Happy birthday to me!!

I turned 34 yesterday, so, to celebrate, I competed in my first sprint triathlon (.3 mile swim, followed by an 11 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run). It took place in Clearwater on Sand Key. My times were average on the swim and the run and bad on the bike, but I enjoyed every single minute of them all! Really, it was even more fun than I expected. My only goals were to finish 1) without hurting myself or anyone else and 2) without having to walk in either the bike or run portions (and I have to admit a third, secret goal...without finishing in last place). I was successful in all three, so it was a perfect race in my book. And, it was a wonderful way to spend my birthday. It was my birthday present to myself (the training and the race itself) and my birthday present from my family (the entrant's fee, my bike shoes, my new goggles, and, most importantly, the time I spent training). Louie has been so supportive and encouraging. The training required a commitment from him, too, and I couldn't have done it without him. Oh, and my triathlon suit (which our friend, Milton, called a triathlon onesie!) was a birthday gift from my parents. So, it was really a team effort!

Here are the pictures from the race. It was a beautiful day, not too sunny or hot. Just right. I had to get up early to get there and set up my gear. Louie and the kids got there right before the beginning of the swim. I was so excited when I saw them. I ran up to them on the beach and it took few seconds for Gussy to recognize his mama underneath the swim cap and goggles!



The beginning of the sixth wave of the swim:



The middle of the swim:



The end of the swim (that's me running through the spectators):



This picture doesn't show me or my bike or anything, but I just like it. It's the transition area while many of the bikes are being ridden.



At the very beginning of the bike course, I heard my name being called and looked up to see two of my smiling friends, Alexis and Merritt, hanging out of their sunroof and holding a huge sign. It was a wonderful surprise! Then, later on the bike course, I heard my name again and saw Mindy and Milton waving out of their car. They were on their way to the finish line to meet Louie and the kids, but they got stuck in traffic at just the right time to see me. It was very encouraging to see my friends during my least favorite part of the race (the bike)!

Merritt and Alexis's sign hanging in our family room:



Also in the picture above is another bit of encouragement from a friend...sweet Mary Ann, not being able to cheer me on in person since she lives in Nashville, sent cowbells for the kids to ring. Painted on them were the words, "Go Mom, Sand Key Tri, 9-21-08." You can see Gussy's cowbell in the photo below.



Here I am at the end of the bike course. I was so glad to see my family! Again this time, it took Gus a couple of seconds to recognize me with my helmet and sunglasses on the bike. As I was riding away, I got a big smile and wave. Cati, of course, was cheering and ringing her cowbell and waving the whole time. So sweet!



Here I am after I reracked my bike, changed my shoes, and headed off for the run. Look at how different the transition area looks with the bikes. I love this picture. I thought that Louie did a great job taking pictures, as well as keeping the kids entertained. I'm so thankful for him!



Here's the finish line. As much fun as I had, I was definitely glad to see the end!!



Cati and Gus were so adorable and excited! They ran up to me when they saw me, but then Cati decided that she didn't actually want to touch me, as sweaty as I was!



My cheering section (Alexis, Merritt, Cati, Ali, Milton, and Mindy...Gus and Louie were taking the picture):



My family...again, couldn't possibly have done it without them!



After a big breakfast, a long shower, and a short nap, Merritt kindly babysat the kids while Louie and I went out for a birthday dinner. It was really the perfect way to end my birthday! Here we are on our grown-up date:



It was a wonderful, perfect day, but I already know how to top it next year...by celebrating it with my sweet Louie, Cati, Gussy, AND Maxito!!