Callaway Gardens Tri- RACE RECAP

We traveled to Atlanta to see friends, go to a concert, go to a ball game, have an awesome time, and then race on the way home. Our friends signed up for the 5K event held the same morning.  The event was about an hour and a half outside of Atlanta, where we were staying; meaning it was an early morning!  We were up at 0345, in the car at 0430, and on site at a little after 0600 (the 5K start was at 0750 and the tri started at 0800). 

The swim portion was set to be a 1K swim (.6 miles), but due to other events in the lake later in the day it was cut to a 650m swim (.4 miles).  The good news is we had been warned by the guys setting up next to us in transition that there was a good chance of this happening since the race often cut the swim portion short.  The sun was in a bad place as we swam, once we made the first turn any breathing to the left would leave you seeing spots.  On the second turn spotting the buoys in front was a challenge (it was clearly throwing some athletes off).  The water was warm, so we still are not sure why a few people had on wetsuits, maybe for practice for another race or maybe they like saunas. 
For me the swim was good, I felt strong and focused. I was the second female out of the water overall and in my age group, like I said I felt strong.
There was a slight delay before the women went off due to a male competitor who was needing assistance (there were actually a few of them but this guy was needing a lot of assistance and was no where near the few lifeguard boats).  The RD and the women were screaming for the lifeguard boat noting the swimmer in distress.  After a few minutes some of the men in relay and Clydesdale went after the guy.  I feel horrible not having gone after him and I don't know why I did not go out to help.  Once the other swimmers got to him the lifeguard boat came over and began to assist the swimmer. 
The delay for the women was only a few more minutes.  Some in our group still caught up with men who were struggling through the last portion of the water. 

The bike course was 30K (18.6 miles).  The course was rolling hills with lots of 90 degree, sharp, turns.  These turns were at tops of hills and bottoms of hills making it a dangerous course.  we were told in the pre-race safety meeting that there would be spotters out on the course telling us to slow down and making us aware of these dangerous turns.  There were no spotters, we were on our own to see the turns and hit the brakes, this is not easy coming down a hill.  To top off an already dangerous situation many riders were not using any type of etiquette out there.  They were in the middle of the lane (and bikes were going both directions on a very narrow road with cars too) making passing difficult, I had to cross the yellow line on two occasions due to this type of riding, even after yelling on your left several times.  A few groups were riding consistently at two wide, again making it difficult to pass them.  The usual poor manners was happening too- not calling out a pass, passing close when there was room, and drafting through the turns (it was not a USAT event).  The turns being unguarded and the inefficient passing caused Patrick to end up on the road. 

He wrecked about 6 miles from the bike finish.  There were a few factors in causes for the accident: 1) No spotters or signs telling cyclist to slow and 2) a female rider hanging out in his blind spot and coming to the inside during the turn and 3) he was going too fast and realized too late.  factors of the course, the competitors, and himself created a perfect storm at the most imperfect time.  Later he would tell me he slid about 10 feet on the road and then tucked and rolled to the grass.   A gentleman who we had passed recently noted our like jerseys and sped up to me to tell me about the accident.  I knew where he went down because I knew where the unsupervised turn was located.  I also was still feeling guilty over not helping earlier and needed to know if Patrick was back up on the bike.  I thanked the guy for telling me (the guy was nervous about telling me and not wanting to "ruin' my race), I safely turned back and went to go find him.  I found him and yelled to ask if he was okay, with a "yes" for an answer, I turned again.  The problem was at this point I had no speed and was turning mid-hill, poor planning on my part.  I was asked several times if I was okay and answered "yes".  I hoofed it back to Patrick and followed up on his current state.  He was scraped up and bruising but not bleeding.  He told me he was again okay and still felt good; he also told me I should not have come back to check- yeah like that was an option.  He gave me the go ahead to bike on and to race my race.  I felt bad leaving him but figured he was on high alert and was going to be cautious to the remainder of the race.
As I came into to T2, I alerted our friends to Patrick's condition in order to have extra eyes checking on him. 
My end speed was 19.7 mph (good for me) and placed me 9th in my age group in the bike.

The run was 4.9 miles of beautiful scenery.  The problem I had on the run was for the last 1.9 miles there was no water stop and no support.  This was also a steady uphill section until the last fourth of a mile.
I expected people to be nicer on the run saying "good job' or something back when spoken to- I mean we were racing in the south, people.  but few said anything to me.  On the run I lost ground in my age group and in the race, I fell back to being racked 14th in my age group.
After turning I was glad to see Patrick, who was steady.  He was about a half mile behind me. I was having a rough run to begin with but I was glad to loosen up in the second half.  while there was no water later in the course I actually felt better in this race portion. 
I was glad on the last turn to see our friends again.  They were comfortably waiting under a tree, a place I wanted to be. But first I had to push past the guy in front of me.  The guy and I shared a few words towards the finish then he said to me 'you take this one".  Seriously dude!!  No sir, you fight- and he did--- but I beat him. :) 

I ended up 12th in my Age Group and 37th female overall.
Patrick ranked 15th in his Age Group and 114th male overall. 


While it all ended well, just a few bumps and bruises, I don't think this race will be on the schedule for next year simply due to poor race management and volunteers.  Safety concerns are a major factor for us and given the technical course there needed to be more, much more, support out there.

This group will be racing together again!

 
   

MPI Sunset tri Race 7- RECAP- THE CHALLENGE

Every now and then Patrick gets this idea that he wants to race me in the sport of triathlon- 14 August 2014 was chosen for a throw-down-challenge (the looser buys dinner type challenge).  It seemed the perfect race for such a challenge: this was the last of the individuals MPI Sunset Tri for the season and it was a course we had both raced previously.
As race day approached the mood in the house consisted of a lot of trash talk, but this is really nothing new for us when it comes to racing.  We call it "motivation".
The race was set up the same as all the others but the weather would be a factor today.  The swim was sheltered until you would pass the first buoy and make that left, then you were facing water churned by the wind.  Also in making the second left the group was suppose to swim to flags placed about 30 feet off the normal swim exit as a measure to clear swimmers from an anchored boat (while both Patrick and I followed the rules and went through the flags before running up to T1, not all racers would be able to say the same).  Patrick had a minute head start on me, due to ladies being a second wave.  I thought this would lead to him being out of T1 by the time I got there and force me to catch him on the bike.  But it turns out I came up just behind him out of the water and may have stepped a foot first into T1.  We had a quick chat of the water conditions while dawning shoes and helmets, then off on the bike one behind the other.  Our friends who were guarding the bike mount line yelled for me to go faster as he was coming up to the line, then I heard them yell for him to go pass me. 

A couple that Tri's together, last forever!!!

the bike was a little more difficult than in races past.  The first turn took us into a crossing head wind.  The good thing is in the first direction the wind is blocked and redirected some by the buildings.  I made the first turn about 2 minutes ahead of Patrick, but I could tell he was pushing.  After this turn it would be about four miles of a crossing tail wind; otherwise known as sailing.  Both of us reached speeds into the 20's.  At the final turn it was 2 miles back into the head wind, this time with no buildings to block the wind's resistance.  Patrick was now about 3 minutes behind me.  I reached T2, without Patrick in sight.  I quickly switched to run shoes and knee braces, knowing he would have a faster transition than me so I could not "dilly dally" (as my mother would say). My right calf did think it was going to try to cramp but we talked it out and agreed now was not that moment.  I was off and running.  Patrick was about 6 minutes behind me at this point. I knew he could make it up on the run, so I tired to push out the run.  Some side pains kept me slow for the first half of the out and back course.  On the way back the sun was setting and Patrick was gaining.  This time when I saw him he was only 3 minutes back.  As I raced to the finish line one of the coaches near the line yells that Patrick is behind me so I kicked in my last 200 yards, only to find out Patrick was not in sight yet.

I finished at 50:48. 

Patrick finished at 52:12; putting only three people between us.  

It was a strong come back!!!

It was a good race and an even better dinner at Phillies!!!!

I believe this challenge will be back for another round next year.  

Alabama Toughman 70.3 - And My Renewed Faith in Ability & Positivity

No more negativity until after IMCHOO.

I don't usually do much of a race re-cap. Mostly, I keep up with  race details in my Dailymile log so that I can track distances in one place. My blog posts are usually an outlet of complaining, and for that I am sorry.

Every time I exercise.

Negativity can be contagious and I shouldn't be putting it out there. I've been in an oddly negative place lately (since May).

Back in April/May I bought some different shoes that didn't quite work out and after we had trained really hard for the Gulf Coast Triathlon, the swim was cancelled and my bike and run was miserable. Although I finished Gulf Coast, that botched performance messed with me mentally and it's taken 3 months to rebound. 

 Saturday was a gigantic leap out of that mindset. Today, I feel a more inspired and positive. 

 Alabama Toughman 70.3 was an add-on race for our schedule. We had set some distance goals for August that included these distances separately, but we didn't plan on doing another 70.3 this close to IMCHOO. Teresa saw a post about Toughman on Facebook, and we decided, "Why the hell not?" It was within our personal will-travel-to-distance, we needed a good practice for IMCHOO, and the entry price was reasonable.

We've continued our IMCHOO training. With a concentration on biking, we did a century ride a week before AL Toughman.  My running has been suffering with a foot injury. My swims have been consistent. I felt good as Toughman approached. I didn't know particulars about the race so I decided to do a little digging and found that the elevation of climb on the bike route was reported as 3072 ft. I stopped digging. I didn't want to know anything else until race day.

As you read further, if you read further, you are going to see that we did a lot of things wrong in the days before AL Toughman. This was the brief event plan for us:

1. Leave Pensacola, FL at 9:00 a.m. Friday.
2. Leisurely drive to Pell City, AL to check into the hotel at 3:00 p.m.
3. Leisurely go to packet pickup and drop off the bikes.
4. Meet some friends for an early dinner.
5. Hotel by 7:30 for final preps and bed.
6. Saturday - 4:30 a.m. - wake up and get ready to kick ass.

Almost eaten by a spider; pulled over to exterminate;
looked left and saw Chattanooga.

This is what actually happened:

1. Leave Pensacola, FL at 9:00 a.m. Friday.
2. Get my Triathlon Bike fitted in Orange Beach, AL.
3. Stop by Under Armour to buy new running shoes in Foley, AL.
4. Head toward I-65 to drive to Pell City, AL at 1:30 p.m. from Foley, AL.
5. Make packet pickup and bike drop off at 6:00 p.m.
6. Meet friends for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Indulge in a tequila shot and a beer. Wait 3 + hours for food.
7. Check into hotel at 10:00 p.m.
8. Final preps and bed by 11:00 p.m.
9. Saturday - 4:30 a.m. - wake up and get ready.

5.5 hour drive becomes 9 hours.

Even with the delays, detours, and surprises, I was extremely excited to participate in the race. This was our 5th at this 70.3 distance. I have had good races and bad races. I knew what to expect from my body. I also knew we were going to be working up hills a lot along the race route.

As we were driving to Pell City, AL, we notice a drastic change in the hills as soon as we were North of Montgomery. I tried to ignore them.

Oh, Boy. Mountains.

I'll admit that I didn't sleep well, but the morning of the race I jumped out of bed as soon as the alarm sounded. We both did our pre-race stuff and grabbed the gear bags to head to breakfast. Yogurt and a banana later we were in the car cruising to Lakeside Park. The only other cars on the road were obviously headed either to the race or out fishing. The weather was perfect. I didn't get any morning chill. Dew covered everything. Transition was well-lit. My rack was easily to find and I had plenty of room. I set my stuff up and Teresa took care of all her stuff. Photos were taken. We visited with other athletes.

I never know where to look on that damn camera.

TGC peeps.

We heard typical grumbles from other participants about the route and heat, etc. Everything went smoothly for us all morning. I had some stomach grumbles (see tequila reference) so there was a bathroom stop on the way to swim start.

Swim

The water was warmer than I expected. It wasn't bath-water-warm, but it wasn't very refreshing either. It was a fresh water lake with no current or noticeable marine life. This was my 1st time swimming any distance with a Tri top. I felt sluggish and couldn't get into a zone. I started in the middle, instead of my usually outside placement and got frustrated with the congestion. I know better. I kept going. It was easy to sight the buoys but I did have some zig-zag. The swim took me about 8 minutes longer than expected, and I had some chaffing under my right arm. The jog to transition was easy. I didn't feel winded or anything. I was a little disappointed in my swim time.

Bike

My transition to the bike took 5:21. For reference, I'm usually in there for 10 minutes. You may call 5 minutes long, and it is, but it is a hell of an improvement for me. The way I figure it, if my happy ass is going to be on a bicycle for 56 miles, it is going to be comfortable. I put on some bike shorts, socks, gloves, a bandana, sunglasses, and sunscreen. I grab some water. pain medicine, chamois cream, and nutrition and pushed off.  I noticed early on that I had some chaffing from the swim, but it didn't really effect the bike portion. I noticed too that I forgot my bike computer. This ended up being a good thing. I didn't have slow numbers to concentrate on. I stayed positive on the ride. I spun up the hills, and pushed down them.

Coolest thing on the bike route:
1967 Charger - For Sale

I deem thee, "2 Inch Lip Flat Tire Bridge"

I stayed ahead of Teresa until mile 32 and was able to keep her in sight for the remainder of the route. My nutrition was lacking and I wasn't hydrated enough, but I did drink consistently so that is improvement. The bike fitting was more of a help than a hindrance. I'm still on the fence about the Adamo Century seat, but my butt seemed pretty comfortable the majority of the distance; especially the last 14 miles. I conquered the hills and  made it back to transition. I was happy with my bike time.

Run

Teresa wants ALL my transition photos
so she can make a 3-hour flip book.

 

I ignored negative people.

My transition to the run took 5:22. How's that for consistency? Again, I'm usually in T2 for 10 minutes. The running joke from Teresa is that I like to kick back and read a magazine. My goal for the run is the same as the bike, comfort. I switch to my running shoes; pull off my bike shorts; Grab some water, wet my bandana and rinse the allergens off my face and out of my eyes, and snap on my run number. Teresa made it in from the bike course a couple of minutes before me. I think she was putting on her first brace when I racked my bike. I watched her leave a few minutes before I started the 1/2 marathon.  My chaffing was enough of an issue that I hit the med tent. It was out of the way but ultimately worth it for the comfort. At this point, Teresa is about 20 minutes ahead of me based on time (she started in a later wave and caught up with me on the bike) and maybe 1/2 mile ahead physically. I wanted to catch her on the run route, but I didn't think I would be able to make up the 20 minutes to beat her time. I made a point to take a water, a powerade, and ice at each water stop. I stayed hydrated and comfortable the entire run. Just as importantly, I stayed positive the entire run. I talked to everyone I passed or paced with. I thanked all of the AWESOME volunteers. I waved at motorists. I smiled. I waved to friends and made new ones. I ignored the sun. I ignored the heat. I ignored negative people.

I was encouraging to others. I kept moving forward. I visualized finishing this race. I visualized finishing IMCHOO. I was proud of my performance on the bike. I was happy. I was excited about IMCHOO. The hills took a lot out of me, but I knew I could finish once I hit the turn-around.

At 6.5 miles, I was over the hump.

I was slow. My right foot started hurting around mile 9 of 13. I was able to take some medicine and push through. At 10 miles I started to push to close the gap with Teresa. She stayed 1/4 to 1/2 mile in front of me the entire route. I was happy with my run, albeit slower than normal.

I finished in 7:32:38. This wasn't my best time (nor is it my worst), but I felt really positive the entire day. I got out of my head and had a good day of swimming, biking, and running. We heard that the climb on the bike was between 2500 and 3000 feet, and the climb on the run was 900 feet.

On left: Happy because a brownie sundae is in his future.
On right: Happy because she beat guy On Left.

Teresa did it in 7:08:04 and qualified for the Toughman Championship in NY.

I surrounded myself with great people and it made all the difference. Gary, Gabby, Tina, Suzanne, Teresa - Thank you! Your attitudes, stories, and inspiration before the race kept me positive and hopeful all weekend. Doug, Kristen, #279 Audrey, #79 Joel, other IMCHOO participants, other AL Toughman participants, Race staff, and Volunteers - Thank you! Your positivity during the race kept me going strong.

 Final Thoughts:

• After this experience, I would sign up for a Team-Magic event in a heartbeat. 
• These long races are 95% mental. When we look back at the races we've completed, I enjoyed the one's that I stayed positive during, regardless of conditions or performance. I didn't allow myself to become enraged because of a cancelled swim, bad biking day, or a miserable run.
• I may be slow, but I will get it done. I have the ability to do this!

 At this point, do you know what we call a 70.3 Triathlon? Saturday... just a typical Saturday.

IMCHOO: Here we come...

  

Thanks for reading!
Set a goal and achieve it!
Keep moving forward!

Girl VS. Bike Seat

Before anyone post telling me about try this or do this, let me say, "I like my newest bike seat.  I have liked every one of my bike seats.  All until that one moment." Let me also let you know I love my shammy cream; yes, it is made for ladies.  Now if you would still like to give tips they are more than welcomed but this post is not about me asking for help but rather it is about my offering help and life lessons.

Lesson One: Know your lady parts!!!  That's right ladies they are your parts and you should know them, what makes them happy and what makes them not happy.  Not the unhappy moments are not always avoidable.  You make think horseback riding in a moments notice on vacation is a good idea.  Perhaps the first hour was great, but the second hour lead to unhappiness.  You may feel great for a 20 mile bike ride but miles 25 is killing you. Know what hurts and what is making it hurt.  
Lesson Two: Your lady parts bruise!!!  Just like any other part of your body your lady parts will bruise if you hit down on a bike seat wrong after missing clipping in to your pedal.  They will also perhaps bruise after a long bike ride.  This is normal, painful but normal.   
Lesson Three: Try to figure out what helps!!!  Things are not one stop shopping when it comes to lady parts, why do you think there is an aisle of feminine products?  Every thing from soothing, to aiding, to blocking.  It isn't easy dealing with being a lady so "just sucking it up" isn't the answer.  Try out creams for before, during and after.  Try different shorts or different biking seats.  
Lesson Four: When in doubt ice helps.  That's right again like other parts cool cloths may help to sooth your lady parts after a long bike ride.  Now remember this is a delicate area, don't touch the ice directly to your parts, use a thick towel between you and the ice bag to provide protection.
Lesson Five: Things change!!!  That's right one small change like weight loos or gain, injury, humidity, Tuesdays, can change everything for your lady parts on a bike.  Be aware that one day of discomfort does not mean to trash it and start all over again or to give up. Again, know your parts and pieces and figure out how to make it better.   
Those are my main five lessons as to lady parts, so now I will tell m story.
I have only had 2 seats on my tri bike.  My first one was a hard but slightly flexing seat.  Very little padding.  And it was great, until it wasn't.  I rode this seat until 3 months ago, so for about 2 years.  It fit well.  Then one day it started to not fit so well and after long rides I had some soreness and discoloration. Also my sit bones would hits if I sat up off the tri bars.  The search then began, first to figure out what was causing this problem, then to figure out how to fix it.  I first tried to adjust my seat, making small, logical adjustments. None of which helped.  Then I started to notice that when I talked about my seat pain several people suggested it being my seat.  Maybe I need to change my seat; it had been 2 years and a few hundred miles.  I took this to the internet, where else would you go for help.  Searching bike seats, bike pains, and solutions, to find the answers all directed me toward needing a new seat.  A seat that would help with positioning, a seat that would keep my sit bones forward, a seat that would take pressure off of areas that don't like pressure, and a seat that works for me.  After much research I took action.  I found my seat and purchased it.  It was beautiful.
  I refused to put my seat on for a day, fearing that if it wasn't the answer that only medical intervention would help- Illogical fears creep in sometimes. I put the seat on, made a few adjustments, and it was riding time.  I think our first ride with this new change was about 20 miles.  It was a wonderful 20 miles.  However, about a day after I noticed bruising at the crease of my leg and hip.  It was small but when I got back on the bike it was clear it was the seat's doing.  I made a few more small adjustments (everything on a bike is small adjustments, tap, tap, tap).  Since then it was great no pain and one happy cyclist.  That was until we hit 101 miles on yesterday's bike ride.  I was feeling it.  I had on bike shorts for padding and shammy cream for glide, but I still was having some pain.  this made me think, "You know why it hurts?  You have ridden 101 miles!"  Sometimes the answer is logical.  While I had completed a few century rides none were on my tri bike and none were on this seat.  Together the farthest the three of us had gone was 56 miles.  This was a big leap, one I am glad I took before IMCHOO. Of course the next day (today) getting on the bike was not too fun, but things were feeling pretty good and gelling together, even in tri shorts. 
The long and short is this, know yourself, trust yourself, make small changes, and ride happy (or as happy as you can).

We made it to 100.

 

Bushwacker 5K- RACE RACAP

I know I am a week behind in this race cap but it has been busy here.  
The Bushwaker 5K is a great race every year.  It is hosted by one of the local run clubs, Captain Fun Runners, and benefits Big Brothers, Big Sisters. 

Pre Race: Happy to Start

This event brings out runners who are new to the sport as well as those not so new but ready for a challenge.  You may think to yourself, "We run to the beach.  it must be flat."  Think again.  The start line starts the first climb.  You turn and wind through a neighborhood and then fit one finial small incline before you make the last right hand turn and then you see it.  Looming in front of you now is the Bob Sikes Bridge, most locals just call it the beach bridge (or at least this local calls it that).
It is a straight up climb to the top.  As you approach you find what you hope is the TOP light pole and you affix your eyes to that spot and climb, soon you will realize the pole you chose is not the top but you will be close enough to not care.  
Now I know what you will say next, "For every up there is a down." And this is true but down, especially at a steep angle, does not equate to easy (those of us with bad knees know this better than any one)!!!  That said there is truth to the joy of getting to run down hill.  Before you head down though take a look around because you won't be able to glace for this long over the bridge from a car.  
This last section is the fun part.  Captian Fun Runners ALWAYS have lots of volunteers out on the course to cheer, blow horns, offer water, and spray you with a supper soaker or two.  
There was one said moment for me this year, upon finishing the race there were no Popsicles.  This is a selling point for me on this race and the first thing I normally tell people about who ask me about this race.  forget the bridge they have Popsicle.  It was a sad day. 

I went elbows out for no POPSICLE!!! 

What did make the day a little better is I was able to run negative splits (where you start slow adn get faster each mile).  No I wasn't trying to do this which makes it even more awesome!!!  I also reached a maximum speed of 10mph at one point and it was not when I was on the downhill.  It was actually right before the hill I guess I was excited. 
Patrick was nursing an injured foot so he took it easy and watched each step as he descended the bridge.  He had a good finish time and was looking strong the whole way.  
The after party was good- fun people, good food. 
This race is one we race each year but this year was a good year.  For me to have such a good run on one of the hottest races I was thrilled. 

Post Race: Happy to Finish

 
        

Ladies Sunset Tri- RACE RECAP

After a long Thursday workday it was time to race- to be correct it was time for the LADIES to race!!!!
This ladies only tri was the first time I have participated in a women's only race.   First let me say, "Way to go LADIES!"  It was impressive to have 60 women out there showing what they got.  That said now let's talk details.  Ladies, we need to be a little nicer.  Calling out passes and encouraging each other on the course goes a long way.  If we don't do it when we are the only ones out there together then how will we learn to do it when we are in a mixed crowd where we will be the few amongst the many.  While on the course peer support may have been limited, the finish line was a different place.  The women competitors and others gathered to cheer each lady through the finish line.  To hear everyone cheering is great, it helps to give that final push which even on a super sprint is much needed. 

This course again is short and fast.  Our swim was made slightly longer due to a boat parked in the final home line.  The buoy was moved just a little out for us to stay clear of the boat.  Normally I don't do a warm up swim but this day I decided to go half way out to the buoy then just breast stroke back just to help relax.  The water was lovely, slightly cool and clear.  I came out of the water second.  The woman in front of me was wicked fast- I remember seeing her splash and then spotting up to see her exiting the water.  I was just behind her.  I was able to be second out of T1 as well, then came the bike.  This day the bike was made a little more difficult with a west heading wind- meaning a push into the wind then some good tail wind then back into the head wind. 

Before I exited on to the main road I was passed by the girl who would hold second for the duration of the race.  A short time later I was passed by one of the few racing friendly ladies, calling her shot to pass and then as passing saying "good job" and "keep it up" all with a smile and all in about 3 seconds as she passed.  I stayed in the early group on the bike.  More importantly I felt good on the bike.
  I was able to build up good speed with the tail wind and felt strong pushing against the head wind.  After finishing the bike back in T2 I struggled once again with my braces.  I am not sure what is going on with my braces but I am still trying to get the adjustment in T2 made easier.  This was the first time in a while I have been able to make the run without stopping.  I say without stopping but I did have a moment of about five walking steps to make a final adjustment to my brace.  After this I was able to run out the rest of the 2 mile run course.
Now, let's talk quickly about the finish.  Yes, I have a problem at the finish line.  I have no problems being passed at any time in a race except at the finish line.  So I tend to push it out.  I found out I had another girl pushing hard behind me in the last 150 yards of the run.  As I neared the finish line the cheers were for both of us calling out our names, yelling for one or the other to push.  I kicked it in- if you do pass me you will have to earn it.  She came close and if we had 20 more feet she may have passed but on that day I had her and I took the finish line a second ahead of her.  Both of us breathing hard, turned for a high five, knowing the other had pushed and by doing so we had pushed each other.

So FAST, we were a blur.

I was able to finish 18th today.  I was 2 minutes and 20 seconds faster than my last time on this course.  Today was a good day.
An added bonus was having Patrick out there to cheer me on.  He was placed at bike turn 2.  Being at this half way course point was good for me, just having the added support.  What I didn't expect was the surprised look on his face when I showed up!!  LOL!!  When one of the other guys said my name and good job as I made the turn he suddenly looked up and a slight shake of his head, after some stumbling mumbles he formed words of congrats and "go get um".  He makes me laugh.  He admitted he was surprised to see so close to the first few ladies, especially given some wind conditions having been faced already.  The great thing about having him out there to volunteer is he was able to see me at the finish line.  It makes me happy to see my husband so proud of my accomplishment- it made my heart and soul so happy!
Patrick also challenged me to the next Sunset Tri.  Oh, I accepted!!!  It is on!!!