I lined up for the swim with a pack of women who were 5 minutes faster than me last year.  To start the bike in contention for a top 10 finish, I had to come out of the water with this pack.  The swim start was more chaotic than usual.  Eager to get the day started, half the field false started, while the other half were looking around waiting for them to be called back and the race restarted.  They never were, the cannon blew and off we went in a fury to close the gap that had just formed.  I went out hard to try to stay with my pack.  The water is so clear in Kona, that I could see I was swimming with the women I needed to be with.  Up until this year, I would have to play catch up throughout most of the bike, so to be with them at the start of the bike was a huge advantage for me. 

Due to low winds and low humidity the bike times were very fast this year. I felt so strong throughout most of the ride.  I knew if I could come off the bike around top 15 or so, a top 10 finish would be within reach.  By mile 80, I was holding 12 or 13th place.  I started to have comfort issues and noticed my saddle was loose and had shifted all the way back forcing me into a much more relaxed position than I typically ride.  I was uncomfortable for the remainder of the ride, but continued power on as best as I could.  I found myself looking forward to the hills just so I could stand. The saddle was very loose when I picked it up after the race and I am so lucky that the race wasn’t another mile longer! 

I started my run feeling strong and found my rhythm within the first mile.  By mile 10, I had moved up to 11th pace.  I was sure I would pass at least one person and move into the top 10.  The women ahead of me were all running strong and by mile 19, I was still in 11th place.  I tried my best to remain focused and at mile 20, I reminded myself of all the long progression runs Lance had me do.  I got back on pace and passed 2 women putting me in 9th place.  I knew that Karen Smyers was only about 45 seconds up the road, but with a mile to go and the fear that my quads would give out, I started to doubt if I had the strength and the time to catch her.  My focus shifted to just finishing until I hit Hualalai Drive (the last downhill before you make the turn onto Alii Drive).  I could see Karen was only about 15 seconds up on me. Something inside of me said “sprint!” and I just went as hard as I could and passed her about 400 yards to the finish line.  This just goes to show the magnitude of metal fortitude and how important it is to fight to the end.  

It always feels good to exceed your goals and end your season on a good note.  I trained very hard this year and with Lance structuring my workouts, I have made a huge breakthrough in my racing.  I’m looking forward to a few weeks of recovery, spending time with family and friends, and an even better season in 06.