Timex camp!

Quickie Cali 70.3 race report: I had a hard time here last year with the cold, and I struggled again in the water, swimming 31 minutes for 2k, but not telling lifeguards I was going to die, so there was some improvement. I've never really raced a half-ironman well, so my plan was to race it like an olympic distance and see how long I could last. If I caught my breath on the bike, I told myself to pick it the hell back up. There are some crazy climbs, people walking their bikes, and so many gorgeous sights to see along that course! I biked 2:38, a six minute improvement over last year. I came off the bike 3rd in my AG. I knew I needed second for a Kona slot. I swore last year I was taking a break from Kona this fall.. but I wanted to race for it and have the option. I ran into second place with a slightly slower than I'd wanted 1:34 half marathon, but they had us run over the sand for a 1/4 mile four times, and that really did slow me down. The gamble of cycling as hard as I could paid off in net time. I finished in 4:47, 2nd in my division, 18th woman overall, and probably the happiest I have ever been with a half-ironman race.

And yes, I thought about it, for about three seconds, and didn't take the Kona slot or the Cheatwater slot. I've raced Kona three years in a row, and last year my heart wasn't in it. It's time for a year off. My friend Charisa took the slot and was so excited about going to Kona - which means it all worked out perfectly.

Camp is a blast. Lots of great friends, good food, and time at a gorgeous hillside hotel above Oceanside. Today we heard from Bontrager and Nathan and Trigger Point and Lifesport.. and managed to fit in some pool lounging time. And this evening I'm meeting up with Beth and Kirsten for margs before dinner.. can't wait!


Juli & Sharpie, kids playing at the bar, and Doug not afraid of my post-race hair: