Pumpkinman Triathlon

It was an awesome trip to Lake Mead (for Pumpkinman Triathlon) last weekend.

This was my second triathlon and boy was this a big one! There must have been almost 1000 participants. Both transitions areas were almost 1/4 mile long. The race was tough. I knew it was going to be an uphill battle on the bike but man they were not kidding. You started at the bottom of Lake Mead around 1100 ft and climbed up to 2500 feet.

Swim: This swim wasn't fun for me. I ended up wearing a wetsuit and was glad as I get cold easily. As soon as the gun went off it was a madhouse to get to the front (or near it). I got kicked in the arms, head, ribs...you name it. Then I panicked as I looked down at the dark murky waters below me. I kept thinking about those giant Carp I saw at the docks the day before. I was expecting to see one pop up off the bottom and bite me in the face. I know I am a freak but that is all I could think about. Not good because I could not get my breathing under control. Finally I flipped over on my back and just talked myself down. I told myself "just close your eyes and swim as straight as you can." I only opened my eyes to look for the buoys. By that time I was rounding the 3rd buoy and could see the water exit.

T1 and Bike: As I walked out of the water I felt like everything was moving in slow motion. I slowly walked up to T1 and had to tell myself get your suit off and run to your bike damn-it! I had to push my bike uphill to T1's exit which was almost a 1/4 mile (lots and lots of racks). By the time I jumped on the bike I was happy and feeling normal again. My bike, my event. I said a little prayer to the bike Gods (NO flats - NO chain issues) and off I went. I quickly saw Uncle Jim, Paul and the boys standing there along the road. Got some "good lucks" and "Hi Mommy's" and that was just what I needed! The bike was slow as it was a long climb to the top of Boulder City.

T2: Made it in to T2 and saw my "fans" waiting right next to where my running gear was. I am glad they were there. Loved seeing them and once again hearing them cheer me on. Loved Paul's last words "you can do it, only 3 easy miles and you are done!" I actually kept saying that to myself over and over and it kept me going!

Run: The run was hot. I ran the majority of it but walked quite a bit as well. I am still nursing the toe injury so I really didn't want to push it. The run was mostly flat but there were still a few hills. I made sure I drank at the aid stations they had set up. They also had some cute kids with giant super soakers asking the runners of they wanted to be sprayed (cute idea for next year with T). It kept the kids entertained and they got to shoot water guns the whole time! There were some really cool people on the course. The majority were extremely encouraging. Just as I was rounding the final bend I saw Wes. He stopped to chat (guess he didnt care about his time). It was great to see him on the course and to hear his encouraging words. As I ran up the last hill I saw Paul, Jim and the boys screaming and cheering. T was jumping up and down waiting for me to give him a High 5. He got a giant hug from me instead! Dylan just kept saying "Mamamamama." Seconds later I was done! What an adrenaline rush! I got my medal, got my water bottle and met up with the gang. What an awesome race. I would do it all again next year!

The rest of the day was spent eating, drinking and relaxing on Jim's boat.

Here is the link from the pics that the race photographers took. You can search by my last name. I loved the last photo of me because you can see T and D in the background.

http://www.zazoosh.com/events/462