I knew Preben would be the one to get the results to us not only fast but as they are happening. Wow...what a race!! That was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I feel so fortunate to have been part of it. You cannot imagine what it feels like to be in a race and have people shouting your name who you don't even know.
Here are photos of me and Elizabeth racking our bikes in the huge transition area the afternoon before the race. I will have post race photos of us later.
Preben has asked me to get a little story from everyone about their race experience and I will do that but I guess I can start with me. As I said I don't think I have ever been that nervous before a race start but I know that I had prepared as best I could and everything was falling into place. I calmed down at the swim start. The water was beautiful and the course very simple to follow so I felt confident. Everyone doing the sprint was there to wish us well at our start. I felt very emotional and hugged each of them and Teresa and Elizabeth and let them all know what an inspiration they have been to me throughout the years. I was struck with how much all these women have meant to me and what we have been through together. Tears were shed by all. That was a good release for me and helped me feel calmer for race start.
As you can see from Preben's post of the results I had a great swim. It was fast and furious and I had a pack to draft off the whole time. I enjoyed the swim very much making sure I took note of the beautiful surroundings. We swam with a current so it felt wonderful. Getting out we had to run up some deep sand which was quite tiring and I felt woozy from even the small amount of swell in the water but I knew I had a good swim and that moved me on with confidence. We had a very long chute to run up to our bikes. This is where I lost some spots as well as a bit of a slow transition....that darned wet suit. Again it was a long run with the bike to the mounting point but I felt good running holding my seat and hearing people cheer for me. I knew Teresa was close behind because I heard them announce her swim exit. I felt great on the bike just zipping along but I never noticed Teresa pass me.....this is usually a trigger for me to go faster! One unfortunate event for me was when I got swept up in a large pack of 2o year old women (yes, there were large packs of riders! yes, drafting!) Well I figured to go for it with them but they were coming to the finish turn in and I was supposed to go straight....I could not see the sign for that because I was on the inside of the pack. I ended up having to sit for two full minutes before I could cross over and continue riding....ah well.....these things happen. That cost me quite a bit. I started to feel pretty tired on the second loop of the bike which is reflective of my lack of fitness this year. I was a bit worried I would not have it for the run which has been the case for me this year. I had a good shoeless dismount off the bike and set out on my run. My legs felt like rocks and it felt as if I was barely moving. I was able to pick it up a bit but could never quite get the speed I was hoping for. Again it was wonderful to have people cheering for USA and Walters...both people I know and complete strangers. It definitely kept me going. It is a very exciting finish chute and tons of spectators and celebration. Teresa, Elizabeth, and I all finished close to each other so we were able to sit together at the end and bask in the knowledge that we were done!
I will get stories from the others and of course we still have tomorrow's excitement. Looks like some of us are going to party with the Aussies tonight....!!!
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