Woke up at 5:30am. Shuffled around and ate a PB & J. Washed it down with a cup of tea and set off for the race. Arrived at the transition area feeling a little nauseous with nerves. Amazed at the sea of bikes and people walking around in tri suits. Grabbed my bag of stuff and my bike and set everything out in the order I would need it. Saw a friend who was there to watch. He took pictures of us and gave us some last minute tips. Felt very intimitated by the amount of people who seemed athletic and very relaxed. Walked down to get my number written on my arms and my age (!) on the back of my leg. Waited in a very long line to use the porta potty and grabbed my baby blue color cap and goggles.
Walked down to the start of the swim joking and laughing with a few people. Got into the lake with the rest of the third wave group and realized that although the water was warm it was loaded with sticks and seaweed. Treaded water for three minutes so I didn't have to touch the bottom. I confidently got out to the front of the group and stayed there for most of the swim. The water was so dark I couldn't see anything. Was completely thrown off at the concept of swimming blind. I took way too many breathes just so I could see where I was going. Staggered out onto the beach and was still rattled over my less than great swim. Barely remember making it to my stuff.
Pull on socks, shoes, shorts, shirt, sunglasses and a helmet. Start my bike with my breath still coming hard from panicking in the water. Ease into the bike and halfway through realize that I can do better. I am trying to save my energy for the run. Eat an energy gel pack that I decide is absolutely disgusting. Finish in what I think is a good time.
Trade my helmet in for a baseball cap and walk out of the transition area. My left foot is completely numb and I couldn't make it go fast if I tried. Start running as soon as I hear the beep of my chip timer. Have to stop and walk for a few seconds a couple of minutes in. I am dying but I start running again. The breath comes easier now but I can tell I am not running well but can't seem to pump it up. Start reading the back of peoples legs so I can see how old the people are that are passing me. Get to the half way point and realize I am not going to make my goal of a sub 30 minutes. Try to kick up the pace and I feel like I am. I am singing songs in my head, counting foot falls, anything to keep from stopping. I finally see the orange cones of the finish line. Me and the guy next to me decide to sprint it out. I am going full speed towards the finish. Cross the line. Made my overall time goal by two minutes. Success. On to the next.....
