I started out faster than I'm used to, and the first mile is always the hardest for me. The rest of the racers quickly took off before me, and I was by myself again. Its hard sometimes to see how slow I really am. But I got over it fast because I was doing this thing! So I refocused on me. My HR was up there in zone 4 and I figured I should walk a little to slow it down. But it wasn't coming down so I just kept jogging. Maybe it was nerves. I soon found my pace and stuck to it. By the 2nd mile I felt more comfortable out there. This was the most I've ever run in Zone 4 so it was good to know I could do it. Of course, I couldn't help thinking that I still had a 10 mile bike that I was pretty much dreading, and thought well... I could always chuck it. Then I saw Mimi as I was finishing the Run, and thought NO WAY! She cheered me on and said I was doing great. And I was.

Nothing.

Felt good, grabbed my bike and the half eaten bar, my helmet, and I was off. Everybody else was already way ahead. There was some cheering for me, and I heard the announcer call my name. That was cool!

Have something else to eat.

It was still cold and windy so the beginning of the bike felt really cold. But I, somehow, felt amazing! I went all out on the bike. I really did. My HR was in that same Zone 4 range. I didn't have any pain in my shoulders or wrists. I just kept going and going. The first lap was easier than the 2nd. Starting with I missed the entrance to the 2nd lap and went around again. I could've kept going but decided no cheating was allowed! The wind felt stronger on that 2nd lap, but I got lost in my own thoughts (what they were I can't remember), and before I knew it I was at the turn-around. Around this time my fingers starting numbing on me. I kept pushing it and pushing it. No way I was quitting now, and what a difference this was from the last DU I did, right here on this course, 7 months ago, and how many times I thought about quitting on that bike. I was done!

Spend more time on the bike. Buy a new bike that properly fits me.

I saw Mimi as I got off the bike. I hear her say that I'm ahead of my planned time for finishing! Woo-hoo! What a shot in the arm it was to hear that! I figured as much from my Polar, but couldn't tell for sure because I wasn't hitting the lap button on time. I got off the bike and my legs were spaghetti! I couldn't run! Oh my God it was bad! But I racked the bike, and grabbed my cap and water bottle, and set off. People were coming in and out of transition and I was still racing... hel-lo people!

Practice more.

The first mile was hard. I couldn't get my legs and just decided to walk but soon enough I started running again. As I approached completing the first mile it dawned on me... I was going to finish this! I couldn't believe it! I started to cry... out there near the lake and approaching the wooded area... I cried. I thought about this being my 4th month since surgery, and what a miracle it had made in my life. I was overwhelmed. But... I sucked it up quick because I still needed to finish. I walked a little more, and then picked it up again. I was sure I was going to beat my time from last July's DU. And I did! Mimi was cheering for me, and telling me I blew my time. As I approached the finish I was dancing inside! I got a cheer from the crowd as the announcer called my name as I crossed the finish! Woo-hoo!
The best part is how great my body felt! I wasn't spent. :-)

Practice more bricks.

Didn't really warm down. I just made sure to drink Accelerade and eat a banana. By this time they were handing out the awards. Mimi hung out for a little while before she had to get back to her family. We also met another BTer who had finished the race. Big O (Owen) was there with his wife and it was great that they came up to us. I'm finishing my banana when I hear my name called by the announcer. I had won 1st place in my division! What a surprise that was! What was particularly cute and funny was that I was the only one in my division! LOL! And I said as much to the crowd as I went up and received my plaque. I was a bit of a ham when they took my picture. Mimi took a picture for me too. This was some unexpected icing on the cake! Very cool! Mimi told me I had definitely earned this. It turnes out I beat my time from last July's DU by 30 minutes! Is that fabulous or what?


Extra weight, not enough experience and training on the bike.


What a fabulous race I had this morning. Considering the low expectations I had due to my bike issues, I had an outstanding race! Mimi reminded me how much better and faster I would be with a proper road bike. I can't wait to get my new bike! It was so great that my BT bud was there! Thanks Mimi. You're the best! On the way home I was high, singing out loud in the car to Michael Buble! I was Feeling Good!
I couldn't help but think of my SIL and what she's going through with her brother in the hospital. So I stopped by on the way home, told her my story, and gave her the plaque I had won. She got a kick out of that, especially the part about being the only one in my division. What can I say - she thinks I'm nuts! Hopefully, when she's having a hard day with her brother, she'll find a smile creeping on her face when she sees it. She was instrumental in my having the surgery 4 mos ago today. She's going through so much now.
I love this race. May even do it again in July to see if I can beat my time AGAIN!