Well, I felt good and could see my OWS training paying off. For the first time ever in a race I was in the middle of arms and legs. That was interesting! I also lost my roadid as it got knocked off my arm.

I don't know, I felt comfortable without being too winded, actually got a little pace down and did a lot more freestyle than I usually do, so just more of the same would be fine. I was amazed that I was almost 4 minutes faster than last year - the current was more favorable then!

Long run up the beach and across the parking lot made T1 seems longer. I felt pretty uncoordinated getting into my shoes, I think it was all the sand I wanted to be sure and get off my feet.

Toughen up my feet.

GORGEOUS views and sun rising over the Sunshine Skyway. You just had to love it. I still didn't want to push too hard as I was coughing some. I felt like I got passed by a lot of people, which apparently I did. The rest of them got me on the run. I did however manage to pass a few as well.

Not much except go harder when I am healthier. I was surprised the pace was what it was given how easy it felt like I was riding. I bet I could get 20mph here on a good day of really racing.

Again I felt kinda space in transition, but nothing serious.

I need a new race belt. I accidentally gave away my favorite type and now have one that the number keeps falling out of. I am also not too fast at getting my new visor on

Well, I was slow as dirt. I felt very heavy - not tired or anything, but slow and fat. Which, honestly, I am right now. I've put on 5lbs instead of taking off 5-10, so that puts me almost 15lbs more than I should be. AND, I could have raced Athena and come in 4th place - I didn't realize that some races have Athena start at 140. Anyway, the run wasn't too painful, just slow. I talked to a lot of people. The rest of my age group passed me. I had fun, and finished with a big smile.

Lose weight, seriously, that's the best thing I can do for my running right now. Thought I might set my lycra on fire there with the thigh rub!

I was sick the week before. I was so sick on Wednesday that I didn't see any way I would be able to compete. Felt good enough by Friday to just give it a whirl, take it easy and have fun. Which I did! This is just such a great venue for races and my family has fun, too.


This year there was less of a party atmosphere, and no bbq/cookout. It looked like there were some sandwiches being made, but most stuff was pretty picked through by the time I got there. Last year's event, and post even party at Columbia Restaurant, were far and above this years, but it still beat most races I've done, and was a lot of fun.