Skinny Dip or Bust

long overdue post :(  But life happens and 40 happened...which turns out to not be my most stellar year...

accidents happen.  completely ruptured hamstring in April...

With surgery looming I panicked. After some talks from my coach Kevin about how I could stay active while I was wearing a leg brace, I felt a little better. I liked the idea of stretch cord exercises. oh I was going to go crazy. Then I remembered something I had seen...some sort of swimming erg nmachine. I googled and instantly up popped Vasa. OMG YES...I need this. Click to Order and DONE....it would be arriving in a few days. OMG. I immediately felt at ease.WHY YES friends, I am crazy.  It arrived in no time and Matias put it together for me up in my office.  Prior to my surgery I did some reading and youtubing on how to use the machine correctly.

The day after my surgery I crawled up to my office for my first test run. I would just do a little. 30 minutes and 1500 meters later I had a solid sweat and arm burn going. This was incredible. I used that machine for at least 60 minutes for the next 30 days straight. My arms felt beast. And I was not caring so much that I was hobbling around with a leg brace. I felt satisfaction. I was also contacted by Vasa owner Rob Sleamaker to see how they at Vasa could help me! I felt honored...because they already had helped me tremendously.

For the month after my surgery I worked with Vasa to improve my form and was sent to Swim Box for instruction in and out of the water. When I got back in the water for the first time end of May I was easily swimming 3-5 seconds faster per 100! And felt so strong.

After 31 days of straight Vasa for 60+min a day in a leg brace I got the clear to get back in the water!  After a few days of getting the feel of the water back I was surprised to find myself swimming at least 3-4 seconds/100 faster!  my arms felt beast.  So why not jump into an open water swim after a week and a half back in the water.  you can not pass up a Racine race.

Anything worth doing is worth overdoing....so why not just sign up for all 3 events...750 meters, 1500 meters, and 2250 meters.  This undertaking was harder than I expected.  First off was one lap of the course (750 meters).  I felt like junk.  My wetsuit felt too snug and constricted my breathing.  I felt a bit more settle about the last 200 meters.  Maybe I should bail?  Not much time to think as the next race had us getting back in the water about 15min later!  Off we went for 2 loops (1500 meters).  Again the start felt awful....but I settled into a rhythm a bit sooner and the 2nd lap felt pretty good...but I was glad to be done for another 15 minutes.  And back in the water for the last 3 loops (2250 meters).  And this is why I am an endurance swimmer...I felt stronger throughout this race with each loop.  I ended up 5th female overall in each race.  I will take it!  

Results:

750 Meters Strava

1500 meters Strava

2250 meters Strava

I still have not been given the clear to bike or run yet...it is going to be a long recovery and I need to keep patient.  I think the best plan at this point is to focus the rest of my year on swimming....just signed up for my 2nd marathon swim (Alligator Lighthouse Swim).  And then come back full force for the 2019 tri season.  So onto swimming my face off.  I will continue to Vasa...I really can not believe how much stronger my arms have gotten from it.  I am also excited to start a swim project with my good friend Flaca under the supervision of Swim Box and Vasa!  STAY TUNED....

Starting off January things were looking exciting for 2018! First up was our XMAS/NY family trip to San Dog. Here I managed to trip and fall. I was running to a track and overlooked a speed bump. An Uber home and just a lot of soreness and road rash. guh. Then our Disney Cruise (which I must say was AMAZING...ok at least it was not pouring yet)...but things went downhill from here...

Hawaii Traincation! Aside from my hamstring bugging me but not slowing me down I was feeling so fit going into this trip. A day before leaving my shin felt funny. Hopefully just a niggle...but no...our first ride out and I had to cycle home with one leg it hurt SO bad. Everyone said hopefully you will feel better tomorrow...but I in the back of my head knew it was not one of those 'niggles that is better when you wake up the next day' :(. Then Flaca wipes out running and ends up in the hospital. We end up both struggling and coming home early...good thing because she got the flu on the way home. Traincation BUST.

After we got back it took a bit of chiro and ortho appts and I was feeling fine again...able to run...but I had really zero desire to run. I was just so tired of it being such a struggle and spending all this $ on appts to make it feel better. Then I crashed my car. It was just me in the car and only a little whiplash. But mentally disturbing. $HIT. My life flashed in front of my eyes and I really did not have any desire to do anyting dangerous. Maybe I needed a break from racing/running? I was enjoying my ridiculous amounts of swimming and barre. Matias got me a Peloton bike for my 40th (NO I am still 39...but it is coming...). I did feel like I needed goals just ones that did not involve wheels or running. Maybe get back to marathon swimming, do the Xtend Barre teacher training which has been calling to me for a year. I did start to feel pretty little lost with no training structure.

Without my training structure and dealing with only one car for the fam I decided to dust off my rollerblades and go for a spin as transportation to barre. It was a lovely day! This was awesome! Until I hit a stick. One leg stopped suddenly and the other just gave out with a POP (possibly due to my already weak right hammy). F$CK I could not walk. I called an Uber...AGAIN. Sarah and Mom met me at home and helped me get ice, wine, and my legs up. I was in serious pain. I didn't think I would sleep that night due to the pain. Matias got home and was seriously conerned....which made me super concerned because this guy is NEVER concerned. THIS IS BAD. He took me to Urgent Care, where they diagnosed me with a sprain and sent me on my way with Naproxen and Muscle Relaxers.

At least I would sleep. Thanksfully the next day was Friday and I was able to get into my Ortho...he diagnosed several tears with ultrasound and recommended I get an MRI and see an Orthopedic Surgeon. This was NOT looking very good. And it really hurt. And I needed to stop googling.

They got me in for an MRI 6am Monday morning and I was sitting in the Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr Bryants, office waiting for the results and recommendation Tuesday am. I was so anxious to see the results of the MRI I looked at the computer screen immediately when he pulled it up. OHH my GOSH...the tears started to come...

Complete Rupture of the right hamstring...3.2cm gap?! I am seriously EFFED. Dr Bryant was very comforting...gave me the pros and cons of operating and not operating...basically if I did not have surgery I would probably never be able to run again and therefore compete in triathlon. NO that is NOT what I wanted AT ALL...so we are scheduled for surgery Thursday April 12. and I am honestly terrified. Not of the actual surgery but the recovery. I seriously annoy myself with my need to be active everyday :/ When I can swim again I will manage...but from what I have read/heard building up the leg strength could take a very long time. As for now I am trying to keep smiling, get a few last swims in...this morning as I stood over the pool, goggles on, the tears really began to flow...I will miss my happy place. I feel like life is trying to tell me something...to slow down...yea, I can work on the dangerous activities...but I won't give up the fitness lifestyle...no I will never give up...it is part of who I am and right now I am just feeling so LOST.

Sometimes you meet people you just immediately connect with and understand...well that is me and my Flaca. She found me at the pool (surprise surprise) after 70.3 champs. Soul sisters...we hit it off and the rest is history...

OK onto Vegas OH yes the race...I have not decided if I am more upset about missing the glitter or my sub par race....the glitter most definitely the glitter... La Flaca and her Gringas were on our way to Vegas early Saturday am! It would be my very first trip to Vegas! I really never had any desire to go to Vegas...but for a race...well sure! The agenda for the weekend was just to roll with it. Only thing set was the race was at 4:30 PM on Sunday. Yep, an evening race...was not sure how I felt about this. After we landed we checked into the Aria and decided to go to the Expo to get our stuff and then it was down to business...finding wine. After a trip to a shady liqour store and 7-11 for supplies we headed back to the Aria exhausted and starving so hit up the Aria Cafe for lunch and a bottle of wine. I guess we were starting early. A small part of me was wondering how this was going to work...knowing we would be going to see Chainsmokers that night at 10:30 PM...we had a long time to go to start drinking at 2:00 PM...and the race the next day...but it wasn't until 4:30 PM!...hmm. So I rolled with it. Then it was back to the room for girl time and to get ready to hit the town.

First up was Goo Goo Dolls...the pre-race entertainment and free concert. There La Flaca and her Gringas met up with the rest of the group. We were there for about an hour and then headed to Wynn for dinner and then it was off to XS Nightclub for The Chainsmokers. Everyone was getting sleepy....which would make sense at 10:30 PM (1:30am DC time). Annnnd my feet wearing heels were killin me. One we got into the club my energy got a boost. I headed straight to the dance floor...EDM is my jam. After Jenni and I had a couple red bull and vodkas I was far from tired. Next thing you know it is nearing 1:00 AM. UMMM this DJ is awesome but WHERE ARE THE CHAINSMOKERS?! The group was fading and dwindling. Jenni, Dave, Ed and I were not giving in until they came on. Then Dave disappeared. The 3 of us persisted. Then the tired and hurtin feet really set in. We decided to take a break and go outside for a bit. OMG the place was packed...lines around the place to even get onto the dance floor. Then BOOM....GLITTER...and there they were...Chainsmokers. NOOOOOOOO! No way we were getting back in :( AHHHHHH....GLITTER everywhere! ok it was ok....seriously we needed to go to sleep! After a few piggyback races (Dave, maybe Rev3 could add an event and we take it on the road?!) and running around the Wynn barefoot we called an Uber and it was sleepy time. almost 3 AM...tomorrow would be interesting...

I woke up starving at 6:00 AM. Flaca was up and antsy too so we went down and got Starbucks and then decided we should do the all day Aria buffet so we could eat and have coffee when needed. So went for breakfast. I was feeling OK after some food...just tired...maybe this half marathon would be ok. PR...yea prob not. The rest of the day before the race was resting and eating. Then met up with the group and wandered around the strip taking pics. I felt anxious with such a big scene and pre-race poops when the race isn't until 4:30 PM...not cool. Finally it was dusk and time to get into the corrals.

Sarah (who decided to just run with me) and I lined up together and had a good 30 minutes to chit chat. Finally blazes of fire shot out into the sky and we were off. guh. Felt good to move but I felt meh. My hips just felt stiff and sore...not a good sign starting off. This is usually just a sign off me being tired and not having enough reserves in the tank. Sarah and I weaved through people and after about 2 miles had some space. My planned of starting off at 8 minute miles felt hard...another not so good sign. Around mile 4 I maybe felt things shaking off and maybe this would go ok. It was dark and I tried to just enjoy the scene. oh wow it is so dry here, I had been drinking water constantly but my mouth was so dry. I stopped often for water. At the 10K I really had to poop. guh. Not feeling it. Sarah said almost half way! I wanted to hang with her but it was getting hard. I slowed a little. If I was going to finish strong I would have to. Then around mile 7 I looked at my watch and I could not see it. yep, migraine. GREAT. I was not at all surprised. dehydrated, anxious waiting all day for the race. the lights! just the right combo to bring it on. I could do this...only 5 miles to go...with a migraine. It will go away. Lost vision in one eye, then the other, then the face numbness...all of it. Felt like I was running through a nightmare! Mile 9. I am walking...just for a few...ok back to it. And that is how it went until the end. t a half mile to go I pushed it to the end. WOW...that was a serious effort. I felt so nauseated and EXHAUSTED. I really put my body through the ringer today. I called Flaca, who had pretty much the same race experience as I. The two of us hobbled back to the Aria...I was actually nervous several times that she might not make it and I would need to carry her! #teamwork Jenni arrived soon after and it was maybe an hour before we were all fast asleep!

After another day of buffets, a little shake out swim (yes, the retro Vegas pool had fringe for flags), and laying in bed I missed Matias and the kids and was so so ready to come home!

Little man knew that when he turned 5 he could do a triathlon.  Not sure where he got that idea.  So when a friend sent me info on Just Tryan It we jumped on it and Leo was even able to raise some money for kids fighting cancer!  (thanks so much to family and rev3 friends!)

Just Tryan It, Alexandria, VA - 22 yard swim, 1 mile bike, .5 mile run

Results - not bad for the youngest kid out there!

check out Leo’s finish around 24:00

The ladybug helmet was a hit

Daddy looking nervous (since when is he EVER nervous before a race?!) and Chloe feeling left out but happy on Daddy's head

When Leo saw me at T2 he wanted to hold hands and run at first, so we did. I then taught him if he used his arms he would go faster and would save some energy.

Post-race Interview: Mama: Leo, what was your favorite part? Leo: DEFINITELY NOT the run! The BIKE! I really LOVE the bike! I want to do another triathlon next weekend and get a lot of medals. Mama: I am so proud of you Leo!

I was not going to do a race report for this one...but in writing these I can always find some closure...so here we go.... After a rough patch May through June my fitness was finally at 100% through July. And as much as it takes awhile for it to go away I definitely felt myself start to go downhill through August...a lot of changes with Leo starting Kindergarten, mentally worn down, and then strep. Honestly I have just been having a feeling of flatness/numbness in general after a lot of stressors. I was ready for the season to be over. Parker sent me my pre-race strategy a few days before heading down to Chatty. I read it (not well enough) along with the athlete guide and all the other logistical information. Dropped my bike at Bonzai for Tri-Bike Transport (how amazing is TBT?!) and before long I was boarding a plane from DCA to CHA with about 24 other world champs...even a few that I knew! The next day plus leading up to the race was full of shehanigans with my freinds and teammates, meeting and running into new and old friends, a few shake out swims and bikes, probably not enough food :/, and of course a little wine.

This girl! Meet your Female 45-49 WORLD CHAMP! Can I have your autograph?!?! We just met 2 months ago and have talked everyday since. And we kept each other laughing throughout race weekend! LOVE YOU BENI!

***DISTANCE*** 1.2 mile Swim 56 mile Bike 13.1 mile Run ***RESULTS*** Swim: 30:33 Strava stats Bike: 3:04:54 Strava stats Run: 2:07:02 Strava stats Total: 5:48:51

***PRE-RACE***

That morning I woke up and immediately checked my phone. I knew Matias and the kids had left mid day for Chatty and should be in the vacinity. OMG they were 9min away! I knew I would see them somewhere on the course. I was nervous. I am always so freakin nervous before the GO. But today was not my same pre-race jitters of hoping to reach my self expecations. This was a whole new game. All the different transition area set ups, seriously world champions all over, people everywhere, mean lookin bikes, you name it.

Me, pretending I am cool, calm, and collected.

***RACE***

SWIM - Ha, well after arriving 90min prior to my wave start you would think I would be the first one down to the water. NOPE...realized what time it was and flew down to the water to find my wave lining up in the corrals. SHOOT! I quickly got my cap and gogs and lined up towards the front. 5 of us ran and dove off the platform together...so cool...never done that before! Wetsuits were OK. The water felt perfect...as usual. We swam across the river and then down about 850 yards against the current and into the sun. This did not feel so bad aside from not being able to see with the sun in my face. I followed the splashes. Ack towards the end of this stretch I started to fade. Felt my legs cramping a little and worried that I was feeling so tired ALREADY. And some tinges of hunger crept in (my hardy breakfast had maybe not made up for my slack eating the past few days). Finally I was turning in and on the homeward stretch.

T1 - I ran up the stairs and into the area with our bike bags, grabbed my bag and started to head to my bike. I guy stopped my and told me I had to have my helmet on and buckled. OOPS. Long transition.

BIKE - And we were off. I had not drove the bike course but knew it was going to be challenging. and 3 miles in BOOM up we went. seriously up and up and up. So glad Matias put that 12/28 on my bike. I felt like I was really able to keep a quick cadence without a lot of stress on my legs through this section. After about 20 miles the climbing somewhat ceased. Then I felt terrible. I fought the mental demons for about a minute and then they zoomed right in. Oh the things I think about and conclusions I come to on my bike. I am so done with tris for awhile...I think it is time to train for a marathon and ditch this bike for awhile. NO, Matias and I will just start having more babies...then I can just chill out. I want my Mommy. If I see Matias and the kids in T2 I am tappin out. yep done. I just want to go home. Finally the last 10 miles...which took FOREVER.

T2 - Where are they?! I NEED TO STOP!

RUN - Well I guess I would have to run to find them. OK, I did not feel so bad. Actually the past few weeks running of all 3 had definietly been feeling the best (quite strangely). So maybe this would be OK. 1 mile in and a slow climb. I still felt OK. Not great but OK. I was having an easy time holding 8:30ish pace so I was happy for that. I walked the aide stations. mile 5 and across a bridge away from the city. WHERE are we going?! I thought this course was 2 loops! And then a HUGE hill. SH$T. Yea OK if I see them going into the 2nd loop...SO DONE. Running back across the pedestrian bridge into the city I felt poor. I was struggling to hold any sort of 9min pace. And back in for the 2nd loop. NO sign of Matias and the kids. BOOHOOHOO. I guess I should FINISH this thing! OMG I CAN DO THIS. But I felt dizzy and was having a hard time breathing. THEN heading away from the city across the bridge...I saw an orange stroller...then LEO AND MATIAS AND CHLOE. I ran up to them and said to Matias, can I please stop?! PLEASE! NO, YOU WILL REGRET THIS, Matias said. OKOKOK I can do this. and off I went....finished the last 3.5 miles with a mix of walking/running/stopping at aide stations/a porta stop/stop at someones front lawan for a coke in a cooler/etc etc. I had tears in my eyes as I came under the Ironman 70.3 World Championship finish line. I give 100% thanks to Matias and Leo and Chloe for not seeing me until mile 9.5.

Not my best performance. Aside from letting the mental demons in I did not execute well. Looking back at my bike power I completely blew it up on my bike on the climb...averaging in high zone 4 when I needed to keep it around mid Z3 for the entire ride. Then I was unable to get out of Z2 for the remainder of the 30 + miles. So therefore, makes sense my run completely suffered. I smashed my GOAL of qualifying and finishing Ironman 70.3 World Championships...but it did not feel as good as I would have liked. I was missing my partner in crime all along, well until the last bit. Therefore, I will be back...next time in a better place mentally, and a smarter place physically.

What Leo was saying to me here: Mommy, you HAVE to stop doing these LONG LONG races! we drove and drove and drove and it got dark and then we stopped in a hotel and it took FOREVER to see YOU!!!

The last 3 weeks have been a bit of a struggle. Just so so tired and constant feeling I am coming down with something. Tested for mono and strep but nothing came up positive. My hard workouts seemed so hard and easy ones did not seem easy. But someone I was still managing to hit the goals each workout. I was determined to make it to Luray despite how I had been feeling. This was also the first time in I dunno how many years the fam would not be coming.

***DISTANCE*** 750 meter Swim 27K Bike 5K Run ***RESULTS*** Swim: 11:54 Strava stats Bike: 51:43 Strava stats Run: 23:06 Strava stats Total: 1:29:02 (5th OA female, 1st OA age grouper)

***PRE-RACE***

Off I went to Luray dark and early on Sunday am. Really took no time to get to Lake Arrowhead at that hour. What I love about Luray aside from the beautiful area and laid back atmosphere is how many friendly faces I run into! This is the only race I have done every year in some form or other since 2006 (excluding 2013 when I was 9 months pregnant...I know excuses excuses)...so everything is so familiar which definitely makes for less pre-race anxiety...where pre-race anxiety is my specialty. I got in a quick pre-race run warm-up, not feeling stellar, and was ready to head down to the lake...

It's Shimmer, where's Shine?!, She got left behind :(

***RACE***

SWIM - Started out in the open/elite wave. There was a pretty deent size group (~20-30 male/female). Got out in the back of the front pack on the go. They slowly pulled a bit ahead but I was able to keep close behind. My swim felt really strong. All those 1.5-2 hour swims logged are paying off :O

T1 - 3rd female out of the water and right behind 2nd. The 1st 2 being pros so I wasn't expecting to catch anyone. ha.

BIKE - oh gotta love the hilly bike course. Seriously one of my favorites! Feeling strong...I know I am in pretty good shape when the first hill out of the park does not phase me much. 1st place female was LONG gone. the 3 of us behind her went back and forth the entire course. I do not think we saw one other person. Glad we had each other! Power was looking decent...maybe about 10 watts lower from where I would have wanted to be but considering how fatigued I had been feeling I would take it.

T2 - Into T2 with Liz and Brooke and still holding 2nd-4th...

RUN - oh running...game on as always. Liz and Brooke pulled away from me. I was holding 7:15-7:30 so I was not going to try and push it any faster for fear of blowing up. About a mile in Michelle flew by me like I was standing still. BEAST. I managed to keep Liz in sight but no catching her! Hit the turn around and tried to push it a bit more. I was not able to drop my pace much. My legs felt pretty flat. But I would take it since my pace was good enough to be holding 5th and I did not see anyone close behind. UGH...the hill coming back into the park always does me in. pretty done after that...and gave it the rest I had which was not much into the finish line. There really is nothing like the feeling of finishing!

Always the BEST race prizes at Luray!

The week following Luray I felt like I got hit by a mack truck and carried on like a zombie. Seriously, felt like I was going to fall asleep standing up. And I stil had the constant sore throat and fever on top of the congestion that had built up. ENOUGH is enough...I went back to the doctor to find out YEP...strep, which had probably been there the past 3 weeks...sighh. And the lingering infection had also turned into an ear and sinus infection :( REALLY missing heading up to Maine 70.3 with my teammates this weekend...but I am finally listening to my body and letting myself be sick and rest. 2 weeks until the BIG ONE....

When Charlie inquired with me about being on Team Rev3 this year I had no idea what I was in for...UMM...THE BEST TEAM EVA! My season was not going super racewise but the fun I was having made up for it. After Quassy I just could not get over all sorts of tendinitis and some real hamstrong/glute pain. I went into the weekend unsure how things would go...or if they would go.

I was really excited about driving down with SWF. We hit the road around 12:30pm Friday and got there in no time. When we got there we heard a lot of what miserable traffic...but we had not noticed through our non-stop talking! After packet pick-up, checking into the Powhatan, and matching jean short shopping for SWF, Jenny, and I (#shimmershineandsparkles) we were off to dinner with teammates and in bed at a reasonable hour.

Day 1 - Sprint

***DISTANCE*** .6 mile swim (~1300 yards) 15.3 mile Bike 5K run ***RESULTS*** Swim: 17:38 Strava stats Bike: 41:19 Strava stats Run: 22:44 Strava stats Total: 1:23:09 (5th OA female, 7th OA, 1st AG)

***PRE-RACE***

I slept pretty good for the night before a race. Got to the race site with plenty of time. Got set up and headed down to the swim start.

***RACE***

SWIM - All females went in the 1st wave. I positioned myself front and center right behind Julie. On the go I hung behind her and two others. The way out seemed quite easy as were were with the current. We rounded the corner and headed in, which seemed to take FOREVER...the buoys were coming so slowly and I felt like I was not going anywhere. Finally the buoy to turn into the finish...and it was pulling through nets of seaweed. I stood up but it was no help because the bottom was like quick sand...so I swam as fast as I could to get out. Yep, probably looked like swamp thing coming out of the water.

T1 - 4th into transition and managed to come out of transition in 1st or 2nd. (Matias, aka transition police, you have taught me well)

BIKE - It was lonely. I was out ahead for a few miles and then a girl flew by me. Then Melissa and Suzy caught up. We went back and forth the rest of the ride and came into transition together. Race was ON.

T2 - Suzy and started the run together.

RUN - Racing against Melissa is always fun but such a challenge. We are so close in speed swim, bike, and run so it is an ALL OUT battle the entire race. under pressure. I started out a bit ahead and maybe made some time on her. My HR was skyrocketing from the get go but my body felt pretty good. In the last stretch I was in 4th about .2 miles to go and did not have much left. Melissa gained on me and passed me. bust but oh well. Ended up 5th overall and 1st AG. It was a solid race for me...a great rust buster. I had given it my 100% and was a bit worried about what I would have left in the tank for the Olympic the next day.

#friends

Only 3 of these are mine...really

Day 2 - Olympic

***DISTANCE*** .9 mile swim (~1300 yards) 27.2 mile Bike 10K run ***RESULTS*** Swim: 19:16 Strava stats Bike: 1:13:28 Strava stats Run: 50:42 Strava stats Total: 2:25:41 (10th OA female, 3rd AG)

***PRE-RACE***

Had a chat with Parker Sat afternoon...I was feeling pretty wasted but nothing was really hurting or sore...did I give the Olympic race the next day a go? OR teammates were talking about relaying...that sounded like such a better idea. He said NO DO IT! He said you will probably feel better. WHAT?!?! I changed my focus from a possible relay to not even contemplating about not doing the full Oly. Round 2...ding ding ding

PTO tri club!

***RACE***

SWIM - Today females 39 and under went last. So no Julie to draft on :( On the go I pulled out ahead. But who know what was happening as we caught thr groups ahead pretty quickly so it was basically doging people. The current was deifnietly more in our favor the entire course. I think my time was almost the same from the previous day, which had been a shorter distance. Physically I felt a ton better in the water today. Towards the end of the swim when I put my face in all I saw was black. I felt like I might be hallucinating. EEK. I picked up my pace. Heading in from the last buoy I again felt the nets of seaweed. I didn't dare step down into the quick sand. People were walking and I just swam right through keeping my mouth SHUT.

T1 - Off on pink sparkles...

BIKE - I had no idea of my position since we started last. Sarah quickly caught me and we went back and forth for pretty much the entire race. I would have to say this was my favorite part of both races. It was awesome flying by all the guys with our macthing shimmer and shine (We're Shimmer and Shine...We leave it all behind!). My legs felt awesome...well until the last 5 miles when some fatigue set in. I had the 10K in my head the entire race...

T2 - Here we go...

RUN - Wow. OK. I felt good. I was hoping to just be able to hold sub 8 pace. I was easily holding 7:30s. (Parker was right...I should be able to hold the same pace as in the Sprint and even feel better). Well until about Mile 4. Enter PAIN CAVE. I saw Ed right as the demons got in. Serously, WHERE was my suitcase of courage?! He knew I was gaining on him and kept yelling KATIE P...where are you?! I am almost there! I finally caught up...for a short short bit I was ahead...then that nasty bridge. DONE. SO DONE. I felt so dizzy and started seeing spots. This was NOT good. I walked a bit. I looked behind me and did not see anyone. I trotted. I walked. OMG I felt so awful. Coming into the finish line I was walking. Jean passed me and said COME ON KATIE! I trotted it in. I headed to the med tent to see if I could just lie down and go to sleep. They had me sit and took my vitals I was going to live. And even managed 10th overall and 3rd AG! DANG I will take it!!!

HURTIN

Team had an AWESOME time. We rallied that night...karaoked, made new friends, wadnered the streets of Williamsburg?! Seriously...Rev3 you are AMAZING! One of the best moments of the weekend was watching the final finisher...chills...just so awesome. I am so happy to be part of this tremendous family. Such good hearted people all around. It is more than just training and racing...but a lifestyle.