Two for the price of one

I have done a lot since the last time I posted. Friday, Joe and I went for a swim in Mirror Lake. I went out with the idea that I would do about 15 minutes out and then head back in but my alarm never went off and I was so comfortable that I just kept going and did the entire Ironman loop (1.2 miles plus the shore to start line - 1.3 miles) in 53 minutes. I felt so comfortable and relaxed. It was a great swim. The day was a little cool and the water a little cool but overall a great swim. My foot was still hurting at this point so I was hoping staying off of it was a good move.

Saturday, Race the Train in North Creek and Riparius. 8.4 miles on a dirt path that has more uphills than downhills or flats. I was a little concern with my foot but it was great the entire way. My PR on this course in the past was a 1:35. I ran it in a 1: 30.43! Amazing. I felt fantastic the entire way. I paced myself on the first 1.5 miles that were uphill and then just went for it in the last half of the race since I felt good. The weather this year was very different from every other year though. It was in the low 70's with overcast skies but it was humid. Every other year it was 80's with full sun and humidity. It sucked weather-wise every other year but this year was great.

Sunday, I gave my body a rest day - well deserved.

Monday, Monday night mini tri. I vacillated all day as to whether I wanted to do it or not. The weather was cool (in the 60's all day) with clouds and threats of rain. Joe was not going to do it so it was all me. I decided to go for it. We got there early, I set up my stuff and then hung out for a while watching these guys who looked like pros set up their stuff. I have never seen a person get into a wetsuit as quickly as this guy did - it was impressive. Then there was me slow as a snail trying to put all that bulk into a skin tight wetsuit. I was glad that they had gone to warm up before I started doing this so that they were not making fun of my slowness. I got into the cold water and waited for the start. My swim was slow as I just couldn't breathe. I don't know what was wrong but I just couldn't breathe. I was stuck in between a whole bunch of people and couldn't get a good stroke going either. I just wanted out of the water. Transition was easy. I started the bike and felt ok. I had forgotten my bike computer so I didn't have a clue how fast I was going and I just pushed the entire way. My fastest bike of the season. T2 was more difficult because someone was sitting in my transition area. So I tried to change out of my bike shoes and take off my helmet while standing. He then moved and I sat and put on my socks and shoes and then left. The run was tough. My legs were burning. I did fantastic on the run though. I am very happy with my new PR.

I did have a great moment on Monday night. For the past three years, I have been beating this one woman out of the swim only to have her bike past me on River Road and then beat me badly. I have always gauged (sorry if this is spelled incorrectly, Joe and I think it is right) how I was doing based on where this woman passed me during the mini tri. The first year we did mini tri she always passed me in the middle of River Road. Last year it was towards the end of River Road. This year it has been on Route 86 and then last week it was on the Cascade Road leading into transition. Last night she passed me after I left transition on the run. I have no chance of beating her on the run since she is much faster than I am but if I keep getting better at the bike and swim maybe, just maybe I can put enough of a gap between me and her that she won't be able to beat me. I was really excited about this little improvement from previous years.

Overview of Monday night:
Swim 9:46.97 (couldn't breathe felt really really slow)
T1: 1.37.87
Bike: 44:04.49 (excellent bike)
T2: 1.21.68 (good considering some guy was sitting in my transition area while I was trying to transition. I had to stand and do most of my transition until he got up and left)
Run: 28.16.02 (really good)
Total time: 1:25.07

PR!! Yippie!! Can I go for 1: 24 next week??? I don't know about that!!! Last week is the last mini tri but I have had great success this mini tri season so if I don't PR next week, it isn't the worst thing that could happen.

I am adding a couple of pictures at the bottom of the page of mini tri!