1st OA at the Patanella's Doc & Sok sprint Triathlon

FIRST OVERALL WIN!

I didn't expect it to happen today as I am recovering from a cold (yes, in June!), and given the field, I thought I could probably get in Top 5, but the race proved me wrong...in a good way!

Time: 54'44

The swim was hard. I quickly burned myself out trying to keep up with Jesse. I had to slow down, did some breast strokes, and finished it completely exhausted.
But the hilly bike course saved me and helped me get back into the rythm and pace of the race. I started passing more and more athletes and felt stronger. I got into T2 in 3rd position, with Jamie right in front of me.
I knew his run was going to be affected by an injury he hasn't been able to get rid of, so I paced my run off of his, and to my surprise, I saw Jessee not too far ahead. I passed Jamie after 3/4 of a mile, and I knew the U turn would help me gauge Jesse's overall condition. As we approached the U-turn, I was only 50 yards behind, and felt like he probably wouldn't be able to push much harder today. I caught up with him in the downhill section and as I pushed harder as soon as I passed him and maintained the pace for a mile. I maintained pressure on the last climb before the finish line and cross the finish line in first position!

Great surprise, great feeling to finish first! I hope that will lead to other successes either this season or next year!

13th AG and 143rd OA at Eagleman 70.3

My first Ironman-organized 70.3 in the books, and my 3rd of the year (and of my "career"!)

Time: 4:40:25

I suffered a great deal on the run after having a good but slow swim and a rather good bike leg...

I'm excited to have had the chance to measure myself against a strong field and looking forward to redeem myself next year! 

Race report to be posted shortly! 

6am - 72F - great day to get a tough workout in

1 weekend left before the big race, Eagleman Ironman 70.3! Regardless of how well I do there, it's already been a truly amazing experience.

I found this group of amazing triathletes that are just as dedicated as I am, and probably even more! We can call it an addiction, I think. Getting up in the am to hop on the TT or jump in the pool got me! the endorphins created from training rush to my brain at lightening speed, and just like junkies with drugs, the more I train, the more I want to train! It can't be all that bad, can it? Of course I am not alone in this journey: I have used Will and Jared as my role models, as "go-to" people for any questions or doubts I have, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future!

The icing in the cake is that my brother (from another mother!) Brad and his wife Heidi will be cheering me on at the race! I could not have asked for me! I only hope to put on a good performance and make them proud! 

Unfortunately Will won't make it to the race after a series of bad luck he's had in his preparation. I'm only hoping that he'll be back on the horse soon (I give you 1 year leave, no more!). 

I have a lot of reading to do on Salt tablets, but had a privileged chat with Jared last night who gave me the inside scoop about te race! 

I will brace for and embrace the heat and harsh race conditions that will be thrown at us, because this is apparently what makes this race unique. But most importantly, I will certainly have a blast!

It's GO time!