The elite racers began at 6:59 am. Boy, am I glad I wasn't in the first wave since I was still getting my flat tire fixed thanks to the fine folks from Bicycle Sport Shop when the first wave began. I was in the 20th wave (the last wave before the relay began) which started at approx. 8:20am. The water was pretty choppy and I definitely took a few mouthfuls of water (I'm trying to block that part out), but overall I am pretty happy with my swim. I'm thankful for Jimmy's great words of wisdom right before the swim that definitely helped me stay on course (be sure to watch where I am going and look for the markers, swim until my hand hits the ground, despite the volunteer that tried to pull me up!).
Next up was the bike. It went pretty well despite the fact that I didn't ride an actual bike until the day before the race. I definitely think I can improve on the bike the most, specifically with my shifting. At the beginning of the ride, I dropped my chain and had to pull over to the side to place it back on. Other than that small issue, I had a clean ride with no flats. The Texas Hills were in full force. It was a beautiful, yet very windy and hilly, ride. As I was nearing the end of the race, I heard a man standing alone cheering on all of the bikers, "You're doing great! Last turn ahead! Way to go ladies!" As I approached this man, I realized it was none other than Jimmy Pullin! It was great to see him and definitely gave me a boost!
Finally, we're at the run! I ran the entire time but I was definitely moving pretty slow! I forgot to take my glasses off after the ride so I ended up having to run with them! Whoops, I'll try not to forget that next time. A little over half way through the run a woman asked me if she could run with me so I said of course. We ran for awhile until she said, "My legs are going to explode!" and she started to slow down. I tried to get her to stay with me but she said she couldn't make it. I hope she finished strong! I met up with Jimmy at the finish line and I was so glad to see a familiar face! Thank you again for all of the support, it means a lot to me! More pictures are up on the shutterfly account.
Thanks again!!!
4 comments:
Congrats Kelsey! It sounds like an awesome time! I'm sorry we couldn't be there!
~Chaim, Mike, Abado and Boo, of course! :)
Ps. What shutterfly account???
Congratulations to the Kelsonator!!
You continue to "step up" to the challenges presented and exceed the expectations for a first time participant.
Without hesitation, I take great pleasure in presenting you with the;
2008 Rocky Balboa Family Fitness Award, Womens Division.
Also an hononable mention goes to Jimmy for supplying the photos.
Obviously, he didn't inherit his father's inability to cheer and take photo's at the same time.
JP the 1st.
The kahoon shutterfly account! There's tons of great pictures! I also took a video (at least one intentionally) that I need to find somewhere to host... Standby please.
Whoa Kelsey! Fabulous performance!
Wish I could have been with that lone man who was cheering the ladies on. You do not know this, but Jimmy got ALL of his cheering skills from the master of the BIG MOUTH - his mother.
Looking forward to seeing both you and Bobo.
THE Mothership
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