Metroplex Sprint Tri - Race Report

It was an eventful morning on race morning.... my alarm was set for 4:15 am for an allotted 15 min of snooze time.....I was going to hop out of bed, eat some breakfast, braid my hair and grab my stuff to be out of the house by 5:15am at the latest........

This is what happened instead...

Something woke me up but not my alarm.  Maybe it was the vibrating from my phone when Cayla texted me, maybe it was my perpetual fear that I'm going to oversleep but I woke up and my watch said this...

5:28am

My iphone said this.....


*never mind the flea comment*

Holy Crap!  It was a 40 minute drive to the race site and the entry to the park where transition was closing at 6:30am.  Needless to say - I had time to throw my hair in ponytail, brush my teeth, grab my bag and scoot.  I had loaded my bike up on Saturday night so all I had to do was grab my water bottles, my transition bag and go go go!!

I hauled ass for 36.1 miles to the park entry.  I was relieved when I made it by 6:15a.m. and still had an hour before my wave went off.  Cayla pulled in right behind me and we pumped up our tires and headed to transition.

This was day 2 of a 2 day race.  So the field of athletes were smaller...transition was smaller, waves were smaller, the race was not stressful at all.

Swim:

Transition area from bike in/out

I was surprisingly calm before the swim start.  I normally have serious nerves and anxiety; but this time I was calm.  I remember telling Cayla before the gun sounded that it was like swimming in bath water.  The water temp was 84 degrees race morning.  (we almost hit 100* a few times last week)

The sun was up and we were ready to start.  I was in wave 1 - yellow caps - M/F 30 - 39. 

The gun went off and I started in the back of the pack (just where I like it)... I took in water for the first 100m  or so... I could not get my timing down from the waves coming in and my breathing; I just kept going and tried to sight like Jason taught me during one of our OWS practices.... from Cayla's recollection I didn't do so well at swimming in straight line

I hit the first turn buoy and finally felt like I was in a groove - I kept the buoys on my right and passed a few people as I covered meter after meter.  At the second turn buoy I kicked someone and realized it was Cayla!  YAY! She was right there - later she told me she stayed behind me the entire time I probably swam double the distance because of my inability to sight correctly.  In fact her exact words were, 'you swim like you walk' - that's was best friends are for!

After another 10 or so strokes my arm hit the bottom and I was up and running out of the water towards transition.

Swim: 400m

Time: 11:24

Grade: A- I'm happy that I beat my time but I need to work on sighting.  Swimming in a straight line is apparently not my strong suit. 

T1

My heart rate had skyrocketed towards the end of the swim and into transition.  It took my breath away almost and I thought I was in for it on the bike.

I took an extra 30-45 seconds in T1 trying to get my garmin on... I had technical difficulties all day with my Garmin and my Polar so I had to just go without the gadgets and enjoy the race.  It was actually nice :)

T1 - 2:30

Grade - F  I forgot to add in T1 and T2 times in my goal..

Bike:

The bike as an out and back 11 mile course.  It was flat and supposed to be fast, known to be a PR course for the sprint distance.  On the way out I got up to 19 mph and my legs were feeling good.  We had a bit of a tailwind on the way out but you know what that means....head wind on the way back in.

The course went out over the damn - u-turned at the end of the damn and back in.  Once you got over the water it was kind of a mix between a head wind and a cross wind on the way back in so that was no fun.

Cayla and I stayed together on the bike course and switched off who led and who followed (don't worry no drafting!)  It was fun to be out there racing again

Bike - 11miles

Time - 38:51 - 17mph avg

Grade - A I'm happy with my performance on the bike.  I hammered down and really wanted to average over 16mph.  I probably could have pushed harder looking back; but I met my goals and was overall happy with my performance

T2:

Pretty uneventful - 1:14

Grade: B Just need to work on getting this a little quicker

Run:

First off, I am a terrible runner... why I thought I could pump out 9 min. miles is beyond me... wishful thinking I guess.  I told Cayla not to wait for me on the run... I knew she was killing it and I didn't want to hold her back.  You have to race YOUR race and I know that running is my weakness and it is her strongest.  I didn't want her to miss out on a great first race of the season because of me.  

I struggled on the run.  I have had some ITB issues since the RNR Dallas 1/2 in March... I was OK in NOLA but it still acted up and today I had hammered on the bike and was afraid it may get a little angry on the run.  I was right. 

There was an aid station about a 1/2 mile into the run; I grabbed some water and walked the length of the table and that's when Cayla and I separated.  I thought a little break on the pounding would help.  I picked up my run and just wanted to be done.

I hate running.

I wish I like it but I don't.  OK I said it.  

Run - 2m

Time - 21:36 - 10:48/mile

Grade: F - for obvious reasons....

I love racing with Cayla - I'm so glad we were able to race again.  This was the first time since 2009 and it felt great!

Cayla ended up placing third in our AG with a pretty sweet bronze medal:

Best Race Partner ever!

Wanna come to the gun show?

And me in my bling! Run for the bling of it challenge month 6 complete!  (I guess I should recap my May bling huh?!)



Just to let you know - that was the last diet coke I've drank...right there.... I want it...... really really really really want it......



Rock and Roll Dallas Half Marathon Race Report

**Warning Major Picture Overload**

Let me first start off by saying what a great race RnR Dallas was.  The race and expo were well organized and moved quickly (and on schedule) and overall the race experience was a great one.

I haven't talked much on here about preparing for RnR Dallas for two reasons.... 1) I was using it as a "long training" day run three weeks prior to NOLA70.3.  2) I was running with Amber for her first 1/2 mary and I was more excited for her than I was for me. Honestly, it's kinda like Christmas - I get WAY more excited about giving gifts than I ever do about getting my own.  Make sense?

We like to take silly pictures

Saturday I had a work philanthropy event in Las Colinas for the Make A Wish Foundation a 1mile fun run and 5K.  I signed up for the 1 mile b/c my friend at work's daughter is a wish kid and they were walking the 1 mile; plus I didn't really want to run a 5K on my "off/rest" day....but had to participate since I chair our philanthropy committee.  It was a great event and if you live in DFW (or any city where they host this race as a fundraiser) I recommend you participate in the next one.  Seeing all those kids get so excited was truly heart warming.

After that Amber, John and I ran some errands and then headed downtown for the expo.  I.heart.expos.  I spend way too much money, sign up for too many things, and genuinely get too giddy - but hey - that's me.  Packet pick up was smooth sailing and then we began shopping. I found my new favorite obsession, HoneyMilk Chocolate.  Seriously try it - it will change your life.  I picked up my SPI Belt (that I've been putting off buying)  I know I will need it in NOLA and it was 20% off so SCORE!

We wandered around the expo for awhile and picked up some nutrition, sport beans, chomps, honey stinger waffles (read my review here), and then matching headbands to wear on race day.  We then had our gait analyzed by the Brooks team (videoed while running on the treadmill), scored a free tshirt and then headed out.  (OH! Don't forget our Elvis Pic)

Hunka Hunka burnin' love......

Amber and John booked a hotel room at the Magnolia that was 2 blocks from the start of the race; so I crashed with them since Bill is out of town.  ( he is in Phoenix at Rangers Spring Training)  We showered and headed out for dinner at Coal Vines (the same place I ate (and bloggy meet up) before White Rock).

Cayla, Me and Amber

We shared pizza and pasta and made it our own "family style dinner".  It was a great night with good friends - I'm sad Bill wasn't there to join us and to enjoy the food but he's mingling with pros so he's not suffering :)

Amber and John

After Dinner we headed back to the hotel to prep for the race!  CONFESSION - I have a thing - I have to set out all my race gear the night prior to any race.  It makes me feel prepared and I look at my outfit right before I fall asleep and visualize the race the next day.  It can be called a little OCD but - hey - it works :)

Amber's outfit on the left - mine on the right

We drifted off to dream land around 10:00ish.  At 2:30 we were rudely awaken by the noisy neighbors next door.  I assumed they had just gotten in from a long evening on the town and would be passing out shortly thereafter.  After listening to them yell, scream and screech I had enough.  I called the front desk (6 times before they answered) to report the room next door.  The front desk sent up security which promptly shut the neighbors up for 2.5 seconds.  Literally.  When they got loud again (and I was increasingly getting more irritated) I opened our door with intentions of knocking on theirs.  The security guards was still in the hallway.  My statement to him "Are you taking care of this" - I wanted to follow with "or do I have to" but he answered before I could finish.... He was in deed "taking care of it".  At 3:30 he knocked on their door the second time.   Politely asked them to quiet down. They now have had multiple complaints and after two warnings with no attempt to pipe down he would call the Dallas PD.  One of the gentlemen (use this term loosely) went out into the hallway and talked to the guard - for another 20 min.  I heard their entire conversation.  We are now almost at 4am.  y 4:30 I was back asleep and waiting for my alarm at 6:15.  It was a restless (nearly  sleepless) night.   Good thing I picked up those 5 hour energy's at the Make a Wish event.

Did I tell you we LOVE Silly pictures?

The alarm went off and we were up and at 'em.  Dressed and feeling strong - we were ready to head to the start line and get this party started.

At the start line in our corral

WINNING!

We met Joe Dirt/Brett Michaels in our corral

The lines started moving and we made our way to the start..... off we went.

Not much to report miles 1 - 8.  It was a great run...I enjoyed showing Amber parts of Dallas she had never seen before.  We saw John and Cayla around mile 7....

 Right before the 15K mark - nature called 2 times (if you get my drift).  I didn't want to stop - by this time we were in the middle of Swiss Ave (no port-a-potties).  Great - this could be fun.  My stomach started cramping so we backed off the pace and I just hoped to make it to the finish without crying.  We saw the port-a-potties at mile 10ish but I didn't want to stop - we were so close and I was hoping to beat my WR time (even if by a few seconds).

Mile 11 and 12 sucked...as usual..... it hurts by this point and I think I said about a billion times "HOW ON EARTH AM I GOING TO DO THIS AFTER BIKING 56 F'ING MILES!" 

We entered fair park and the cheering picked up, the bands were playing and we saw our support system.

Finally a kind of cute running pic......

We finished holding hands ... I know so girly..

 

Cayla Amber and me after we finished

I really only do this for the BLING!!!!

We ROCKED RnR Dallas!

Official finishing time: 2:20:47 (40 seconds slower than WR - I blame the stomach cramping)



Silly Picture Outtakes:

Suggestion Box

It's official - my house is on the market today.  AHHHH!! It was a long, exhausting, no time to train weekend.  We started Friday after the handyman left and continued until last night at 7:30pm.  On the list of completed projects:

- new grout in both bathrooms
- freshly painted baseboards and trim
- clean as in " you can eat off every inch of my floor"
- stage the entire house
- pack up everything that wasn't utilized for staging purposes in prep for move to the new house
- switch out washer and dryer (newer ones went to Bill's - older one's are being sold with my house)
- Putty all holes
- paint over all holes
- sand and repaint window seal
- sand and repaint mantel
- steel wool clean the fireplace
- clean all light bulbs and fixtures, fan blades and fixture globes
- clean and degrease oven and cooktop
- clean refrigerator (thanks cayla!)
- Clean and organize the garage
- replace the doorbell


It doesn't look like a lot when I type it out but it was a lot to do.  THANK GOD I had my mom, my sister,  my cousin, Cayla and Bill there to help me or I know for a fact it wouldn't have been completed.

My realtor came this morning, took pictures and is listing it today on the MLS.  Potential buyers - it is turnkey ready to move in - please buy this house - now!

OK - moving on.....

I need suggestions.  I was thinking this weekend, since I've never participated in any kind of endurance race other than a 1/2 mary - I need suggestions from you experienced endurance athletes.

What do I need to get?

i.e. - Gu's (obviously), water, electrolyte drink, etc etc... but what other things do I need that I might not think of.

Recommendations for race attire.... help me develop my 70.3 packing list....... Transition items.... do I need to pack power bars, etc? Do I prepare multiple bags like in an Ironman? Can I change between the bike and run?  (I really, really, really want to wear my padded Pearl Izumi bike shorts rather than my normal tri shorts)

What is some advice you can give me in preparing?  HELP - I'm a list person!!!!!!!

PS - pics of the house and the 80's party to come soon.

Blogger Meet Up and White Rock Pics

 Blogger meet up Saturday at Coal Vines.  Delicious Italian food - pre-race Nutrition info from Jason and Karen's coach - Coach Claudia. 

Back to front (L - R)

Karen, Coach Claudia

Me, Lesley

Jon, Jason

Lesley, Jason

 Jon and Me

 Jon, Karen, Me

 Karen, Coach Claudia, Jason

 Pre race pic of the race-bib

 Setting out the outfit - imagining the next day (oh yes and washing sheets - don't mind the bare mattress in the background)

 Pre-race pic ( I was FREEZING!!)

 Just finished!  Medal around the neck!

 My precious Shelby!

 Me and Coop!

 Me and Bill (my biggest supporter!!)

 Me and Cayla (commonly referred to on here as CAB)

 The fam - Mom, Coop, Shelby, Paige, Me and Bill

 Bill pushing the stroller! hahah!! I had to get a pic!

 Mom, Coop and Cayla on the Sky ride at Fair Park

 Bill, Shelby, Paige and Me

 

 My running partner Ashley! Thanks Ash for an AWESOME 9 miles!

Sunday night- Bill got home from his work dinner and found me laid up on the couch and started laughing.  He took this pic to show me.  All he told me was there was something on my nose and laughed...... THIS is what came out of it..... don't mind the tired eyes and wind burned face!

Hope you enjoyed :)

Dallas White Rock Half Marathon Race Report

It is finished…… I did it!  I completed my first half marathon!  13.1 miles of smiles, high fives, cheers, and all around goodness!

Sunday morning my alarm went off at 5:15am.  I jumped out of bed anxious to start the day.  I hopped in the shower (to wake up); this has become customary before any race… I always shower.  For triathlons it helps if my hair is wet to braid – for run races I just like to fully wake up in a steamy shower…. I know who showers before a sweaty endurance race?

After my shower I dried my hair and pulled it back into a pretty good ponytail, if I do say so myself….. dressed and headed downstairs to eat breakfast.  Breakfast consisted of some pineapple chunks (about a cup) a medium sized orange, and a Smores Luna Bar. 

It wasn’t much but I knew it would be OK on my stomach and the Port-a-potty God wouldn’t be calling for me come start time.  I peed before we left the house and didn’t pee again until after the race….be jealous of my bladder J (enough icky talk)

Bill was less than bright eyed and bushy tailed on Sunday morning.  He had a late guy’s night out on Saturday and let’s just say I saw a McDonald’s bag in his front seat, he didn’t get home until nearly 2:30am AND there was advil by the bed…… drunk? Yes!  Hungover…. You betcha!  But he was such a trooper – so sweet to me that morning.  He drove me to Fair Park and by this time I may or may not have been a little cranky.  Traffic on I-30 was terrible….traffic tends to make me nauseous (only if I’m not driving) so I kind of snapped at him and said something to the effect of “WE ARE NEVER GOING TO MAKE IT”….his response…. We have an hour and half… which was a true statement.

We made it, as Bill had indicated, with lots of time to kill before the race start.  It was cold and crowded but I was so pumped to be there.

I headed back for the corrals and Bill went to find everyone who was meeting him there.  On my way back to my corral (M) I ran into Jason and Karen and was stoked to have actually found them in the 20,000+ racers.  Jason headed to his corral (just behind the Kenyans…so jealous of his speed) Karen and I stayed back and waited….and waited….and waited…..

I ran into a friend from high school, Kristen, who conveniently I ran into the day I did my nine miler at White Rock.  It was great catching up with her and I was able to meet her boyfriend Garrett.  (He took a pic of us which I will steal from FB and post here).  She is such a sweet sweet girl!  We ran together for the first 2 miles then she took off at her 9:40/mile pace and I set in for the long haul….

So before the start – I took this picture….

The balloons, the fire, the volunteers…all AMAZING.  Seriously this is probably one of the most well organized races I’ve had the pleasure of participating in.  (The Turkey Trot should take some lessons)  As we inched up closer to the start I started my playlist…. Ready for it? 

You know want to know what I listened to …don’t judge….. this is in no particular order…I always hit shuffle right before a run….. BUT I made my own playlist specific to White Rock b/c I knew that the last thing I was going to want to do was to pull out the iphone and try and skip through songs….here we go…

Big and Rich – Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy

Imma Be – Black Eyed Peas

My Humps – Black Eyed Peas

Womizer – Britney Spears

Crazy Bitch – Buck Cherry

American Boy – Estelle and Kanye West

Single Ladies – Beyonce

Undo It – Carrie Underwood

Accidentally in Love – Counting Crows

Like a G6 – Far East Movement

Watcha Say – Jason Derulo

Dirt off Your Shoulder – Jay Z

Leavin’ – Jess McCartney

Natchitoches Blues – Joey Green

Don’t Stop Believein’ – Journey

There it Go (The Whistle Song) – Juelz Santana

California Gurls – Katy Perry

Tik Tok – Ke$ha

Let it Rock –Kevin Rudolf

Shake It – Metro Station

Say Hey – Michael Franti

Party in U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus

Work It – Missy Elliott

Grillz – Nelly

I know you want me – Pitbull

Crazy Eddie’s Last Hurrah – Reckless Kelly

Subterranean Homesick Blues – Reckless Kelly

Disturbia – Rhianna

Shake That Thing – Sean Paul

1234 – Schwayze

Stuck Like Glue – Sugarland

Bring Em Out – T.I.

Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind

Proud Mary – Tina Turner

That’s Not My Name – The Ting Ting’s

I Do!! – Toya

Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla ICE

Blister in the sun – Violent Femmes

Hey Mickey – Toni Basil

Sexy Back – Justin Timberlake

Holla Back Girl – Gwen Stefani

Hit Play – and set it for a comfy 13.1 mile run…

Miles 1 – 3

I checked my watch for the first time as I crossed the timing mat at the 5K mark….32 min. 46 seconds….. 10 seconds faster than the Turkey Trot…. I’ll take it (10:33 per mile) I was feeling great!!!  My friend Ashley had met me at mile 2 (she’s training for a half in January in Austin).  I was so excited to see her and have her run with me!

Miles 4 - 8

I set in a good pace at mile 4.  I was warmed up my calf/shin wasn’t hurting and it was awesome running through uptown.  At one point we saw a bar, The MAT (McKinney Avenue Tavern) selling $1 jello shots… who on earth would take a $1 jello shot during a half/full marathon is beyond me but perhaps it was more for the spectators.  I was becoming jealous of all the Starbucks cups along the race route…all the warm spectators with their coffee and signs….but then I remembered…. I get to finish under a balloon arch and say I ran a half marathon….what do you get to do with your warm hands, ears and toes……hahah j/k.

At the 10K mark I remember saying “I’m half way through” – I still felt great!  I was high fiving the crowd, I had taken ½ a pack of chomps at mile 4.5 so I was fueled and feeling good.  At mile 8ish we hit an uphill that sucked….but I pushed through and ran it.  It helped to have Ashley there, even though we didn’t talk much I knew she was there next to me and supporting me.

Miles 9 -11

I think this is when I hit the “Runners High” – I don’t really remember them; I remember seeing the 10 mile flag b/c Ash said she was peeling off at 11 to head back to her car.  We hit 11, half-way hugged and said goodbye….. she headed for the car and I headed for the finish….

Miles 12 – 13.1

This 1.1 mile was the hardest mile of my life.  I had come down off any sort of “high” and felt every jarring pound of the pavement.  My knees were hurting, my shoulder was hurting, and I wanted water and a hug from Bill.  Miley Cyrus Party in the U.S.A. brought me into the finish….thank God for Miley!  I think I finished with a smile through my tears…. I was certainly smiling on the inside … I really want a good finishing picture.  Call me vain but I want a fun one for the blog.  I ran the entire 13.1 miles…. I didn’t stop and take a walk break; I didn’t stop b/c I was tired, I didn’t stop just to stop.  I ran and I conquered every fear I’ve ever had of running, every pain I’ve felt for the last 10 weeks was so worth crossing that finish line.

2:20:07 seconds was my official half marathon time. 

STATS:

Overall: 5465 / 9581

Sex: 2704 / 5692

Division (25-29): 536 / 1090

5K Rank and Time:  6018 – 32:46

10K Rank and Time: 5902 – 1:06:08

15K Rank and Time: 5628 – 1:39:32

Runners passed – 238

Runners that passed me – 113

For the fun of it – I was ahead of 29% of men finishers J

At the finish we were escorted into the Automotive building for medals, t-shirts, food/water.  I was so out of it…. I got my medal/shirt from the volunteers and then I think I cut in front of like 10,000 people in line for food and water.  If any of you read this, I’m sorry – I wasn’t trying to be rude; I was seriously disoriented.

I called Bill and met the family and Cayla outside the building.  My stomach was starting to turn and I needed to walk it off.  After a few minutes of walking I felt great again and began to crave pancakes.  I.love.pancakes.

We rode the little sky thing-y at the fair so Shelby and Coop could have some fun and then all of us headed to breakfast/lunch at my favorite Café Brazil.  A classic breakfast with pancakes did it for me!  I was a happy ½ marathon finisher!

Bill and I headed home… he had a work dinner Sunday night at an AMAZING steak house in town…. I was looking forward to rest and relaxation.  I iced on and off for about three hours during the Cowboy game (BOO-YA we won in OT), and oh yes – I showered…a hot hot shower!!

I made Chicken Noodle Soup for dinner which was just what I needed…. I curled up on the couch with soup, hot chocolate and my two ice packs for a night of Sunday television by the light of the Christmas Tree.  The only thing I was missing was Bill……..

What I learned:

1. I can do it – b/c I did
2. I’m a middle of the packer….. not showing off/not falling behind
3. My body is capable of ANYTHING I put my mind to….it’s getting my mind in the place of believing in myself to do it (Bill’s been telling me this for YEARS!)
4. Everything is worth it when I hear Bill say – “I love you Al and I am so proud of you”

Here's today at work:

More pics to follow tonight (I only uploaded the iPhone ones) I'm getting a massage at 6 so we shall see :) If not tomorrow for sure!

Full Race Report to follow

Hi...my name is Allison and I finished a 1/2 marathon this weekend!

WHAT 13.1 miles - I did it!

Full race report later today - I'm working on it - but I wanted to let you know

1. I finished (and under my secret goal time.... I try not to set goals for races...I know, I know)
2. I finished strong...and smiling and crying...
3. I didn't collapse at the finish (or anywhere along the course)
4. Should have a pretty AWESOME report to follow later!

Until then check out these bloggers who also ran the WR (full and half) some race reports are up some are not...but you can click through their blogs (they are AWESOME!)

Jon
Lesley
Karen and Jason


Until later today..

Monster Tri 2 - Race Report

What a great race!  The race was hosted by Dallas Athletes; this is the first time I have raced one of their events and they put on a wonderful, organized and FUN event!  Shall we start from the beginning?

The alarm went off at 5am...late start for the previous triathlon's I've raced.  I headed down stairs and ate my normal breakfast, grapenuts and skim milk.  Pulled my water bottles out of the freezer and then headed back upstairs to get dressed.  Bill was still sleeping.... he said wake him up 10 min. before we left.

I got dressed (outfit below), woke Bill up, loaded my bike (loaded Bill), and we headed out.

The race was about a 40 minute drive from Bill's house.  We parked, I grabbed my new Mizzuno Triathlon Bag, unracked my bike and Bill stayed in the car for a little nappy.

I can't tell you enough how organized this race was.  If you are ever in Texas, or you are local, you should try and check out a DSU/DA race next year.

Body marking went smooth, 190 was my race number. Into transition I went to set up.

I was racked on the second set of bike racks, not a bad spot actually. ( I wish I would have taken pictures) I ran back out to the car to check on Bill and then headed in for a quick warm up in the pool.  The pool was set with 10 lanes.  It was a 250 yd swim so each lane was 25 yards.  This was nice because you only had swimmers going one direction, rather than both (which I have experienced before and can be a nightmare).

After I warmed up I ran into my friend Cassie, who came to cheer me and another one of her friends on.  My mom arrived with my nephew Cooper, Bill and his brother Paul also came!  What sweet friends and family I am blessed to have.

We lined up somewhat numerically, another plus, they weren't sticklers on the line up, and had our pre-race meeting.  Typical, USAT referee/race director meeting...these are the rules, follow them or you will be DQ'd, etc, etc....

(Pool)

The first athlete was in the pool.......

I met the nicest lady in line, her 4 and 6 year old are doing a kids tri next weekend, how cute is that?!?

We inched closer to the swim start, I checked my watch.... walked across the timing mat, and jumped in.  (Forgetting to start my watch -- DAMMIT!!!) I didn't figure out that I forgot to start to my watch until I was heading out on the bike.... oh well... back to the swim.

The swim was fairly uneventful.... pretty quick and painless....no freaking out, good easy swim...I saved my legs for the bike, I probably literally kicked like 10 times.....oops....

Headed out of the swim and into T1 it was freezing..... good thing I bought my Pearl Izumi Arm Warmers yesterday!!

 (out of the swim headed to T1)

Hopped on my bike at the mount line and I was off..... I was freezing until about mile 6.  Literally freezing....

(headed out onto the bike course)

The course was an 8 mile out and 8 mile back, 16 miles total (it ended up being about 16.5 by my bikes computer) At mile 9 I inhaled a bug.... it grossed me out and I continued to spit like a crazy person for the next 3/4 of a mile.... inhaling as much water and Gatorade as I could to wash out the demon that had invaded my trachea.  Seriously it was gross... .at one point, I said to myself, well at least it's protein...maybe I couldn't be on Survivor like I originally thought.  I digress.......

The bike course was "rolling hills".... I still envision "rolling hills" to be easy small mini-hills.... I really think I need to alter my definition.  This happened last season in Rockwall....the race had "rolling hills"... I should have learned my lesson.  So it was pretty hilly and very windy.

By my best guess, I think I averaged around 16 mph on the course.  I was right over an hour (my bike computer said 1:04ish) and the course went about 1/2 mile longer... we shall see when the race results are in officially.

I was feeling really, really, good on the bike.  I kept thinking about how last year had I ridden the same course I would have been dying...and there would have been no way I would have EVER averaged a sub-10 minute mile... EVER!  I was feeling pretty strong and pretty proud of myself.

Heading into T2 my feet were numb.  I don't wear socks with my bike shoes, they are designed tri shoes so you don't have to; plus socks always get wet and are never dry for the run so I ride sans socks.  It hurt to run in my bike shoes to transition so I was thinking I can't imagine what this is going to be like for at least a mile... yikes...  T2 - dry feet, put on socks, slip on running shoes, grab my hat, sunglasses and head out.....

(headed out for my first loop)

The run was 3 miles (3, 1 mile loops).  I'm not a big fan of loops... I hate seeing people finish when I have to go out for my 2nd and 3rd loops...it's defeating...but it's my race..not theirs...so you keep looping, keep running and keep going...until you finish.  That's your goal...finish!

 (onto the 2nd loop)

By mile 2 my feet were no longer numb, I was smiling and feeling great!

(One loop left!)

Finished my run with an average (again best guess) 9:47 mile.... whoop!  I crossed the finish line, had a medal placed around my neck (a cute little coffin and goblin medal),  got a little ART (Active Release Therapy)from the Chiropractor on site for that pesky crick I've had in my neck since Wednesday, grabbed a free powerade (and one for Bill too) and went to give Bill a big sweaty hug and kiss :)

(headed to the finish line!)

It was a fun race and I'm sad it's my first and last one of the season.  There is something that is addictive about triathlons...or racing in general....you.never.want.to.stop!

(Put your antlers up!!! GO RANGERS!)

 (Coop and me)

 

 (Bill and me) 

 (Bill, Coop, and me ~ Coop had to get in this one!)