I have fallen in love...

So did that title catch your eye?

Maybe I should finish my thought. I have fallen in love with triathlons again! I did my first triathlon in June of 2001 and ended up doing two that summer. I then took a few years off and focused on my running instead. As the years went by I did open water swims, some biking and running but didn't put them all together again until 2010 or 2011. I enjoyed the competition and the training but as the years went and my physical health and body went down hill it started to become a struggle and it was no longer fun.

As a result of my surgery, I have been given an awesome opportunity to push myself. I have been reintroduced to a sport that I once enjoyed and today a sport I love! I have always loved to swim and I still do. In the past I did the bike to get through it but now I actually enjoy the ride and look forward to my bike workouts. And I have always loved to run but now it is easier and faster! In fact compared to when I carried around over 100 extra pounds I some days feel like I am running on air.

Also, as a result of being a part of this fabulous endurance community (running & triathlon) I have been able to meet some incredible friends. Yesterday I was able to compete with two wonderful friends. It makes the day so much better when you can push each other and support each other. A special shout out to these two special ladies who both placed in their age groups!!

In the first year post surgery, since July 26, 2016 I completed 12 races (triathlons,running, and cycling) I completed 3 5ks; a 4 miler, a 5 miler 3 half marathons, a marathon a 30+ mile bike ride, and 2 triathlons. Here is an inside secret...I don't plan to slow down!

Now starting my second year post surgery I completed another triathlon in Old Forge, NY. It was a great day for a race. The water temperature was 72 degrees and with overcast skies and a light wind it kept the temperature down throughout the race.

Yesterday's triathlon was an intermediate distance; 600 meter swim, 22+ mile bike and a 4 mile run. My overall time was 2:39:33 and I finished 10th in my age group. The course was tough, with some serious climbs, but you may find this unusual for me to say, I loved it! I am certainly not saying it was easy but I felt strong throughout the whole race.

I celebrated my accomplishment with some Byrne Dairy  Chocolate Milk and admiring the medal that was given out at the end. I think that this one is one of my favorites. I love the antlers that are part of the medal design. It will remind me of the encounter I had on the bike course. A friend of mine said be careful of deer while on the bike course. As I was starting the second half of the course, and about to start an uphill climb, I noticed two beautiful fawns in the woods off to my right.

I thought the fawns were going to turn and run back into the woods. However, one of the cuties, he must be the dare devil in the family, decided to run across the road right in front of me. I slammed on my breaks so I wouldn't hurt my furry friend. Then I swore a few times because now I had to start the climb from point zero without any momentum. Thanks Bambi!!

I thought this was going to be my last triathlon of the 2017 season. However, this weekend while surfing the net, I discovered that I am not traveling the weekend of September 16 & 17 and there area a few triathlons to choose from locally. I am thinking about doing the DeRuyter Triathlon on September 16th. I have done this race before and I love it. It is fun and a great way to end the season! So what will this second year post surgery bring me? I don't know but I am excited for the possibilities!!

At the finish line!

On a side note...I want to take this opportunity to thank this beautiful woman and her husband for being wonderful friends and awesome cheerleaders. At the lowest point of my athletic career I was finishing my half ironman in Jamesville, NY. I was the last person on the course, sick to my stomach and awful leg cramps but I moved forward. As the many associated with the race were gone for the day and the crew was packing up around me, two amazing volunteers, Mary and Shawn were waiting for me at the last water stop. I will never forget their support and from that day a wonderful friendship was started. It was so great to see you both this past weekend!!

SWIM BIKE RUN!!