Wildflow**

What a weekend I had! As you all know I had a lot of pressure on me to complete my swim by the cut off time set by TNT. I was ready.... I COULDN'T BE MORE READY. The energy that morning was unreal. It was my first official triathlon event of this magnitude.. I couldn't help but get excited along with everyone else.

My wave for 30-39 years old females wouldn't set off until 9:20 am. So I was able to get down into the transition area fairly early to set up all my gear. .. for the swim, bike and run. Luckily for me I had an Ironmate in my division/wave.. Lulu. Together we checked and rechecked our gear. We even managed to find the time to watch some of the elite come into transition as well as see some of our Ironmates from earlier waves head into the water.. Time was ticking away and our wave was soon to be up. As I stepped onto the ramp path towards the waters edge, I remained calm. Lulu gave me a few reassuring words to let me know I could do this. We stood there in the middle of the pack and at first I was going to hang back and let everyone go before me. Then with a big hug, Lulu told me to GO FOR IT.. and that it was my time to shine. As the count down to the start began and with those words in my head, I followed right behind Lulu. I couldn't afford to be timid and waste any time. I knew I could do this swim. The water was in the mid 60s. Even though it was fairly warm by my standards.. I was the only participant in my wave to wear a long sleeve shirt under my sleeveless wet suit, as well as booties for my feet. I couldn't afford to be cold in the water, so hence the nerdy garb.

I just went along with the crowd. There was splashing everywhere. Everyone was trying to find their own space in the water so that they could ultimately find their groove. The course was shaped as one large rectangle that mapped out a 1.2 mile distance from start to finish. I just paced myself the entire time. With each freestyle stroke I would propel my body forward... breathing every 3 strokes. I would site off each large orange buoy that I approached. I wanted to keep up with the pack but knew that it was best that I just kept my pace. Steady and calm I kept telling myself.. don't panic... you've done this. There were at least 2 or 3 more waves behind me and I could feel them encroaching on me and eventually most of them passing by. I wouldn't let it bother me.. my goal was just to make the cut off. I had a number of people swim over me and a few with whom my face almost met with their thrashing feet. I did manage to accidentally kick a woman full on in the face myself. I felt horrible about it and managed to pause long enough to apologize. Later I was told by teammates that there is no "sorry" in triathlons. Things happen and you just keep going.

As I swam, I kept hearing lifeguards telling me that I was so close and that I was doing great. I could see the giant arch made of balloons that signified the end. I was there and knew that my time had come. As I stood up, I immediately looked at my watch... 1:03, well within the 1:20 parameter set by TNT and the coaches. .. and within the 1:10 cut off parameter set by Wildflower! I took that moment to just take it all in.. I did it and no one could that away from me. As I jogged up the ramp, back towards transition, there were very few people left. Amy, my friend and the EFT Specialist who has been helping me, was there to witness my accomplishment. We were both elated. Leslie the team manager was also there to welcome me in. She gave me a "good job".. and I replied with a thank you and with a triumphant voice, asked her to let the coaches know that I had done it!

Now the rest of the day:

I got back into the transition area and quickly removed my wet suit and wet clothing. I immediately started to dry off and change into my bike gear. I quickly grabbed my bike and was ready to roll.. and so I thought. I had a flat in my rear tire... I couldn't imagine that this could happen now. I attempted to check the valve to see if it was open... and tried to pump air back into it with a CO2 cartridge.. no luck. Someone came by and tried to help. I was told that I needed a floor pump. Of course I didn't have one on hand. I immediately ran up the hill with flat tire in hand and went to the repair tent at the expo. My tube was quickly replaced with a new one. Apparently there was a tear found near the stem of the tube that had caused a slow leak.. hence a flat tire. Looking back now... I had panicked big time. My brain had gone to mush.. I could of fixed the flat myself but didn't feel confident enough to do it. This would cost me later.

The bike course was 55 miles long.. with a long steep climb after the 1st mile and another steeper climb around mile 43 named "Nasty Grade", followed with rolling hills for the remaining part of the course. Because of the amount of time I used in transition, I needed to make up the difference in my ride. I had to make it back to the transition area by 2:45 or I wouldn't be allowed to do the run part of the event. I refused to give up and I pushed myself hard. I knew I couldn't afford to take the time to stop if I were to make the cut off time. For 55 miles I kept a forward motion. The sun was out in full force, as well as the head winds. I saw very few participants for the first 30 or so miles. I kept thinking I must of been one of the last ones out of transition. I was angry with with myself for letting this happen. I didn't want my actual Ironman event in August to be like this. I had cut it too close and was racing against the clock. I eventually made it into the transition area at 3:00.. I missed the cut off by 15 min. According to the records I spent an entire 29 min. in transition earlier. I ultimately would've made the cut off.

The race director was there to take my timing chip. I didn't care at this point. What I wanted to do was get onto the run course so that I could complete the entire event.. but was immediately told that I was not allowed to continue any further. There were people at the start of the run blocking anyone else from going onto the course. I was angry and disappointed in myself.. I had worked so hard up to this point and this was how it was going to end? I found out later that a few people came in after the bike cut off and still managed to negotiate their way onto the run course. Looking back I wish I had been more aggressive about being allowed to finish my race... Again another lesson learned!

"I could of, would of, should of".... all of these come into mind. What I need to remember was that this was a learning experience for me. What can I take away from this Half Ironman? I'm certainly going to learn to change a flat with confidence and speed. I am even more focused and determined to improve on my swim skills and bike time. I calculated my bike time at about 4:08 hours and I estimate that I could've finished the run in about 2:30. After adding all the numbers. I would've most likely finished the entire race in 8 hours give or take. I definitely need to step it up if I am to be ready for my event in August. FYI: Since I did not complete the run I decided to tell everyone that I did the "Wildflow**" instead of Wildflower... Next year I plan to return and complete the entire course.

So the training continues and so does the fundraising. Please if you haven't already donated, would you mind making a contribution to either Cause? Small or large.. every dollar you donate will help someone in need. I continue to make the commitment daily as I have promised.. but I need your help in raising the funds necessary. Just click on either Logo to the right of the page and you will be sent directly to my donation pages. Thank you all for your support.. I will continue to work hard for you, for the coaches and for the people that need our help! GO TEAM!