Barton Springs Pool- Austin, TX

The Soul of Austin is said to be Barton Springs and I can easily understand why.  Crystal clear waters, 150 meters of lap swimming,  and sealife beneath you.  I was in awe, and I do have to say I was a litte freaked out too!  Beneath the surface are plants that are 10 feet plus, and as you swim your hands touch them; I kept thinking something was going to swim out of this sea jungle and get me.  :)  Also sometimes some seaweed would get caught on my goggles or feet.  It is Halloween though, so I was up for a good scare.

Truly, this has to be one of the best things to do in Austin! I left amazed and invigorated!

Can you float on your belly?

OKCMM 2012

I am not sure what happened to the posts.  I guess I just RAN out of time for it all. 

Well, it turns out that it was one of my most difficult training season's yet.  It was the speedwork, and pushing through when it hurts to run all out.  Mostly, it was mental.  Making it to your track workouts when you dread the limit pushing pace, making it to mile 10 of a race pace tempo run, and running as hard as can on the last set of 200 meters when you have already ran 11 others.    It was tough.  I had a few speed bumps along the way, but I made it through.  At the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, I ran the half and ran a 1:47:52!  This is an 8:09 pace.  Four seconds per mile short of my goal of 1:45:59.  I did not reach my goal, but what I gained was even bigger.  Having joy in my suffering and building mental strength is going to help me reach future goals and become a stronger athlete and person.  Things like telling your mind that your going to run this fast so just get used to it.  Telling yourself you can keep running even though you can't feel your legs.  Peeing on yourself because you had no control (someone just told me about this one).   

This training block was from January to April 29th 2012.  I got to run in the Dallas Rock and Roll Half Marathon on March 23rd, 2012.  Unfortunately, I was sick.  Like eyball and muscles sore sick.  I told myself that I would not run if I was running a fever.  I wasn't so I ran, it was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  Note to self:  never ever run a race sick unless you want to suffer something aweful.  I ran a 1:50:22!  I could not have ran any better on THAT day.  I had to talk myself into everything during that race.  My mind wanted me to quit.  I won!

Well, I enjoyed one week off, then I was off to another adventure!

Results:

Age group:  10th of 889

Overall Females:  89th of 4994

Male and Female:  377th of 8157

2012 Half Marathon Training Begins!

The new year sometimes brings big goals and aspirations and in my case, fast goals.  I would like to run a 1:45 (exact time to be determined) half marathon in April at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.  Justin is training to run a 1:35.  He's a speedster.  I call him the mystery runner since he usually runs with me, no one knows how fast he truly is.  In races, when he runs with me, he can sprint to take bathroom breaks multiple times and always run full blast to catch back up.  Haha!  Let the mystery unfold for my Fast Half (pun intended).


Well, I got a coach!  That's right, I am crazy enough about running and triathlons to try and push myself further and to hire an elite marathoner, Jerry Faulkner to coach me.  I look forward to sharing more about Jerry in future posts.


I just completed my first full week of the training program that he specialized for me.  Here is what my week looked like:  6 miles, 3 miles, 5 miles, 4 mile tempo, and a 6 mile, totaling 24 miles.  Next week I will log a total of 31 miles and will meet with my coach for a speed workout.

William's Route 66 Half Marathon-Tulsa, OK

November 20th, 2011-   Since the RedMan Triathlon, I have maintained my running in order to run the Route 66 Half Marathon in Tulsa.  And for the past 3 weeks I do mean "maintain".  It was a struggle.  With limited daylight I was pushed to a treadmill, just not wanting to go fast and even wanting to walk (but I didn't).  Just needing some motivation, that's all.  Funny thing is, I had strong runs on the weekends running with the OKC Landrunners that could prove hopeful for a personal record, yet Monday would come around and my bed just felt so warm.

Justin and I were going to run it together and I told him "I just don't know if I want to run it fast".  He said "OK, we will just run it at whatever speed you feel like."  That was the perfect answer.  Because come race morning I was ready to run!

It was thirty-seven degrees on race morning we walk down stairs from our hotel and the starting line was literally 100 yards away.  We get in our corral and I see the 1:50 pacer balloons.  I asked Justin if he wanted to stick with the 1:50 pacer for the first 4 miles then adjust slower if we need to from there. (it usually takes me about 4 miles to get in rhythm)  He agreed.   Kind of last minute for goal setting but hey, I needed to just run how I felt this time.  Five minutes or less and the gun went off. 

Most of the time we stayed right in front of the 1:50 half pacer and the 3:40 full pacer.  I think running with the 3:40 pacer was symbolic in that if I was to qualify for Boston one day,  I MEAN WHEN I QUALIFY FOR BOSTON ONE DAY, this was the pace that I would need to be at (8:23 minutes/mile).  I also have a good friend Rebecca who is a super fast Mama that is trying to qualify.  She recently came within 34 seconds.  It is only a matter of time before she achieves that goal.


I felt great at our starting pace and after a few miles I knew we could settle in at this pace.  The first half was full of hills and the last half was flat.  I slowed my pace momentarily to grab water at a water stop.  This must have change the angle of my body and OUCH my hip flexor was trying to say hello.  It brought me to a limp and I kept running to get rid of it.  It stopped and I didn't hear from it again until.......the next water stop.  I told Justin, he was going to have to get me water next time because I couldn't slow my speed without my hip flexor catching. 

About a mile and a half before the finish line Justin says "the 1:50 pacer is making his move".  WHAT? Making his move?  He was a little behind so he sped up and I was going to have to speed up.  I kind of only have one gear at a time, I like to get in and stay in it.  Oh well, let's go faster, I guess.  Well, I was stuck in the pack of the 3:40 full runners and I was trying to maneuver over and the guy behind me steps on the back of my shoe.  I was wearing my Vibram Five Fingers, (a new distance PR for them) so the back of it mashed down easily.  I was quite frustrated in the dilemma:  I could stop and fix my shoe, which meant I would lose the pacer and I was concerned that my hip flexor might catch and really slow me.  If I kept going I would still be slowed by running on the back of my shoe but my hip flexor was safe.  Moments earlier I was feeling like I could break the 1:50 mark since we were so close.  I ran for about a half a mile before fixing the shoe.  And I couldn't catch the pacer.  I picked it up for a strong finish once we were in reach.  What a great race! My time:  1:50:28 an 8:26 min/mile pace. 

I couldn't believe it.  Not only was it a personal record, it wasn't that hard.......which meant I can go faster. My motivation was back! Also, it is about 5 minutes away from my spring 2012 goal of a 1:45 half.  I didn't just pull that number out of my head, there is a mission behind this madness.  I would like to be able to run a 1:50 half marathon at the end of a half iron distance triathlon.  So I figure I need at least a five minute cushion, hence the 1:45 goal.   

Checkout the hardware....                                             

             

             Results:              

Time:  1:50:28  Pace:  8:26

Age Group:  20th out of 313   

Female Overall:  99th out of 1856

Male and Females:  388th of 3127

Average Time:  2:19:24 

   





1-Iron DistanceTriathlon, 1-Perfect Day, and 1-Fast Momma!

REDMAN TRIATHLON



Pre-race Hugs!

 1.2 mile swim/ 56 mile bike/ 13.1 mile run

At 4am my alarm went off to the start of a "once in a lifetime day".  My first thoughts were "I don't want to do this".  After all of this training it amazes me the power that mental thoughts can have.  My mental thoughts should know better by now.  I had a nice warm shower and got dressed, fed lil' Abram and then Justin and I  was ready leave the house by 5.  In the car I ate 1/2 of my night- before- made oats, egg, and 1/2 banana. 

When we got there Justin carried my bags and I enjoyed our comforting conversation as we walked on the pathway to transition area.  And oh the beautiful morning.  There was no wind, which is rare for Lake Hefner.  It was low 50s and would reach mid 90s by the races end.


I went to set up my transition area.  This took me a good thiry minutes because my rubber bands kept popping that hold my shoes to my bike.  Get ready, this may be the funniest triathlon thing you've ever heard.  I aired up my front tire and and had to walk around the bike rack to get to my back tire.  The tire pressure read 60psi.  What?  I just aired them up to 120psi yesterday.  I am having a flat.  Do I need to change it?  Do I need to chance it and hope it is a slow leak?  Well I air it up to the recommended level, unhook my pump and then I notice it wasn't my bike.  IT WASN'T EVEN MY BIKE! I quickly got to my bike while looking around in hopes that noone saw me.  I thought "I could get disqualified or penalized for some kind of bike tampering act".  It just so happened the bike that was two bikes down from me was just like mine.  What are the chances?  I guess they were going to leave them at 60psi because the owner had his/her transition set up and I didn't see anyone at the bike before transition closed.  With time to think about this, they had to have had a much better ride with properly inflated tires.  :) Glad I could help out!

Justin and I right before the start. 

As I lined up in the 3rd wave, waiting to walk down to the water, I was overwhelmed with so many people there to support me.  I was also overwhelmed to actually see the 1.2 mile swim distance laid out (my pool laps didn't look that far).  I got to say hello to everyone prior to the race.  The last thing Mom told me before I headed for the water was 'Sue, Shirley, and Norma said good luck'.  My eyes teared up and so did Moms.  Bagpipes begin to play and me and all of the pink caps made our way down to the water.  I will never forget this moment.


THE SWIM 

 



After Swim



I got into the water.  Megan and Emily, my TNT friends were close by so it was a comfort like in training.  The gun went off and I was doing this thing!  Because of the low water the swim course was moved to middle of the lake.  Big orange buoys were out there that we were supposed to ignore.  (The anchors were too long and they blew all over the place.) We were looking for smaller white buoys, which were hard to see when you have an obstacle course of oranges buoys going out to the first turn.  I started out on the right outter edge.  In no time I found my rhythm and enjoyed every minute of it.  It did seem like a long way, but in no time I was making my final turn to head in.  On that last part was the only time I slowed down.  I just couldn't see the buoy and couldn't find a good landmark to spot off of.  Guess what, I found that buoy anyway and started the big run up to T1.  I heard many cheers as well as the announcer saying "Janna Pratt is out of the water". SWIM TIME: 38:40.

THE BIKE 

Bike Start



I was excited to be on the bike and even more excited about how good my legs felt.  They felt pretty fresh the entire 56 miles.  I guess I was so used to my 10 hour training weeks on tired legs.  My last week of training was very light so my legs were rested (a nice change).  I started off easily averaging the upward end of 18 to 22 mph and was careful to make sure I could handle the pace the whole time.  I wanted to stay conservative on the bike pace because I had no idea what to expect the 13 mile run would be like.  I was on track to come in from my bike around the 3 hour mark.  A whopping 30 minutes ahead of expected.  I told you I felt good. 


I am not sure how many times me and three other girls would pass each other back and forth.  I guess some of us were better at uphills and some better at flats.  I got to quickly meet a couple of them.  One in which I got to cheer on during her run.  I wonder if I aired any of your bike tires up?  :)  You can thank me later. 

I took two handups at two different water stops.  A handup is when a race volunteer holds up gatorade or water bottle so you can grab it as you are pedaling through the water stop.  This was a first for me.  I wanted to make sure that I didn't drop it so I grabbed it and squeezed it so hard that gatorade shot straight out the top.  I yelled "sorry" to the volunteer.  I was one for one so I used the same method in getting my next water bottle.  It shot straight out of the bottle too!  I thought it was pretty funny.  Two for two!
About 6 miles from the bike finish I heard cheers "Go Janna!" from some of my family.  Of course it gave me a jolt and in no time I was done with the bike portion of the race. 


Bike Finish.  BIKE TIME:  3:02:27



THE RUN 

At the beginning of the run I saw Jackie climbing a pile of rocks to get a good picture of me. :) I felt really good going into the run with my first mile at a 8:54 pace.  I was in reach of that pace for about four miles.  Around mile 3 I started feeling something in my right shoe.  I dealt with it for a little while and then had to quickly pull my shoe off to get it out.  I didn't feel anything in my shoe so I put it back on an started running again.  I felt it again.  Bummer it was a blister and I am sure 10.1 more miles of this would aggrevate it something awful.  Other than that I could run for days.  I saw Justin around mile 4.5 and gave him a positive update (other than the blister).  He than ran to another place he could see me just short of the turnaround at the halfway mark.  I was so happy to see him each time.  At the turnaround everyone was there holding up signs, taking pictures, and cheering me on.

Headed out for my 2nd loop on the run.  See Asher's hand that I am running to?



I got to see many Team in Training participants during the run and several that was in our group:  Taylor, Emily, Megan, Patty, Carl, Lisa, and Nate.   It was nice hearing "Go Team"  when someone recognized the TNT logo on my tri suit top.


The last four miles I had slowed down to about a 10:15 pace as the temperature had reached the mid 90s.  My legs were still strong.  I kind of laughed to myself imagining the conversation I would have with Justin and me telling him that it wasn't that bad.  I had fuel left in the tank.  I think that is a good way to do it on my first half iron.


I ran with guy named David for the last 2.5 miles.  He was finishing his first half too.  He had small words of encouragement that made an impact on the last part of the race.  During that last 2.5 miles there was a guy up ahead of us that would bend over in agony from leg cramps.  We would just about catch up to him and then he would take off again.  With a half of a mile to go I let David power ahead.  I finally caught the guy cramping and said "let's go buddy, not much longer now".  He stood up and trudged behind and asked desperately how much farther.  I said "point 4 to go, just stay with me".  I remember during some of my  hard runs that I could just focus on the shirt in front of me and make it for a while.  "Are you still with me?"  I asked.  "Yeah".  He was still behind me.  Then we made it to all of the tents and I hear the sighing words of relief come from behind me "WE ARE HERE!"  I didn't check again because I knew he was already there.

Coming up the finishers chute, the first person I see held up above the side rail is Asher.  I run to him and take him and run him to the finish.  I hear the announcer say "Janna Pratt finishing her first half ironman.  She would like to give a shout out to Asher and Abram."  Just before we cross, I let Asher down so we could run across the finish together.  Wow, that was amazing!  FINISHING TIME 5:51:08 

RESULTS:


SWIM:  38:40   Pace:  1:46/100 yards


T1:  2:37


BIKE:  3:02:27  Pace:  18.4 mph


T2:  1:30


RUN:  2:05:56  Pace:  9:36 minutes per mile


TOTAL TIME:  5:51:08


Age Group Placing:
9th out of 32


Female Placing:
29th out of 167


Male and Female Finishers:
152 out of 417


Average Finish Time:
6:20:18


In the medical tent getting blister aid. 






Me Bless'ed Blister

 





  




Joleen, Me, and Emily Sporting our Medals

 

 SUPPORT CREW!

 

   

 

 

 



 Many, many thanks!  I would like to thank all of the people that I got to run for that is or has previously fought the battle of cancer:  Shirley, Sue, Norma, Pops, John, Johnny, Kevin, Steve, and many others.  I thought of each of you along the way.  You kept me strong.  The half iron was nothing compared to your battle.  Thank you for truly inspiring me.

And I wouldn't be here without all of the generous donors that helped me to exceed my goal of $2000.00.  The amount raised went to benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  There were many times throughout training that you helped get me through.  Your support was/is a real blessing to me and many others.  Thank you!

Justin, over a 4 month time period you set up the perfect race for me.  From the many early mornings, to the nights away for group trainings, and the Saturday never ending rides, you sacrificed for me.  Throughout race day I was overwhelmed with thankfullness for you.   Knowing what you have done to get me to that day.  On race day you were out there running from one place to another just to get a glimpse of me and to cheer me on.  I can never thank you enough- you have changed my life forever by helping me accompish this goal.  We won this thing together! I love you.

And my two sweet boys, Asher and Abram.  I want you to know that you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to as long as you have God and a determined spirit.  My heart is full of love for you.  I look forward to many fun adventures with you.  I promise to always be active for you and with you.

 



My up close and personal fan club.  Though this blog only has 7 followers, the number of people who came to the Redman to cheer on Janna Pratt were out of this world.  Justin, Asher, Abram, Pops, Teen, Mom, Dad, John, Melody, Jim, Tawana, Mark, Jamie, Kaylee, Emilee, Beau, Jackie, Hayden, Holten, Lindall, Kasey, and Dalton.  WOW, WOW, WOW, you guys were so awesome.  You even had shirts with my name on it!  I commented to Pops after the race that I never thought I would see him with a t-shirt on that had my name on it.  :)  Thank you Jackie for putting together the photo album of my race.  I will treasure it forever.  I know all of you helped with the boys, thank you....they loved every minute of it.  Jim, thanks for getting the boys all ready to go and bringing them to race.  You are quite the race babysitter!  Making signs, giving me high fives, waiting, tracking me down when I was out biking, and your endless cheering.  And even a gigantic banner awaiting me at the house.  Thanks for making it the perfect race for me!

September 21st, Inspiration Dinner

Our Team In Training group got to get together one last time at Hideaway Pizza to celebrate our journey.  I got to bring Justin and the boys to celebrate with me.  Here is a picture from the event.

TNT GROUP















  

Pre Race Thoughts and More

BIKE ADJUSTMENT



Aaron checking my tires

 Today I went in to Schlegel Bicycles to pick up my bike from it's tune up, and get one last adjustment.  Off an on I have thought that there might need to be an adjustment on my Aero Bars (the bars I can rest my elbows on that make me more aerodynamic).  Coach Ryan set up my bike on the trainer and asked several questions regarding bike fit and measured several angles.  Aaron then stepped in and checked angles and we decided to change the stem to a shorter one that way my elbows are at a 90 degree angle.  I think it is much better.  I have a short 45 minute ride tomorrow to check it out.

It turns out that Schlegel Bicycles is a full service bicycle shop.  You know Coach Ryan is a great coach when he will babysit your 8 month old.  Thanks for taking one for the team coach!

Full Service Bike Shop to include help with Abram

AM I READY?
Four days until race.  I am ready, fearless, and not at all nervous.  I keep telling myself that anyway. I am ready.  I am ready.  No, I AM READY!  (yelling in my post) I have put in the training and here we are. 


I have heard Coach Ryan mention how triathletes are by the book and don't miss a training regardless; it is just part of their personality.  Well, Justin can vouch for me, my personality type fits right in.  Whether it's getting up insanely early, pushing the boys on a 9.5 mile training run, or nursing between my bike and run, I have given it all I have.  No regrets.


So many times in my head I question how hard I should push in the bike in order to still be good for the run.  Not having completed a 6.5 hour workout, I am not sure how I am going to feel in the final 13.1 mile run.  They say "Your run is only as good as your bike."  It's hard not to go all out and get a good bike time, but I think I will stay conservative on the bike, so I can hopefully have a solid run. I am done questioning this as well as all of the other what if scenarios that my mind has come up with.  I told you, I AM READY. 


It is amazing how good I feel.  I feel completely in balance, strong, and healthy.  With regular visits to my chiropractor Dr. Jackson, massage therapy, good food, and an exceptional family support crew, I just think that we are about to pull this whole thing off in the best way possible.  I haven't felt this good since I was in massage school getting regular massages and running miles and miles along the coast of Oahu.


Many people have asked me if I have lost weight during training and if I am in the best shape of my life.  So here is the skinny on my skinny:  I had several pounds (8) of baby weight since I just delivered Abram 4 months prior to training.  Immediately, I lost three pounds when training started.  Then week after week of ten and eleven hour trainings, I couldn't believe that I wasn't losing the rest of it, until I began to notice the fat being replaced by solid muscle.  Right now I am up 4.5 pounds from my pre-Abram weight.  And honey it ain't a comin' off.  Thankfully, it is all muscle. (with padding around the edges that make me, me).  After marathon training I had a more slender appearance.  Now, I have a more athletic build.  With that all being said, I am in the best shape of my life.


I am excited to see everyone that will be coming to support me on race day.  I know I will need you, especially when the going gets tough.  We can do it though.  See you soon my family and friends.


I haven't got to blog in a while.............I have been a little busy.  But hey I feel like my mind is a continuous blog if that counts for anything.  So I will try to post a recap of a few highlights.




REDMAN BIKE COURSE


Piedmont tornado, half a mile wide



Twice now, I have had the chance to ride the 43 of the 56 miles of the Redman Bike Course.  The course is mostly rolling hills. 

The course takes us through Piedmont where the recent tornado came plowing through.  It appears most of the damage remains.  Out on Waterloo Rd. the it gets pretty rough and there are potholes big enough to eat you.  Another challenge is the gradual climb filled with strong South winds coming up Council toward the end.    

The first time I rode the course was August 27th.  I went hard chasing after Coach Megan, Steve, and Taylor.  There is no way I could ride at that pace during the half iron distance and function for a 13.1 mile run.  I averaged 17.7 mph and I was pumped and my legs were completely fatigued!

Last weekend, September 17th, we road the same 43 miles and we had stronger winds.  I didn't go as hard and I practiced my race nutrition again.  Starting at Council Road my pace slowed drastically with the winds.  That is were it really gets tough.  Council Road had better watch out on race day! I was still fatigued after, but to a lesser degree than a few weeks ago.


OBS STREAK September 11th, 2011

The Oklahoma Bicycle Society puts this bike tour on every year and it fit in my training perfectly.  I have ridden a couple of times with OBS and they are a great group of people. 

Accompanied by my Team in Training friend Emily, I rode 40 miles starting from Mitch Park in Edmond.   We talked most of the ride so time flew by.  I was a little surprised at all of the hills in the first 15 miles and it took me a little while to get my legs warmed up. 

This was an important training for me because I was practicing my hydration and nutrition,  including getting up extra early to eat 2 hours prior.  It was also a brick workout, so I ran 5 miles following the ride and I got to try out my new Headsweats visor.  I was needing something that would allow my head to stay cool, yet offer some shade.  It was awesome!  Come check it out on race day! 

The run was great and I felt like I could have ran a half marathon if it was race day.   

We enjoyed some Johnnie Carino's pasta afterward and some playground time with Justin, Asher, and Abram. 

OPEN WATER SWIMS
For several weeks now our group has been meeting at Arcadia Lake for our group swims.  This is nice because it is so close to home. 

So how is it? The fact that you can't see anything doesn't bother me.  The problem is, I let my mind wander and I start thinking about snakes biting me and I get a little freaked out.  Sometimes I swim over warm pockets or cold pockets and that scares me into speed swimming. 

Last week Coach Ryan changed our course from swimming around the buoys to swimming to a point or a peninsula.  He said it was quarter of a mile..........you have got to be kidding me.  I would have guessed it was a mile easy by the looks of it.  Race day will be like swimming to that point 5 times. 

Last night we got our wetsuits and got to practice in them.  They help in buoyancy so much I couldn't quiet get my kicking figured out.  Do I kick fast or slow or big or small? Do I even need to kick? I was a little claustrophobic at first, but that subsided.

1.2 miles, here I come!

KNEE SCARE

Icing and reading Dean Karnazes' book called Run

We went out of town for Labor Day weekend.  The day we left I had a 12 mile run and I felt great, during and afterwards.  I was on pace for a sub 2 hour half marathon and was pretty excited about that.  We were in the car for three hours and I got out of the car and my left knee was sore.  I have never heard from the left knee before and I didn't want to.  I went to bed not thinking too much about it.  I got up in the middle of the night and my knee was extremely sore, injured sore, 3 weeks until race and oh no my knee is too sore.  I texted one of my cycling buddies and canceled the planned ride, scaled back my entire week of training and rested (as much as possible with two little ones).  I iced it all day.  The next morning I went for a swim, and when I got out of the water, it was healed.  No soreness, yea! 

Arcadia Lake Triathlon

Edmond Park beach at Arcadia Lake





August 14, 2011-  Around 100 triathletes were participating in the Arcadia Lake sprint distance triathlon.  It was a 500 meter swim, and 12 mile hilly bike, and a hilly 5k.  I wasn't sure how difficult it would be to race on legs that just pedaled 54 hard miles the day before.  

The swim:  The gun went off and I eased into my swim, careful not to push to hard in the beginning.  It wasn't but a couple of minutes and I got kicked in the gog (my word meaning one side of my goggles :).  My goggles were still on, I wasn't hurt, and I remained calmed while bumping and being bumped for about another minute or so until all of the people could get spread out a little better.  I kept the swim nice and easy, not wanting to get all worked up and out of breath....yet.  After finishing the swim, I had a long uphill beach run.  Again, I ran up slowly not wanting to elevate my heart rate too much.  I was in and out of transition in 44 seconds and off on my bike.




Sweet Cheers from Asher before my run!



The bike:  I had 12 hilly miles to cover on tired legs.  Most of my pushing came from just guts I think, because my legs felt like they weren't participating.  Hahaha.  Compared the the Route 66 Triathlon at the very beginning of my training, things were looking different.  I was passing many people instead of them passing me.  I managed to average a solid pace of 17.5mph and finished that portion of the race in 41 minutes and 11 seconds.  Now don't get your hopes up.  I'm not fast compared to the fast people.  Some people are out there going 30 plus mph.  The female overall winner clocked 31 mph.  But hey, for me, I'm fast!  That is all that matters.  Off of the bike and into transition and was off to run in 40 seconds. 

 

2nd place swim buoy prize!

 
The run:  Right off of the bat I am running fast and breathing hard.  I figured since I only had 3.1 miles to go that I would be alright.  I see my fellow Team in Training friend, Emily at the beginning of the run.  I wondered if I would ever catch her, but she was holding a fast pace too.  The run course looped around in the park and I was a little thrown off on how much farther I had to go...........I knew I couldn't take much more of this pace.  I passed quite a few men which was a bit out of the ordinary for me.  One of them looked at me for what seemed like a long time while I was passing, and I recognized that he was probably thinking "What is coming up behind me breathing so hard?"  I finished 19 seconds behind my friend Emily who took first in her 26-29 age group.  Yea Emily!  My run time was 24:32 a 7:54/mile pace.  I couldn't believe it!  I had never ran that fast in my life.  

  

 The results:  I won 2nd in my age group and was the 7th female out of 37.  My finishing time was 1:18:34.  Split times: Swim 11:29 T1 :44  Bike  41:11  T2  :40  Run  24:32















 Emily and I leaping for joy!  I know, I look scary.  Check out Emily's cool shadow.  My Camera Man:  Justin!