Here's the Run Down...

So race day morning I was very nervous. But not nervous for the race as much as I was thinking, "Where is my MOM?" I called my Dad at 7:00 p.m. and he said, "I thought she would be there by now." I was anxious. My mom got to my house at 7:15. I had already sent Jer over to set up our bikes. I got to the race at 7:20. It was pouring. I was hoping they wouldn't cancel the swim, since that is my best event. I was a little disappointed to not be in the second heat. So I lined up. I decided to jump in the water and test it out. I yelled out to the crowd, "Don't worry I'm just getting a head start!" It was a mistake because it then took about 8 minutes before we did get in and I was freezing. Off we went. Hands, legs, everything kicked me. It was quite annoying. I think last year went a lot smoother. This year we were all bunched. There is no doubt I could've done better had it not been for people swimming right on top of me. But I got out of the swim and didn't feel like I was going to die. (Last year I wouldn't have made it any further. But that was due to the fact I had only swam twice before doing the race....)

My hands were shaking as I put on my socks and shoes. I realized I forgot to untie my shorts and their was a knot. I took a drink of water and got on the bike. The rain was pouring. I did the first lap and wanted to quit. I kept telling myself to go on. Heading towards the second lap Amy passed me. I couldn't keep up. Lots of people passed. I was expecting Jer any time. He never passed. Craig passed me and yelled, "Don't worry you'll pass me in the run." I knew this would only be possible if I kept him in my sight. (Advice I'd given myself in my first tri that I didn't follow) So I did that. I got off the bike and wished I had dry socks. Mine were squishing everywhere. I wanted to take off my shirt too. (Don't worry I had a swim suit underneath) It seemed I had too much material hanging on me.

I started the run and off I went. I caught Craig behind the hospital and asked where Jer was. He didn't know. I headed to Stansbury elementary. A few paces before I reached the school I started to have anxiety and could hardly breathe. I told myself to calm down. I stopped and walked. (Yes I had to walk...) Finally I calmed down and started to run again. My legs felt good. I was in a good pace. I passed Jer. One of the highlights was passing my buddies and have them cheering me on. (Thanks guys!!! You're the BEST!) I passed a few runners at the end. I sprinted to the finish line!!! To the roar of my own crowd. YES!!!! I made it!

It was a great race! I was excited to finish second. (Which in this race might be near impossible for me to ever achieve again.) Thanks Sandra for the great training and Christina for being a great training partner. Now onto the half. I look back and look at the many "little accomplishments" that we've all made. We're faster. We run farther. I never thought I would run 7 miles by myself!! and most of all I have two friends that I ENJOY RUNNING with. I never thought I would ENJOY running! Wow! I said it! I enjoy running.....well sometimes.