TBF Tri-4-Real #2 (Troy) 2021

Date/Location:	July 11, 2021 – Herald, CA
Distances:	Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K
Time:	2:22:54 (24:52-1:12:04-45:58)
Place:	3rd, M50-54
Teammates:	Andrea Ivan, Dana Haldeman, Troy Outman, Troy Soares

It really is comforting experiencing God’s grace so often.  With my bad foot (heel), I am never guaranteed ongoing training and it is very humbling because I can’t control it.  But as I continue to be hopeful and give God my best effort, even if it means walking, He continues to make races a time of closeness with Him and appreciation.

Today Anna & I arrive at Rancho Seco Park, site of the giant nuclear reactor towers, and the Tri-4-Real series which has a history of almost 40 years.  Arriving 1 hr early (my traditional timeframe) proves again to not be enough.  We both get only a 1/4 mile bike, a 1/8 mile run, and no swim warm-up.  But that’s ok.  I did discover my shifting was really bad and thankfully in 8min I was able to fix it.

I rush to the water as Bill Driskill annouces “we’ll be starting in 3 min”.  Wetsuit on, a fellow racer zips it for me, and I fill it with as much water as possible because it’s super warm!  I look for Troy Outman but he’s at the other end of the start line.. a smile to each other let’s us know we’re praying for our races.  I pray that I can compete for Christ in the way the pleases God.  I look around at the other athletes, appreciating all that they have overcome or are anticipating to push through.  Triathlons are an opportunity to suffer a little, and an opportunity to look for strength.. I’m so glad I can find that in Christ!

Swim

Start feels good.  Sighting straight.  Feels SO much better than the last triathlon (my first of the season) where I felt out-of-shape.  Not much draft until after the 1st buoy when the Lord seemed to give me a couple people to swim behind.  This long stretch is usually hard to see.  I notice others stopping to look up.  But fortunately I don’t really have a problem.  The SPIT de-fogger is working well (goggles are clear) and I happen to see the far white buoy, despite the closer orange buoy being off-course.

Trying to use my left arm more is working well.  My right shoulder had been sore earlier.  I have the feeling of moving well though the water which is really encouraging.  On the final stretch I even pull ahead of a few swimmer I was drafting behind.  There’s not too many ahead of me now.  This is exciting!  I get 24:52 which is one of my fastest

T1

As soon as I’m able to stand, I unzip and this time quickly fill my suit with water.  It didn’t help with my left arm which got caught on my Garmin, but it really helped with the legs which kicked right out this time!  Happily I run for transition and hear Sara Outman cheer for me.  That means Troy is behind me but he opted for only a partial wetsuit due to the heat which can add a couple minutes.  My transition goes well, staying barefoot, and onto the bike

Bike

I have 2 lg bottles of Hammer Heed and will definitely finish them both.  It’s nice now but heating up quickly.  I try to get into a groove.  I try a couple different positions.  After a while the one that works the most is slightly offset on the saddle and using it to pull up the opposite leg.  If I don’t do this, I start getting knee pain.  But using the seat to lift the leg, rather than the other leg, helps calm the knee down.  The ride is going well although seems long.  Over the train tracks I know I’m getting close to the turn-around.  I think of Anna and pray that her bike works well and she doesn’t have an accident.  I count the riders coming back and I’m in 10th place.

Coming back I see Troy Outman pretty close, then Dana Haldeman, and, after a while, there’s Anna!  I’m so enocuraged to see her smile and that all is going well.  I ask the Lord that if a bike problem needs to develop, may it be me rather than her.

I pass one and someone else passes me so my position is maintained.  My average is about 20 mph but it sure is hard to maintain this.  I can see the towers easily but they’re still remain far away.  Finally I’m glad to turn into the park.  It’s a slight climb and my I have to really focus to keep my knee from hurting.

Over the speed bumps, feet on shoes, and a great dismount without a shoe falling off.  I get just under 1:10 (without transition) which is good for me.

T2

I sit down this time to get my socks and shoes on.  It goes well except for my arches cramping.  Maybe I should have stretched my calves coming in.  Grab my hat and Hammer gels just as Troy Outman enters T2.  Again Sara is in the perfect place to cheer us on.

Run

Ok, new form is to lean forward and let legs fall ahead, while at the same time trying to swing my rt heel forward quickly to the ground.  It’s not the easist way to run but my heel likes it better.  Compared to my last tri, I’m already feeling better, faster, and with more energy.  I thank God for this, especially since I didn’t get much sleep last night working on my Dad’s caregiver schedule.  It seems like God is blessing the effort and I’m grateful.

It’s hot but I hear they have ice water at the aid stations so I can’t wait for that.  The volunteers are great.. 2 waters.. very cold.  I drink most and put a little on my hat flap.

Back to focusing on my form as I undulate up and down the rolling road.  Ahead are a couple runners I saw ahead on the bike.  I’m gaining slowly.  Usually I would also have Dave Campbell catching me from behind but he’s at a different race today.  There’s just something missing when Dave isn’t here.. it’s a great rivalry we have.

I catch a runner right before the next aid.  The run sign is pointing the wrong way but a volunteer is off to fix it.  I really appreciate all they and the race directors do in marking the course.  Hammer gel, lots of water, and now onto the paved road.  I look for Anna.  Ah, perfect, I see her riding in right as I make the 3mi turn-around.  “How’s it going, Anna?”, “Great!”  I’m so happy.  Thanks God for timing that well!

Wow, there’s Troy right behind me!  That is a blessing because he’s been battling running injuries.  I’m handling the heat well.  Trying to remain positive and ignore it.  We take a hard right into a trail loop.  I pass another runner and he’s really concerned with his age placing.  He asks me twice what group I’m in and he’s very relieved I’m not in his 55-59 group.

I’m getting tired and hot, but I’m also reminded how God is blessing my run!  I smile and trust Him and remind myself I’ll get there.  I hope I can see Anna again.  I finally come off the trail onto the main road and there’s Anna!  Perfect.  She says she’s still doing great and I remind her that God is with her.

I’m going to really hydrate, cool off and fuel up at this last aid station with a mile to go.  The water is so nice and cool.  Ok, now time to go!  I tell myself the last climb is actually the finish line.  Because the next 1/3 of a mile is within earshot of the finish line.  I’m so glad to get up that climb, celebrate momentarily and now the final push.  I get one more water just 200m from the finish (and I’m glad it was there!).  Thank you, Lord, that was a great day and I’m so glad to be done!!  I finished the run in 46 min which is great with my heel.

God answered another prayer bringing Anna in safely

TRI For Real #2 Olympic-Anna-2021

Date/Location:	July 11, 2021 – Herald, CA
Distances:	Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K
Time:	2:41:33 (31:44-1:21:34-48:15)
Place:	1st, W19 & Under
Teammates:	Dana Haldeman, Troy Outman, Troy Soares

SWIM

I walk down towards the swim and see Daddy take off. It's almost my turn to start the swim. I put my wetsuit on and by the time I have my wetsuit on the second wave is gone. Yikes, I'm in the third wave in 5 min. I quickly do some stretching to help my hip for the run and then get in the water. I put water in my wetsuit in order to cool myself off. The water is warm and I will most likely get hot. I get ready to start and I know when the race director counts down, he counts down super-fast. It's more like a 5-second countdown but he says it like a 10-second countdown. He counts down and we take off. I try to aim straight for the white buoy. Dad told me to keep my head straight when I lift it out of the water. That way the buoy doesn't look crooked making me go the wrong way. There's a lot of people around and we're all kind of bumping into each other. I started in the front of the pack so that I might find a good swimmer I can swim with.

As I’m swimming, my hip starts to feel sore. It seems every time I do an open water swim, my hip gets sore in the beginning. After a while though, praise God, my hip feels better. The buoy is finally getting closer. I can't find anyone to draft off of though, because they're either too slow or already way ahead. I finally get to the white buoy and turn around. I start swimming across but don't see the second white buoy in the distance. All I see is the sunshine in my eyes and a bunch of swimmers in front of me. All the swimmers make white splashes so I can't see a white buoy. I'm struggling to figure out where this white buoy is. They should have put more guide buoys out or something. I see an orange buoy up ahead but none of the swimmers are swimming straight towards it. It must be a buoy on the way back or a guide buoy that's way off track. I try to follow all the swimmers which is not always the best thing to do. Finally, I see a white pointy thing sticking up in the distance, I'm pretty sure it must be the buoy. Every time I look up though I kind of lose track of where it is. It's far in the distance and hard to see especially with all the swimmers splashing and making whitewater.

I finally get a good eye on it and keep swimming towards it. I'm swimming next to this other lady who's going about the same speed as me. She seems to zigzagging a lot or I'm just zigzagging. We're kind of bumping into each other as we each try to keep a straight path to the buoy. Kind of like we're fighting for the straight line there. I start to see seaweed underneath us and it's entertaining to be able to see something below instead of just water. I get to the buoy and turn. I can see the arch in the distance where the finish chute for the swim is. I start swimming towards it, keeping a good pace. Every once in a while, I keep bumping into people that I’ve seen before. It’s weird. As I'm getting closer, I'm thinking of a new technique to get my wetsuit off faster. Normally it takes a while for my wetsuit to get off because the zipper gets stuck. I come up with the idea of zipping my zipper down as I’m swimming in. When I get close I pull the zipper. It goes down super smoothly. This idea works really well. The only downfall is that I’m still a little ways from the shore and my wetsuit is creating drag. I get to the sand and stand up. I pull down my arms and start to kick my wetsuit off. I'm having trouble standing on the wetsuit and it costs me time. I finally get the wetsuit off and run up towards transition. In transition, I quickly put on my socks, helmet, and glasses. I now take off on the bike.

BIKE

I start the bike feeling good. I get my feet situated into my bike shoes, which are connected to my bike. This kind of takes a while. I'm finally all strapped in and get into aerobars for the bike. I'm feeling pretty strong right now and I'm trying to keep a 16.8 average miles per hour. That's what my mom did in her Ironman. Pretty impressive. I get across the levee and start heading down towards the main road. My miles per hour average is going up which is good. That way I have extra time to slow down on the hills if I need to. I turn onto the main road and it's just straight to the turnaround. I see a girl up ahead and I bike up passing her. After a little bit, she comes back to pass me again. An older guy passes me also. I stay where I am for a little bit then I catch back up to them. I'm biking for a while and then another biker passes me and then the old man follows. He is biking at a strong pace. I am biking along behind them and then hear pstttt. I hope nobody got a flat. I see the old man who passed me pull over. I ask him if he's okay and needs anything, but he says he’s okay. I guess he has the stuff to handle flat. I’ll look for him on the way back though, just in case he is having trouble. I also realize that I don’t have all the tools myself to fix a flat. Hopefully, if it's God's will, I won't get a flat.

I’m enjoying the bike right now and realizing how much I enjoy triathlon. It’s so much fun to go through transition fast and to move from one sport to the next. I’m glad God has given me a joy for triathlon. I start to see a few people coming back. I then go from the rough road we were on to a smoother road. This is much nicer! Hopefully, the turnaround will come soon. I've hit about 9 miles now. I see something yellow in the distance and I’m pretty sure it’s my Dad coming back. Wow, he's pretty far in front. I wave and tell him good job. He tells me “God is with you”. I know that even if I can’t keep a good pace on the bike or run, God will get me through it and give me a great race.

The road starts to curve into a small kind of town. I know we must be getting close to the turnaround. The downhills increase and I hope I'll still have the energy to make it up the hills on the way back. I start to stand up and stretch my calves as I go downhill. My calves are pretty sore right now but hopefully, they won't feel that bad when I start going uphill. I also try to massage my neck with my hand, so it stays loose and doesn't get sore. I also try to keep my head pretty far down to not strain it.  I see a railroad up ahead and make sure no one's behind me. I bike over the railroad at an angle so my bike tires don't fall into the cracks. Last year, when I crossed, I wasn't looking behind me and there was a car there. It was far back, but I'm glad that God protected me during it. After making a few more curves, I see the turnaround up ahead. I get to the turnaround and unclip my shoe so I can make the tight turn safely. I don't think bikes we're made for turnarounds. It's always hard to make a tight turn and then get back up to speed.

I start heading back and realize I should have been looking for people in my age group ahead of me. Oh well, I'll just try to catch the people around me. It's uphill now but it’s gradual. I'm keeping an average of 18.3 miles per hour right now. I'm very surprised about that and thank God for giving me a lot of energy today. Hopefully, I can keep the pace up the whole way back. Every once in a while, I pass people and it's getting a little bit busier with cars around. The cars mostly drive in the middle of the road unless they see another car. I go to pass a biker and should have checked behind me because there is a car there. Thank God the car is just staying back and isn’t passing. I have to remember to check for cars more. Even though bikes have priority over the road, the cars can still drive on the road. I get to the railroad crossing again and cross over it. I make sure to check again for cars or bikes behind me when I swerve. I'm up to 14 miles on my Garmin now. Only about 10 miles left.

I finally get out of the town area and back onto a long straight road. I keep my eye out because I'm getting closer to where I saw the old man pull over to check his flat. I don't see him anywhere, so he must have fixed it and got back on the bike. That's good.  A biker goes by me heading toward the turnaround. It’s a young girl, maybe 15 or 14 at the youngest. I am very impressed that she is out here doing this. I tell her good job and keep riding. All of the sudden, my stomach starts to rumble on the bike. I've been wanting food at random times these days and now I'm in the middle of a race and I'm starving. My stomach can be so weird. I'm at mile 20 now and I can see the two big nuclear towers that this race is famous for. They are getting bigger, as I get closer to the park. I take my gel hoping it will fill my stomach and give me energy for the run.

Up ahead I make the turn that leads into the park. I start to feel a blast of energy and thank God for giving it to me. I'm now biking very strong up a small hill to the levee. As I'm going up the hill, I see the runners running to the turnaround. One of the runners is my Dad! I tell him that I'm keeping an 18.3 average pace on the bike and he says “good job, God is with you.” I like how he always reminds me to keep my focus on God because I might not always get the pace I want, but the main focus is on racing for God. I keep biking towards the park and start to take my feet out of my bike shoes so I'm ready to change into my running shoes. I bike to the transition and hop off my bike pretty easily. I run with my bike in one hand towards my transition area. I've been practicing running with my bike with one hand and have it down now. I move my bike around the parking lot blocks and get to my transition area. I quickly get my shoes, hat, water, and bib number on, then head out to the run.

RUN

My Dad told me to try to keep an average of an 8:30 pace. I was surprised because I did a 3-mile race and it was hard to keep a 6:30 / 7:00 minute pace without it hurting for three miles. So to keep an 8:30 for 6 miles sounds hard. But as soon as I start running, I’m running at an 8:00 min pace. I am blessed to be able to run this pace even with my hip. I grab water and keep running. I get onto the run course and remember that it’s not my preferred run course. There are no trees anywhere and it's just a long dirt road. I finally get to the first-aid station and ask for ice. I fill up a sock that my mom gave me with ice and put it around my neck. I also fill up my water bottle that mom gave me at Christmas a while ago, with water for the Run. I take off completely ready for the rest of the run.

Up ahead to the left I see the connecting trail where the runners coming back join onto the big dirt road. I see my Dad coming off the trail! God keeps giving us great chances to see each other throughout the whole race. I ask him how he is feeling and he says he's feeling good. He starts running back to the finish line as I start running out towards the turnaround. As I pass people, I tell them good job, hoping not to tire myself out too much. But I know it's a good thing to cheer people on. As I'm running on a dirt road, I see the small trail on my left where the runners coming back are running on. I can see the different bridges that they cross and I start counting them. That way I know when I'm getting close to the last aid station. I count four bridges before I hit the gravel road that leads to the bike course. I run by the aid station on the corner and grab some water. I then continue to the road where the bikers are. As I get onto the road and am running down it, I see a young girl on a bike. She must be in my age group. She's doing pretty good for her age. I’m running down to the turnaround now and look for people in my age group. I don’t see anyone that is super young, but I keep running hard.

I get to the run turnaround and start running back up to the road to the gravel. On my way up, I see a kid in green who is running really fast down to the turnaround. I wonder if he'll catch up to me. I get to the gravel road and run onto a small little trail on the side of it. As I pass a runner, he asks if I'm going to keep this pace the whole time. I tell him I am. First, he says he’ll try to stick with me but then says maybe he can't. I tell him just to try his best and that’s all that matters. The trail turns and loops by the lake. If I wasn’t racing, I’d love to run right in. The trail then gets to the aid station on the corner. I grab some water hoping for it to sustain me till the last aid station because my water bottle is empty. I didn’t want to fill it up and lose time. Plus the boy in green is catching up fast. Now I'm on the trail that has the bridges on it. I can see the kid in green behind me. He's been catching up pretty fast. I’ve crossed one bridge so far and keep running. By the second/third bridge the green kid passes me. I tell him “good job for catching up to me” and “keep it up”.

After a while, I finally cross the fourth bridge. The trail then eventually curves back onto the main road. I'm so excited, I'm almost done! I just have to go to the bathroom now and try to run fast to hold it. I just need to get to the first aid station because I'm probably a little dehydrated. As I'm running, I watch my step so I don’t twist my ankle as I'm running down these rocky hills. I almost twist my ankle. I thank God for continuing to keep me stable throughout this race. I finally get to the first aid station, grab some water and keep running. I'm only a mile away but it seems like it's still so far away. I'm really tired now and I ask God to sustain me. It hurts to push but I can finally see the last turn towards the finish. I make this turn and can see where the grass leads to the finish. I can also see my Dad waiting there to cheer me on. This encourages me and I keep my pace up. I see Dad and smile pointing to God. I then turn onto the grass. I'm running pretty strong now and run across the grass to the finish chute. I see a runner ahead and use them to help me sprint hard. I hope they don’t mind. They are great competition right at the end. I point to God and finish. Instead of stopping at the finish line though, I continue jogging towards the bathroom. At least having to go to the bathroom the last two miles pushed me. I finished first in my age group, although I don't think anyone else is my age group or at least hadn’t finished in my age group. God still gave me an amazing race though and I’m glad I’m done!

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

Crown City Classic 5K-Anna-2021

20:18 (Previous PR 19:40, 2019) 3rd (40 Total), 15-19 Female 5K: Ariel Soares, Jan “Grammie” Heidt;
12K: Robin  & Troy Soares

Date/Location:	July 4, 2021 – Coronado, Ca (Racing here since 2014)
Distances:	5km
Time:
Place:
Teammates:

I walk towards the start of the race and look for my parents. I see a yellow hat waving around and know that’s must be them. We get reunited and get ready to start. After we pray together, my dad says I can go up ahead. I slip through all the people to get closer to the front. I see them putting a rope between the runners to separate waves. I ask to move up to start with the first wave. They let me. I want to be close to the front to have fast people to pace with. They count down and send us off. I walk to the start because there are a lot of people trying to go at once. I try to slow down a little bit to give myself a good gap so that when I cross the timing sensor, to start my race, I can start fast without a ton of people ahead of me to slow me down. I start running and cross the sensor. I try to start fast, but my plan doesn't work too well. There are still a lot of people ahead of me. I touch the flag above me and continue running. Slowly people start to disperse as we get out of the running shoot. We turn onto the sidewalk and start to head toward the bridge. The sidewalk is pretty crowded which makes it hard to run. I’m doing pretty good on pace. My hip hasn’t been the best this year which has slowed me down from getting a lot of running training in. I’m not as well trained as 2 years ago, but I’m still planning to do my best for the Lord. My goal is to do 7 min pace the first mile, then 6:30 min pace the next two, which sets me up for a 20 min finish time. My goal is to try to get under 20 min like I did last time. I run by a drumming group that is playing for the racers. It’s nice of them to wake up early to do that for us. The path curves under the bridge and then next to the golf course. I'm holding 7 min right now but it’s still hard. I’m trying to stay up with some girls that started in front of me. It’s tiring, but I’m getting ready to drop my pace to 6:30. I get to the top of a small hill and turn onto the road next to the golf course. Up ahead I can see the first-mile sign. I hit the sign and pick it up. My watch says I did the mile at 6:56. Great. I have a few seconds to spare.

It’s hard to pick it up when I’m already tired. I just hope I won’t burn up from going too fast in the beginning. I trust God to help get me through it. I get to the aid station and grab water. I’m about to drink it when I realize that it’s Gatorade. I throw it down then grab the real water. I take a sip and dump a little bit of it on me. It’s kind of humid today, which is unlike San Diego. At least the weather is cool and cloudy. I start to see runners coming back and I know that the turnaround is coming up. I see it up ahead and go around it. A lady in front of me slows me down a little bit, but I get back up to speed. I’m heading back and I hope that the finish will be soon because I’m so tired. One year I was able to say "good job" to everybody I ran by. Now it feels like it's so hard to just talk. I do say "good job" to the people I pass. I start to look for my Mom and Dad but it feels tiring just to do that. I see Dad up ahead running. I wait for him to notice me, but he doesn't see me. I yell “Dad” and we tell each other good job. I found out later that I missed Ariel who was right behind Aad. I guess she was too fast for me. I keep running trying to stay at the 6:30 pace. I see Mom up ahead and she cheers me on. I tell her I’m dying. I see the aid station up ahead, but don’t get anything. I’m almost at the mile marker. My watch hits 2 miles and for that mile, I got 6:27. Yay, more extra seconds.

I keep running and go by a guy pushing a pink stroller with a kid with a disability in it. I have seen a ton of pink strollers around and now I remember the announcer talking about a club that got to start first. This must be them. It’s nice of them to show their support to these kids, by pushing them the whole race. I turn onto the sidewalk leading back under the bridge. I remember that most people slow down here, but I push through the pain and try to keep up my pace. I pass a kid and say "good job". By now my good jobs are faint and kind of hoarse. I wonder if I sound creepy. I go under the bridge and hear the drummers on the other side. Up ahead I see a girl who looks like she is in my age group. I try to pick it up even though it’s not much. It seems unlikely that I would catch her but I don’t give up. As I’m running I feel like I'm in agony right now. I haven’t pushed my body this hard for a while. I’m thankful that my hip isn’t acting up and holding at this pace. I also thank God for letting me be able to push myself for him in this race. I hit three miles at 6:23 mile. More extra seconds for the .1 I forgot to add to my pace. Oh well, if I don’t get 20 min that’s okay. I’m still giving my best effort. I turn into the finish line and sprint in. I see the girl up ahead finishing, but I still push in. The clock says over 20 min but maybe I still make it because I crossed the start line after they started the timer. I finish giving the effort to God for getting me through it. I collapse on the ground but get up after 5 seconds to make room for the finishers coming in. I don’t want to block them. I go off to the side to recover and thank God for a good race. My Garmin got 00:20:20 which is pretty close to 20 min. I always forget how painful the recovery after the race is, but at least it proves I went all out for God. The official time was 00:20:18.

Praise the Lord for He is Good, His Love Endures Forever.

Crown City Classic 12k-Troy- 2021

Date/Location:	July 4, 2021 – Coronado, Ca – Racing Since 2011
Distances:	12km
Time:	55:18 (PR 49:01, 2016)
Place:	2nd/40
Others:	5K: Anna & Ariel Soares; Jan Heidt; 12K: Robin Soares

It’s a great tradition coming to visit Robin’s folks in San Diego, watching the fireworks, and running the Crown City Classic.  Robin & I in the 12k and Anna & Ariel in the 5k.

I’m behind on sleep and tired from a busy week.  Also, my right heel has been bothering me a lot again.  Injries and an upcoming Ironman are an anxious combination, but it definitely brings me closer to the Lord as I know He is the only one that has my future in His hands. 

Recently I’ve been running with a more forward lean, and I thank the Lord that the foot has responded well.  Reading my race story here the last time we ran in 2019, I see my foot was hurting and I ran slow, but I also read I ran joyfully because it was a great opportunity to show God that I can always give Him my best effort and appreciate the ability to do so.

I have no idea how I can run today, I’ll just focus on my forward form and on the Lord and see what happens.

It’s perfect temperature.  The park is beautiful.  Robin’s mom, Jan, is also running the 5k.  We all warm up and stretch.  Ariel is planning a 8:30 pace, Anna 6:30, and Robin & I don’t know.

We proudly stand for the national anthem, pray together and line up in the crowd at the start.  It looks like a thousand people and everyone seems happy to be here.  The RD does the “Independance Day” speech and it’s hilariously dramatic.. and on point.  We look forward to hearing it each year Running in the first wave are some Olympic trialist so quite a field!

Go!

We all start in the 2nd wave, running under the giant American Flag.  Anna starts in the 1st wave (trying for 6:30 pace).  I’m leaning forward and trying to let my legs “fall” into position.  I can still feel the sore heal intermittendly.  Along the golf course fence I start to loosen up a little and feel optimism about my run.  Thank you, Lord.  Robin, coming off her blessed Ironman just 6 days earlier, is taking it easy behind me as her body isn’t recovered yet.  Next to me is a guy running barefoot.  He makes it look easy.

Mile 1.  8:04.   I see Anna coming back, working hard, and smiling. I look behind and there’s Ariel!  It’s great to see her pushing it to stay with me.  I tell her it’s 8 min pace and she says that’s what she’s now going for.  It’s really motivating to have Ariel with me.  We I’m getting better at running with my new form, trying to extend my stride a little, and my pace is coming down below 8.  Ariel stays with me until the 5k turn-around. “That’s 13 min, Ariel, have a great run! You can do it!”

Mile 2.  7:36. The speed bumps are a little challenging with my “forward”, lower stride.  I need to combine leaning forward, extending stride, and lifting up on toes in the back to get height.  It’s warm and I get water at each aid station.  I’m picking it up and pass the barefoot guy.  I see the Olympic trialists coming back.. and flying.

Mile 3.  7:29.  I always forget how far 12k is and spend much of the race calculating it out in my head.  I always expect the turn-around soon after 3 miles but it’s always farther than expected.  We go far out on the Strand… finally turning around.  I’m happy with how it’s going.  I start eating Cliff Blocks. Thank, you, Lord, you are so good!  I see Robin still going out to the turn-around and tell her “foot’s doing good thanks to God!”

Mile 4.  7:23.  Pace is coming down and I keep pushing it hoping to get down to 7:30 average.  I encourage others while working hard for God.  The foot is feeling the same even though I’m going much faster. 

Mile 5.  7:24. Continuing to pick it up.  Another Clif Block.  Good form.  Looking forward to 2 miles to go.

Mile 6.  6:58.  I figure a mile more to focus on and then I can always do whatever is left.  There’s a girl just ahead I’m trying to stay with now.  Water at aid stations.  Speed bumps.  Legs getting tired and sore.

Mile 7.  6:51. The girl near me is picking it up and I try to stay with her.  The footing is tough running in the banked drainage path.  I really have to focus on form to not hurt my foot.  Under the bridge, into the park, and by the Asian drum players which really sounds good.  “Hi Mom!”  I go by Jan, looking good finishing the 5k.  And there’s Anna & Ariel cheering me into the file turn onto the grass.  I smile and thank God.  The girl and I are side-by-side as we try to sprint across the grass.  It was an accomplishment to stay with her.

Again, I’m so thankful for what the Lord does for me when I have no idea how I would do it alone.  Good things are always just around the corner.  Robin finished without feeling too bad.  Amazed at how tough and appreciative she is.  She is inspiring.

(12 k, 55:18, 7:21 pace, 2nd place)

Crown City Classic 12K–Robin-2021

Date/Location:	July 4, 2021 – Coronado, Ca – Racing Since 2011
Distances:	12km
Time:	1:01:57 (PR, 2017, 53:17)
Place:	4th/27
Others:	5K: Anna & Ariel Soares; Jan Heidt; 12K: Troy Soares

I can't believe I am racing again after less than a week after Ironman Coeur d'Alene! This is a great tradition that we've been doing 10 years now! It was sad to miss last year because of COVID. My mom always joins us too.

The race director gives his usual Independence Day movie speech...a running version with a COVID twist. Love it!

Anna starts in the first wave. Troy, Ariel and I find ourselves in the second wave accidentally. No bother. It's a good place for all of us.

Ready, set, go! We run under the huge American flag. Another special part of this race. I settle in to 8:25 pace. It feels strange to be going so "fast". Troy and Ariel pull away.

Mile 1 is 8:24. I see the fast 5K runners heading back. One guy is running barefoot! There are pro runners out here today that competed in the Olympic trails recently. I should see Anna coming back soon. There she is looking strong and smiling! "Praise God, good job Anna!"

As I get closer to the 5K turn point, I see Ariel. I tell her good job as well. She is working hard!

Mile 2 is 8:24. I think I can hold this pace. I'm feeling good. Thanks God!

Mile 3 is 8:26. On the strand now. I notice a woman in a pink top in front of me. I try to stay in step with her. It is quite humid!

The top 12K runners are coming back. I should see Troy in a bit. I hope his foot is doing ok. I see him coming back strong and smiling. I get to the turn around and start heading back.

Mile 4 is 8:18. I'm still following the pink girl. At the aid station she stops to get water. I'm glad I'm carrying my water bottle. I push the pace with the help of a few runners passing me.

Mile 5 is 8:18. Thanks Lord! I'm surprised I'm actually getting faster. A woman in white passes me and I surge to try to keep up with her.

Mile 6 is 8:09. Awesome! The gal in white is pulling away but I'm continuing to push. I can see the bridge. So close now! I hope my mom is doing well out there. Sometimes we finish around the same time but I'm a little slower this year.

Mule 7 is 7:54. Nice! All the way to the finish! I catch up to a guy and I encourage him to go. He takes off and I push as hard as I can. I see the girls and Troy cheering. I look up to heaven as I cross the line. All done! Thanks Lord!

Crown City Classic 5K–Ariel-2021

Date/Location:	July 4, 2021 – Coronado, Ca (Racing here since 2015)
Distances:	5 km
Time:	24:46 (Previous PR 24:42-2019)
Place:	4th (65 Total), 1- 14 Female
Teammates:	5K: Anna Soares, Jan “Grammie” Heidt; 12K: Robin  & Troy Soares

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO! I start walking slowly as the crowd of people move through the start line. It took a while for the crowds to pass through and finally, I reach the starting line. I start my Garmin and begin to run. I run under a big American Flag that is being held up by people. Mom is running next to me and Dad is in front of us. Dad seems to be going at a good pace so I catch up with him and run with him. We run along the ocean on a bike path. There are a lot of runners. I keep losing dad in the crowd, at least he is wearing his yellow FCA shirt which makes it easier to spot him. We run next to a bunch of drummers. They’re really good. We run under a bridge and continue on the bike path.

I keep up with Dad and I am being quiet so he wouldn’t realize. This pace feels nice, I feel like I can keep it the whole way. I look down at my watch, I can’t believe that I’m going 8-minute pace. In my training, I was not even able to do this for 2 miles. I thank God for the blessing. I wonder if I can get my PR, 24:42.

I keep on Dad. We turn onto a road. I’m getting tired. Dad turns around and sees me. He’s surprised that I could keep up with him. I told him it’s a good pace. We pass a lot of people.

My watch beeps for one mile. I’m so happy, just a half-mile left, and I’ll be at the turnaround. I can see the next aid station. When Dad got there he did not get any water. Since I am not too thirsty and because I want to stay with Dad, I skip the water station and continue. I see some people coming back. I look for Anna. I’m tired now, but I keep running at this pace. My watch says 1.3, I’m almost there! Dad congratulates me on staying behind him. I keep passing kids and adults. Up ahead I can now see the turnaround. I’m so happy. I run a little faster to catch up to Dad. I pass a kid, who is probably 8 and started in the first wave. I say goodbye to Dad and I turn around.

I see a girl in front of me. She’s probably Anna’s age. I decide to stay with her. I stay behind her. I look at my watch, my pace improves to 7:54 pace as I stay right behind her. I start to feel even more tired. I know that I only have a little over a mile to go. Two adults pass me. I stay locked onto one. I can now see the aid station. As I get closer, my watch beeps 2 miles. I pass the aid station again and don’t get any water. I start falling back. I can’t keep this pace for another mile. (Later I figured out I was going about 7:30 pace.) My pace on my Garmin that had been 7:45 minute pace was now 7:50 pace.

On the other side of the cones, it was now mainly walkers walking out. I look for Grammie, who is also doing the 5k. All I remember her wearing was a black shirt. I can see the bike path. I look for Grammie on the bike path. There she is. I can’t believe I was able to spot her. I get closer to the bike path and she gets on the road. I clap and cheer for her. Instead of running back on the bike path, I continue to run on the road. Cones on the road funnel me and the rest of the runners onto a path next to the bike path. I’m almost there! Less than a mile away!

I can still see the girl I had stayed with, in the distance. I pass a guy. The guy tries to pass me back, but I run a little bit faster to keep him behind me. Two different men pass me. I look at my watch, it says 8:00 minute pace. I can’t believe it. It felt like I was running at a 9:00 minute pace. I can see the bridge. That means I’m so close. I run a little faster. The gate on the path ends and now we are back on the bike path. I run under the bridge. I can hear the drummers. I run past them. I thank God for getting me this far. I pass some people and go a little faster. I run past people cheering. I can see the finish line. I run into the finish line with my hands pointed to the sky, meaning I’m giving the turnout of this race to God because he helped me get here. I run through the finish line with a time of 24:48, 4 seconds slower than my fastest time. I was planning to run a 26-29 minute 5k, but God helped me get way better. I got fourth in my age group.

Ironman Coeur d’Alene–Robin-2021

Date/Location:	June 27, 2021 – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Distances:	Swim 1.2 Mile – Bike 112 Miles – Run 26.2
Time:	12:28:19  (1:08.33-6:35:15-4:33:16)
Place:	10th, W45-49
Teammates:	Beth Ulibarri, Jane Pilger, Julie Visger Keith Hansen, Richard Kane, Tami Ralston, Tiana Rockwell

Going into this race, my goal is to be joyful, appreciative and smile the whole day and especially in the suffering. I did a family/friend supported marathon recently in prep for IMCDA.  When it got tough I got grumpy and frustrated.  When reflecting on all the sacrifices everyone made to help me that day, I was ashamed.  I told God never again do I want to be that way.  The Bible promises us who have a relationship with Jesus that we can have real joy and strength even in suffering.  And that is what I shared with others at the FCA Iron Prayer Service 2 days ago.

Troy gets me up at 3:30am on race day.  Here we go! He’s got breakfast ready including coffee!  The girls are up & getting ready.  Troy is going to get a spot on the concrete steps next to the Swim Exit.  He and Ariel drive me to the start.  Anna will follow on foot.

We park the car in our "secret" spot close to transition. I realize my Bike Special  Needs bag is leaking all over the place (this is my bag of nutrition for 60 miles into the race)  I froze each of my two bottles and snacks in 2 freezer bags filled with water. One of these bags has a leak.  One of the frozen freezer bags is breaking through the needs bag itself. I carefully carry this heavy load a ¼ mile to drop it and my run needs off with volunteers.

I say goodbye to Troy and Ariel and head into transition to put finishing touches on my bike. This is a “traditional transition area” where you actually put all your gear next to your bikes.  Before COVID, Ironman would have you pack gear for each discipline in separate bags and pick one each time you came into transition.  And there were changing tents, one for guys and one for girls, where you would take your bag and change. There are also no wetsuit strippers to help you get your wetsuits off. Not sure how this will go but I’ll make the best of it.

I realize I need to fill up my hydration bottle between my aerobars.  I remember seeing a water fill up station.  I head over to it and see Jane Pilger who I met at Iron Prayer, along with her husband Todd, who is also racing.  She and a friend are praying.  I get water and come back to say hi. Jane introduces me to the woman she was praying with, Beth Ulibarri. Beth has MS and is concerned about the hot conditions.  I am immediately drawn to her sweet spirit.  It is so clear the Lord is shining in her life!

I finish getting ready and head out to find a quiet spot to pray and read the Bible.  I realize it would have been nice to put on a pair of old socks once I give Troy my flip-flops to keep my feet warm and keep my body core temp up. Oh, well, I can live without them. I see Julie Linn Visger who I’ve trained so much with over the last year. And she supported me and another friend, Karen Bonnett Natraj, in our Agony (Family/Friend Supported) Ironman   She’s racing this morning, too.  I ask her what her concern is and she says the run.  I hug her and tell her I’ll pray for her. 

 I tuck myself into a play structure near the swim start. I pray for my goal. I pray for my new/old friends such as Beth, Jane and  Julie.  I pray for my husband, my girls and to meet my attitude goal so He can be Glorified.  I read about Paul’s imprisonment at the end of Acts. And I read Psalm 149: “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation” (v4). Help me be humble today Lord.

I finish my quiet time and Troy finds me.  I sit down on a bench to put on my wetsuit and I look down on the ground and see a pair of abandoned socks!  Oh Lord, you care about the littlest of things.  I’m reminded of the Agony Ironman again where, on the run, I really wanted a sock to fill up with ice for my neck and moments later found a clean white sock just lying on the ground right in front of me. 

Troy and I agree I should line up in the 1 hr to 1:10 group of swimmers. The best case scenario is to go under 1:10.  We stop to pray together for the race.  While praying I feel someone put their arms around us to join us in prayer.  It’s Tami Ralston!  We met her on the plane to CDA and she’s from Folsom.  She and I have many common friends. We are going to start in the same swim wave.  As I say goodbye to Troy, Anna comes over. She hangs out with Tami and I until they let us on the beach. 

Once on the beach, we have a few moments to get in the water for a warm up or whatever. I give Tami a hug and tell her to have a good race as we each get ready.  I then get in line and wait to start.  They are sending off 2 swimmers at a time every 5 seconds.  I feel a tap on my shoulder and it’s Tiana Rockwell!  She’s another local friend from Grass Valley.  We have fun chatting until it’s time to go. I see Anna has climbed up into a tree near me.  I wave to her and point her out to Tiana. 

Ok, it’s almost go time!

SWIM

I get to the front of the line. Go! I jump in and feel great. It is spread out so I pick it up to find a draft but it’s too hard to catch anyone ahead of me. Soon a guy catches up to me and I jump on his feet. It’s one of the best drafts I’ve had in a long time in the race. I glance at my watch and am pleased with the pace. Thank you God! My first 500 split is under 8 minutes. Awesome! I’m coming up on the deep water of the course which scared me the other day while training here. I start thinking about the bike ride ahead and what my plan is for nutrition. Suddenly I realize I left my 2 bottles of Hammer Perpetuem at home. I turned in the other 2 bottles in my Special Needs for later in the race but never put the other two on my bike! That's my main nutrition.  There is Gatorade on the course but it often leads to nausea.  I actually feel a great sense of peace and calmness. I tell the Lord I am content without them and that I know He will help me manage. I keep going along following my draft and before I know it, I am well into the deep water and almost at the turn buoys to head back. Yay!

A large pack is hitting the first turn buoy and I lose my draft. Bummer but not a big deal. I will search for another friend. As I’m heading back, an idea (from God) pops into my head. I could try to let Troy know about the bottles somehow when I finish the first loop. I have to run up onto the beach to jump into the water again. There are hundreds of spectators but I know generally where he’s at.  Maybe I can wave him over and tell him. if he gets the bottles, a volunteer can then take them to my bike..  before I finish the swim.  Again, it’s in the Lord’s hands and I accept whatever the outcome. This attitude of peace I have is supernatural. I would normally be fighting stressing out but there is no stress. It’s amazing! I am thinking back to my Iron Prayer talk about His comfort. It’s really helping keep my eyes on Him!

I am close to the shore and I look out at a huge crowd. It won’t be easy to signal Troy. As I swim, I wave and motion “come here” Maybe he'll see me. I come out of the water and there is Anna! Right in front of me! Oh my gosh Lord. Thank you! I run over to her and quickly pass on the message. She calmly smiles and says no problem. Wow, that was so easy! I jump back in the water and get going again. As I look at my watch, I can see my pace hasn’t dropped off after all that! Ok, I’ve done all I can and will have to wait and see about the bottles.

I try to get into a new draft going out. It’s really hit and miss. There are more folks out here now starting their first lap. A few times I stop when a swimmer is about to side-swipe me. Most of my 500yd splits have been under 8 min or a bit over 8 min which is a minute plus faster than training. Yay! I make it to the turn buoys. It’s a bit chaotic but I have no incidents. I notice that my pace slows out here. It must be the deep water is unprotected and choppy. I do manage to tag onto the feet of a few other swimmers on the way back.

As I am heading back, I see that I can finish under 1 hour and 10 min! Instead of ripping off my wetsuit in the water, I decide to run into transition first so I can get an accurate swim split. I push hard all the way until I touch the sand. I get up and race out. I hit my watch and get a 1:08! I got 1:08 last time I was here in 2017. So awesome to be able to be under 1:10!

I pull my wetsuit off as I run into transition. I sit down on the grass and pull the rest of it off. I get to my bike and see my bottles on the back! I immediately look for Troy and see him. I point to the Lord and shout thank you! I am so overjoyed that it worked out! Praise you Jesus!

I finish getting ready to roll: down a go-go squeeze, bike jersey on, 1/2 sweet potato  in my back pocket, helmet, glasses and socks. I run out with my bike shoes on my pedals. It makes the run much easier but will I be able to get my feet in my shoes? Lord, help me safely get on my bike.

BIKE

I cross the mount line and find a spot to get on. Once I get one foot on my right shoe I can get moving. And, I get the other foot on top of the other shoe. Phew! I see Troy and I smile. One at a time I get my feet in my shoes. I’m good. Thanks Lord!

It’s exciting going through. The crowds are hyped! I head up through town. I can see a large Gold Country Tri Club (GCTC) crew. They are from Grass Valley which is next to Auburn. Tiana is a beloved member of the club and I’m sure they are excited to see her. They see me and cheer enthusiastically: shouts, horns and cow bells. It gets me amped!

My concern today is my lower back. It really bothered me on my last long ride. And I struggled on that ride to stay joyful and focused on Him. I’m determined for that not to happen today!

Along the lake road I go. It’s quiet, shaded and cool here right now. I ride by the run course and see the aid stations take shape. It won’t be long until the pros get there. I expect to get passed a lot today. My plan is to try to do 17.0 to 17.5 mph average speed. I’m also trying to keep the cadence up to at least 80. The time can range from 6:30 to 6:35. I would love to be at 6:30!

Not much climbing so far on the course. The first hill takes me up to the end of the road where the Special Needs bags for the bike are located. I’ll get my extra bottles when I come back here the second loop. I grab one water. The plan is to get water at every aid station. Water to drink and water to douse myself. As I continue on, I think next time it would be a good idea to grab a water to put in my lower bottle cage and then grab another to pour into my hydration bottle.

At 10 miles I’m averaging 18.3 mph. This is good. There is a big climb ahead which will change my average.

I head back into town see Tiana’s husband Sean. He cheers me on. A little further I see the GCTC crowd and they go wild. I just love the fog horn. It gets me going. Soon after I see Troy and the girls. Troy asks if I’m okay and I give him a thumbs up and a big smile.

After 15 miles, I’m averaging 18.43 and I’m heading out Hwy 95. This is the challenging part of the course. The first time through should be ok but it feels much harder the second time. Tiana catches up to me and cheers me on. I return the cheers. I hit the first big climb. It is like Indian Hill at home. I catch back up to Tiana and tell her good job. I catch several other riders. I know many of them will pass me on the flats and downhills.

Aw, downhill! At the next aid station, I forget to throw away my water in the lower cage as I approach. I throw it to the side and grab a new one for the cage. I am able to grab another and get most of it in my aero bottle before the last trash drop spot. Got to coordinate it better next time! I eat a salty chocolate RX Bar. The salt tastes so good!

After 25 miles, I’m averaging 17.6. I am on another long climb but less steep. It’s coming back to me that this course has a lot of rolling hills. For the second loop these hills are going to feel like mountains! Most riders seem quite happy so far. Suffering is to come!

I see the 90-mile marker. Next time I’m here it’s only 22 miles to go! I pull out my sweet potato and eat half of it. Troy put salt on it. Yum!

At Mile 35, I’m averaging 17.39. I hope to get that back up on the way back and along the lake. There is an aid station here. I get the water I need. Just a little further is the turn around. Yay! Thank you God!

I turn back and get into a good groove. I finish my potato. Yum!

Pretty soon Tami goes by. I cheer her on and she cheers back. She’s looking so strong!

At Mile 45, I’m averaging 17.67. Average is coming back up! I see the100-mile marker. Next time here I’ll be so close!

The top pro goes by with a motorcycle with camera just behind. The motorcycle honks to let the riders again know they are coming. He’s finishing up his second loop. I’ll see the pros when I ride along the run course. It’s so impressive how fast the pros can go!

I make it back to the big hill. Now I get to go down. There is a no passing and no aerobar zone here. There is no one around me right now which is good. It’s pretty steep in the beginning and I’m flying. The rest of the downhill is not bad at all but I have to stay out of my aerobars anyway. I look back and see some riders getting closer. I don’t want to hold them up so I push hard to stay ahead of them. They catch up just as we reach the bottom. The no pass zone ends and they fly by.

I eat my other peanut butter chocolate RX bar. Usually my favorite but not today. It’s probably because it’s not as salty. I pull out some Hammer Endurolyte salt pills and take 2.

There is a small hill and then flat to the bridge back towards town. Another no pass and no aerobar zone here coming back. Good thing it’s not that way going out! I catch up to a slower rider but they are still moving pretty good. I take the off ramp and go back towards transition.

At Mile 55, I’m averaging 17.7 mph. Great! I turn up Lakeside. I see Troy and the girls at the corner ahead. I wave and smile. Troy asks how I’m doing and I smile and give him a thumbs up.

I pass GCTC again and get great cheers. I am sure Tiana is coming very soon after me!

It’s nice riding along the lake again. I pass Mile 60. Special Needs bag ahead! As I’m thinking about getting new bottles, I think about get rid of the empty ones. I should have used old bottles and not my favorites! Oops! I didn’t think that one through. Maybe I’ll throw one and try to carry the other in my back pocket.

Up the hill and to my special needs! The volunteers call out my bib number and another volunteer is waiting with my bag. I pull over and he’s got the bag open. “My idea worked!”, I tell the volunteer. There is still ice in each freezer bag and the bottle still feel slightly frozen! I eat a go-go squeeze and grab 2 more RX bars and some more salt pills. My bike starts to fall between my legs and I grab it. I look down and see a huge rookie mark (grease from the chain rings) on my calf. “Not a rookie mark!” The volunteers says, “I thought that was a tattoo”. I giggle. I grab a chunk of ice and try to get most of it off my leg. I put one empty bottle in the trash and put the other in my back pocket going to save it. I say thank you and head off. Later I realize I should have said God bless you!

At Mile 65, I’m at 17.6 mph. I lost just a little bit going up and stopping at the Special needs. Yay!

I get back into town and wave to the GCTC folks. I see my wonderful family again. I smile and wave. I tell Troy the back is sore but I’m hanging in there. I’m trying to get into my aerobars as much as possible. I’m also continuing to keep an eye on cadence and it looks good. The heat is cranking up! Those hills are going to be hard!

At Mile 75, I’m at 17.7 mph. Back up the steep hill! I catch some riders going up again. I decide to get rid of the bottle because it’s making my jersey ride up. I don't have sunscreen on my back so this will cause a burn. Even after I toss it at an aid station, my jersey is still riding up. When I had that heavy sweet potato back there it kept it down.

I enjoy the downhill on the back side but it’s short lived. The next hill, though less steep, is long and really is tough. It feels and looks like it goes on forever. My back is more sore at moments but it seems to calm down. Thank you Jesus! You are keeping me in one piece!

I eat another salty chocolate RX Bar. It’s not tasting as yummy but the salt is nice. I finally get a bit of a break with a downhill but the uphills just keep coming like continuous waves.

I have been doing a good job of drinking and pouring water on myself. The aid stations are so great! I can always count on getting two water bottles. I’m seeing more riders stop at the Aid Stations. I am seeing a few pull over to stretch out. That could be me. I knew I would have to stop and stretch if my back started hurting. Thank you Lord!

At Mile 85, I’m averaging 17.31. It keeps dropping. I am trusting God and not panicking. In the past I would be. He just keeps sustaining and equipping me to continue. I’m reminded of that promise I shared at Iron Prayer.

It finally flattens out again and I’m so relieved. I chat with another rider as I pass. He says he’s feeling so tired. I tell him “when we are weak, we are strong” and “keep pressing on”. He seems eager to keep talking but I’m afraid we’ll get drafting penalties so I tell him to keep it up and pick it up.

I reach the aid station next to the turn around. It’s Mile 90 and I get to head back and get the downhill benefit! What a relief!

At Mile 95 I’m averaging 17.22. I hope to get more speed on the last steep descent. I trusting it’s going to work out just fine. God’s in control! There is still some climbing but it’s not bad. I pass a familiar girl in black going up.

I reach Mile 100! Downhill! Yahoo! The girl in black flies by me on the downhill. I catch back up when it starts to go back up. She asks me if I’m ready for the steep downhill. I say I hope so. She says “no, really are you ready for the no pass zone?” Oh, I see. I tell her good point. Need to start getting past some riders so I don’t get stuck behind someone. We chat a moment more. I tell her great job and she takes off.

At Mile 105, I’m averaging 17.26. I catch up to Tami and tell her good job. “The downhill is our reward! Get in a good position”. I try to push it so I can get past as many riders as possible. I can see a few girls here walking their bikes uphill. That is tough!

As I approach the top of the hill and see the girl in black pass a rider far in the distance. It looks like the other rider is far enough ahead that I won’t catch up on the downhill. Here I go! No pass, no aerobar zone. I start flying down. I should gain some mph down this. Pretty quick I can see I’m going to catch that rider. He’s breaking a lot! It is so hard not to get frustrated but I ask God to help me. Tami catches up to me. I can see more and more riders piling up behind me. I gently try to encourage him every few minutes that he can do it. When it gets less steep, he’s still riding the breaks. Lord, help me. The no pass zone ends and I pass him. I give him a wave and he says “sorry!”. I shout back “no problem”. I remember I used to be terrified of descents like that.

I try to push hard to the bridge. That is another no pass zone. I cannot quite make it past a few riders in time. I get stuck behind two slower riders. A guy passes me from behind. Not good! Tami comes up behind and asks if it’s a no pass zone. I tell her yes. It takes so much patience from God not to get frustrated. I’ve got a mile or so to go! I’m almost there. The zone ends and I hammer to the transition. Tami flies by and I tell her good job.

I start pulling out my feet one by one and put them on top of my shoes. I hear Troy cheering and he says I’m 5 min ahead of schedule I pedal to the dismount line and jump off. I run (actually shuffle) to my transition. My bike average is 17 for a time of 6:35. I’ll take it!

The girls and Troy are watching my transition and cheering me on. Time to change into my run clothes. Since there is no changing tent, I have a swim towel handy for changing my shorts. I try to gobble down another go-go squeeze. It’s so hot but I try to force some down.

I get ready and run to the porta-potty. I set down my water on the outside and tell myself not to forget. But I do forget and have to turn back to grab it. Out of transition I go!

RUN

The crowds are thick as I run out of transition. It’s so exciting! I have 3 laps ahead of me. The plan Troy and I decided on was to run 5-hour marathon pace for the first 13 miles (about 11:30 pace). If I felt good at that point, I could try to negative split the marathon. I did that at Napa Marathon 2020 when I had a hip injury so I know it’s possible. The plan is to also drink a half of the water bottle w/ a half Hammer Fizz every mile. In all of my marathons in the past (including Ironmans) I never hydrated enough. This is going to take diligence and focus. I should be able to “have to go” at least every loop. I’m also have a sock for my neck that I will fill with ice at aid stations. The most important part of the plan is joy! I want to smile and show that my strength comes from the Lord…especially when I’m suffering!

I head out to McEuen Park. I pass my special needs as I head into the CDA neighborhoods. The coolest and most unique part of this race is the people. When running through the neighborhoods, people are out cheering, giving out food/ice/water and holding hoses to spray us down. It’s beautiful expression of sacrifice. I asked God to remind me to enjoy this. In the past I was often too focused on the suffering that I really didn’t appreciate the encouragement. I am reminded of my recent family/friend-supported marathon where Troy had supporters out all over the course that meandered throughout Auburn. It was so special but the last 10 miles I was so negative and focused on the discomfort and missing my goal. I never ever want to be that way again. Today starts a new chapter with God’s help!

Mile 1 is 9:54. Too fast. I try to slow myself down. No rush! I get through about half of my water bottle.

At the first aid station I grab a wet towel. I miss the ice table to fill my sock but will get some at the next station. I continue to force myself to drink. I remember that I need to also keep eating too. I pull out a Clif blok from the pouch I put on my race belt. I tried it out yesterday on a mile run. They say don’t try anything new on race day but I didn’t want to wear my running vest in this heat. The pouch is from a hydration belt that I don’t like. I have to pull the pouch down over my hip to keep it from moving around. Seems to be working well. Thanks God!

Mile 2 is 9:48. Still too fast. Troy and the girls keep popping up at various places on their bikes. It’s so great. I walk through the next aid station and make sure to get ice in my sock and fill up my bottle. Dousing, drinking, eating and smiling. I’m carrying the towel and using it to wipe my neck and face when needed.

Now I turn away from the neighborhood and run along the shadiest spot on the course next to a fancy golf resort. Troy and the girls pass me on their bikes. A woman on the side of the road flags Troy down. I can see now she’s trying to get him to help a runner in bad shape violently dry-heaving on the grass. I look with concern and wonder if I should stop and help. Anna tells me it’s ok and to keep going. I tell her “be careful with outside assistance”. Only volunteers & fellow racers can help those in need without penalty…but this might be a case of someone who is unable to continue anyway. I can see volunteers ahead coming to help.

I see Jane heading back towards me.  She looks great!  Praise God!  She was concerned about the run especially after breaking her pelvis in a bike crash last year.  I know right now she's praying for people.  At Iron Prayer she shared that she spends the whole marathon praying for people. I pray for her.

Mile 3 is 11:20. Better. Now it’s along the lake. I see Keith Hansen coming back towards me. He looks strong. We’ve been doing TBF Races with him for years. I tell him good job. There is sun and shade. Getting hot! A local triathlete from our area, Richard Kane, passes me and looks strong.

I catch up to Tami and give her a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Great job!”

Mile 4 is 10:17. Dousing, drinking, eating and smiling. As I make the turn to head back, a couple that have been cheering all day ask me which lap I’m on. “The first, I’ll see you guys 2 more times”.

As I head back, I see Tiana coming. She’s smiling and looking strong!

Mile 5 is 10:37. there a hill ahead. Troy bikes up beside me and tells me I’m doing great. He asks me if I need to p-- and I say no. He tells me it’s critical I do and I need to drink more. He also reminds of how in 2015 I would surge on this hill. He challenges me to try to do that here. I surge all the way to the aid station at the top of the hill.

Mile 6 is 10:05. Yay! I fill up my bottle and add Fizz. The bloks are tasting too sweet but I’m able to gobble one down. I find a salt pill in my pouch that is almost dissolved but it works.

Troy and the girls have found a nice tree to sit under on the grassy area next to the golf course. Anna is playing worship on her trumpet for me as I go by. Love it!

Just as I enter the neighborhoods again, there is a woman with a hose. With my approval, she completely soaks me. That is so refreshing. “Thank you so much!”

Mile 7 is 10:21. I am truly taking in the great support in these neighborhoods. I’m actually having fun! I actually need to use a restroom to p--! A first! Next aid station.

Mile 8 is 10:30. I find an open restroom finally. Concerned though as I finish up that something might be wrong with my intestines. Just pushes me to keep drinking! I tell Troy the mostly good news when I see him. He tells me that I should get my special needs now and I agree. I’m actually almost done with my bloks that I am carrying.

As I run through McEuen park, the GCTC folks have a tent and are cheering loud. I can hear race announcer Eric Gilsenan announcing athletes coming through. I smile and wave to him. He gives me a lot of attention which is fun. He’s from Napa and we always run into him about once a year. He used to announce at CIM.

I stop to get my needs. I eat a go-go squeeze and stuff my pouch with bloks, more Fizz tabs and some Extreme Endurolytes. I also fill up my bottle before I leave the area.

Mile 9 is 13:33. I’m averaging around 10:43 pace right now with the stop. I enjoy all the folks who seem to line every inch of grass around the park.

Mile 10 is 11:06. Pretty soon I will determine if I can pick it up. I feel like my energy is low so hard to know. I get a blok in me. Dousing, drinking, eating and smiling is going well but it’s getting harder. Lord, help me to remain joyful.

Mile 11 is 10:18. I’m feeling better. Thanks Lord! I see a girl telling her guy in blue that he’s in 5^th place. He seems to be running a good pace so I try to latch on. Love the shade of the golf course! I see Troy and the girls in the same spot cheering and playing music. I smile and wave. Troy tells me I’m in 12^th place. Thanks God!

A little further is the aid station. I refill my sock with ice.  

Mile 12 is 11:02. I pick it up to catch up to the guy in blue. I see Keith coming back. We exchange encouragement. Soon I see Jane again just plugging away and looking strong.

I continue to follow the blue guy down to the next aid station. I can see Tiana coming back. She must have passed me when I stopped at the bathroom or an aid station. She looks great and smiles. We exchange encouragement.

Mile 13 is 10:04. I hit the turn and come back through the aid station. The blue guy pulls off. I’m continuing to manage my hydration. About a half bottle per mile. I try to keep Fizz in it but I’ll run out soon.

When I leave I see Troy. He reminds me to surge this hill. He also tells me 11^th place is a few minutes ahead.

Mile 14 10:21. I surge up the hill again. I push through the aid station since I have water but I do grab a cup to douse myself and my towel. I pass Richard and tell him good job. He should be on his finishing lap now.

Along the way I catch up to Keith. I ask him how many more loops and he says 1 more. I tell him “same”.

Mile 15 is 9:55. Alright! Troy tells me I’ve moved into 11^th! Wow. God is good! Best part is I am truly smiling and enjoying this even though it gets harder every mile! The gal with the hose soaks me again as I enter the neighborhood. Refreshing.

I need to go p-- again. This is the best hydration I’ve done ever! Thank you Lord! I stop to get water at the aid station. Bathrooms are full.

Mile 16 is 10:55. Dousing, drinking, eating and smiling. As I take my blok, I want to throw it up. I force it down and feel fine. I am soaked which is really helping me stay cool.

I see Julie Moss, a beloved Ironman triathlete. I tell her hi and she tells me I’m looking strong.

Mile 17 is 11:01. My average has been dropping and I’m at 10:38. I run around the park. Still a lot of energy here.

Mile 18 is 10:25. I’m almost done with my bloks. I’ve used all my Fizz and the few Extreme Endurolytes. I’m doing very well drinking and staying soaked.

Mile 19 is 10:46. I see Troy and he tells me that I can pretty much just switch to Coke for the rest of the race. I grab some salty chips at the next aid station to keep the electrolytes strong.

Mile 20 is 11:08. I see Troy and the girls. Troy says, “You’ve got to pick it up. You are closing in on 10^th place. You’ve got to run a 1-hour 10K. You can possibly get up to 8^th place in the last 6 miles.” I tell him I’ll try. So, I need to basically run 10 min miles for the rest of the marathon. That’s cool to be closing in but I really don’t know if I can do it. It really is up to the Lord! But I’ve got to stay joyful, keep smiling.

As I pass the next aid station, I decide to get rid of the water bottle and sock to lighten the load. I grab coke and go.  There is Jane again!  She's doing great!

Mile 21 is 10:03. Great! I grab Coke at the aid station and get to the turn around. Last time here!

Mile 22 is 10:19. Troy comes alongside and tells me I’m getting closer to 10^th. He reminds me to push the hill one last time. I push it as much as I can. I’m barely able to grab a coke as I pass the aid station.

Mile 23 is 10:16. Still keeping around 10 min pace. Anna is playing her trumpet as I pass. Last time here.

I get soaked one last time by my favorite soaker and head into the neighborhood. Troy tells me I’m moved into 10^th place and that I’m gaining on 9^th. “Keep pushing Robin!”. I tell him “message received”. This is very exciting!

Mile 24 is 9:40! Wow! I grab more Coke. Lord this is incredible.

Mile 25 is 10:01. After passing the 25-mile marker two times before, it’s so great to know it applies to me now! One more mile!

I make it to the park. I catch up to Beth and ask her how many laps she has and how she is doing in the heat (it's 101). One more and the heat has been tough. I slow to pray for her. I say goodbye. I’m so happy to actually be turning towards the finish line finally. No more laps. Lord, you are so good! With your help, I met my goal! I remained joyful and kept smiling. This is the “best” race I’ve ever executed and it’s all because of JESUS! I get to Sherman Ave. It’s a straight shot to the finish. This time I’m going to put up my arms and point to God all the way to the finish. And that’s what I do. I smile and point to Him. I joyfully cross the finish line. Done! THANK YOU, JESUS!

TROY'S NOTES -

We really see God’s hand in this race because of how many prayers were answered.

194 women were registered to train up for it but only 63% actually started.  Because of the training load, there are many injuries that occur during training and sometimes sickness the week leading up to the race.  Robin struggled with injuries last year but this year was spared.

123 women started but because of wind, heat (101°), and nausea only 62% were able to finish.  Robin has had trouble with dehydration before but this time hydration went great!

Of these 123 women in the 45-49 age group, they would pick the top 8 or 9 to compete at the World Championship in Hawaii.

When Robin moved into 12^th place early in the run we realized things were going well and changed the plan to try to move up to 9^th.

It was so exciting as God gave her the energy and the ability to regulate heat and we were able to watch her pick up the pace from the planned 12 min per mile to eventually 10 min per mile!

At 15 miles in the run she moved into 11^th.  I told her at 20 miles she needed to run the last 10K in an hour.  She was 10^th by 22 miles.  And then around 24 miles a woman in front just “blew up” which was a surprise and Robin was now in 9^th!

Then, a ½ mile from the finish Robin stopped briefly to pray for someone that really needed it.

After that, close to the finish, another woman passed Robin to take the 9^th place by 8 secs.

Asked afterward if Robin regretted stopping to pray for someone and losing 9^th place by 8 secs, she said, “no, even if it means not qualifying, it was completely worth it”.

It was amazing to see the contentment in that statement.

Robin finished 10^th in 12 hrs, 28 min.  She did run the last 10K in an hour too!

Then, surprisingly, we found out they were actually taking the top 12 in Robin’s age to go to Hawaii, so she qualified to go!