Ok, here it is . . .

As you might have already realized by the lateness of this race report, I’ve been looking forward to writing it about as much as a middle-school book report – for a book that I didn’t read.

Let’s just say that the season can only get better.

It’s not the fact that I didn’t place that bothers me. Heck, one more birthday and I’d have been second instead of fifth in my division. And I’d be proud of my time because I beat my 2:15 goal by a minute & thirty-five seconds, but what’s gotten under my skin is that I know I didn’t really try that hard. In fact, I trained much harder than I raced. I’d give you a play-by-play, but what it comes down to is that I just didn’t leave it all on the course. And that's just not me. I don't do anything halfway.

Interestingly enough, it feels somehow as if I cheated. I remember during the swim looking ahead and seeing a full third of the swimmers cut the corners by swimming to the right of the buoys instead of going around them. I was disgusted that anyone would actually cheat in a triathlon. I thought to myself, “No WAY I’m doing that. What’s the point of doing a race if you can’t feel good about the way you did it?”

I was right. What WAS the point?

Since I never want to feel this way again, I've decided it would be best for all concerned that I make the following announcement:

*daintily clears throat and takes a sip of water*

IF YOU'RE ON THE SAME COURSE WITH ME FOR MY NEXT RACE, YOU'D BETTER STAY OUTTA MY FRIGGIN' WAY!!!

*sits down gently, crosses legs at ankles, smoothes skirt, folds hands in lap and smiles ever so sweetly*

The preceding announcement goes for everyone except Renee. NINE minutes ahead of your goal time!?! You're my new hero! Forget parading a stinking trophy around the office - you should be wearing a CAPE! And to think I knew you when you were only “this tall!” *sob* Our little girl's all grown up!

I can't get blogger to cooperate with me today, so pictures will have to follow later, folks. And let me apologize to any Triscoopers reading out there. Sorry, but I wasn't able to deliver a Moonpie transition shot. Someone borrowed our camera and didn't get there until we crossed the finish line. Maybe next time. ;)