Topeka Tinman coming

Topeka Tinman is coming up this Saturday. Because I was out of town the weekend of the Kansas City Triathlon, this will be my inaugural triathlon. I had another moment at the swim on Tuesday, which shook up my confidence again. It wasn't really a big deal, but I didn't warm up and ended up in the middle of the buoys, out of breath again. Thursday, I went back out to the lake with some trepidation. After a good talk with myself, I swathed myself in my wetsuit despite the 90+ degree weather and headed back out to the water.

This time, I took my time and was soon swimming laps with the rest, feeling so much more comfortable that I again felt a bit of enjoyment. Two strokes forward, one stroke back. Thursday was a two strokes forward night. I feel more confident and perhaps I can do Topeka. I looked at the website today and it listed the short course as only 400 meters instead of 500 as it had been earlier. I can do 400 meters!

My only concern is that it may too warm to wear the wetsuit. I'm not sure what I will do if that's the case. If the water temp is under 80 degrees, I can still use the suit, but not be eligible for any age group awards. I may try swimming this week without the suit...but, I may also just forfeit the age group awards, too. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how the open water swims go this week.

Kansas 70.3 was held today. My friend, Karen and I volunteered. The downside was that we were there at 4:00 a.m. this morning. The upside was that we held the markers. Body marking. Woo hoo! :)
My friend and training buddy, Bea, competed today and did so well! again, I'm so thrilled for her and a little jealous, too. But, I know how anxious she was in the days up to the race, so her success has given me another boost that maybe, just maybe, I'll accomplish it this year, too.

The gals and I drove over to Kill Creek Park and rode the Olathe Women's Triathlon course. I had heard that it was really hilly, but it turned out to be a nice course. It's very pretty and pastoral out there, even though it was halfway to Lawrence. The route was only 10 miles, so by the time the fourth loop rolled around, I was getting a little tired of it.

Now, to bed. Need to get up early tomorrow to...swim, of course!