I did it!

So my race was last Saturday and I finished! Below is an abbreviated account of the race. The pictures are from the disposable camera Matt used while he cheered me on so they are a little far away but you'll get the gist!

Matt and I left town about 1pm, picked up my wetsuit and headed North. We arrived at the Beaver Lodge and Resort and were literally the second athletes to check-in! I was strangely calm that evening and took a brief swim, did some math homework and headed to bed around 9pm.

I awoke Saturday morning at about 5:45am as I heard some folks outside our quaint cabin, and couldn't wait to get going. I let Matt sleep in as I got all of my equipment set up and ate breakfast. Before I knew it most of my teammates were there and an underlying energy was beginning to reveal itself. Everyone was so supportive, I even borrowed some BodyGlide from a teammate! My transition area was all set up and my wetsuit was partially on so I headed to the water to get ready. To my surprise, my in-laws had made the trip all the way up to watch me compete! With a quick hello and some fun pics I was all ready and headed down to the start.

My swim was fun as I had never done a mass start before and I found a couple of people to draft behind and before I knew it I was out of the water! Again to my surprise, I heard some cheers for me and instantly recognized my dad's voice!! I was so happy to have my family there to watch and support me throughout the day. Ok so back to the race . . . . I had a pretty quick transition and was off on my bike.

I was just cruising on the bike as most of the course was flat or downhill with a few hills mixed in, averaging about 19mph over the 28 miles. Matt was along the course cheering with the cowbells!! Which, by the way, several people after the race thanked him for cheering!! :)

When I got to T2, all I could think was just keep going girl, you can do this, you're doing great . . . and then the dreaded reminder . . . no walking! The run course was hot, hot, hot! Around mile 4 I was feeling very tired, not really sore, but physically tired so I had a little pep talk with myself and picked up the pace. Little shade and little wind = a tough run, however my first mile off the bike was 9:00minutes, which is fast for me and I managed to keep that pace along the course and finished in 2hrs. 43mins. My goal for myself was between 3-3:30hrs and I crushed that and was so thrilled to have done so gave a little cheer for myself as I crossed the finish line!! Actually, Matt and our parents didn't think I would finish so quickly and they weren't at the finish line when I crossed!! ha ha ha!

All in all it was a terrific day for me as I actually got 2nd in my age group and 8th overall (female). The weather was perfect, I was well hydrated and fueled, I had an amazing support crew and several teammates along the way to keep me inspired to truly race my race.

I would definitely do this race again . . . and I'm already looking forward to my next race in a few weeks. Not sure if I'll do the Medical Lake Sprint or the Long Bridge Swim up in Sandpoint, then the CDA Olympic and eventually a Half Ironman on the Westside of WA in September. I have been going back and forth about racing in the half, but I now feel confident if I pace myself, keep a positive attitude, stay hydrated and focus on achieving my personal goals, I will again be a race finisher!

More big news . . . I became an aunt late Monday night! Austin Matthew Davey entered the world at about 11:30pm and he is the cutest baby ever! A full head of brown hair (thanks mama) and beautiful blue eyes (thanks daddy) and I will be spending tomorrow with him as to give mama a bit of a break.

School is over for the summer and I begin again in late August and start student teaching! Can't wait . . . but kinda nervous . . . .

Anyway, gotta run . . . Marley and I have a walking date.

Have a great rest of the week!

Dress Rehersal

Well I just completed my last big workout before my big race next weekend! Because I got home late from work last night, getting up early for another morning workout was totally out of the question, plus Matt and I had a date breakfast! Then I was off to a math study group to brush up on those number crunching skills for my test on Monday!

I knew I had to get a good workout in today but it is so dang hot I was dreading whatever it was going to be. I kind of wimped out and set up the trainer and rode for an hour and a half followed by a 15min. bricks run. But the best part was that I wore my new trisuit that I will wear during the race. I wore it to check for any points of possible chafing or any other uncomfortable spots. I am so excited to wear it as when I originally got it months ago . . . it was rather restricting!! Meaning a medium was super small on my large frame, but I was determined to fit into it for a race this summer - and I can!!!

I can't wait for next Saturday! Even though I will be very nervous before the race, I will have a spectacular support crew there to cheer me on! Unfortunately Matt has decided not to compete, but, I actually like it more when he is cheering. Just seeing his encouragement and shear enthusiasm for me, sparks the energy from within my heart to go just a little faster . . . my hubby rocks the hizzy . . . ha ha ha!!

Gotta run, since I wrote this entry I only have 20 minutes to get ready for work . . .oops!!! :)

An unforgettable ride

Wow, how time is flying by . . . I had the best week! I only had class on Monday and Tuesday which allowed me to get in some awesome workouts! I've been riding several miles in the morning before I meet up with the group, I completed two open water swim workouts and a bricks workout! But the best part was my ride on Sunday . . . well I almost died, twice, but it was well worth it!!

So I was riding my usual loop and all of the sudden a deer ran out in front of me as I turned up Windmill Rd.! She was so close I could see her shallow breathing pattern as I startled her! She timidly continued to cross the street, but with a cautious eye she watched me as I stood in amazement of her beauty. She eventually went into the brush and I continued my climb. Upon my arrival atop the Palouse Highway, I was angrily met by a huge brown hawk! He was screaming at me which I had only heard on television before then! His shriek was so loud, it actually really scared me and I got off my bike and again, watched the local wildlife in amazement!!! What a spectacular way to spend my time climbing and wondering what will come out of the woods next!!

As I continued on my ride I was practicing some visualization techniques I sometimes use. Well this time I was envisioning riding in my upcoming race- pushing a big gear and feeling strong - when before I knew it, I had the biggest grin on my face! When I finally did realize it, another female cyclist was approaching me from the opposite direction, she saw my toothy smile and eagerly shot one right back with a quick cyclist wave! Awesome! It was like we were both supporting each other being out there in 90+ degree weather, YOU GO GIRL!

This weekend in Valley Girl and I plan to be out there supporting all my triathlon sisters!!! I have a lot of school work so I think I will re-use my sign from Ironman . . . :)

Anyway, I just wanted to share the terrific ride I had and now, sadly, I must go and start a paper as that is what I am discovering what grad school is all about . . . writing papers! Lucky for me, I enjoy writing!!

Have a great week ya'll!!