This is a picture at the finish line of the triathlon. Scott and I with Lynn and Jacob who persuaded us to enter.

Jack now known as "flipper boy" trying on Scott's wet suit.

Jack and I showing off our wetsuits and muscles.

Jack and I at Cascade Springs this summer. Just thought I'd throw this one in for fun.

Herriman Sprint Triathlon

http://www.zazoosh.com/photos/335090303
http://www.zazoosh.com/photos/335010649
http://www.zazoosh.com/photos/335011230
http://www.zazoosh.com/photos/335090441
(you'll have to copy and paste)
Here are some very flattering pictures from the triathlon. I thought I was looking cute in my wet suit until I saw this picture--oh well.

The triathlon was incredible. I am looking forward to the next one but with a lot more swimming time prep before hand. Swimming in open water with no walls to hold on to to rest plus being in a race with people witnessing my slow progress is a little nerve racking. I was in the last wave of racers to start and so my goal was to not be the last one in the water. I did it but not by much. One good thing of being in the 40+ female group is everyone else has started and cleared out of the first transition area before I've even begun but the downside is that it leaves you feeling like you're bring up the rear (which you are) and that you must be very slow. I didn't get passed by anyone on the bike or run but I was feeling like a I was trying to catch up to Scott, Lynn and Jacob the entire time. I forgot that the timing chip starts as each person starts their own race--so of course it doesn't matter that we all started at different times.
The transition from the swimming to the bike was easy because it was down hill right off the bat but the bike to running is funny because your legs are a little bit wobbly at first. The picture of me walking is really me running. Yes I know that pictures don't lie but I really was running just running very slow. This is how a 10 minute mile pace looks and I really didn't stop once. I had a hard time convincing Scott that I didn't stop and walk because of this picture. My other running pictures look really funny like I'm going to break my hip or at least throw something out of joint. Oh how humbly zazoosh pictures can be. And I forgot my viser to wear during running so my hair is all weird from being wet and then wearing a helmet. I glad I could provide some entertaining pictures for my posterity.
All in all I was nervous but determined, tired but exhilarated and happy at the results but now fired up to be faster and stronger next year.

LOTOJA 2010

Here is a link to pictures taken from zazoosh at lotoja my number is 6818 you can type in to see more-- http://www.zazoosh.com/photos/343011183 . (you'll have to copy and paste)
I rode leg 2 which started in Preston ID and ended at Montpelier, ID--47 miles-- 20 which were up hill-- exhausting--6mph and telling myself that I didn't feel any pain in my legs-no pain no pain was my mantra for 2 hours. It took me 3 hours and 23 minutes---I was thrilled to be close to the three hour mark. This year I wasn't as prepared for the climbing as last year but the last two years leg two riders have averaged 3 hours so I feel good about my ride.
The down hill on this leg was only approx 4 miles after all that climbing-- not cool-- but I tried to make up time hitting 40mph+ on the downhill. What an incredible rush!! Lots of rolling flats after that between Ovid and Montpelier that was just plain work when riding by yourself. No trains to catch onto this year. The leg ended with an overpass into Montpelier which left my giggling from exhaustion. After climbing up to 7400 ft in elevation an overpass was almost too much for me to climb over and coast into the transition area.
Next year is already in planning. This year I really slacked off on climbing rides. My strength and even endurance was down from last year and I didn't like that one bit. I'm going to train smarter this next year--train during the winter and not eat any cream puffs. Plus I'm going to throw swimming in the mix.
Scott Kettle also rode LOTOJA this year but he was one of the super riders who rode the full 206 miles by himself. Incredible!! He rode the entire ride faster by himself than our relay team rode it. Again INCREDIBLE. This is his 2nd year at LOTOJA. I didn't see him at the race but talked to Sharon the week after at the store.
So much fun to ride and be active. So many people of all ages and sizes that are inspiring and make me want to healthy and active and enjoy life to the fullest.