Tri Mom Day

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

My daughter Asha 6 had her first sleep over. Had a fun work out today. Got my USA team member racing stuff . Still waiting to get my conformation for my switzerland trip from the travel agent.

July 8, National Championship

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Wednesday evening I arrived in Kansas City with my kids and my husband Jude at the Courtyard Marriot. The next few days the kids played and I did a few workouts at the Platte City Community Center (YMCA). The race venue is GORGEOUS, and the course was challenging, but fun.

The day before my team mate Mary Miller and I did a short ride on the course and swim in the lake to check out the course. The lake was so low, we had to wade and run for quite a while going out and coming in - very muddy and slippery.

Race day was PERFECT weather (thank goodness, compared to last year's crazy storm)! I was in the third wave, a great position. As the gun went off, I was not one of the first to get out in front for the water running, but soon started swimming and caught up. I felt strong in the water, but could not tell where everyone else was. Exiting the swim was good considering the slippery mud, but I made the best of it.

T1 was good, and I was off on the bike. I kept asking myself - "Are you going as hard as you can right now?" Most of the time I could answer yes, but a few extra grinding peddle strokes were sometimes needed to get me back to breathing really hard! It was so amazing passing people on the bike - I passed at least two of the women in my age group who were quicker in the water. Around the last turn I went smooth, but then I was looking at the VERY EDGE of the road, and cursing did not do the job to get me back on the road without a big CRASH!! Somehow I got back up and got back on the bike - it was LOUD, but seemed to be working OK. After a minute of tentative riding I pushed hard into T2, knowing there were a few gashes on my shoulder and elbow.

T2 was good, and I was off to the winding trails for the run. After the first minute I passed the only girl in my age group I could see - I felt pretty good, except for my road rash and stiffness in my right glutes. One woman gasped at my cuts, but I tried to put it out of my mind. I remember thinking I have to be careful not to fall again, but I kept working on good form and keeping a high cadence. About mile 5 at the top of a hill I got passed by a woman in my age group, but I could not stay with her to gut out the finish.

My run was on the slow side for me today, but I am so proud of myself for continuing after my crash, and working hard to the finish. I am tougher than I thought!

The VERY BEST part of the race was seeing my husband and my kids - Shanti, David, Asha, and Aliya - at the finish line to congratulate me!! It meant so much to have them there. I did not have my best race, but I am the runner up to the 35-59 National Champion! Pretty great. And...I get to go to Switzerland for the World Championship. I am so honored and excited to represent the United States over there. It was a GREAT DAY!

Balance - Jeannie Samson's Triathlon Blog

Tri Mom Day

July 8, National Championship