Back on the skag, baby!

The Steelhead is over and out. And I loved it! An all-women triathlon isn't that bad. Competitors aren't super friendly, but I think it does attract more women to come out for the sport. And you find that in the real world, women come in all different shapes and sizes. I felt rather comfortable in my own skin this day.

But even better, I really had a great time. I felt like I pushed myself as hard as I could. I didn't think I left anything back. I did have a minor seat problem, as a bolt fell off about 1/4 of a mile to the transition area. But I hobbled to the transition and tried to make up for lost time during the run.

The course had one fairly large uphill during the first mile of the run and bike. I didn't take super accurate time, but my run splits continued getting less after that first mile. The first mile I ran a 10-minute mile, than an 8-minute mile, and then a 7 1/2-minute mile. The last mile and a half was all downhill. That was joyful to my heart. It took me quite a long time to feel like my legs were underneath me. I kept reminding myself of my brother B.J.'s training words: run tall and proud. I also tried relaxing my face and my running stance; allowing my legs to just flow forward. I think it helped, if not in actual time than definitely in psychology.

I ran into my second-cousin Kimmie at the start during the swim. Kimmie grew up in southern California, but then moved to Utah when she was in junior high. I figured by default, a southern-California girl should swim faster than a southern-Idaho girl, so I told her to swam in front of me. And for her first triathlon, she did awesome! I couldn't catch her on the swim, but I caught her in transition. I hope I'll see her around some other races. I swam faster than I predicted: 7:10 for a 300-meter swim. I thought I'd swim it in 8 minutes. I was joyous when I came out of the water. I don't know why one woman who decided to sidestroke the swim thought she could do it in 8 minutes. She got passed by everyone. But bless her heart for even doing it, is how I always feel about this sport I love so much.

Kimmie and me waiting our turn to start the swim.

Perhaps the goofiest picture of me ever, but I think my face displays how much I enjoyed that swim.

Kulani was a great support. He was at the start with all the girls in tow. They cheered me along the whole way.

Total race time: Around 1 hour 24 minutes.

Loved it! Next up: Spudman. But I may try to squeeze another race in there before the end of July. Hillman? Maybe I'll try that deathmarch again.