A look back at some really fun events with some really fun folks in advance Ironman Canada tomorrow. Really!
Bloomsday. Sunday, May 1st found us in Spokane for Bloomsday. I think it was my 24th year?!? For the first time I wasn’t running “with” anyone. We all went our own paces so I let ‘r rip. Breaking an hour would have been awesome but I came up just short (damn you Doomsday Hill!) at 1:02:38. Qualifying for “Second Seeding” has been a pipe dream for many years. Just a few more minutes and I'm in!
Lake Padden Triathlon. After Lavaman in April, the first true triathlon race of the year featured Mark, Christine and Annette in the Lake Padden Tri in Bellingham. I did my best as Uber Gear Bitch (UGB) though I really think Mark and Steve have that job down – I’m just a poser! Most importantly: we hit the outlet mall on the way home for some well deserved shopping!
The Quad and Friday Night Swim. In early July, Mark and I participated in the “555 Quadathlon” hosted by our friend Denise from her home on Lake Lousie. The disciplines are: run, bike, swim and drink! The following Friday was the first of two Friday Night Swim Races at Lake Meridian to get some open water swim practice. Mark and I swam together (read: he swam, I drafted). Heidi and her family joined us along with Ann and afterwards we all enjoyed steak and showers at our place.
Valley Girl. Next up was our little annual tradition of the Valley Girl Triathlon in Liberty Lake on July 10th with Annette, Heidi and Diana. This was the first time I really finished at the top of a race. I was fifth overall, beat some “elites” and had the fastest swim overall. The funny thing is they paid the elites down to fifth position, but since I was just in an “age group” division they skipped me and paid #6! Anyway, it was super fun to finish that high and the most exciting result is I get to be an elite (ha!) next year and start at the front of the race. FUN!
Long Bridge Swim. Soooo…. In 2008 Steve watched this event and thought we were completely crazy. Look at him now – completed with a smile! We celebrated with smore’s over the fire at Laura’s amazing lakefront home. The next day I was to head to Penticton for my final race rehearsal for Ironman Canada. Too bad I’d left my passport at home so I had to head home first, then to Penticton. Oops – those are seven hours I’d really like back!
Friday Night Swim, Part Deux. Our final big weekend kicked off with Diana and Patrick getting into town in time to participate in the second Friday Night Swim along with Mark, Heidi, Christine and Annette. Mark won the 0.5 mile race outright earning him a homemade pie! Ann and Jessica's family joined us for MORE steak and showers (and pie) at our place ensuring everyone was well fueled for the race Sunday.
Lake Stevens 70.3. What started as an almost joke at dinner over a year ago turned into quite an event! The “Two Sticks and a Puck” relay team featured Steve on the Swim, me on the bike and our anchor leg was Patrick on the run. Mark completed his first ½ Ironman in full while Steve, Patrick and I had a successful relay with smiles (and PRs!) all around. Annette, Megan and Heidi were awesome Athletic Supporters and Diana stepped in for Steve as Team Photographer and Heidi cheered her arse off!
Now, there’s just this one last little race on the docket….
