Yesterday I did my first 1/2 Ironman Distance triathlon - it's a 1.2 mile swim, 59 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run.  I was nervous about the length of the race, and getting the right nutrition.  I asked my coach Siri and several other experienced triathletes what I should eat.  I had a plan and stuck to it - I am glad I did!  The morning of the race I was expecting the weather to be chilly - it wasn't.  By the time we started the race I knew that my jersey, gloves, and arm warmers I had laid out were NOT going to be used.  Earlier this year I burned up in a race wearing too much - I didn't want to make the same mistake twice.  The swim was a running start - that was exciting and fun!  It started in the small inlet in Lake Conroe and curved around to the main part of the lake.  The water was great, and my swim felt strong and steady.  I had a quick transition since I didn't have to put my warm gear on.  The bike leg of the race was the MOST BEAUTIFUL I have seen.  We went through the backroads of Montgomery, Texas, and the hills were gentle  - one big loop that played to my strengths.  I was able to get a lot of momentum on the straight, mostly flat road.  I did not get passed by any women, only men that mostly gave me quick words of encouragement!  Some men played cat and mouse with me.  They would work up speed and pass, but then could not hold it and slowed down.  I wore most of them down this way, and eventually I did not see them again.  The whole time I was thinking how FUN this race was!  After almost 3 hours on the bike I was ready for the long run.  I was so relaxed, yet I felt light and quick on my feet.  My first mile was under 6:40 pace.  I just went with it and tried to relax and keep eating my energy gel before every other water stop.  The sun was relentless and there was no shade on the course - I saw a lot of people slow down a lot.  There was one woman (the 2nd place finisher) who I kept seeing as we looped around the course, but it didn't seem like she was gaining anything.  I kept reminding myself to run my own race and not worry about anyone else (but it was hard not to notice).  This was a MAGICAL day - all the components of the race came together for this most exciting win!  I did not expect this, but I am so grateful and excited that I get to share this with my family and friends!