Family & Friends, I can’t thank everyone enough for all of your support. My “Tri 4 a Cure” campaign was a total success with just over
$ 3,000 raised!
Yesterday’s Olympic Triathlon was a blast with nearly 5000 participants, even with the rain! The course was lovely, and historic. Traffic was closed off for the event. Also, it was so incredibly cool seeing all the Cadets & Navy participants. I felt my patriotism for our country that was certain!
The swim took place in the scenic and NOT calm Potomac River where we swam past the Arlington Cemetery and under the Memorial Bridge twice. I waded in the water for my start with nearly 100+ others. It was pouring rain & choppy waters as 2000 others had preceded before my wave. Visibility was near nil, and thank goodness for the giant 100m buoys markers. The swim is a mind thing; you got to keep it in check. I took in one lung full of water and nearly felt like I was going to drown. I glanced at the shoreline to my right and contemplated getting out….but NO I hung tough and hammered my way through the murk of the Potomac being pummeled by others(men 30-34) coming up from behind. This is my weakest discipline but I am getting better, gaining more confidence :-)(Thanks to Mary my great coach)
Next, the bike route was flat and fast (as can be with wet roads) winding past the Potomac River, the White House(not certain if Barack was outside his place watching), Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, United States Peace Institute, Kennedy Center and over the Memorial Bridge. I guess there is no other bike course like it in the world. To be honest, I don’t recall seeing any of these historic monuments as it was head down and eyes on the road before me for fear of wiping out or being wiped out by another.
Lastly, the run course was challenging and a beautiful single-loop that took us past the Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, National Holocaust Memorial, US Mint, Haines Point and more. I got the opportunity to re-work my blister from my previous half Ironman here. Ouch! Wet shoes again but not by my doings:-) I finished strong, and the moment felt surreal as anything is possible. Never give up, and always have dreams! Brenda