I ♥ triathlons - part 2 the feelings

I ♥ my crew team/fan club! Tom and the girls were up and out of the house at 5:30 a.m. with me to get me to the start line way before I needed just because they know I have major anxiety about being late for things. Tom then had his bike and the bike trailer packed in the car and they rode around the course cheering me on from when I exited the water, started the bike and started the run. Then they road ahead on the trail parallel to our run and would stop ahead so they could cheer me on. Madison even ran a small segment with me and once as I ran by I hear Nora say "I love you mommy". If that doesn't give you an extra boost, I don't know what will!!

I ♥ being on a team. I joined the Raise the Bar triathlon team/club the end of July. Something I have been wanting to do for quite some time. It was great wearing the team jersey and running by people you have never met but are wearing the same jersey so they give you extra encouragement.

I ♥ going to practices with a coach and team, which is another benefit of Raise the Bar. I am all ready looking forward to a full season next year and all the benefits it will give.

I ♥ all the "love" that was given along the race course from a boy playing his recorder, an African drum band giving you a needed boost up the last hill, a dad and his boy with a full drum set on the lawn and all the cheers and praise from spectators.

I ♥ being an athlete and competitor again. It has been 15 years since I last competed as a real athlete but the competitive juices quickly started flowing again. I have missed it and look forward to setting goals and setting personal records as I move forward in this venture.

I ♥ the gear! Tri shorts, jersey, wet suit, bike, shoes, headband and I have only gotten the tip of the iceberg!

I ♥ starting the day at 5:30 a.m. gearing up to make my swim in Lake Washington and ending the day at 5:30 p.m. dipping my toes in the Pacific Ocean for the start of a much needed family vacation!!!