After finishing last year we decided that we would really commit to training, swim all winter and do tons of bike/run bricks... Unfortunately we have been so busy this summer that it just didn't happen. In fact, we did only one swim all year. Luckily we have both stayed in reasonably good shape and experience must count for something because we each took quite a bit of time off of our last year's finish time. Here's Jason, Branden and I before the start.
Branden's other brother Eric and his wife Melissa were great sports and got up early to come take pictures of the whole race. Thanks for being such a great support team! Here's a pic of the three brothers.
Jason & Branden were in the same wave and started at 7:20. I followed at 7:40. The first section of an Olympic triathlon is a mile swim. Despite the little training I had a great swim, not much faster than last year but I felt relaxed and really enjoyed my time in the water. Branden didn't have as much fun but he took 2 minutes off his last year's time.
Next was the 25 mile bike ride. Here's a little shot of me mounting my bike (Eric & Melissa never could find Branden in the crowd to get a picture. They were hoping he didn't drown but apparently weren't that concerned.) Branden and I both took a couple minutes off of our T1 transition time.
We were also both maniacs on the bike. We took 5 minutes each off of last year's times even though the course was a mile longer this year! Jason, Branden and I were all within seconds of each other on our bike time. We each also had a close call with Jason witnessing an accident, Branden getting forced over the rough part of the train tracks and nearly losing his bike, and myself getting hit by someone else's carbon cartridge and getting my water bottle stuck hanging down into my wheel. Luckily we were all safe as can be. I really have never had a better ride. It was pure joy!
Here's Branden at T2 racking his bike after a good long ride.
And here he is taking off on the running portion of the race only 6.2 miles to go.
I came along a little later. There is really no way to describe the weird feeling of trying to run after biking 25 miles. Your legs want to move really fast but they feel so heavy and it feels like you're not going anywhere. My first couple of miles were great but then I just ran out of steam. I knew I was ahead of last year's time so I decided to just take it easy for the last few miles.
Here's Branden with a strong finish. Doesn't he look pro? I bet he left that guy in the dust.
Jason and Branden at the finish line. Is it just me or does Branden looked a little annoyed that he got beat by his big brother? :) Don't worry babe. You'll get him next year. This year we're really going to train... (ha ha)...
And here I am coming up on the finish line. That guy blew past me and motivated me to try and run a little faster.
Turns out I wasn't as slow as I thought I'd been at the end. I finished at 2:39 (compared to last year's 2:48) and Branden came in at 2:45 (compared to last year's 2:50). So the important thing is that we both improved.... Ok... Actually the important thing is that I still BEAT BRANDEN!!!! :) Love you honey. Good luck next year!
Overall it was a great race and a great weekend with the fam in Idaho. Marina loved playing with her cousins, Holland and Riley. They are the cutest little girls.
Marina also loved driving in the car and watching movies in my parent's car. So cute! She was such a good girl on the drive. I hope this is a trend because we leave tomorrow to drive to California. We'll see how that goes...
Finally, here is a classic shot of Marina. She dressed herself while Branden and I were unpacking. She always wants to put on her swimsuit and her "fishy diaper" (swim diaper). Another thing she loves is bikes. She can't wait to turn 2 because we told her she will get a bike when she turns 2. Looks like she is shaping up to be quite a triathlete herself!
