It's a wrap.

Woo Hoo! I am officially "done" with the 2006 triathlon season. It's been a long year, a good year - but long. I was really looking forward to getting through this last race so I could take some much needed time off. In fact, I was planning on riding the HHH100 next weekend, but you know what? I don't think so! The only reason I was going to do that is so I could get 100 miles in... and why? So I could do that before I take time off? What's the point?

We just got home from Arkansas, did the Degray Lake Iron Mountain Man / Half IM distance race. Damn, was that hard?! It was H-O-T!! I felt really good during the swim and bike (even rode conservatively) but when it came to the run... that was a different story. Big surprise, right? I'm just not a good runner. I'm really not a good runner when it's a ka-jillion degrees outside. It took the first four miles to get my legs under me. It really took everything I had not to quit. I felt SO BAD those first few miles. It totally sucked. I walked so much. My head was killing me, my foot was cramping - it was hot. WAAAHHHHH!!!!!

I kept telling myself that it was my last race, let's finish this with a bang. Don't DNF the last race.... you'll have that to think about for the rest of the year.... Somehow, things just came together for me. I started feeling good, could have been those oranges I ate at one of the aid stations. Whatever it was, it worked. The second loop of the run was pretty damn good! I finished strong and actually placed 1st in my age group. Of course there were only like five people total in my AG, but hey, I'll take the win!! I can't control who shows up to these races, right? Gimme my trophy! :)

This morning I got up and went back to the race site, I did a relay for the sprint triathlon. Lucky me, I only had to do the swim! I got in the water early, had to stretch it out.... I'm so glad I did, too. My body was sooooo stiff. I had a pretty good swim and it was really fun to see all the people out there doing the race. Lots of newbies, which is always great. I really love to see people getting into this sport.

All in all, had a good weekend, feel good about the race season and feel even better that it's over! What am I going to do with my free time? HA! I'm not quitting, people!! I'm just going to take it easy for a couple of weeks before I get on the Ironman training wagon. I'll start my weight / strength training this week or next and start working on technique and skills to help me next year. But for now, it's time to recharge!

:)