weakest section, so I just wanted to run it all. At my last race it was hot and horrible, so I had to walk/run. For my mental state it is better for me to run the whole thing slower than I could go if I did a run/walk combo...anyways. SO I settled into my trudging schlep! It was still raining out, but our course put us under some trees so it wasn't too bad. Again everyone was so encouraging as I ran. I loved it. THere were also a few people out in costumes. In fact, there was one guy who had a shark fin on his back, so there was a shark fin in the water during the swim. That rocked!! As I approached the turnaround, I saw Jason on his way back (no we didn't kiss this time :p...leave us alone, we're newlyweds). Right about that time the heavens opened an the rain poured down. Luckily it didn't stay really hard for very long, but it still sucked eggs. At that point all there was left to do, was turn around and run another 1.5 miles home. I knew I was going to be able to run the whole way...so I tried to keep my head up as much as possible, and talked myself through the rest of the course. CUrsing the uphills and enjoying the downhills!

I have got to start running again. It makes me feel good when I can run. I look good when I'm running. I just have to suck it up and find the time to do more than just a few 2 milers at lunch during the week. I think I'm going to figure out a run plan to get me to the Turkey trot this year. I Have such great memories of running it with May and Sheila....I want to do it again...this time without puking at the end.

Jason was there for the last kick of therun. I managed to put a smile on my face for the pictures. We headed over to our transition area and had to pick up our sopping wet gear. I picked up the towel I was using and rivers of water ran from it. It was CRAZY.


My lack of training


I really enjoyed the race. The fact that it was 9 miles from the house didn't hurt anything. It was so nice to do it with Jason and he kicked major butt on this thing that he trained and ran to help keep me motivated and moving....even though he hates to run. It was good. I'm starting to remmber why I like this sport. Now I just need to find the time and mental toughness to start training for real again!