The Marble Falls Triathlon, and the Blanco Out Back Triathlon were two different races, two weeks apart, and had two identical results to report.  Both I felt great in the swim - both 1st out of the water and fast T1, both felt great on the beginning of the bike.  Then about half way through the bike course for both races the one thing beyond my control happened.  A FLAT TIRE!!  The front in the first race, and the back in the second.  Since I have the GLUE on racing tires, and almost no flat changing experience, this was the end of my races.  When things like this happen, my first thought is WHY ME?, WHY NOW?  Well, I don't know the answer - however, this may be a test of my faith and some good character building.  For both races, when I finally got back to the transition area, I took off my timing chip and completed the run course (unofficially).  This was important for me not to give up and call it a day.  I came to race hard, and I did just that (with a break on the bike - no pun intended).  I spent an hour or so being sad, and dissapointed, and had a good cry.  After that, however, no more feeling sorry for myself. 

I have an AMAZING husband who loves me and supports me every step of my journey, fantastic and healthy kids, and I am also GREAT!  My husband and some friends were so worried when they didn't see me come in on the bike, I was told that they all CHEERED loudly when they were informed I merely had a flat (and not something worse).  Thank God for these gifts!  I will now put my head down and train hard until Switzerland.