I survived.....

[rocknrollgirl]

Hi Guys,
I do not even know where to start really. So much happened over the race weekend. I will give you the Cliff's Notes version.

Arrived in Tahoe late, late Wed night. I had set a personal goal of 4 hours, top half of the age group.

Thursday-went for a swim. Water temp 58 degrees. hmmm......
Did a partial pre-ride of the course, up to about 8000 feet...altitude...hmmmm

Friday-storm rolled in. 35 mile per hour winds, Five foot waves on the lake snow over night.

Saturday- DH did the regular race. 750 swim, 22 mt bike, 5k run. He did great. Gave me the inside info on the ride.

Saturday Night...took a long hard look and readjusted the goal.

New Goal-4:30 finish...top half of age group.

Sunday-Race day Air temp in the morning...mid-thirties water temp 58 degrees

Swim-1500 meters 29 mins

Long run to the transition- like a 1/4 mile. Hands very cold, could not buckle helmet, or shoes....blah.

Bike-22 mile mt bike, probably 16 miles of climbing, at altitude. Slower than I wanted, but heck..I live at sea level. 2:51

Run-10 k trail run 1:02. best I could do after all the climbing on the bike.

I finished in 4:33 and in 6th place. Middle of the group. 4/5 girls that beat me live in California or Colorado.

It seems that the flatlanders are at a huge disadvantage at this race. It almost seems that they should hold it elsewhere or rotate. Although it is an epic location, it makes it hard for those of us that do not live there.

Anyway, I had a blast. I am very happy with my time. I enjoyed every min of the race( well not he second part of the run, I was toast by then), I went to the parties and met tons of cool people and made new friends. DH had a great time and raced well.

And the best part is that when I cross the finish line, they gave a shout out to my Mom, that lost her battle with cancer this summer. She was there with me in spirit.

[Skeezix]

That is really wonderful! You did awesome! Whee!

I honestly would have died at those distances at those temps. Bravo!

[LBTC]

RnR, right now I'm glad that I'm short and am barely visible behind the cubicle dividers at work....because my eyes are full of tears!

I'm so impressed, so proud of you, so glad your Mom was with you the whole way, so glad you had fun!

You did way awesome and I'm really happy to know you!

Hugs and huge happy butterflies,
~T~

[Wahine]

You did great RnR. Killer cold. I heard about the race from some friends that went. Eek. Tough conditions.

Now it's time for some real RnR (you know, rest and relaxation)!!

Take care of yourself.

Wow!! What a great season you had.

[RoadRaven]

Ah, R&R, we have been waiting for you to tell all!

Sounds like the whole experience was awesome... from the race to the socialising

Interesting about the Colarado and California gals...

You finished well, R&R... well done!!!!!

[KSH]

WOW! Great job!

Yea, that was COLD! There is no way I could have done what you did.

Amazing job out there!

[spokewench]

Way to go Girl. Cold always slows you down cause your body has to send energy into keeping you warm. You did awesome - I'm impressed and yes, the altitude can kick your butt too!

[crazycanuck]

WAHOOOOEEYY!!! Good job RNG!

I am happy to hear you did well at the race.

Take care of yourself YOu deserve it!

C