You Can't Choose the Weather

On Race Day.

And you certainly wouldn't pick this weather if you could choose.

I spoke to so many first timers this morning - what a yicky day to have your first race. Me? I really don't mind racing in the rain. True, it slowed me down on the bike a bit. My A Race just a few weeks away, I wasn't interested in wiping out. Actually, I'm never interested in wiping out but today I was extra cautious.


All race photos courtesy of my very own, talented sports photographer and #1 cheerleader, Heidi.  Thank you sweet friend!

I look like I'm praying, "Dear God, please don't let me drown in front of my friends."

Brian and Heidi were out there too and it was nice to see friendly faces. He started about a jillion people before me and was off his bike before I ever even got in the water, ha! Being the St. Patrick's Day tri, there was a bagpiper standing on the diving board, serenading us while we waited our turn to slide into the water. Is it just me or is the bagpipe such a melancholy sound?

So thankful I bought a thick new long sleeve jersey at Bicycles Plus this week.  (on clearance!) 

It kept me warmish considering I was drenched from the rain and puddles.

It was a fun day to be out on the course and I made sure to dole out high fives to every athlete I passed on the way back in from the run. I also greeted most people with a "Great job!" as is customary in ultras. Guess that's a trail runner thing because I only got ONE acknowledgement. Sigh.

Dang, look at that heel strike.  Look also at the giant lump gut my race belt has created. What not to wear, folks.

Here is what I learned today: starting second to last in the swim (out of 650) means that when you pass people on the bike or the run, it feels that much better. Cause you know for sure they started before you! 

Kiss Me, I finished!

This was fun y'all. Just when I was feeling overwhelmed in the water (I was pretty much on top of another girl the entire swim but wasn't feeling strong enough to pass her...) you get to hop out and get on your bike. Cycling is fun! And then, before you know it, you're back on your feet and running. (my favorite) I tried to push it on the run since, hello, that's the one thing I actually CAN do well. If felt sluggish and *guess* I was in the low 9's.  (not my best 5K) I have NO idea what my pace really was cause I'm a cottonheaded ninnymuggins and can't figure out "multisport" on my Garmin. So it thought I was biking the entire time.  Whoops.  But this course wasn't a race for me, just an practice with the transitions.


So excited that in a few weeks I'll get to share this experience with Heidi on the Gulf Coast.


Soaked to the bone, I was eager to get into my snowflake pants and nap with Perry.
Then I ended the day with another 2500 yards in the pool. Missed getting in a long ride today but that's what the trainer is for I guess. Tomorrow!

Yes, I have a Hello Kitty towel.  Are you really surprised?

Oh, and if you are wondering about good race juju, it's a brand new pair of socks.  I always race important races in brand new, shiny white socks.  The luck of the Irish was with me because just yesterday I received the most thoughtful package from Canada with brand new pink bicycle socks!  Oh, I love them so much!  And I love my friends - they are the BEST!

How cute are THESE?  Very, the answer is very cute.

Do you believe in race juju?  What is your secret weapon?  (besides, duh, training)