Another Second Place Finish in the books!!

  Sometimes REST and RECOVERY ARE GOOD!

I'm finally through with Recovery.   Since my 70.3 on May 17th, my coach has had me on an "Active" recovery plan.  This basically means I can do whatever I want to rest my muscle and joints.   I enjoyed this time and didn't stress that I had a Sprint distance coming up.   As Coach Kandi said, I have the endurance for this, it is just another training day.

So, Sunday morning I woke up to a beautiful sunrise.   My boys were up and we were heading down.  I was so excited about racing not because of racing but because I was meeting a Tough Chik Teammate.  We have been talking since I got on the team and I LOVE meeting new people.  I also knew that some of my Triathlon Connection friends was going to be there as well.

Beautiful Sunrise on Race Day Sunday

As soon as we pulled up, Jenifer came up to me.  She was so sweet, we hugged like we had been friends forever, took a "selfie"and she gave me the best gift ever.   Then off I went to register and sweet Jenifer helped Pat with the wagon and Booger.

Tough Chik Jenifer - We finally meet

Jenifer made me a Tough Chik bracelet

Getting body marked with my smiley face

Swim start

As always, I was laughing and talking to everyone.   Since my first triathlon, I have always requested a smiley face under my race number.  This was the first race I received so many comments on it.  My transition was set up.  I was looking for my Coach but never found her.

We went to the swim start so I can get in and warm up.  The water was 75 degrees.  My Coach instructed me to practice technique and bilateral breathe.  She has a theory about my shoulder pain.  I have to say, I did it most of the way.  It's hard because for 3 years now I only breathe on my right but I tried my best and I will keep practicing.

The swim was very congested and I never got an opportunity to "break free."  The 300 yards took me 7:55.  I walked to transition while taking my wetsuit off.  I was off and ready for my bike.   I had to stop and walk back to get my helmet shield since I left it on my mat but that was only a few seconds off.  My T1 time was 3:17.

FINISHED

I LOVE cycling and I think its because its the only discipline that doesn't really hurt any of my joints (unless on for 3+ hours).  The bike was a short loop around the park that does have some hills.  I think it is around 7.5 miles and it took me 31:31.  I felt great getting off the bike.  And it was AWESOME to hear my name being called out.  I knew it was Jenifer.  She was still there.

I believe I can Fly!!

She stayed even though she said she couldn't!  Teammates.. LOVE HER!

Booger's new girlfriend

My Rock

TC Girlfriends

I ran my bike in, racked it, changed my shoes, put on my running belt, grabbed my water, put on my visor and sunglasses and off I went.  T2 was 1:48.

Now the run.  Oh how I love running!  Running is my favorite sport.  (I say this always when running).  But this run wasn't so bad because of all the athletes I was never alone on the run course.  I had people to cheer as they ran past me or (once/twice I would run past them).   I did my 5 minute run and 1 minute walk.  I pushed myself harder on the runs  but only because I knew it was only 3.1 miles.  My run came in at 39:39.  I was very happy.

My total time was 1:24:11.  I was 6 minutes behind the first place winner.  She apparently LOVES to swim and run.  :)

When I heard my name called, I was holding Booger.  I took off running to the podium with him and he did get his picture with the First place winner.  He hopped right up under her feet.  She was laughing, as was everyone else. (Still waiting for the Professional pics since no one was there to get it the picture of me on the podium for the Very FIRST Time)

I came home and you won't believe this...GOT IN MY POOL.   It is almost full and definitely had enough water for me to float.  It was a perfect day.

I also thinking I'm loving my CURVES.  Second place out of 11.   I'll take that!  And, I'll take having any Tough Chik by my side.  They are my Lucky Charms.  

Now let the training commencement for Silverman 70.3 in October.  Next race... June Lake in July!  I LOVE this sport.

Thanks Coach Kandi for getting me through these events without injury and having fun!  Thanks Jenifer for coming out and meeting me.  We will be riding and Tring together.  Thanks to my AMAZING husband who is always there for me. 

Finished and 2nd Place Athena