SheRox Triathlion

Laura Sparks #60

Its a good thing Josh got us out the door because the I95 south was closed. We had to take a detour through the city. Josh pointed out that I can't seem to find the GPS. Amazing we managed before that thing,

The way from the transition to the beach.
Can't wait for my hair to grow!! Its at a point where I HAVE to do it or it looks like this.

My wonderful husband. He helped me get ready the night before. Then got me up at 5 and the kids in the car by 5:40. He also supported me through the 3 months of training. I love him and my children so much. Its amazing how much more you have to give when you take care of yourself too. It takes a great husband to help you do that,
and anyone who knows Josh know thats what I have.

The finish!!!! (above)
Isaac took this shot. Future in Photo? Maybe?

Do you see those clouds? That would be the reason the shortened it to a normal sprint. swim 1/4 mile bike 10 miles run 3.1 miles
Guess they didn't want anyone shruck by lighting.
On our way into the race the clouds would light up like in the movie "Independence Day". You know when the ships come down. It was crazy but really pretty.
Took me a minute to realise it was lightning.

It meant so much for me to have the kids there. Probably get a babysitter for now on since Josh will be doing them with me.
I just realized that I'm setting an example of healthy living to my children. Well at least the physical activity part. I'll still be working on the eat right thing. Haugen Daz for breakfast?!!

So this was just one of the many views I had in the race. I caught myself smiling through the whole thing thinking, "I'm really doing this!" I'm a lucky woman!
The green cap wave!!! So I stayed on the outside in the back because I heard stories of being run over. Turns out that I was one of the better swimmers and should have placed myself in the inside. I was running people over and having to breast stroke head out to go around people. Lesson learned.

Now thats a flattering shot! Josh was encouraging me to go faster.

Isaac really wanted to be more involved. Both he and Isaac were upset
on the other side of the fence.

Walking in clip shoes is an experience. This was my longest transition. Ridiculous we had to run over a grovel parking lot to get back to transition. That just ups my toughness right?!
Have to say its a little disappointing when you come into transition and almost all the bikes are already gone. =P

My camel back was heaven sent. Havn't used it for Years but it was perfect for the race. I made Gatorade ice cubes to go in the actual Gatoraide, so it kept my back cool too. It was perfect. I'm not coordinated enough on my bike to be drinking from a h2o bottle.
I think I would've killed myself.

So the Causeway.. the HUGE BRIDGE... (see past post) I didn't shift right on the way up the first time and just about died. I did make it to the top though. I refused to sop half way. I'm pretty proud of that. Well on the way back up I got the shifting right and WOW what a difference. Wish I had got it right the first time!!!!!!
The kids were pretty upset. Especially Isaac.
He wanted to run the last with me. I have to say I was disappointed too.

So I was practicing with my bike clips the night before and bite it about 3 or 4 times. I nailed my right butt check. Serious bruise on it. So if you find yourself scoffing at my run time... you try and do it will a bruised butt.

I was surprised by the size of the wall you hit when getting off the bike. Not in energy but momentum. I mean you cruise in on your bike and start the run. And I was doing pretty well at first but it felt like I needed a walker. Its a crazy feeling.

     60 Laura Sparks        

   30 F DAVIE             

USA AG    

Swim 8:44    Swim transition 4:45   

Bike 49:33    Bike transition 2:31   

5k run 42:49 

total time 1:48:20.8

 

THAT'S RIGHT... I'M A TRIATHLETE

IHOP

My tired husband. he looks like he might have just finished a Tri. Nope but he did keep 3 children busy for 2 hours. And that we all know will SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF YOU!

Lincoln kept himself occupoed with jam packs. Here he's showing me his treasure.

The kids practing sword swollowing. Isaac wanted to make it clear he wanted whip cream on his pancakes. I you know Isaac you know what mean by "make it clear". So the waitress brought 2 bowls of just whip cream! Heaven!!

Some views that I will see durning the race

This is the view of Miami from Key Biscayne

And this is the huge bridge I get to GO over... 4 times! The Rickenbacker Cswy. Ya I'm pretty much freaked out about it! The sign up description said the course was majority flat. I guess the didn't feel the need to tell us about THAT!! I hate bridges when I'm in a car let alone on a bike! I'm always afraid of sliding backwards. Forget swimming in open water I HATE BRIDGES!!
So keep me in your prayers for tomorrow.