This past Sunday I raced in the Wild On Windsor Olympic Triathlon.  I hadn’t raced in what felt like months and I must admit that my motivation level has been pretty dang low.  I’ve been challenged with going back and forth to California-via car- and not knowing what state I’m in at times…I’m working…no wait…I’m driving back to Ca….you get the picture.

 My friend Janet P (she did Kona last year) drove me up as I was planning on riding my bike home following the race with another woman (she changed her mind).  I ended up bailing on the ride home as I didn’t feel comfortable riding alone on a route I didn’t know….opted for a hour trainer ride instead- but wait back to WOW.

I showed up at in Windsor at 6:30 just a transition was opening.  I grabbed a spot in my row and went about getting my packet and body marked.  I got my stuff laid out on my towel and next thing I knew it was time to get my wetsuit on. 

I had so much fun that morning…Janet was there, my friend Laura was racing, as well as Don and my friend Todd was one of the kayakers….it was nice to see so many people I knew….

Back to standing on the beach in my wetsuit….You know- no matter how many times I stand at the beach looking out at the swim- it ALWAYS seems so bloody long!!!  I think- “how the heck can I swim that far??” Seriously- I think that every time….so my wave is up- I get in the water- the announcer counts down and “GO” …I’m off swimming with the masses.

The swim went great…I got a good groove from the beginning and never had anyone swimming over the top of me.  I rounded the last bouy and headed toward transition.  I got to my bike and looked around and realized about I came out of the water before about 80% of the rest of the women I started with. “Good start” I thought to myself…I’m ahead of a few…

I jump on my bike and start pedaling at a comfortable pace…I took in some nutrition and just kept spinning until mile 15 or so…then I picked up the pace for the last 10 miles….Somewhere around this time I started thinking about the run.  I first stopped myself and focused on the moment then I decided to go ahead and think about the run.  What came to my mind was “strong and confident”.  That’s what I decided my run would be.

I finished the bike without anyone in my age group passing me.  I wasn’t sure but I figured I might be in the top 3 or 4 in my AG.  Next was the run…I put on my shoes and started off on the run.  I felt great right off the bat. Usually I’m stiff and pretty awkward for the first mile or so, but not today!

I ran the 2 loop run at a comfortable pace. I had decided to pick up the pace around the last 2 miles. The course was flat and circumnavigated Windsor Lake.

Doesn’t it just suckwhen you pass the finish shute on a loop course? What satanic person ever thought of that??? I have to admit that the thought did cross my mind that no one would know if I did both loops… But I would know so I ran right by the finish.

Up to this point no one in my age group had passed me.  I began to pick up the pace a bit but kept it somewhat comfortable….I was down to the last mile and thought I should maybe pick it up a bit……and it was about this point that I heard someone coming up behind me….I got ready to jump on if it was a female in my age group….and Low and Behold- it was!  She had a nice big 51 on her calf.  “CRAP” I thought!   I jumped on her but could not stay on her for the full half mile………….

I came running down the shut just 12 seconds—that’s right—–12 seconds behind her!  Darn!  I missed 3rd place by a BLOODY 12 seconds!

So- this race got me thinking.  Up to this point in my triathloning career I have just gone out there and raced.  I’ve never had a time goal or a place goal, or any goal but to have fun and finish…..

Basically I have NEVER- Gone For Blood!   If I had felt more of that “thirst for blood” kind of mentality I would have run harder in the last 2 miles of the race.  I am sure I would have.  I was a bit lax….I would have probably not been passed by that woman and would have finished in 3rd.  I have lacked that “thirst for blood” so far in my racing and this race has me wondering what my potential could be if I began to have a bit more of that “going for blood”……

This was a good race for me and it was good to get beaten by 12 seconds.  I know I could have pushed myself harded and I had gotten a bit lax on the run….Something to work on as there always is in life…..