Ali and I stayed in Layton the night before. It helped ease the race nerves knowing we were close to the start line.
My race started at 7:30. Ali’s started an hour later.
We’ve practiced open swim a few times but I didn’t realize how much slower I would be in a wetsuit, in choppy water and with a hundred people surrounding me. Normally I can swim 1.2 miles in 38 minutes. The swim took me 43 minutes. I was happy I didn’t have any feet or leg cramps.
The bike course was out to Antelope Island and all over the island. I had a very fast pace for 3/4 of the course. The wind was at my back across the causeway to the island and I was riding 22-24 mph when I normally average 18-20 mph. It was fun and crazy. It rained throughout the ride on the island. By the time I finished I had soaking wet socks and shoes. The ride back on the causeway and streets of Syracuse was straight into the wind. It was so hard and tiring. My speed dropped significantly.
This bison was right next to the causeway so I had to ride past him. I was a little nervous but thankfully he didn’t look like he was ready to charge.
I had jello legs starting the run, my toes were numb and my shins were burning. Thankfully after mile 2 I could feel my toes, by mile 4 my shins felt better, and my legs felt strong.
Marshall rode his bike along side of me. It was nice having his support! The sun came out by the second half of the run and it was hot. I will take rain over running in the heat. By mile 8 my quads hated me but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other until I crossed the finish line.
I didn’t think I placed because there were, I thought, 8 women ahead of me. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out I placed 1st in my age division, 6th overall women!
Fitbit at the end of the day…!
Thanks to all the support and love from family and friends! My friend Chelsea brought me a gift basket the day before. My in laws gave me flowers and my kids made cards for me. Plus all of the texts from friends and family. I felt very loved!
