C’s not the only one who did a race this past weekend. Sunday was my 2nd triathlon!

I woke up Sunday morning really worried because I ended up being pretty sick Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. So I had no idea what was going to happen. So instead of being nervous and over thinking every last detail, I went into the race with very low expectations.

We got to the race with plenty of time to spare, and I immediately headed to the transition area to rack my bike.

But my #1 priority was to find my friends.

And before I knew it, it was time to start!

But since I was in the “old lady start time group”, I had to hang back and watch everyone else take off before I was even into the water.

The waves went off in 5 minute intervals and I was in the last wave.

Learning from my mistake last time, I quickly got into the water (holy freezing!!) after the wave before me took off so I could get a good starting spot. I was right in the front line when we started and I am SO GLAD. I felt great the entire swim! What a difference from my last TRI - positioning really is everything with swimming.

p.s. Swim cap + running on sand = most unflattering pics ever. This was the best of the bunch.

I’m smiling!

But that was before I had to start the ride straight uphill.

It actually wasn’t too bad. I knew about the hill so I made sure my bike was in a light gear before I set it up in transition. I actually passed people going up the hill (which I NEVER do) because they were struggling with their gears (suckers!!).

The 12.4 miles on the bike weren’t too bad! I got lucky and caught up to some friends so I had company. Plus, there was this 22 year old who I kept going back and forth with. I kept my eye on her and was determined not to let her beat me to the finish. Made the time fly by, and 41 minutes later I was coming back down the hill.

Btw, that’s the 22 year old right behind/next to me!

The run was practically all in the sun, and by this time it was really warm. I just kept saying to myself “It’s only 3 miles. You can run 3 miles, Heather. Push!” And I did. I pushed right past that 22 year old (who never caught back up to me, btw)!

All the way to the finish.

Final time = 1:25:22

Good enough for 7/33 in my age group! I’ll take it!

Tired finishers!

I left this race so much more confident and comfortable in this sport. I think having no expectations really helped me – there were no nerves! Plus, I already had one TRI under my belt so I knew what to expect. I’m really enjoying the challenges this sport presents – I think it’s a lot of fun (well, it’s hard, but fun, too)!

Still smiling, even after I was all packed up. It was a good day!

And do you know that J took all these photos and we never got a picture together? Sadness. He was even wearing his “I Love My Wife” shirt! Talk about the best race supporter EVER. Thanks, Babe!

Do you think having low expectations helps or hurts you??