It Has Been Awhile... I ended 2014 with a BANG!! BOOM!!! BAMM!!!

2014 Season Ends with a Bang! Boom! Bamm!

Well it has been awhile.  Let me start with a brief review of what's happened since my last post.

September I did a Reverse Sprint and came in 5th in my age group.  I was super stoked and ready for my A Race at Silverman 70.3 Lake Mead.  I had trained all year for THIS RACE!  There was a lot of emotions going on.  I had to overcome my fear AGAIN! This time of swimming without a wetsuit (or at least I thought.)  Race day morning the water temp dropped for a wetsuit legal race.  Still not sure how that happened.  Swim was on target for me.   I was at mile 45 on the bike when I started vomiting, shaking and freezing.  Instead of pushing through, I stopped and had medics come.  I had over heated before at a race and never want to push my body to that limit of stroking or killing an organ just for a race.  So it was my 2nd DNF of the year and this one was my body versus heat.  Heat WON!

Now it was time to mentally get over this DNF.  Two weeks later I ran the Nike's Women Half Marathon in San Francisco.  I had a great run and would have PR'd if I didn't stop for that 10 minute potty line.  Official record says 2:52.  I will take that especially if you include all those dang hills in that city.  It wasn't flat like Surf City or Long Beach and my time was faster than those two races.  Yeah... this training is paying off.  Although I still wasn't together mentally.

Then it was off to Florida for 12 days.  I had a great time visiting family.  I ran or walked every morning, drank and ate like it was my new job, came back weighing more than when I left and still not out of the DNF funk.

I was home for four days and off to RV Camping at Pismo Beach.  I rode my bike everyday there and was starting to get my focus back, until I tried a bike/swim workout and realized my shoulder hates lots of movement and pressure.  The funk was back.

The "Funk" never stopped me but it didn't help.  Talk about the battle of the mind.  Visiting family, having my family here, having a wonderful husband, nothing was helping UNTIL this past weekend.  I have my euphoria of "I WILL BE AN IRONMAN back!"

Race day morning

Last race of the season.  I haven't swam since Silverman on October 4.  I've been traveling, visiting and thank goodness not overeating turkey.  My Coach has had me on an base training schedule doing 1 hour of something everyday and 3 bricks before this last race.  I was heading to LaQuinta for Hits Triathlon Olympic Distance.  I was bringing my cousin, Susie.  It was her first for camping, rving, and seeing a race plus volunteering with me.  (Not going to lie, it is fun to watch the reactions of people watching a triathlon for the first time).   I had talked to my coach and gave her my goals so I didn't feel any pressure at this race.  I knew I had the endurance and support to finish.  I didn't know how good my swim was going to be but Coach told me to practice form and technique (which is what I did).

Sunday morning I got to transition smiling, happy and trying to find my friends.  I got my hug from Jamie, John, Marilee, April, Theresa and her hubby.  I was ready.  Yes the water was cold and my first thought was... forget this, I already have brain freeze.  But, I knew I couldn't give up.  I had my cousin watching.  What kind of example would that be??  So, I lathered up with vasoline and got back in that water, peed and was ready.

With Jaymi, my rabbit

With Boog's Aunt April who I like to think I helped pushed her over the Tri Edge

A Beautiful Tough Chik Teammate and her hubby

Marilee... speedy and sweet

Our favorite time... in wetsuits

My swim was my "normal" time.  I finished in 36:29 and it was a long run to transition.  I quickly decided I didn't need any arm warmers or another shirt since I could feel the heat.  I was still a bit slower than normal in T1 but made it on the bike after 4:41.

Get me out of this thing...

I'm Swimming

The bike I just love.  Nothing better than feeling that wind and flying by yelling "Passing on your left."  It is such a high.  I finished my 25 mile bike in 1:21:52.  I did slow down for 1 mile to take in some fluids and fuel to prepare for that lovely run coming next.

My T2 was 2:16 after changing my shoes and getting my belt etc.  

Now off  for a glorious 6.2 mile run.   I have to say my runs have been getting better each and every day.  I know when I can keep a good pace and when I have to slow down.  I also stick with my 5 minute run/1 minute walk as well as always walking through the Aid stations.  My Coach put me on this plan in May and it is working well.    1:14:27 later I was crossing the finish line feeling strong and hearing the cheers.  

I finished Strong

A kiss and congrats from the Race Director, Mark Wilson..

1st place in Athena Division

Total time was 3:19:47.  A new PR for this flat OLY course and FIRST place!  Yes!!!

To top off the day, as I was packing up in Transition, there were Bighorn Sheep visiting us.  It truly was a great race day.

2014 was a GREAT Return for Bionic Barbie.  Every race/event I did I improved.  I ended up with first place for Grand Junction 70.3; Santa Barbara Long Course and Hits OLY.  I got 3rd place in my  Age Group at June Lake and a 2nd Place at LA Tri Series.  I have never had such a great year. 

I know that 2015 will be even better as I work my way toward my dream of hearing those words, "Barbara Weber You Are An Ironman!"  I get excited every time I think about it.  I'm even more honored and humbled to know so many family and friends are working out ways to be there to help me cross that finish line.  That means more to me than I will every be able to type!

My race schedule for 2015 is set.  If anyone wants to come join, train or camp with me(us) and keep Pat company, it is and always will be an open invitation.

January 2015 = Shadow Tour Century Ride - Ocitillo, CA  100 miles time trial with 5,000' climbing

February 1 = Surf City Half Marathon - Huntington Beach, CA
February 12-15 = 100 miler through Death Valley, CA
February 28 = Race on Base in Los Alamitos, CA

March 7 = Bayshore 70.3 Triathlon (Long Beach)
March 14 = Solvang Century Ride

April 11 = Hits Napa Valley 70.3

May 9 = LA Tri Series at Bonelli

June 28 - Ironman Couer d'alene, Idaho... AHHHH

December 6 = OLY Hits Triathlon

I have others I want to do but need to get through June before I commit. I just couldn't pass up the great deal HITS offered so close to home.

I want to give a special thank you to Coach Kandi from Train-n-Tri.  Coach, you are so amazing and wonderful.  I can never express how much it means to me to get that text or email or both the night before every race/event and after every race/event.  I enjoy all our training days and talks we have about anything and everything.  I love the stalking on Facebook  and next thing I know, there is a message on my phone.  I love that you care so much and tell me NO when I need to hear it!  I love the faith you have in me.  I love that we not only have a Coach/Athlete relationship but a friendship that means so much to me.  Thanks for opening doors for me, for working around my traveling and family schedules and for making sure I didn't over train.  I finished my first year back without any new injuries and worse injuries.  I'm a tough one with all my aches, pains and you did it!  We did it!  I can't wait for 2015.

And a Big Thank you to my Husband, Pat.  My support, my rock, my biggest fan, my foundation!  Without you, I would not be doing this.  You have and always will be my light and love.  Thanks for driving me around, setting up camp, getting people to cheer for me, having Ginger ale at the finish line and helping to make this Ironman dream come true.  I love you to the moon and back 1000+ times.

To everyone else.. thanks for all your support in 2014.  Thank you even more for your encouragement and support in 2015.  You have know idea how much it means to me to have you there in spirit, body and mind.  Loves and Hugs.

Thanks to my sponsors.. SwirlGear, Tough Chik Team, Energy Bits and Ryno Power.  I not only looked good (most of the time) but I had energy and power... :)

Cheers to 2015.. Keep Moving, Living, Loving and Triing!!

My First Ocean Swim Tri and I Placed 1st

 My First Ocean Swim Tri - Had to do it!!

It always feels good to hear - 1st Place no matter what

Starting the morning off with some Triathlon Connection Friends.

Back in January I decided I was going to nip this ocean swimming fear right in the butt. So, I signed up the Santa Barbara Triathlon.  Of course, it was the Long Distance.  I mean if I am going all the way might as well pick the longest course.

Not going to lie, I was nervous and had been up until July when we went to Malibu for a few days.  It was there I practiced (and was coached by my amazing husband) how to get in and out of the surf.  Yes, I have read and heard from many others but until I was actually there, nothing registered.  I normally look at the waves and back away.  Come on, I'm from the land of corn fields... 

We got there Thursday afternoon and took Booger to a beach Thursday and Friday.  Both days I had really really good excuses as to why I shouldn't get in the water.   #1 which I didn't share was my fear was back in full force.  I decided if I tried to get in and something bad happen, it would hurt my mental preparation for Saturday. So I opt to not swim. 

Friday at Packet Pick Up.  The new Spokes Dog for Clif

It's race day morning.  I fueled up with my Energy Bits, Ryno Power Motivation/Endurance and a protein bar plus sprayed my Energy Essential Oil blend all over.   I got to transition with some friends, I set up and then waited.  I was nervous only when I heard the big crashing of the waves and I couldn't find Pat.  I have never started a race without him there and I was a bit lost.  

Pink Lotus and My Transition all set up and ready to roll

Transition in the morning...

It was practice time so went down to the start to get in the water.  First thing I saw was a BIG wave coming.  My friend, Simon, was in the water and I yelled .. "Oh that's a big one."  He turned around just in time for it to swallow him up.  Great, so this is how its going to be.  I put my big girl panties on and went in.  I dived through each wave with Pat's voice telling me dive, dive.   Once I was out in the "safe" zone my mind went nuts. I just knew I wasn't going to be able to get back to shore without being swallowed up.  I just knew I was going to drown.  I just knew I was going to get sick and then a big fish was going to come and eat me.  I knew this was going to happen.. I just knew it.   I had to get back to shore and go hide and not do the race and make up an excuse.  Yep, I just had to do it.  I was too scared.    This was my first race all season that I finally felt sick to my stomach before the race.

I got out of the water and had the "Battle of the minds"  Apparently Bionic Barbie won because I did the race instead of hiding.  The horn went off and I walked into the water, did a dive under a wave and I was swimming.  I felt good.  No bumping, punching, no one swam over me, I didn't get sick.  It was good.  I was in a steady groove.  The turn around I could feel it was a bit harder but I turned to head towards shore.  Why do I have to turn back to see how big the waves are?  Does it matter?  Why didn't I just surf it in?  No, I had to look at the 12' wave (exaggerated) coming in ready to crash right on me.. Yep, this was it... I was gone.. I was going into "water/surf land".   All I remember under the water was light then blackness.  I popped up finally and was able to located my goggles.. Wow!  I had sand all over my face.  I wasn't happy about that but happy I was out of the water.. YEAH!! I did it in 41:17... One mile swim BAM!!

Bam that dang swim was done!

I ran to my bike, it was misting so everything was wet besides being wet.  I did drop my face shield and cracked it. However, I could still use it so I took off.  The bike ride was awesome.  Yes there were a few steep climbs.  There were two major accidents where cyclist crashed and were being taken away on a stretcher.  I took every down hill nice and slow.  I mean it was wet outside and I didn't know the path too well.  Nothing is worth an injury.  I cruised on the bike and loved it.  I even had two people on the run course tell me I was a BEAST!  Yes.. 2nd time that has happened and I can't help but feel proud!  I was scared of the course from all I heard, read and driving it.  I thought for sure 3 hours.. Nope.   My time for 34 miles climbing approximately 2270'... 2:11.  YES and another BAM!!!

Getting ready for that fun Bike

Onto the run.  No Patrick around so I was a bit down.  The run is my least favorite due to being so slow and sometimes the pain during and mostly after.  However, no pain came.  I did my normal 5 minute run with 1 minute walk the entire run.  I never once felt like I was bonking.  At mile 8 I was actually getting hungry and thinking of food and what I could eat. Again, lots of people past me on the run but that's okay.  This time I felt great and I PR'd (according to Strava and me).     I was coming into the finish and I saw my husband, Pat. He had a whole cheering section yelling me through the finish.  It was a Proud moment.  I finished Strong.  My 10 mile run was done in 2:12:32

 

Strong Finish!

My total time was 5:12:54.. The best part.. First Place in Athena Division!  I knew I had it. Granted I was the only one in my division.  There were a few DNFs but it wasn't me! :)

I love races like these. Races that make you feel so strong and amazing.   I have a few people to thank because without them, it would not be such an incredible experience.  First, my husband, Pat.  He is always by my side.. supporting, sponsoring, cheering and having that Ginger Ale and Cold Beer at the Finish.  (I never know what I will want).  And, my Coach and Friend, Kandi at Train-n-Tri.  You have given me a plan so tailored to my injuries/surgeries, brittle bones and vacations.  I know it isn't easy working around my schedule but you do and I thank you so much.  Also, thanks to Energy Bits and Ryno Power for giving me what I need to make it though another big race.

Next race is my A race... My Monster Race for 2014... Silverman 70.3 Half Ironman at Lake Mead..  I'm so excited for this race.  I can't wait!  

 I will be an Ironman!

A Beautiful Venue, Hit in the Swim, Drop Chain on the Bike, Hiked a mountain and Still got 3rd!!

 

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO FIGHT THROUGH IT 
and IT PAYS OFF!

I left with my transition bag packed and rode my bike 1/2 mile to transition about 1 1/2 hours before the race.  I was excited and wanted to get down to the lake and absorb the energy of prestart.  So far so good, until an Ironman veteran decided to rack right next to my bike.  Hundreds of spots open, yet he had to pick right by me. He TOLD me I needed to share the space.   I moved a half inch and told him anymore I would be on the other side of transition.  Even though he rubbed me the wrong way, I shrugged it off.  Of course, he has done many Ironmans, qualified for Kona more than once, didn't start racing until he was 46 and was I listening and telling him how inspiring he was. Now it was my turn.  I decided to share my journey so far.  As soon as I told him I had lost 75 lbs by racing, he gave me a looked, sized me up and told me I needed to lose at least 30 more.  WHAT?!?&^%$$  The winds have left my sail and I wanted to cry.  What is WRONG with people?  I called my Knight to check where he was because he (Pat) would know what to say to me.  Thank goodness, I saw him and Booger crossing over the beach.  I left that OLD man and really wanted to tell him off.   I never saw him again and I was ready to share my mind.  (P.S.  IF SOMEONE EVER TELLS YOU THEY HAVE LOST 1 LB OR 100 LBS, ALWAYS! ALWAYS ENCOURAGE!! )

Transition Ready before I was told to share

Before the madness

Swim start!!!  I got in the water and could not believe how perfect it was.  The lake was like glass, clear, 65 degrees without boats.  I talked to some women around me and was "coaching" a first timer.  It's so fun to give "words of wisdom" and see them pull trough.   I've been where they are.  The swim was great except for the part where a swimmer didn't know how to site to well and zig zagged across me a few times. The last time, I got a nice hit in the left eye.  I stopped and let her move forward.  I tend to swim with a even, smooth stroke not too fast, not too slow, and enjoy it.  I do get a bit disturbed with the ones who panic, go fast, go slow, zig zag, flip, etc. I always stay in the far back right/left side. So, if you are not a strong swimmer or nervous, just be respectful and position yourself accordingly.     I stood up and saw 37 minutes on my watch.  Of course, I had to stop for a few pictures, wave at Pat, congrats the girl who finished her first open water swim, run up a small hill through sand, dunk my feet in the water bucket and run to my bike.  First part done! (Official Time was 38:54 for a .9 mile swim with a transition of 3:04)

I was talking to the young first timer.

Love swimming

The Bike is my favorite and I didn't have any worries at all.  I test rode the Pink Lotus the day before. I knew we were ready.  I left transition feeling good.  The second climb came (same one I did the day before) and there went my chain.  I'm not sure what is going on.. is it me and shifting or the bike?  I have had this bike since January and have rode all over. However, these last two races, not so good.  There went the wind from my sails again.   A sweet couple stopped and the guy helped me get it back on.  I was 40 minutes into my race when this happen (according to my garmin).  By the time I decided I had no choice but to ride in one gear, it was 59 minutes.  I walked my bike up the hill. I could hear the crunching of my chain.  I wasn't going to DNF no matter what.  I made the turn right and downhill I went.  Of course, I had to TEST the bike and change gears to make sure and there went the chain again while I was going down hill.  I stopped again, put the chain on and decided Yes.. ONE GEAR ONLY!

Heading out for the 25 mile bike

Leaving the park

Heading in to prepare for the run

I was cruising through town, smelling the fresh air and went to move my helmet and there went my face shield.  What the Heck??  Really, is this happening?  I turned around, found it laying on the road waiting for me.  I put it on and realized it wasn't right.  Well, I was missing a magnet so only had two magnets to keep it in place.  I said a prayer and hoped it wouldn't fall off again.  Off I rode... into a beautiful downhill, along bubbling creeks, pass waterfalls, lakes, trees and more.  It was so beautiful and I knew I had plenty of time.   I was back at transition... A beautiful 1:46:54  ride with a few hills in one gear and I felt great! (Transition time 2:15) (And literally take off at least 15 minutes for the chain and face shield issues my ride would have been 1 1/2 hours)

Off on the run.  Oh boy running on sand is so much fun, then it turned to a nice .25 mile climb up a dirt trail. Once I got to the top, I got in my grove (5 minute run/1 minute walk).  I thought, " I could do this" and then I saw the volunteer pointing towards another dirt trail that had no ending in sight.  I didn't see ONE person run up that hill.  According to Strava, there was at one point 21% incline.  I climbed for 2.5 miles.  Once on the top, I stopped to catch my breath (being up at 8400' and feeling dizzy wasn't good). I lost my breath again as I gazed out at a huge beautiful meadow!  I could see where there had been least 2 lakes before this horrible drought).   At mile 4 (and I was still on top of that mountain thinking of Julie Andrews.. "I run through the hills, to the sound of music...ahhahahaha..")  there was an aid station. I asked if they were a mirage.   They told me just 1 mile straight down then you are home free.  First, I had to make a pit stop behind a BIG SEQUOIA.  I let A LOT of runners past me going down.  There was no way I was going to fall down that mountain.  I made it to the bottom and was home free.  Just about 1 1/2 miles from the finish.  However, I stopped to talk to this volunteer about the PCT as he poured water over my head.  (I have to remember sometimes I'm racing not there to socialize.. but then it wouldn't be fun).    I got down the last hill pretty fast and heard my Knight, Pat, calling my name.  I saw the finish and new I made it.  Another successful race after a few bumps! (Run/Hike/Walk 2:00:27)

See you in a little bit..

FINISHED

Got my Finishers Medal to prove it

The event had the food catered for the athletes.  YUMMY!  Grilled chicken breast, lentil salad, quinoa with snow peas, lots of fruit and an entire table of desserts.  Thankfully, I wasn't that hungry and stayed with the food that was going to refresh my muscles.   After I ate, Pat, Boogs and I went to transition to start packing up.   That is when Pat heard my name and I heard Phelan, CA.  There I was again, running down to the beach to get my 3rd place plaque.  My day was amazing.

We packed up, went down to the beach.  Booger and I chilled in the water (like a cool bath) while Pat loaded up the buggy.  We then went back to the campsite, changed, went to dinner to celebrate and had a perfect ending to the perfect day.

I'm so happy I'm picking these more challenging races.  It sure seems to be helping me get to the podium.  I didn't even race in Athena this time.  I am 10 lbs lighter than my last race, a lot more confident and on my way to becoming an Ironman.  

Thanks Coach Kandi @ Train-n-Tri for coaching me to another podium finish and letting me proudly wear your new Tri Kit.  It's working!! All of it!!

 

Special thanks to Energy Bits #PoweredbyBits, #RynoPower Motivation and Endurance, #doTerra Oils (I make my own Energy blend & vitamins) and #DingBat Bars... This is my daily regimen for long workouts and races.  I haven't felt tired and always have more to give.

Santa Barbara I'm coming for you in August! 

Sometimes it is bound to happen.. My First DNF

My First DNF but due to mechanical issues not the Athlete!!

I was really looking forward to racing in the Big Bear Triathlon for many reasons:

1.  It had been on my radar but since I'm only allowed one a month, it was taken off.

2.  It was FREE.  My coach transferred her husband's entry to me 

3.  First time someone gave me a race FREE

4.  First time I and my coach knew I was in good physical shape to compete in it without training

5. A great prelude to June Lake

6.  Third time in Big Bear and I want to spend more time there.

So with all that said, I was excited when we left early Friday and started our journey up the mountain.  Both my husband and I forgot how ruthless drivers are on the 330 and we were flipped off, honked at, etc.. heading up.  It didn't make for a good peaceful drive.

Once there, we checked into our hotel and walked over to packet pick up.  I got to meet Laurin and Jody from Team Tough Chik there.  It is always great meeting new amazing Athletes.  Afterwards, we found a restaurant that would allow Boogs to eat with us on the patio.   Then it was back to the hotel for a good nights rest.

I KNOW it isn't only me but every runner, triathlete, cyclist, etc... we all want a good emptying out in the morning before our race.  I usually say a little prayer and ask for one.  This morning it just wouldn't stop.  So, right off the bat, I was worried about my race.  My stomach was upset and I forgot my ginger.  Not stressing too much, I popped by bits, drank my juice, ate 1/2 a Ding Bat bar and popped my Ryon Power Motivation and Endurance and electrolytes.  I was ready and headed down to the venue.

It was so awesome to see so many friendly faces from Team Tough Chic and Triathlon Connection friends from the Past.  Of course my Coach was there.  And there was Marc, Orietta, Chad, Alan, Liz, Laurin, Jody and Susan.  Even Pat ran into someone he knew from when he did car shows.  

It was nice to have Kandi with me.  Although I do many races alone, it is always awesome to have friendly helpful faces with you.   It was time for my wave to start.  I was a bit nervous about the swim because it was a pier start, I wasn't sure how the water would be (although I was told nice) and I wasn't sure how my shoulder would like the swim (which I never know until I am on the bike).   I jumped into the water with the other 23 OLY women athletes.  I didn't like the fact I couldn't stand up to let the water run through my wetsuit and adjust but besides that the water was nice.  Our wave was off and swimming.  We had to swim around the Miss Liberty which was a bit smelly of gas.  It was much easier swimming towards the pier than swimming out due to wind and current.  The second loop was a bit more choppy now that all the athletes were in.  I managed getting out of the water and into transition in 36:42.  My T1 time was 2:10. 

 I was off on the bike.  Not really knowing the course, I just followed others and the little arrows taped to the street.  I knew there would be some climbing and that the road would not be closed.  I was a bit nervous at times but all in all was having a good ride.  I popped some energy bits when I hit the turn around mark at Snow Valley and before that hard climb back.   I also had a half of a Ding Bat Bar.  Once I got to the dam and was ready to loop around the lake, I knew I would have plenty of time.  I was in aero and cruising.   I was making my way through Fawnskin, when a small climb started.  I went to switch my gears and they were getting stuck.  I started freaking because I was climbing but wasn't moving and clipped in.  There were cars right behind me and all I could think of was falling and getting hit.  Fortunately, I was able to unclip before I fell.  I moved to the side to try to put my chain on and knew something was wrong.  It wasn't going on.  I walked my bike down to a turn off road, turned it over and started messing with the chain.  An athlete came by and asked if I was okay.  I told her my chain was broken and to get help.   About one minute later an older man with a trailer told me to move because he had to turn down that road.  REALLY BUDDY??  At that point what I wanted to do was hurl my bike at his truck.  Of course he didn't stop to help as none as the other 50 cars that blew by.   I had made it 2 hours and 10 minutes, approximately 25.6 miles into the race when this happen.  I was 6-7 miles from transition.

At this point, I knew I had no other choice than to start walking.  My phone was broke so I was phoneless and had no way to call for help.  No, not one of the 100 cars (by now) asked if I needed help.  HINT:  IF A CYCLIST IS WEARING A NUMBER, HAS A HELMET ON, WALKING IN CYCLING SHOES PUSHING THEIR BIKE, THEY NEED HELP!!!  Boy, I was on fire.  Trying really hard not to cry out of anger.  Seriously, is there anymore Humanity, Compassionate, Nice, Helpful people left out there.  (Another HINT:  IF A CYCLIST IS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SICK AND IT'S HOT OUT, THEY NEED HELP.  But that is another blog, another time).     I really enjoyed the car of young men driving by as fast as they could yelling for me to get out of the way.  

Finally, David from the event came by in his truck and picked me up.  I had walked about 1 1/2 miles.  My watch read 2 hours and 38 minutes.  He tried to fix the chain.  His exact words were, "In all my years of cycling, I have never seen that happen to a chain.   Your chain has gone South.  I'll take you back."    I still could have made the run but on our trip back to Transition, there was another cyclist down.  We stopped to help him change his flat.  Four tubes and 20 minutes later, Kevin was up and cycling.   Then David was asked to do a sweep of the course to make sure all the cyclist were heading in.  

I have to admit, it was kind of fun playing search and rescue after I was rescued.

Once I got back to transition, I started walking my bike towards transition.  Coach Kandi and hubby came running to me to make sure I was okay.  I was wearing all the tubes Kevin went through so everyone thought it was my issue.  If only it was the tubes.  Coach Kandi turned to me and said run, you can still do the run.  I just looked at her and said, "No  I'll take the DNF."  My wind was gone from my sails.   

There are times when things happen.  I didn't let it effect me.  I really wasn't looking forward to that run because of my stomach.  Although I felt okay, I didn't feel 100%.  I was dreading that run with the heat and believe that maybe God knew I would get worse if I ran.  So, I packed up my stuff, Pat checked us out of the hotel, and we went to lunch with the DeCarlos and Orietta.  Just what the doctor ordered, Sprite, good food with good people celebrating our fitness, birthday, anniversary and telling funny stories of the past.  I really couldn't ask for a better day.

When I got home, I jumped in my pool and read.   Next race is July 12 at June Lake.   I can't wait!  

Keep Living, Loving, Laughing and TRI - ing! And don't sweat the small stuff. Try to enjoy every moment of every day!

Orietta, Kandi and I - Peek-a-boo

Susan from Team Tough Chik, me and Coach Kandi

The swim around Miss Liberty

Coack Kandi getting her finishers medal - She competed in the Sprint

Good Ole Chad.. Always smiling, hugging and volunteering