Duathlon Nationals

That was a fun race and a great venue.  I didn't do as well as I had hoped: 3rd place and over 2 minutes behind the winner.  I spent the 20 minutes before the start looking at pictures of my Mom and thinking about her.  I really wanted to win for her and I do feel like I tried my best, but it just wasn't my day.

 I felt great in the first run and went into the transition in good shape. I had my usual quick transition and started the bike in first place, but got past by the eventual winner, Dave Burkhart, about 3 miles in.  I tried to hang with him, but at the turn around I couldn't hold on any longer and lost contact. The 2nd half of the bike was the worst due to cold. My whole body got stiff and I felt like I just couldn't focus on riding and pushing.  T2 was also difficult as I couldn't feel my feet or hands so I couldn't grab the heel of my shoes to get them on and couldn't get my legs going for the first mile.  I got past again, but where, I'm not sure. Spend 30 minutes in medical tent shivering and trying to warm up after the race.
       It was great having Diana there cheering me on at each transition and half way point of the run. Other than freezing, I loved the event, location and course. But best of all, I enjoyed spending the weekend with Diana and seeing the town!