Marin Triathlon

This past Sunday, I competed in my last official race of 2009 in San Rafael, CA (just outside of San Francisco). On Saturday, we spent the day at the race site cheering on the athletes in the kids triathlon and family relay. I had the opportunity to speak at the expo and sign autograph cards (provided by DISC). It was so cute to see kids as young as five swimming, biking and running....all with a smile on their face (even though it was cold and foggy).
Fortunately, for our race day on Sunday morning the fog was nowhere in sight and we had a gorgeous day for racing. The swim was cold, but calm and there were about ten pros that started together. I swam with Brian Lavelle and we were joking and laughing as we exited the water as I mentioned the him, "Thanks for the ride (meaning draft) as I managed to exit just a second before him!" The bike course was three loops and created quite a challenge riding with 500 other age groupers of all skill ability. I made sure to take it safe and enjoy the ride. The run was rolling and quite a challenging course. I was glad to cross the line first, but more importantly able to donate $5,000 to Jenny's Light (www.jennyslight.org). TJ Tollakson won the men's competition and a women's relay with Becky Lavelle (swim) Kristen Armstrong (bike) and Gina Kehr (run) won overall and the relay title. Kristen was the 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in the time trial event. It was very cool to meet Kristin and to watch her ride...she is FAST!
While we were in CA, we stayed in Tiburon, which has an authentic, small town feel, although it is just across the bay from San Fransisco. We stayed at a nice hotel, with local shops, restaurants, and beautiful homes surrounding the breathtaking harbor. We at a local pub on Saturday night and got the feeling of Halloween, as all the waiters/waitresses were dressed up (the bar even had candy for us as we left!). I have to say that San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world~~ I recommend visiting if you have never been there!
Back at home I have spent the day on cleaning, laundry and organizing that has been neglected during my busy racing season. I am off again on Wednesday to Panama City Beach, FL to watch my friend, Kathy Hunken, race Ironman Florida. It will be fun for the role reversal and be able to take on the support/cheering role! Dr. Alex Keith and Kevin Grogan will also be racing, so I will have some other friends to support. I will be hanging out in Florida until Monday, Nov 9th and then off the St. Louis for a couple of weeks to spend time with the family!!
Should be plenty busy during my break from training.