Still not sure what happened here. I got in the water, started swimming and by the first 100 meters, I was done. I had no arms, no legs and I couldn't breath. Did I go out too fast? I don't think so. My arms just felt like jello from the get-go. I actually thought I was going to have to flip over on my back or even be pulled. I resorted to the breastroke for a few strokes to catch my breath and then I just decided to 'survive'. I continued on but, subconsciously, my brain was trying to get back to shore b/c every time I sighted I was headed right back to shore. I just can't swim counter-clockwise I guess. ;)


Not catch 'the croup' the night before the race.

Seriously though, I need to do more of a real warmup. I just didn't have the energy or where-with-all to do that this morning.

Long run from the water to the transition area. I was actually VERY dizzy and stumbled around the transition, half knocked my bike off the rack and almost passed out. Oops. Luckily, Wade was there to talk me through it. I stopped, took a few deep breaths and continued on . I was a little worried that my Vertigo was back, given how bad I felt in the water. But once I got on the bike I was okay.

Not get so dizzy?

I was a little worried headed out of transition b/c I had felt so bad in the water. I thought "it's going to be a long day". But I was pleasantly surprised -- I felt great on the bike. I was able to catch a couple of girls within the first mile or two. All in all, I was only passed by one female on the bike (an awesome Athena, no less).

Nothing.

Nice small transition area made for a fast transition time. Don't think I've ever been in and out in under a minute.

Nothing.

The first mile was slow and painful. I started stitching from the get-go but I consciously controlled my breathing and was able to keep the stitches to a minimum. My mile 4 I felt pretty good and was able to pick up the pace a bit as long as I kept my breathing controlled. Felt like I might pass out when I crossed the finish line so I must have been doing something right. ;)

Still need to figure out why I stitch. This only happens during tris, not during training or in running races. The only thing really sore today is my stomach from where I stitched, not my legs?!?!?

Considering I've been injured for almost a year and this is only the 3rd time since Dec that I've run 6 miles or more, I'm very pleased with this run.

Found Jeff and Wade, cheered Eric in and then went to the van and stretched.


Who knows? I did the best I could on that given day. And I'm happy with that.


Beautiful race course. Given the opportunity, I will definitely do this race again. Mentally, I had one of the best races all year. I was able to keep the negative voices at bay and really enjoy being out there.