3rd in my division....I got a medal......but more importantly, if you pray I really could use a few words sent this way

Today was my first tri of the season. After months of preparing to run a half marathon that I didn't end up running I finally finished my first real race of the year. I know it is almost the middle of July but hey what can I say.

The day started early, as tri mornings always do. We were up at 5am and had Sam at my friend's house by 5:40am. Then we had to stop and buy some rain gear (a trash bag was the only thing we could find) because it was raining. I know, I know, you get wet doing a tri so what difference does it make. Well I don't like being wet when I don't have to be so I rocked the trash bag this morning!

Five minutes before transition closed I donned my wetsuit and headed to the water and I'm glad I did. They said it was 78 degrees but it felt much cooler than that. I put my face in and started to hyperventilate. I only got to swim for about 20 meters but those were precious meters. It calmed me down and anything that calms me down before a swim is heaven sent.

The gun went off and I started at the back and away from the buoys. It was bumpy for about 3/4 of the swim but I made it out of the 400 meter swim in roughly 8:30. On to the bike....my favorite part of the race. I was came up behind a 41 year old and passed her, then she passed me, then I passed her, then she passed me. I decided I was done playing this game and that she must really be a decent rider so I hung back and off to the wind side (to make sure I wasn't drafting). I rode behind her at a good clip until I had a half mile left then I blew by. I finished the 12.5 mile bike averaging 20.6 mph. My best ride time ever.

On the run, I felt drained but then that same 41 year old passed me again. I kept pace and started chatting with her. Then I did the same thing as I did on the bike. I ran behind her until she slowed to get a drink at the 2 mile mark. I had made up my mind that I wasn't going to pass her in the finish as I had on the bike but since she walked all bets were off. I passed her and then just set my own pace. I finished the 5K in 26:10 or so. Not fast by many other people's standards but my fastest tri run to date.

Throughout the day I ran on the edge of puking. My legs were burning less than two miles into the bike and I was gasping for air during most of the run. I had motivation though. You see my mom called me on Wednesday night and said she has a large lump in her breast. One that by Friday they were pretty sure is malignant. She will know for sure tomorrow. My mom.....my mom........my mom........please God not my mom. I know she is strong of faith, I know the doctors are good, I know that she will be fine. As for me, I obviously need some help. I'm willing to bargain with God at this point. If you are reading this mom, we (Travis, Sam, and I) love you sooooooo much. I know you know that and I know I tell you all of the time but I wanted to say it again, and again, and again. You are such an amazing person to me.

I'm crying.

I have to stop now......or not.

Anyway, when the going got tough during the race today I got angry. @%$& you cancer! I screamed to myself through my self induced pain. I am not friends with you & I want you to leave me and those I love the hell alone!

That is really all I have to say. I finished is 1:17 something. I got 3rd place in my age group and I got a medal. If my mom does have cancer, when she beats the pants off of it, I'm giving it to her.......she has earned it!

LOVE YOU LOTS MOM!