Continuing on my “FUN” train, I raced a local sprint Triathlon this weekend:  Twin Lakes Triathlon.  I have done this race 3 years in a row, but it has been around for 20 years, so yes, I did it back in the mid-90s as well when I was racing as:  Jennifer Parker.  I just saw those results this past weekend and that was fun.  Ironically, my swim has not changed much in 15+ years – go figure.  🙂

The race had 500 athletes and they sent off the fastest (per swim time) in the first wave of 62 athletes.  The water was HOT but it is only a 1/2 mile and if the wetsuits are legal – wear them.  I think Ben and Patrick could hear me gasp when they said they left their wetsuits at home.  People….wetsuits are ALWAYS faster…and they require a ton less energy – if wetsuits are legal, wear them.  ALWAYS.  Anyway, there was a little trash talk before the race, but I don’t mess around with the boys — I mean, THEY should beat me…and I want them too, so I was only trash talking the swim (I am smart).

Anyway, I was first out of the swim wave at 9:42 for the 1/2 mile and screamed at Patrick who was right behind me: “I told you to wear that wetsuit!”  AND I beat him out of T1, so I was first on the bike – but that lasted all of 15″ as he went by me and went on to average 26 mph for 14 miles versus my 23 mph!  Yep (see, that is why I keep my mouth shut).

I had a great ride and came into T2 without ever seeing any females.  I got off the bike with a pack of about 5 guys..so I was running in about 9th or 10th overall and my goal was to be top 10 (with the men) so I was working hard to stay with them and trying to keep Ben in my sights.

I was running well.  We GOT super lucky and the weather was perfect.  I mean 70F degrees, so I better be able to run well!  IT was so fun…I was running hard and FINALLY running well – I was clicking off 6:45s and finally below that 7 min mark that has taken me awhile to get back after my injury.

I crossed the finish line as 1st Female and gave it all I had. I could barely stand up  when I was finished.  I knew that the next woman was no where to be seen, but that didn’t matter to me.  I wanted to run 6:xx for this run and I did and if I just “eased up” because I was winning that doesn’t get me anywhere….so, I pushed MAX effort from start to finish.   I ended up winning by 6+ minutes (and a course PR for me), which is lovely, but…

The night before the race the kids asked to come and watch!  The twins have seen Jerome and I race a lot, so I do not always bring them. PLUS this race started at 6:30am and I was done by 7:45 or so….so a rough, early start for kids.  BUT, Jerome (trooper!) brought them and while I never KNEW that they were there – they were!  I am so focused in the race,  I would not notice if the President of the USA was there…but I saw them afterwards and Graham asked why I did not win.   I said, “I did win.”  No, mom, those boys beat you.  HA…yes they did Graham….and you know what?  That is OK. 🙂  I love it that Graham sees no gender in sports (YET).

I rushed home so Jerome could go for a ride and I went out to breakfast with the kids.  I could not eat anything – ever since it has been hot here in Chicago, I have NO appetite – nothing interests me – no wonder my Hawaii friends are all 95 lbs!  How can you eat when it is always SO hot?

But, one thing that I know is I am SO fired up and excited to race and train.  AND that is always a boat that I want to be on. I feel GREAT!  And, I realized I am fit and need to get out and race some larger races, so with that promise and talking to my little inner circle (Dave my forever mentor, Jerome and Elizabeth – thanks guys) I decided to put my name on the wait list for Short Course Nationals and see if I can get in.  Then, I signed up for Long Course Nationals (1/2 IM) in Oklahoma…and I am doing a competitive 1/2 IM  next month in Wisconsin.  Time to get on the party train now versus the “all fun” train!

I am excited to step up the bigger races and get out in the mix more!

SO many friends and athletes that raced Twin Lakes – Congrats to everyone out there and thanks to everyone for cheering for me!  I “kind of” heard you all. 🙂  (I did see you Laura Wheatley – thanks for the pictures!).

Here is a picture of Patrick and I – overall winners – I had the pleasure of coaching Patrick for a few years – he is getting ready for IMKY.