Challenge Complete

Deep breath! All done! I must say, Joe Friel’s book prepared me well. The race I did was clearly above my level. I was one of two without a tri-suit and a wetsuit and the only one on a mountain bike. But none of that matters, as I accomplished my goal. I finished! I swam, road and ran this afternoon without stopping and, as an added bonus, I didn’t even come in last =D

Before the race started I meandered around the start and attempted to mingle with some of the other woman. I overheard one woman saying this was her third race, and I though, hmm, that’s not too bad. But then she followed up and said “this season”. The

other women, albeit more intense and in terms of gear, more prepared, were fairly nice. There were a few feet kicks and shoulder bumps in the water, but otherwise it was a fairly decent bunch of other athletes. As my mountain bike didn’t go nearly as fast as their speedy bikes, I pretty much had a chance to focus on going hard and get into my own cadence, which felt nice. In fact, I think I reserved more energy than I needed as I was afraid to wear myself out too soon.

My times are not up on-line yet, and Andrew and our friend, Nathan, and I are heading up north for another adventure tomorrow, but I wanted to drop a short post. Yesterday we went to Cathedral Cove and the Hot Water Beach and I’m sure you’ll be able to read all about it when I get some free time next week. But I didn’t want to leave anyone hanging and I wanted to share my achievement. I finished! I did it!