St. George Tri...perfect conditions!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the St. George triathlon. As I was planning my race season I knew I needed an open water race before Boise 70.3 in June. After discussing things over with my coaches it was decided this would be a good race to do 3 weeks before Boise. I have done this race a couple times and haven't had a great experience there. I love swimming in Sand Hollow, but I haven't been able to put together a solid run on this course which is unusual for me because it is definitely my strength. So, as I was coming into this race I just really wanted to put together a solid race. This wasn't an A race for me...just a preparation race so I didn't really have any expectations. Coach told me it was a long tempo day for me.

I made plans with good friend and teammate, Laura, to go down with our families and make a fun weekend of it which is always fun! I also knew several friends who were doing this race as well and I looked forward to seeing so many people out on the course. I made my strategy for the race with the coaches and learned a little more strategy on my ride down in terms of the course.

We arrived to Sand Hollow Friday afternoon to find some wind. Heath, Laura, Carlee, and I put in a 700 swim and I remembered how much I loved swimming in this lake! If only Utah Lake could be half as clear! Laura and I had the traditional Cafe Rio dinner and went to the condo to ensure we had everything set out. Race morning would come early!

The conditions for this race were downright PERFECT! No wind, good temperatures, and good competition....my favorite! This race brings in so many people!  We got to the race early and got a good spot in transition. I really focused on what my race was going to look like today. There were so many friends to talk with that it made pre-race a lot of fun and I wasn't full of stress and worry.

The water temperature was perfect....I really wanted to put together a good swim as it was my weakness. I felt great in the swim and felt like I was moving a good pace. I spotted well and came out several minutes faster then last year...good motivation rolling into the bike. I was excited to bike on the new race wheels Coach had set me up with the week before the race. Can I just say...I loved them! I am so excited to ride on them this year! I nailed the bike right where I wanted to and came off the bike feeling good. Now it was time to conquer the past run experiences on this course and put together something good. As I ran out of transition I heard Colleen shout some words of encouragement and then passed Sarah to hear more words that rang in my head the entire run! I just really focused on what I had heard as I ran out of transition from them and kept a smile on my face. The turn around came quickly and at that time I knew I was going to put together a good run and push it to the end. It was so great high fiving friends, and shouting words of encouragement as I was out on the run. I was really enjoying myself!

As I ran up the hill to the finish line I knew I had given it all I had that day and gave myself 5 seconds to walk before finishing that last hill and ran to the finish.

I finished much faster then in previous years and received 3^rd overall and winner of age group! One valuable lesson I learned....walking for just 5 seconds can cost you 2^nd overall. There was only .5 seconds between me and the 2^nd place finisher. I love a race with good competition, friendly teammates, and great weather. This was one of the funnest races I have done and I continue to learn so much in the race of triathlon.

A special thanks to our sponsors: TriEdge, Flexr Sports, HEAD, Gu, and Bearpaw for helping make my races great!

Goldilocks....perfect start to a Mothers Day Weekend!

This past weekend I participated in the Goldilocks Bike Ride. I have never participated in a women's ride before. I thought it would be a great training day in preparation for the 70.3 that is coming up, as well as a great ride with a bunch of women! I decided to complete the 60 mile ride after discussion with my coaches.

The morning was perfect: no wind, lots of sun, and great temperatures! I had several teammates participating, as well as my mom! We headed into Herriman to ride! I was super excited to sport our new team jersey...they are cute and comfortable!!

I am a super organized person when it comes to training and racing....I meticulously lay everything out the night before to make sure I have everything I need! When I arrived in Herriman I quickly realized I had forgotten socks....really? Socks?? And...who carries an extra pair of socks...NOBODY! My stepdad sacrificed and gave me his. I am sure I would have been fine after the first hour, but wanted the comfort of some socks.

After getting everything set up I socialized with teammates: Laura, Sherri, and Brittany and then it was time to start. Coach had told me she wanted a “good ride” from me and “not to be afraid to go out in front.” Well, that is just what I did! I quickly found myself riding by myself after the first ½ mile. So, I came to terms that I would most likely be riding the entire 60 miles by myself....which would be perfect for training! I had planned to make no stops...carry all my nutrition and have a great practice day for Boise. At about mile 2 an officer on a motorcycle came up to me and asked if I was the first woman for the 60 mile ride. I told him I was....he informed me he was going to escort me to Redwood Road...about mile 12...sweet! I secretly wished he would just escort me the entire way...I for sure would have had a PR! Those first 12 miles were fast! He held the intersections for me to go through and then moved forward with me. It was so much fun! I want a motorcycle escort at my races! It was fun stuff.

I hit the half way point in 90 minutes...right on pace..and headed back to Herriman. I stopped briefly to talk with my husband and two kids who had come out to wave as I passed. So nice to see them! I finished the 61 miles in 3 hours...right where I wanted to be. My nutrition was spot on. I quickly jumped off my bike, locked it up and headed out on a run as I waited for my mom and friends to return.

It was such a perfect day!

There was great food at the end: sandwiches, fresh fruit, cookies, and shaved ice! This ride was so organized, well marked, and wonderful. And I loved that they had it on Mothers Day weekend.

Special thanks to Kestrel bikes (I love this bike so much!!), Gu, and FlexR sports. The products were great for this training day.