I AM A TRIATHLETE!!!

My first triathlon was an amazing experience! I was on Team Danskin, and the support and friendships were wonderful... to see members of my team encouraging each other before the tri was great. I was terrified of the open water swim (across a fairly large lake), because my first three "practice" open water swims were terrible. Yet, I made it in a decent time, stayed calm, and the rest of the race was pure joy. Ladies, if you can sign up for a Danskin Triathlon, do it as quickly as possible. It was the most positive, encouraging experience I have had in a long time.

My next big challenge will be the IronGirl Olympic Distance Triathlon in May, 2009! Double the distance, and something to focus on during our miserable Chicago winter.

The medal says, "The woman who starts the race is not the same woman who finishes the race."

I agree.

Be Blessed!

Firecracker 5K- 2nd Female Overall!

Today I ran the Firecracker 5K on the sands of Daytona Beach. Running in the sand is quite different from running on the nice, paved roads. My legs were already a little sore from yesterdays 5K race, so I made sure to warm up a little extra today. The race started at 7:30, so the sun had not had a chance to really heat up by then, so the weather was great for running with the breeze coming off the ocean. Like yesterday, this was an out and back race so at the turn around I was able to see who was coming up on me. I already knew the girl that was out in the lead was too far to catch, so my goal was to stay in 2nd place and not let anyone pass me...well, that worked. I ended up 2nd female finisher, with a time of 22:08- about a minute faster that my time last year at the same race. I was happy with my finish, now I can rest until August sometime when I run my next race...unless my racing addiction gets to me before then! LOL!

Happy Running Ladies!

4th of July 5K- First Female!

Well...going into todays race I thought I would just take it easy and run a nice pace...I have been having some knee problems and have not run much all week. Today I woke up feeling great, no pain after my short run yesterday- good sign! The race started and I got out pretty good- I was lead female, but I could hear a couple others right on my heels- I thought they would try to pass me a few times, but that just made me run faster. I have never been lead female before and I was not ready to give it up. At the turn-around I got a better look at the field...now there were 3 or 4 females within distance to pass me if they wanted to. A few times one would get up with me and I would just keep on truckin, trying to make her think I was not going to give in. Well, it stayed this way until we had about 1/2 mile left, I made my move pulling away from her, and she never did catch me! YAY! So...I was finally first female finisher, and 11th overall male/female combined. The course was about .3 miles longer than a 5K, so I figure my actual 5K time to be 20:58..PR for me this season!

The pic is of me and my son...I just love the Patriotic Tie Dye I made him!

I have another 5K tomorrow morning- another post to follow!

Happy Running.