Hitting 31mph on the first big downhill was probably a major help to reaching a 20.8 average. This is the first time I remember feeling wind in my face going either direction. Probably could have finished a little more solid, but I do sure like that downhill finish. My bike computer said 16.6 average and only 10.4 miles - I'm not sure what happened there. The rolling hills aren't too bad, didn't seem to see as many ladies walking bikes as previous years, but saw a few more technical issues than in the past (some flat tires, and one with medics, must have been a spill).

Thankfully no sunscreen malfunctions!! In that position, I might have left it, except I don't really need the extra lubricant to slide on my bike seat (and don't imagine you did either) Part of the tri is learning to cope with the unknown, right?? I forgot my sunglasses entirely, thankfully it was still mostly cloudy on the bike - when the sun came out I said "oh crap" - thankfully that was at the return, and the corridor is pretty tree-lined.

That downhill off of I-90 sure was crammed with people!! More people than I ever remember were walking their bikes down the hill, so many that I had to unclip and brake very carefully. I usually like to take it easy, but never so much that I've had to unclip. It's too bad there isn't a better way. Lake Washington Blvd would be a pretty scenic ride in and of itself, but I suppose less convenient. Doesn't seem to get a whole lot of traffic, and we ride right down it anyway... I have the same feeling about the Seattle Marathon, which cheats and goes down the I-90 express lanes, too.

I am seriously thinking about returning (I just live across the state) for the Federal Way USWTS thingy on Sept 7th... I'll have to think about the logistics but I think it would be fun.

Anyway... that T1 is murder. My mother in law and I do Danskin together and she's in her 50s - at least she was a little bit closer (in the Bs, I was in the Is). I guess I have to do some time shaving... no drying of the feet, some quick laces, maybe no socks (not sure how I like that), more running, haul arse...

I forgot to mention that "we" forgot all of our bags at home ("I'm going to wait in the car" apparently doesn't mean "everything is in the car" ), so I had to go buy a tri suit, a couple gels, sunblock, deodorant, anything human clothes related (socks, underwear, tshirts, pants), and toiletries. All we had in the car was my bike, running/bike shoes, helmet, and gloves. Improvised a race belt "mom style" since I forgot to buy one (elastic + safety pins = win). In that vein, I did like my Zoot Tri Suit with the full-ish bra... I didn't feel jiggly at all (my husband says I didn't look jiggly, but I'm not sure that counts). It was really difficult to put on, and I wiped permanent ink on it in the process since they do body marking the day before. My skin just does not want to soak in that permanent ink, I had to have it reapplied. Maybe if I showered RIGHT before going down to get marked.