Our 2009 Triathlon Season has come to a close!!!

Today was our last race of the multi-sport season (9.20.09). We participated in the Marshman Triathlon, held at Marsh Creek State Park. This was the second year it was held... and this year it had grown to around 750 people (last year it was under 500).
We knew it was going to be tough for several reasons... and boy was it!! The weather had been cooling down and therefor the water was going to be VERY chilly. They said at it's warmest yesterday, it was 69... and figured it was between 65 and 67 when we entered the water... and we didn't even have wetsuits (I was a bit jealous of those with them... but oh well!!). Then the air temps were VERY chilly for this time of year too. It was 49 degrees when we arrived at the race site in the pitch dark (aroundd 6am). There was fog everywhere, especially hanging over the water. And of course the course is challenging... the swim is only 1/4 mile, but the bike is a VERY challenging 12.5 miles of "rolling hills", then the run is straight up a hill 1 mile then straight downhill... I liked the second part of the run MUCH better!!! I felt GREAT during the entire race... and finished at 1:23:11. I was VERY happy with my time since I've had alot of problems as of late due to the lymes still being in my system (I'm on more meds now and hoping to get rid of it once and for all!!). Scott finished at 1:09... and was also very happy with his time too. His age group is VERY competetive and usually the top three overall winners are in there, so the times are crazy in his group. The first place overall woman was around 1:03 and the men was 55 minutes... so, it was a FAST race!! Which was good since most of us couldn't feel our fingers or toes even crossing the finish line!!!

So, we got our bikes, and our "after race food" and sat down and were chatting about our race. I came into this race knowing my age group (athena) was huge this year at 44 people... and figured I had NO chance for any kind of placement. I was doing it just to finish and have a great time. Well, my attitude quickly changed... We were waiting and cheering on all the medal winners, when we finally got to look at the "time board" and Scott says "I think you won"... I thought he was kidding... and a moment later, I was announced for winning first place in the athena division!! This was my FIRST first place ever... and I was sooo excited... I was smiling ear to ear.... and still am!!! I beat out the second place winner by over 3 minutes... so I was BEYOND pleased!!!

So, obviously this was a GREAT way to end the season... and until next season... hope you have enjoyed these pictures!!!