**photos courtesy of Bryce Jones, Keena Schaerrer, Craig Coats, and Zazoosh**
Weather: A+
I like it warm. Low 60's in the morning. High 80's on the run. Light breeze.
Perfect conditions!
Scenery: A+
Red rocks, mountains, farmland.
Love it!
Sand Hollow: A-
Super clear, warm, calm.
It would be perfect if they didn't allow any stinky boats!
Pre-race: A+
Fun, eventless drive with Karen.
A dip in the lake and a little ride.
Dinner at Cafe Rio.
Good times at the Rue Residence.
Marching to the Start
Then a text from Coach M:
"I want you to have fun tomorrow!
I want to hear: I love racing!"
Really? Sweet!
During the last 2 years with HT Training,
Coach M would ask me for my goals before each race.
My answer for each and every race:
I just want to have fun!
And that's the truth!
M wasn't always happy with that answer
but she accepted it more or less.
Then Oceanside 70.3 came around at the end of March
and, on top of just having fun,
I really wanted to qualify for Vegas!
Well, as we all know by now,
Oceanside didn't go so well and
I am still trying to climb out of the hole
I had dug for myself during March
and then promptly fell in right after the race.
That text from Coach was music to my ears!
Swim: A-
I couldn't wait to get in that wonderful water
and it didn't disappoint!
As you can see the Open Division Wave
was rather small and I like it that way!
Friendly chit-chat among friends and off we go!
Immediately, I was all by my lonesome self.
Behind the fast guys and in front of the other girls.
No complaints here!
(The - is for a less-than-stellar swim time.)
Oh. Wow. This is beautiful.
Look at the mountains and the rising sun.
I am in paradise.
I am so lucky to be able to do this!
Maybe I will just stay in here for another lap!
Never mind. My arms are getting tired.
I think I am ready to get out...
Swim Exit: A+
The crowd was amazing.
Some of the later waves hadn't gotten into the water yet
and everybody was cheering very excitedly.
Loved it!
T1: C-
My wetsuit didn't come off fast enough.
I basically came to a complete stop before hopping
on my bike. Lame!
I will be practicing transitions more...
Bike: B+
I usually feel the best on the bike.
Not today.
Maybe it's because I didn't see a single soul out there!
At least not on my side of the road...
I was (secretly) glad the course was short!
Fiddling with my ripped bib number
climbing - my favorite
cruising back
T2: A-
46 seconds. Solid.
But it could be faster still...
Run: A
My time is far from a solid A
but it was the best run I've had in a long time!
I actually felt good!
I knew 2nd place was a little ways back
which allowed me to run without any pressure.
I was having a blast!
And I wasn't lonely anymore
because we ran next to the bikers.
6 miles went by super fast and
I loved seeing so many friends out there!
Happy Me!
Jeanette, winner of the sprint race, finished right behind me.
She is one of my favorite girls and I am so glad
we got to hang out and chat for a while!
Sue, 2nd place, is my hero!
I want to be like her when I grow up!
Post-race: C
Timing was super messed up.
We left before awards.
Very long line for food.
But who cares?
We took another heavenly dip in the lake,
and went back to the Rue Residence.
Because this awesome day was far from being over...
Thank you
TriSports, HT Training, Karl, Karen, and Colleen!
Congrats
to everyone on their outstanding performances!
Love you all!
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