It was a reunion, and the last chance to go head-to-head with your favorite triathlon buddies. I saw most of them on the course... except for the swim of course where everyone looks like seals with orange buoys.

The day was perfect! I practiced my beach starts the day before and got a real good one at the gun. We jumped waves and "dolphin'd" to open water. Around the pier and back to the screaming crowds. I was very happy with a fast swim & transition, putting me in the top 30. Half way through the rolling bike I felt great, comfortable, and started pushing towards the leaders. With 2mi to go I passed Kiet. He's one of the fastest runners so I rushed through transition to get a better lead. We were now in the top 10.

I couldn't believe how great I felt starting the run! Usually slow till the legs recover, this time I was flying at the start. With a 5:40 first mile I was sure I'd hold Kiet off but he was running 5:30 and passed me. I focussed on his shoes for a couple miles and then saw him ease up a little. I poured it on (after exchanging encouragements) with a 5:50 mile. By now I've seen dozens of my triathlete friends and many more cheering. Everyone's in good spirits and having fun. I couldn't hear Kiet behind me and hoped I could slow down a little so not to hurt anything for Hawaii. But another guy in my division was ahead and I dug deep for the chase. At half a mile to go, I passed, everyone was cheering on the battle as Kiet, Chris, and I all sprinted for the finish. I was 2nd in my division, Chris was 3rd, and Kiet was right on his heals.

Swim 20:40, T1 2:25, bike 55:42, T2 1:11, run 36:30.

I couldn't believe I got 1:56:30 (which is way below my long time goal of breaking 2hrs. I couldn't ask for a better race! 9th overall out of 800. A great booster for Hawaii Ironman. Usually a person loses a lot of speed when focussing only on distance training for Ironman but this day I just felt great.

My Togo's sponsor may have partially helped in staying ahead of the fearfully fast runner, Kiet. He said staring at the Togo's logo on my jersey made him think of a big meaty sandwich... possibly not the motivation he needed trying to catch me. But the Togo's "Ironman" sandwich definitely gives me energy for the Long Haul!

Thanks to everyone..Helen, Shawn, Cyndie, Nadine, Beth, Brigid, Stacey, Jeff, Rachel, my swim coach, Mo, and others... who came out to watch!! :)