Sunday, December 3, 2023

CIM RELAY–ANNA–2023

Date/Location:

December 3, 2023 - Sacramento, Ca

Distance:

13. (Leg #2 of the Marathon Relay. CIM relay races started in 1995)

Time:

(13.4 mi. 8:22 pace. 3:35:48 total relay team time)

Place:

21st out of 29 Female Masters

Relay Teammates:

Anna Tortosa

Other Teammates:

Relay

*FCA Endurance:  Myself & Anna Tortosa

*Placer Speedsters: Grace Mueller & Anna Soares

Marathon

Emily Donlevy, John Justus, Luis Vidal, Michelle Nall, Steph Jamis

Jim Kepfer (pacer), Tim Twietmeyer (pacer)

IMG_20231203_070954328

Today I get to do the first half of the CIM marathon, Grace Mueller is my partner for the second half, she's on my Cross Country team. I'm excited to run, but I have been having a knee problem recently so I'm praying that, Lord willing, it won't bother me during the run.


I do an easy warm-up run to the start with my teammate Cooper who is doing CIM with his dad. I'm amazed at the thousands of people at the race. It's a sea of people for as far as you can see. The time till the start ticks down quickly and soon I'm rushing to get to the start line. I am in a good position and then watch Cooper's group head off for the start. I'm next and soon I'm running over the starting line. I'm excited to be running out here today, but I'm trying to conserve my energy and run with great form for my knee. I plan to start out at around 8:30 minute pace. I’m really excited and have tons of energy and so do a lot of people around me. I start to run up a short hill which doesn't feel too bad compared to my canyon hills. So far my knee isn't bothering me and thank God.

I hit about 8:20 pace at the first mile. I'm going under 8:30, but I'm feeling great thanks to God. I'm keeping the pace steady and not too fast for my knee. There are crowds of people cheering everyone on and it’s very encouraging, especially the groups of bands. Up ahead I see a bunch of people running sideways through the crowd of runners. Soon I find out as I get closer, that there's an aid station on the right so runners are trying to get to the aid. I skipped this one in order to pass the crowds.

I run by the school and there's a beautiful Christmas tree out in front. It's really pretty and is glowing brightly in the early morning. The second aid station comes up at about 3 mi. I use this aid station to quickly stop at the porta-potty and then continue on. Only two more miles till I get to take my energy squeeze! This year instead of having a gel I'm doing a Chia Seed Strawberry Squeeze. I thought it would be great nutrition (I found out later it had very low calories, so next time I'll get a real gel). As I'm running I see someone playing the trumpet on the side of the road and give them a thumbs up. It’s always fun to see a fellow trumpet player. Later I see somebody playing a handheld keyboard that you have to blow into to make noise. It is quite a strange instrument, but it is pretty cool to hear this guy on a lone hill playing his instrument for the runners.

231203_cim_relay_annaMy pace is steadily getting faster but I'm keeping it around 8 minute pace so I don't injure myself. I get to the 5-mile mark and celebrate! I eat my Chia Squeeze and accidentally squirt it all over myself, whoops. At least it’s tasty.

In the next 5 miles, I can take my second Chia Squeeze. I can't wait! I'm also getting a good amount of water from the aid stations, but not too much that might give me a side cramp.

At mile six, basically halfway, I take a quick stop to stretch out my knee. It's slowly been getting tender, but it hasn't gotten painful yet. I just want to be careful, so I give it a good stretch. I get going again and since it's halfway, and I'm feeling good I start to drop my pace a little under 8 minute pace. I only have about six and a half miles to go, and I don't want to finish with extra energy. I'm also noticing that I'm not taking the tangents, or cutting the corners efficiently, I’m just following the crowd.

I don't want to take extra time to get to Grace, so I start to take the tangents better. As I'm running down this long stretch of road, I go by this band that can only say two things, “you're looking strong”, and “You're doing great”. They repeat this about 10-20 times by the time I get out of earshot. At least they're lifting the energy of the crowd, but I wish they could add a few other things to say.

As I’m running, a guy in the race comes up to me and asks if I'm doing a triathlon. I tell him I do triathlons in the summertime. He then asks if I'm a pro runner because I’m wearing a timing chip around my ankle. I tell him that I'm wearing the timing chip because I'm in the relay and I'm handing off to my teammate. It's funny he asked though because the timing chip looks like the exact same one they use for triathlons. I talk to him about the triathlons I do and ask which ones he does. He’s done a lot of coastal triathlons. It was nice to talk to him for a few minutes. I say “Good job” and continue on running.

I finally get to mile 10 and take my Chia Squeeze! It's delicious. Up ahead the course turns and goes through a small little town. It's so cute and there's a high school band playing for all the runners. I cheer on my fellow bandmates. I know I must be getting closer to the end of the first half. I've also noticed that I've missed every photographer. Every photographer I see, I'm always directly behind someone or across the road from them. The one time that I am in the viewpoint of a photographer they stop to change the camera. I'm not upset about it, I'll just have a lot of 1/10 pictures of me. As long as Grace gets the good photos that's all that matters.

I'm thanking God for helping my knee right now. I'm almost done with the half marathon and it's been doing great. A week ago I could barely run because of my knee, but now I'm doing a half marathon thanks to God! I get to 1 mi to go and can almost see the exchange point I run through the halfway point arch, and then continue to run the half mile more to the relay handoff. I sprint into the relay handoff looking for Grace. I see her smiling and can't wait to hand off to her. I point to God thanking him for holding my body up and then I stop to give Grace my chip. She takes a chip and takes off. I tell her “You got this” and pray that God will give her the energy to finish strong.

Grace and I ended up getting first in the high school girls category, or as you can say first and last. We had a great team and it was really fun to do this race after our Cross Country season. My mom did very well as well and God gave her the strength to get through it. Thank you God for a great race!

Praise The Lord For He Is Good, His Love Endures Forever.

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CIM RELAY-ROBIN-25TH YEAR-2023

Date/Location:

December 3, 2023 - Sacramento, Ca

Distance:

12.8 (Leg #2 of the Marathon Relay. CIM relay races started in 1995)

Time:

2:13:39 (12.8 mi. 8:22 pace. 3:35:48 total relay team time)

Place:

21st out of 29 Female Masters

Relay Teammates:

Anna Tortosa

Other Teammates:

Relay

*FCA Endurance:  Myself & Anna Tortosa

*Placer Speedsters: Grace Mueller & Anna Soares

Marathon

Emily Donlevy, John Justus, Luis Vidal, Michelle Nall, Steph Jamis

Jim Kepfer (pacer), Tim Twietmeyer (pacer)

This is my 25th CIM Relay in a row!  Except for 2020 when it wasn’t held.  Today I am without my favorite relay partner, Troy. Troy is injured with a hurt Achilles. Fortunately our friend Anna T from our track group is taking his place. I have a health issue myself with difficulty breathing and low energy.  I’ve had to walk portions of my training runs recently.  Tomorrow I have a doctor’s appointment.  Although the thought of running a half marathon right now is daunting, my 25 year streak is quite motivating.

I drive a car full of runners down to the start: my Anna and her XC teammate, Cooper; Anna T; another track friend, Steph; and a friend of a friend, Marisa.  I drop them off and then drive down to the relay exchange. I’m extremely early. I get a front row parking spot to the race course. I take time to read the Bible and remind myself why I am racing. With even more time than expected, I get a little grocery shopping done at Safeway.

Soon the top runners are coming. It’s so fun to watch them soar by.  Soon I see Cooper’s grandparents and hang out with them until Cooper comes and hands off to his dad. Then I see Anna’s partner Grace and her mom Kelly. I hang out with them until Anna arrives. She’s smiling brightly and giving Glory to Jesus.

After some time spent together, I send Anna off to Sacramento in my car to watch Grace finish. I bundle up for the for the next 20 minutes. I opt not to warm-up and just make it a long training run. It’s totally entertaining listening to our friend Courtney Cardenas. the announcer, call out the various relay teams coming in. The names are clever, like “Snailed It”, “Scrambled Legs” and “You Half to be Kidding Me”.

I track Anna T on the race app and see she’s coming soon. I stuff my gear in a bag to hand off to her for her to wear to keep warm after she finishes.  I can see Anna T sprinting her way to me and I wave to her. I get the chip off her ankle and tell her great job.  Now it’s my turn!

After the first 100 meters of bliss and what is usually an easy 10:40 pace, my lungs start to revolt. My chest is burning and I’m struggling to breathe.  I’m trying to stay steady and focused on the Lord. 

Mile 1 and Mile 2 are 10:40 pace. I have to stop a few times to walk and normalize my breathing more.

Mile 3 is a 10:24. I’m definitely feeling better and there is no walking necessary! Thank you Lord!  If I can just maintain this pace and continue to feel stronger, that would be great!

231203_cim_relay_robinMile 4 is an 11:31 with a pit stop. I’m still feeling pretty good!

Mile 5 and 6 are 10:30 average. Thank you Lord that I can run and don’t have to walk!  I’m able to look around more and enjoy the excited spectators and the unique attire of runners around me.

Mile 7 and 8 are 10:18 average. I’m actually passing runners. I see Steph and another track friend Michelle up ahead. I catch up to them and tell them good job. They are definitely having fun running together. Steph has on a blue tutu.

I cross over the American River on the J St. Bridge. It’s definitely an iconic part of the marathon! I see another track friend John J walking up ahead. I stop to walk with him and he tells me he’s having hamstring issues. I pray for him. Michelle and Steph catch up and cheer John on.

Mile 9 is 10:23. I’m so in awe that God is getting me through this!

As I approach downtown I’m seeing my pace decrease even further. This makes no sense and can only be attributed to Jesus!

Mile 10 and 11 are 9:59 pace! Wow!  I receive encouraging texts from Anna and Troy as they can see I’m getting close to the finish. It’s such a nice boost!

Mile 12 is 9:40!  Only 0.8 mi to go on this leg!

The Capitol Building is getting closer!  I can’t wait to be done but I’m so pleased that God has helped me to feel strong!

231203_cim_relay_finish_robinI make the final turns to the finish and look for Anna.  I see her and I pull over to give her a big hug. I finish and look up to Jesus! Thank you Lord for this amazing run!  I love You!

RELAY HISTORY

Year

Team Name

Relay Div

Place

Time

Teammates

2023

FCA Endurance

Open Female

21st/

29

4:53:07

Anna Tortosa (#1)

2022

FCA Endurance

Co-Ed Masters

11th/

67

3:35:48

Troy Soares (#2)

2021

FCA Endurance

Co-Ed Masters

4th/62

3:22:14

Troy Soares (#1)*

*3 and 4-person relays have been retired

2019

Catch Us If You Can

Open Female

12th/

143

3:26:25

Robin Soares (Leg #1/2), Megan Sebra (Leg #3), Bailey Cossentine (Leg #4)

2018

Catch Us If You Can

Open Female

13th/

169

3:37:34

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Liesbeth Magna (Leg #2), Leonie Alesci (Leg #3),  Megan Sebra (Leg #4)

2017

Catch Us If You Can

Open Female

11th

3:38:23

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Leonie Alesci (Leg #2), Liesbeth Magna (Leg #3), Megan Sebra (Leg #4)

2016

Catch Us If You Can

Open Female

10th

3:34:22

Leonie Alesci (Leg #1), Liesbeth Magna (Leg #2), Robin (Leg #3), Megan Sebra (Leg #4)

2015

Catch Us If You Can

Open Female

8th

3:32:27

Megan Sebra (Leg #1), Leonie Alesci (#2), Robin (#3 & #4)

2014

Catch Us If You Can

Open Female

8th

3:27:15

Robin Soares (Leg #1 & #2), Leonie Alesci (Leg #3), Megan Sebra (Leg #4)

2013

Catch Us If You Can

Open Coed

10th

3:31:23

Liesbeth Magna (Leg #1), Kevin Magna (Leg #2), Robin Soares (Leg #3) and Megan Sebra (Leg #4)

2012

Catch Us If You Can

Open Coed

6th

3:32:57

Leonie Alesci (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Kevin Magna (Leg #3) and  Liesbeth Magna (Leg #4)

2011

Catch Us If You Can

Open Coed

3rd

3:05:14

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Liesbeth Magna(Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)

2010

Catch Us If You Can

Open Coed

2nd

3:13:32

Robin Soares (Leg #1 & 2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)

2009

CATCH US IF YOU CAN

Open Coed

3rd

3:08:47

Kevin Magna (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)

2008

CATCH US IF YOU CAN

Open Coed

21st

3:27:28

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Courtney Loveday (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)

2007

RIONIE AND SOARES

Open Coed

3rd

2:58:55

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)

2006

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Open Female

1st

3:00:54

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Megan Canova (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)

2005

DAM GIRLS & GUYS

Open Coed

2nd

3:00:36

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Dick Kirkpatrick (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4) (?)

2004

DAM GIRLS & GUYS

Open Coed

14th

3:32:15

Troy, Robin, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven (?)

2003

DAM GOOD RUNNERS

Open Coed

21st

3:06:50

Troy-Robin-Leonie Wynhoven-Liesbeth Brouwer

2002

DAM GOOD RUNNERS

Open Coed

76th

4:13:14

Robin, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven

2001

DAM GOOD RUNNERS

Open Coed

21

3:56:56

Robin Heidt, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven

2000

Un-Named

Open Coed

49

3:48:04

Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt (?)

1999

DAM GOOD RUNNERS

??

8

3:44:09

Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt

1998

DAM GIRLS

?

5

3:28:58

Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Tri Santa Cruz (Olympic) - 2023

/Location:
August 6th, 2023 – Santa Cruz, CA
Distances:
Swim 1.5K –0.3m T1- Bike 22.4 m – Run 5.7 m
Time:

2:30:52 (33:09 – 4:37 – 1:08:37 – 1:55 – 42:33)

Place:

4th, 55-59M; 66th out of 236M

Teammates:

Oly: Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy, Robin

Sprint: Anna & Ariel

We’re here in Santa Cruz, on the beach, and it’s such a warm feeling to have the whole family racing a triathlon together.  A warm feeling is especially appreciated considering the cold ocean water we’re about to run into.  It does concern me.  Robin and I get cold easily.  Triathlon isn’t easy.  But the Lord is so much greater than any temporary discomfort.  And I know that I treasure the closeness I develop with Jesus when I’m about to do something scary.

We all pray that we will look to God during our races, give Him our best, and be happy no matter what happens.

My wave will go first.  Then Robin’s.  Then Anna and Ariel will start in the Sprint group.  It’s not foggy, just overcast.  Waves aren’t too big.  Spectators on the pier.  Yesterday we swam a little bit and it was pretty cold.  Now it’s 1.5 km.  Go!

Swim

Start goes great, I feel good.  But around the first buoy I start feelin slow.  I don’t feel like I’m gliding through the water.  More like a struggle.  My goggles are fogging up.  It’s hard to see the farthest buoy.  Finally get around it and notice I’m getting very cold.  I dread the thought of the 2nd loop we have to do, but I know the Lord will get me through and eventually I’ll get out of this frigid water for good.  My job: to do my best and appreciate the ability God has given me.  With that I run onto the beach, smile, and dive back in for lap 2.  Lap 2 seems to take forever.  I hope Robin isn’t too cold.  I’d rather be more cold if it means she isn’t.  Finally around the last buoy and push as hard as I can for shore.  It’s hard to site but at least I’m heading towards land.  Ah, thank you Lord, I’m running on sand now.  Anna and Ariel cheer.  I love my family, they are such great supporters.  33:09.  That’s slower for me understandable with the extra challenge of the ocean.

T1

It’s a long run to transition.  I leave me wetsuit on to get warm, but of course that makes it hard to get off later.  I get my jacket on and head out of transition.

Bike

230806_tri_santa_cruz_oly_troy_bikeIt’s pretty special racing here.  Robin and I did the Sentinel Triathlon here together in 2001 when we just started dating.  Before that I did many triathlons here on this course.  Although the course today has been changed to 6 out-n-backs because of road work.  As I come back on the first loop I see Robin!  It’s so great to see she also made it out of the ocean and is looking good.  We both have jackets on and we’re both smiling.  I feel like I’m biking well.  But periodically some of the young fast guys go flying by like I’m standing still.  It’s impressive how fast you can go on a bike.  My job: to be my best for the Lord, and that means it’s gotta hurt a little bit.

After a couple laps, I see Ariel and then Anna!  Ariel braved the water without a wetsuit.  She’s a great swimmer and without having to remove a wetsuit, she has an advantage over her sister.  Both of them are smiling.  Normally “6 out-n-backs” is not enticing for a triathlete, but I’m loving it because I get to see my whole family!  Every lap I get to see them twice.  It’s terrific.  I’m trying to catch Robin to lap her but I can’t.  All my girls are riding well.  Anna and Ariel finish their 3 laps while I have one more to go.  I’m pushing hard, drinking, and getting ready for the run.  Starting my last lap I see Anna on the run.  She finishes the 5k run before I finish the bike.  1:08:37.  That’s not bad.

T2

Thank you, Lord, for keeping me and our girls safe on the bike.  I pray Robin continues to have a good ride.  Transition goes fine.  Now for the 10k!

Run

Heading out I see Ariel finishing her run!  Good job, Ariel!  I also see our friend Dave Leroy finishing his first lap.  Ok, I have to keep him from catching me.  The run along West Cliff Drive is so beautiful.  I’ve done this run dozens of times but it’s been many years since the last.  You can see surfers trying out the waves.  Seagulls hanging in the breeze.  A lighthouse and monuments.  And the cliffs and land formations speak to the great artist that is the Lord.  God made a great place that we live in and how much more effort did He put into us.  We are beautifully made.

230806_tri_santa_cruz_oly_troy_runI’m trying to get my pace below 7 but even 7:30 is hard.  I eat my gels.  I focus on the Lord.  Some people encourage me in Christ because they notice the Fellowship of Christian Athlete jersey.  FCA has been a great team to be a part of.  It really does unite us with many others in our sport.  Every race we probably meet 4 new Christians because of it.  I have to sprint at the end of my first lap to hold off Dave who is finishing.  It makes for a fun challenge and I’m glad for it.  I see Robin on my 2nd lap and it’s always a huge motivator to see her.  I know she’s wondering how I’m doing just like I’m wondering how she’s doing.  In a quick passing with smiles and encouragement all our questions are answered.

I push the last mile with everything I’ve got.  Done!  42:33.  7:30 pace.  Thank you, Lord, for again getting me through a cold swim, through the dangers of biking, and through the fatigue of running.  All things are possible for those that are in Christ.  Just having our family together, joyfully, enjoying racing, Ariel’s birthday, and the beautiful mountains and redwoods is a huge blessing.

I wait a while and get to see Robin finish after me.  The girls come back after checking us our of our hotel.  We’re all reunited and thankful.IMG_20230806_130023709_HDR

Tri Santa Cruz–Olympic Distance-Robin-2023

Date/Location:
August 6th, 2023 – Santa Cruz, CA
Distances:
Swim 1.5K –0.3m T1- Bike 22.4 m – Run 5.7 m
Time:

2:40:48 (34:14 – 1:10:09 – 48:59)

Place:

2nd, 45-49W

Teammates:

Oly: Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy, Troy

Sprint: Anna & Ariel

IMG_20230806_072419701_HDRIt’s such a blessing being in Santa Cruz racing with the whole family!  We haven’t all raced a tri at the same time before. The girls will be doing the sprint and Troy and I will be doing the Olympic. The swim course loop is the same though we do 2 laps and the girls do one. The bike course loop is the same. This is my first and only triathlon for 2023. It’s been a tough year with various challenges and training has been hard to fit in much training. I’m just grateful to be at the start line injury free!   

We are celebrating Ariel’s 15th birthday this trip. We took a fun train ride up the mountains yesterday and after the race today we’ll go to the pier and beach.

I am terrified of being cold in the ocean but hopeful I’ll survive. I’m wearing my friend Karen’s special swim vest with hood under my wetsuit. The swim start is delayed because of fog so the girls, Troy and I have time to hang out. It’s fun looking at the fun signs people made one with Dory on it…”just keep swimming and biking and running!”.

SWIM

Soon we get the all clear from the lifeguards and it’s time to go! Troy’s wave starts out ahead of me. I see him bravely run into the water. Then it’s my turn!  I haven’t touched the water at all which is a risky move not knowing what to expect and knowing the temp is around 60 degrees. I run into the water, jump in and start swimming. I’m pleasantly surprised how the the vest hoodie is keeping out the cold!  Thank you Jesus!  With every stroke I’m so thankful for my friend Karen loaning me the vest.

The first 500 I hit 8:36 which is 1:43 pace. Thank you Lord for the extra buoyancy! Back home in Folsom Lake I’m like 2 minutes slower per 500.  As I sight for shore, I see the sprint distance swimmers take off. Go Anna, go Ariel!  Ariel is not even wearing a wetsuit today but just a speedsuit!  She’s tough! 

Soon, I’m running out of the water along the beach and jumping back into the ocean for one more loop. The second 500 I’m a little slower at 8:48, 1:46 pace. I feel more tired now but still enjoying the comfort of the vest. Troy is surely out and running to his bike. I hope he survived the cold!  We are both wimps when it comes to cold.  The shore is getting closer and closer!  My pace slowed down my 3rd 500 to almost 2:00 pace but so glad I’ve been comfortable for this swim!

I exit the water and pull my wetsuit down to my waist.

T1

It’s a long run to my bike but a good opportunity to get warm.  I struggle to get off my wetsuit at my transition sport but I know being warm is worth the extra work and time!  I get on my dry jersey, beanie and jacket. I feel comfortable heading out.

BIKE

230806_tri_santa_cruz_oly_robin_bikeThis course reminds me so much of the Tri California Treasure Island Tri Troy and I did many years back. It’s a flat neighborhood ride that is mainly a straight out and back. There are some technical turns in some spots as well. This is my first of 6 times on this “loop”.  There are a lot of people out here! It’s controlled chaos!

Soon I see Ariel, then Anna and then Troy. We are going to be seeing a lot of each other!  This is great! Who needs spectators when you have family racing with you.  It’s so cool to see their smiles!

The first 5 miles take me a bit to warm up and get my bearings on the course. I average about 17.6mph. 

The next 15 miles, I’m able to average just over 19mph.  Even though the course is monotonous, it is fun watching for my family. The girls are doing 3 less loops so eventually they disappear and I look for them on the run when I pass the run course. I continue to see Troy and cheer him on.

I see Anna going out for her run. She is smiling and looks strong. 

I start my final loop I see Anna finishing up already! Go Anna! That means Ariel will be done soon too!

I no longer see Troy. Now I’m all alone out here.  It’s less crowded by lonely!  I got to get this done so I can see them on the run!

I finally finish my final loop and I’m coming into transition.  I see Troy on the run. Our friend Dave Leroy is just behind him…I think he’s going out on his second loop compared to Troy’s first loop.

T2

I hear Anna and Ariel cheering for me as I get off the bike. I’m able to transition a bit faster this time thankfully.

RUN

My legs struggle the first mile to adjust…more so than usual since this is my only triathlon of the year!  I eek out a 9:39 first mile…ugh! This is going to be a long one!

230806_tri_santa_cruz_oly_robin_runI start to get my legs back. I see Troy coming back smiling. I give him a high five.

Mile 2 is 8:31. Better! Thank you Lord I can be doing this…and with my family!

I squeeze in a quick bathroom break. That’s better. I see Troy coming back out for his final loop!

Mile 3 is 8:50. Someone has their boombox going outside their bus/house. Some good old 80s classics.

I turn around and head out for my last loop. I start to pay more attention to the women racing around me.  Maybe I can pass some.  Two women who must be friends pass me. I can’t quite match their pace but I try to pick it up so they don’t get too far ahead.

Here comes Troy.  He looks good!

Mile 4 is 8:28. I’m on my way back now. Yay!

I continue to keep my eyes on those 2 gals and it seems like I’m gaining a bit. In the meantime I do pass a few other girls.

Mile 5 is 8:23. I’m getting faster and I’m not dying. Thank you Lord!

The race is almost done!  I’m not going to catch those girls but I’ve definitely closed the gap.

IMG_20230806_115517046I hear a train whistle. I know that whistle! That’s the same train I took yesterday! I can see the train is slowly approaching crossing spot to the finish line. I’ve got to get there quick!  I pick it up double time and take advantage of the downhill to the tracks.  I can make it! I push hard and get across with a few feet to spare. Thankfully it’s not a fast moving train! I’m the last one through. I feel bad for the others behind me!  I do find out later that the other runners kept running on the dirt on the other side of the track and crossed behind the train. I push hard down the bike path to the finish.  The sun has burst through the clouds and it’s just a gorgeous day in Santa Cruz! Thank you Lord for a great race!  I cross the line and look up to God. Troy is there smiling. Best way to finish!

Tri Santa Cruz–Sprint-Anna-2023

/Location:
August 6th, 2023 – Santa Cruz, CA
Distances:
Swim 850meters –0.3m T1- Bike 11.2 m – Run 3.05  m
Time:

1:12:39 (16:48 – 1:20 – 33:58 – 1:16 – 19:32)

Place:

2nd, 16-19F; 5th out of 97 Overall W

Teammates:

Oly: Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy, Robin

Sprint: Ariel

Today I get to race the Santa Cruz Tri! This will be my first race swimming in the open ocean. I don’t always like swimming in the ocean and I don’t like the cold, but with God’s help I’ll get through it. I’m just doing the sprint distance while my parents are doing the Olympic distance. They will have to swim 2 laps in the ocean a lot longer than I will be swimming. I only have to swim one lap. They also don’t like the cold so it will be a battle for them too. Once I finish the swim I will be good to go till the run. Recently I have been having shin problems and they're slowly healing. They still bother me when I run and I’m praying they won’t bother me during the race.

The race is delayed by 10 min because of fog and it gives me more time to look at the dark and unfriendly water. Mom and Dad go first and we get to see them swim their first lap. Before starting their second lap they have to run up onto the beach and then jump back in. I’m happy to see that they are not frozen and still doing well. Then it is time for Ariel and I to start the swim. I am excited to be racing with Ariel, I haven’t raced against her for a long time. The announcer counts us off, I say a quick prayer, and we go.

I jump in and start swimming as fast as I can to stay warm. I also keep an eye on Ariel to make sure she’s doing ok. She’s hot-blooded and is wearing a speed suit instead of a wetsuit. As I swim, my face and toes go numb while my tongue wishes for non-salty water. As I get to the first buoy, I go around it with Ariel behind me. I have been constantly looking back to make sure she’s good. I hope she can see me looking back and knows where I am too. I start to pull away and I hope she can jump on my feet for a draft. I then start to focus on the next buoy and know that God will take care of Ariel. I try to get into a good rhythm and force some cold water into my wetsuit to help add motion to my arm strokes. I get around the second buoy and head towards the shore. I’m thankful that God has helped me almost finish the swim. When I get really close to the shore I start to put more water into my wetsuit to help me take it off faster. As I run out of the water I see Ariel up ahead, she must have passed me when I was getting close to the shore. I then try to get my wetsuit off, but the zipper isn’t working. I run over to a volunteer and ask them to unzip it for me. I then get it off and start running to the transition. I thank God for getting me safely through the swim, now I just need to get warm on the bike. The run to transition is longer than normal, but I use it to get warm fast. As I run into transition I start to jump over a curb in the parking lot, to take the quickest way to my bike, but I then get yelled at by a volunteer to go around. I apologize and run around, the long way to my bike. I get to my bike, disregard my jacket, and quickly get on my bike. Lord willing I will get warm on the bike.

230806_tri_santa_cruz_sprint_anna_bikeNow I just have to catch up to Ariel. I am surprised at how far ahead she is already, it must’ve taken me longer than I thought to get my wetsuit off. The bike course is three loops with an out and back. I’m excited to be able to see all my family racing all at the same time! I get to the turnaround and can finally see Ariel ahead of me. She is a fast biker. After I turn around I slowly catch up to her. I tell her good job and that God is with her. As I bike up in front of her I look back one more time to yell some encouraging words. When I look back in front of me, I’m riding straight into a reflective delineator post that is in the road. I ride right into it and I’m expecting to crash. However, the post is plastic and I stay still upright on my bike. I’m so shocked that I didn’t crash that I run into the next reflective delineator post. I then come to my senses and swerve back onto the road. I yell back to Ariel that I’m ok and keep riding.

I eventually see Mom and Dad and cheer them on. There are a lot of bikers on the road because both the Olympic and Sprint racers are on the same course. I do my best to move to the right every time I pass someone and stay out of people’s drafts. I’m thankful that God is keeping everyone safe from running into each other. I end up going back and forth with some guy who is about the same speed as me. I pass him a lot and he passes me a lot, we help push each other.

I eventually finish the 3 loops and bike down a different road to transition. I don’t realize how close I am to transition and quickly try to get my feet out of my bike shoes. I’m a little rushed and accidentally go over the bike dismount line. I apologize and get off immediately. I want to represent my jersey and not break the rules, plus this is the second time someone has yelled at me. I think I got a little confused because the dismount line was different from the get on your bike to start line. As I run into a transition I try to make it my fastest transition. As I’m getting on my shoes Dave Campbell yells at me to go faster. I appreciate his encouragement, but I’m still shaking a little from the bike and I feel that this rushing is making me slower and I’m making more mistakes. I finally get my shoes on, after what seems to take forever, and start running.

I run up the path and begin to run along the coast. As I’m running on the run course, I see Mom going for another loop of the bike. We cheer each other on. I appreciate being able to run next to such a beautiful coast that I once a year get to see. I’m trying to push the beginning of the run and pass as many people as I can. I try to pretend that the first-place runner is just around the corner. I do see the top runner heading back to the finish already! I got to meet her before the race started. She is a triathlete from UC Davis!

As I continue to run, I’m thankful that my shins are not bothering me and I’m praying that my fast start to my run doesn’t make them worse. I pass a girl at the turnaround and head back, almost done! I run through the salty air back to the finish. I see Ariel and encourage her to give her best effort for God. It is so cool to watch her race. As I finish the last bit of the coastal path I see some surfboard class in the water. I would love to do that someday.

As I run back into town, I can start to feel my shins a little bit. I monitor them and so far they are not getting worse. I see Dad heading out on the run course and encourage him. I then hit the path to the finish and push hard to the end. I finish pointing to God, thanking him for a spectacular race! I haven’t done a sprint for a while and it felt so quick and fun!

It was great to be able to run at Santa Cruz, a place I haven’t been to since I was a toddler! I’m also so thankful that God kept my shins strong and protected my whole family in the swim. It was also a blessing to be able to see my family so much during the race, it made it a great family race!

230806_tri_santa_cruz_sprint_anna_runPraise The Lord For He Is Good, His Love Endures ForeverIMG_20230806_112142118

Tri Santa Cruz-Sprint-Ariel-2023

/Location:
August 6th, 2023 – Santa Cruz, CA
Distances:
Swim 850meters –0.3m T1- Bike 11.2 m – Run 3.05  m
Time:

1:17:35 (15:58 – 1:30 – 36:37 – :48 – 22:39)

Place:

3rd, 1-15F; 10th out of 97 Overall W

Teammates:

Oly: Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy, Robin

Sprint: Anna

It’s a cold Sunday morning as I watch the waves crashing against the Santa Cruz boardwalk beach. Racers cover the beach. A group is already in the water. Butterflies speed through my stomach. I’m not going to wear a wetsuit this time. I tested the water yesterday and felt like I could handle it. Some other racers are also wearing a speed suit. The race director comes over and gives us instructions. Then, he steps to the side. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go! He says. I ran towards the water. I know the water will initially feel cold, but I’ll get used to it.

230806_tri_santa_cruz_sprint_ariel_swimMy foot touches the water, sending shivers up me. I’m almost knee-deep. I keep running until I’m deep enough into the water. I dive into the water and start swimming. It’s chaotic and crazy. Everyone is swimming for their lives. I see Anna swimming close to me. I smile at her. I soon lose sight of her. It’s still crazy and hard to navigate without getting water in my mouth. I start swimming alongside a girl. Oh, it’s Anna again. I keep up with her. It’s nice swimming with someone I know. We pass the first buoy. Anna slowly moves ahead of me until I can’t see her. I keep swimming hard trying to use my arms a lot, so my legs can be prepared for the bike and run.

I see the 2nd buoy up ahead. I have to constantly look up, to swim straight. Everyone slows down at the buoy as the majority of the people try to take the turn tight. As I round the buoy, I see the swim finish in the distance. It’s difficult to see if I’m going straight, so I keep looking up. It’s still very chaotic, but at least it’s a little better. The beach is closer. I focus more on my arms and being efficient with every stroke. I approach the beach. I see Anna taking off her wetsuit. I swim past her until my hand touches the ground. I get up and start running out of the water.

The ground is super sandy, so I take short, fast steps over it. I try to lap my Garmin, but I accidentally hit the wrong button. I try to fix it, but end up lapping it twice. I pull off my cap and goggles and run onto a concrete ramp. I easily take off my speed suit as I run. It’s about a half mile to transition. I cross a street and a railroad and start running on the path to transition. The numbness in my feet is wearing off and they start to hurt. The concrete path is rough against my feet. I can’t wait to put some shoes on. I see a transition ahead. I’ve got to go fast in transition because I want to see how long I can stay ahead of Anna. I’m about to go over a curb to get to my bike when a lady yells at me to go around the curb. I pause a moment to process her words, then turn, and go around. I get to my bike and quickly yank on my socks. I grab my shoes and put them on.

230806_tri_santa_cruz_sprint_ariel_bikeI quickly pull my bike off the rack, sprint to the bike mount, and get on. I pedal up a head out of transition onto the three-mile loop, which I’m doing three times. I wonder how long I can stay ahead of Anna. Lots of people are already on the bike course. I look for Daddy because he also started early. After a little biking, I see Daddy in the distance. I wave and shout at him as he passes. He does the same for me. I’m having trouble with my gears. My hardest and 3rd hardest aren’t working. I try to bike with only the 2nd hardest gear. I see Mom. We both wave at each other. I see the turnaround up ahead. They tell me to slow down. I slow down, but I guess not enough because even though I went around the turn smoothly, a volunteer said, “Wow, slow down”. As I come around it I see Anna very close behind. I wave at her and pick up the pace. I’ve got to stay ahead of her as long as I can. I’m close to town now.

Anna catches up to me. We talk a bit until she pulls ahead. Up ahead, I see Anna heading right for a poll. I was about to freak out until I realized the poll bent as Anna ran over it. I’m glad she is okay. She runs into another one but keeps on biking. I see Dad up ahead again. He’s heading out now and I’m coming back towards the town. I wave at him again and he shouts encouragement. I see mom and give her a wave. I turn into the town. There are a lot of people crowded at the fencing.

I keep left as I head out onto my second loop. I head back out to the long road to do the loop again. I keep seeing Dad and Mom throughout my bike ride. After biking for a while, I see Anna go around the turnaround. She bikes at me. I wave at her and she waves back. I see Dad and Mom again. I bike into town and turn out for my last loop. Yes, only one more loop. I reserve a little energy on this loop to save up for the run. I see the turnaround up ahead. I turn around. Just about 1.5 miles left. I keep on biking. I finally make it back into the town. It’s super loud. I go down a steep hill and try to stretch out my legs on the pedal. I dismount and run my bike into transition. I put my bike onto the rack and grab my bib.

I take one sip of water and run to the exit. My legs are jello. I run up a hill where bikes are coming down. I wonder if I’ll see Dad. I don’t know what loop he’s on, but I think he is close to the finish. I run through the cheering section in town and onto a sidewalk by the ocean. I see Dad's bike around the corner. We yell at each other. The path is super pretty since it’s right along the ocean. I run through a shady spot and back into the sun. I see Anna heading back. I can’t be too far away from the turnaround unless Anna picked up the pace. I pass a guy who recognizes my jersey. Up ahead, I see a miniature lighthouse structure. I run past it. I see the turn around. Not that much left, I tell myself. I keep pushing.

230806_tri_santa_cruz_sprint_ariel_runI turn around and head back for the lighthouse. I pass the lighthouse and keep running strong. There are lots of people on the run now. I run through the shade and back into the town. Bikers are still biking in. I see the familiar hill that I’ve biked and ran. I let gravity drag me down. I run over the train tracks and back onto the path from the swim. I know I’m close, so I pick up the pace. As I round the bend, I see the finish. I sprint and throw my arms to God as I step over the line. IMG_20230806_112142118

Saturday, July 8, 2023

TBF Tri for Real #2–Anna - 2023

Date/Location:
July 8, 2023 – Herald, CA
Distances:
Swim 1.5K – Bike 25 miles – Run 6.2 miles
Time:

2:35:48 (30:50 – 1:21:46 – 43:11)

Place:

1st, 19 and under; 6th Overall Woman

Teammates:

Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy

Today I'm doing the TBF Tri for Real Triathlon! This will be the only Olympic distance I will race this summer and I'm really excited to do it! My Mom and I got here with plenty of time so I've already done a bike warm-up, a run warm-up, and now I just have to do a swim warm-up. As I do, I notice how warm the water is with my wetsuit on. It's going to get toasty out there. I line up for the run-in swim start and I see Mom on the sidelines excited for me to race. We had already prayed beforehand. She is volunteering today but hopefully I'll still get to see her during the race.

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The race director counts down and I take off into the swim. As I'm running through the water I start to realize that being in the front of the swim pack wasn't a good idea because I'm not a strong swimmer. I get into the water and start swimming hard in order to not get trampled. I have people swimming over my legs and it takes a few minutes before everything calms down. I try to relax and get into a rhythm for the long swim ahead. My goal today is to give my best effort for God and I'm going to try to talk to Him constantly during the race. As I'm talking to God, I feel him remind me of my Dad's swim strategy of trying to get your legs and arms to work together in rhythm. I try this as I swim toward the first buoy. There's a swimmer in front of me going about my speed so I try to draft off them. I feel God reminds me to be respectful of the swimmers around me and not to trample them as I was trampled in the beginning and so I try not to hit their feet as I draft behind them. As I’m swimming, my hip is actually really sore as I’m kicking my legs. Although I do know that my swimming has never made my hip worse, it just irritates it sometimes. I'm praying that Lord willing, this pain is actually a good pain and that my hip is warming up in the swim and will be ready to go for the run.

After a while, we get to the buoy and turn around it. I start to feel God telling me that I should just focus on my own swimming and not worry about drafting anymore. I'm starting to get quite warm in my wetsuit so I try to put water in my suit. I then start a routine that every time I sight the next buoy 10 times, then I'll then let some water in my wetsuit, to cool me off. I don't want to overheat so early in the race. This swim stretch is the longest, but I focus on swimming smoothly and well for God. Eventually, I finally get to the second buoy and I turn towards shore. It's very bright and it's hard to see where the buoy is. I swim for a while following other people before finally seeing the buoy myself. I continue to stay in rhythm. For some reason, everything seems to get a little busier as I catch up to some of the older swimmers from the wave in front of me. I keep hitting this guy's feet because he goes back and forth a lot. I finally get myself around him so I don't have to constantly run into his feet.

IMG_20230708_084127888I get about halfway to shore and start to notice how the seaweed comes up to meet the water every once in a while. It doesn't get all the way to the surface, but it's pretty close to my fingertips as I pull through the water. As I get closer to shore I can start to brush the seaweed with my fingers as I swim over it. I noticed some of the other swimmers swimming farther around it to avoid the seaweed, but I don't mind. I go all the way around the buoys and head into the last 20 ft to shore. I swim in as far as I can before my hands start hitting the sand, then I stand up and start trying to take my wetsuit off. It takes a few seconds before I can find my zipper and then I pull it down. The one problem was as I unzipped my zipper, I accidentally pulled my tag with my swim number, 253 off. So now I have to take off the entire wetsuit holding the swim tag in my hand. Not the most ideal situation. I finally get the wetsuit off, hand the volunteers my swim tag, and run out of the water.

IMG_20230708_084231590Now it's time for the bike. I go sprinting up the shore to the transition, passing someone who I think is wondering why I'm running so fast to the bike transition. I get to transition, get on my gear, and then realize one of my water bottles is not on my bike. I run over to my bike bag, which isn't too far away, and put the water bottle on my bike. And then start heading towards the bike exit and stop quickly to buckle my helmet. My bike kind of falls over, but I pick it back up and then start to mount my bike. Mom's cheering me on as I head out for the bike. I haven't practiced my bike mounting for a while, but it's all going smoothly thanks to God. As I'm biking along, I coast every once in a while to slide my feet into my bike shoes that were already connected to my bike. Once my feet are buckled in, it's time to go. I grab some water and some electrolytes on my bike and get into the aerobar position.

I enjoy the downhill out of the park before turning onto the long stretch of road I will be on for the next 10 mi. It's a little bumpy but I don't notice it very much as I bike along. I decide to get into a habit of drinking water and electrolytes every 4 miles. I then check in with God and ask Him what he would like me to focus on now. I feel like He's telling me to work on my Dad's biking technique of lifting my legs up more instead of putting pressure on my feet as I pedal. I can already notice my shins starting to feel sore, so I feel this technique should really help take some of the pressure off them. This technique is not always easy for me because I like to put more pressure on my feet when I bike, but I want to do my best effort for God so I focus on lifting my knees up more.

Every once in a while, I'll pass someone on the bike and tell them good job, but right now it's mostly other people passing me. I make it my goal to smile a lot because I'm grateful for being here and to say good job to those who pass me or those I pass. Even though I'm not a super strong swimmer, I am still faster than some of the other swimmers, who are amazing bikers. My swimming and my biking aren't my strongest, but I can still perform well in both of them thanks to God. I'm looking at my watch and I'm going around 18 mph pace. I don't want to burn myself out too much on the bike, but right now the pace feels comfortable. I'm biking over rolling hills which aren't my favorite in biking, but at least I get lots of mini downhills.

I hit 8 mi, drink break! Only 4 miles from the turnaround. I then hit the smooth pavement. It reminds me of a movie quote from Cars, “it’s-a like it was paved by angels". It is so smooth and seems to make biking easier. I'm starting to see some of the leaders head back on the bike. They're crazy fast. I'm starting to feel more tired and the hills feel harder even though they're the exact same as all the other ones I've been climbing. The downhills are also not feeling as easy. But I keep my focus on God and I keep pushing on because I know I'll get to have my gel at the halfway mark, 12 mi. I also remember Mom telling me that when it feels hard you'll never know when God might allow it to feel easy again. As I'm biking, my transition pal who set up right next to me, bikes by. We both tell each other good job.

Now up ahead is the railroad tracks. I know how to bike over railroad tracks but last year I made the mistake of not checking behind me when I swerved to go perpendicular over the tracks. Before I go across the tracks now, I look behind me and I'm happy to see no bikes or cars. I cross and then thank God that I got over them safely. I also pray that he keeps all the other riders safe. I'm getting closer to the turnaround and the downhill is feeling nice, however, it seems like there's going to be a big hill on the way back. I finally hit the turnaround and start heading back. A lady passes me right at the turnaround and we both cheer each other on.

As I start biking back, I'm so excited to eat! I pull out my peanut butter-flavored gel and try it out. I wasn’t sure if I would like it. It actually tastes good, definitely peanut buttery but also some other flavors that taste good. When I first picked this gel, it looked pretty big compared to other ones I've had in the past. But as I finish the gel now, my stomach tells me that it wants more. I didn't realize that I'm actually quite hungry and that gel is only a packet of energy, not a packet of fulfilling food. I tell my stomach and my muscles to wait a little bit before they feel the energy boost.

As I'm biking back, I start to realize that this hill, which I thought looked so big, isn’t bad at all. I thank God for giving me the energy to get over this hill. I also see the railroad tracks again and successfully cross them with no cars or bikes behind me. I thank God again. I know I'm not too far from finishing the bike and now I have new energy to push on. I weirdly start to pass more people, even after being passed so many times myself. I continue to say good job to those I pass. Of course not too long later, I do start getting passed again. One person is an 80-year-old guy. I remember my Dad always telling me how much respect he has for the older people who can bike so fast. Especially the ones on normal road bikes, not the fancy tri bikes, like what I'm riding. I was passed by one of those bikes too in the beginning.

Eventually the smooth pavement ends and now I can really feel how rough the road is. But I can't change the scenario so I smile and push on, focusing on biking my best for God. I have really enjoyed talking to God during my race today and I think of it like I'm in the cockpit of a plane checking in with my pilot. Always asking Him how I'm doing on fuel and what He wants me to do next. Right now I need to again focus on lifting my knees, my shins are still sore but getting better every once in a while. As I’m drinking my water and electrolytes, I can finally start to see the twin nuclear towers in the distance where the park is. Almost there! Right now there's a pretty heavy headwind, which is starting to make the bike feel more tiring. I didn't mind it so much before, but now that I'm almost done and running out of energy, it makes it harder. I originally thought that we had a headwind on the way out, but I was wrong about that. I check in with God again and feel like He's asking me to think of a verse. I think of “the Lord is my strength” (Ps 28), “I shall not be in want” (Ps 23), and “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). But the verse “I shall not be in want” sticks out to me, and reminds me that I'm doing this race for God not to get a medal or to get an age group or overall award.

A few miles later, I make the turn into the park.  Yay! Almost there! Now I have to climb the hill into the park, which I've heard is the hardest part of the bike course. However, for some reason, this hill feels great to my legs and I just power up it. I thank God for giving me this boost and making this hill feel like a piece of cake. I get to the top and start biking across the levee. Now it's time to start thinking about the run. I shift into a lower gear and start to make my legs spin faster to refresh them for the run. I drink some more electrolytes, unbuckle my shoes, and slide my feet on top of my bike shoes. As I'm biking closer to transition, I coast a little bit and stretch out my calves. I shift into an even easier gear to loosen up my legs and then hop off my bike into transition. I accidentally bike a little farther over the dismount line on accident and apologize. I see Mom and she asks how the bike went, I tell her it went great. I take my bike to my bike rack, put my run gear on, and take off.

As I'm running out, I ask if it's okay to take a quick detour off the run course to the restrooms across the road and the race helper guy says yes. I quickly run across, use the restroom, and get back onto the run course. As I head out, my legs feel slightly numb, but also great. I look at my watch and realize I'm running 7-minute pace and under. Way too fast. About 4 days ago I did a 12K run and did 7-minute pace and it was a hard pace to hold, so I'm assuming after doing the swim and bike, 7:30 pace should be good. As I'm running, I tell people good job as I pass them knowing that it is a blessing that God has made the run my favorite part. When I get to the mile marker I'm still running at around 7-minute pace but my legs are feeling good and comfortable. I now decide that I will stay with this pace for as long as my legs can hold it because I feel so good right now. I don't want to go any easier than my best for God and I feel God telling me that this pace is ok.

At the aid station, I grab some water, drink 1/4 of it, and pour the rest on my head. It wakes me up and I keep running. The run has rolling hills just like the bike. Normally I don't like rolling hill runs, but today it feels great. I let my legs go on the downhills and then conserve a little on the uphills. All I have to do is not twist my ankle. I get to the second aid station, drink about 1/2 of the water, and then pour the rest on my head again. Now I get to run on the bike course for the small out and back. As I'm running down the road I see two ladies running back from the turn around, they're probably about a half mile ahead of me but maybe if I can stay at this pace I'll be able to catch up to them. Speaking of my pace, I'm still on 7-minute pace which is a miracle and I'm feeling great. I get to the turnaround and head back up the road.

A lot of runners are cheering me on which makes me want to cheer them on even more. I get back onto the gravel/dirt road area and then turn onto a side single-track trail that runs along the lake. It's a little more technical than what I've been running on today and there are a lot of sharp turns which are hard to do when you're running so fast. But I check in with God and I feel like He's telling me not to slow down, but to be in control of my running form with the terrain. As I pass people in the single track I also try to be respectful and not cut them off. The single track is pretty wide though so that helps. Then I start having the feeling of needing to go to the bathroom again. But as far as I know, there are no restrooms out here. Maybe I can hold it till the finish, another 3 mi. I then come around the corner and I see a big brown building up ahead. I was shocked to see what looked like a bathroom. It’s pretty close to the aid station, but I don’t remember it being there last time. I quickly use the restroom, get water at the aid station, and keep running. I thank God again for putting that bathroom structure in the right place where I needed it. I still have more single track for probably another mile and a half before I get back onto the rolling hills road. There are a lot of mini bridges here which are very pretty, but it's hard to enjoy them as I run by so fast. I'm starting to feel fatigued a little, but I focus on my effort for God and not slowing down. Sometimes I feel my ankle slip to the side because of the slated terrain, but God keeps me from injuring it badly. As I think about the finish, I remember my Dad telling me that when he did his first half Ironman, he remembered laying down on the ground and not being able to get the pain to go away. That's how I'd like to finish today, giving it my all.

IMG_20230708_104543812IMG_20230708_104545541_BURST001I pass a sign with two miles to go. I jump back onto the wide rolling hills road, no more single track. It feels so much nicer to run on an open road. I’ve also noticed that my hip is feeling great, which is such a blessing! It only felt tender once so far on the run. Up ahead, I see a female racer that was one of the two that I saw during the out and back. I pick up the pace trying to catch her. The verse “I shall not be in want” comes back to my head and reminds me that I'm racing for God, not for the awards, and that these athletes he puts in front of me are to help motivate me. I eventually catch up to the lady after getting water at the last aid station. As I run by, she says “I've been waiting for you to catch up to me”. I laugh and tell her she's doing an amazing job.

I keep running now, picking up the pace knowing I have only a mile to go. I then get to the half-mile left and I look ahead if there are any more ladies in sight. I then see one lady far up ahead and the first thing I think “she's too far away to catch before the finish line”. But then I remember that anything's possible with God and He's put her there to help me run faster, not necessarily so I can beat her. I pick up the pace even more, pushing my legs to go faster to get as close to her as I can. With a quarter mile to go, she’s still a good ways ahead of me, but I have gained on her. I know I'm so close to the finish and with 20 meters to go, I can see her finish. I finish strong pointing to God and smiling all the way. I'm so thankful that he gave me such an amazing race with people to motivate me and kept me from past injuries like my hip pain and weak ankles. I’m also shocked by how fast I ran, but I know it was from God. I'm all overjoyed and now I get to rest the rest of the day. Thanks also to my Mom who supported me through the race.

Praise The Lord For He Is Good His Love Endures Forever

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