Thank You REV 3!!!

Thank you REV 3 for the amazing race series you put on this year! I was fortunate enough to race in all three locations building from the Olympic distance in Knoxville, to the 1/2 in Middlebury, CT and finally landing in Sandusky, Ohio for the full. It was worth the wait to get to Cedar Point and put everything I worked for this season on the line! It was all easy of a day as Lake Erie was more like a cold washing machine than a lake, but, I made it thru the swim with the thoughts of, "ride hard...run harder" on my mind! I had to redeem myself from IM Canada two weeks prior...I had a great swim and bike there, but, nutrition got away from me, I lost track of it a bit and paid dearly on the run. It absolutely broke my heart, but after much reflection, I was happy I could pull myself together to have a little "redo" in Ohio...I wanted to prove myself on the run...the run is my baby, my buddy - how could I let you down in Canada?!!? We needed to rekindle our friendship and we did! After a fun little trip on the bike for 112 miles I got to unleash the beast on the pavement! I felt great leaving T2, but had to remind myself to "run my race" --- 26.2 miles is still a LONG way...luckily my sister was cheering me on and told me to "relax...chill!" My husband was constantly on the phone with my coach, Derick Williamson, giving him updates, then relaying those messages onto me...it was great to have the love of so many on my side mile after mile! I knew leaving T2 in 5th place I could put pressure on those in front of me...but I didn't know how much. You can NEVER underestimate your competition, that's why it is VITAL you just RUN YOUR RACE...sounds so simple, but, it's so true! YOu never know what kind of day they are having...or not having...so, control YOURSELF - believe in your abilities and let "the chips fall where they may!" (That was an old saying my high school cross country coach used to ALWAYS say!) Suffice to say, I crossed the finish line in 9:28 with a new marathon PR of 3:03...besting my old PR of 3:12 by 9 min...I was elated (go check out the photos on the REV 3 Cedar Point page!!!) What a day! My family from Wisconsin was on hand to enjoy the ride with me as was my husband and daughter that traveled with me from Alabama! What's up next?!?! Ironman Florida on 6 November...stay tuned for the adventure my friends!

Cheers and enjoy the ride!