Until I saw this...the massive line for the "bathrooms" and hundreds of people all there for the same reason - either b/c they're faithful supporters of a family member or friend or just b/c they're plain ca-razy.
I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start from the beginning....------------
Erin and I had been "following" an 8 week training program that we found online here. And by "following" I mean basically looking at for inspiration but kind of doing our own thing. I did strength training on the days it said "strength" and most definitely rested on the days it said "rest." I attempted to fit in the number of swim, bike and run times it suggested per week, but they didn't always fall in the exact order in which was recommended. And I think it's safe to say that I avoided all training that took more than 60 minutes so that basically excluded all of the Sunday workouts. (Who wants to work out that much on the Sabbath?!) I did almost all of my prep work at Gold's Gym except for a few beautiful runs around Colby Lake in Woodbury (a few 5:15 am runs if we're being real "into details" here.) Despite having trained less than last year, I felt stronger/in better shape and my mile time had improved thanks to interval training on the treadmill (6 rounds of 40 second sprint, 2 minute easy pace - it works!) I was nervous for Sunday and still felt somewhat unprepared when comparing the very strict training schedule we stuck to the previous summer as shown here to what we did this summer, but ready or not...off we went.
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Well first we test road our rented (for free!) Trek bikes from Penn Cycle on a 10 mile ride along the beautiful (albeit a tad busy) scenic roads of Woodbury, MN. Trisha (middle) borrowed my sister-in-law, Nikki's, bike for the race and this one practice round. Let's just say it's much easier to ride a road bike up a large hill than a cruiser. Being a good sport though, Trisha rode with a smile (*ahem) on her face the entire way.
With our best tough faces. You should be scared - very scared - of Erin. 
The alarm went off at 5:25 am on Sunday and after hitting snooze a few times, getting ready, drinking some coffee and loading the bikes - we were off! Tom and Trisha just can not contain their excitement as they anticipate participating in their first triathlon as a team (my brother swimming; Trisha biking; and Tom running.)
I wish you could see just how burned I was after laying out on Saturday - not one of my wisest decisions! Thankfully it didn't bother me too much during the race.
My older brother, Scott, and I super excited before the race. He is the reason I wanted to do a triathlon in the first place. I remember cheering him on during races when he was in high school and thinking they were soooooo cool. Such an adrenaline rush!
I think we had the largest support group there this year. *smile. My in-laws, Pam & Greg, made the 6 hr drive from Council Bluffs, IA to come and cheer us all on. (Can you tell I'm not blood related?)
And of course my own parents wouldn't have missed it for the world. I think it brings back some fond memories for them of chasing us around the cross country course in high school. It's the same but different b/c there is water and bikes involved but still involves lots of running, loud cheering and picture taking.
Group shot of the athletes before the race started.
Scott (removing his cream colored swim cap) as he exits the lake.
Congratulations to myself for having put my face in the water this year! *smile. What a difference it makes! I thought I would improve my swim time even more just for having done that but I was still happy with my 25:17 swim time for the 1/2-mile and didn't leave the water absolutely drained like I did last year.
Erin dominated the swim, of course.
Scott either taking off or returning from the 12-mile bike ride.
Trisha so relieved to be done and pass the chip on to Tom.
Me almost finished with the 45:35 ride.
Tom did an amazing job on the run for his team, finishing in just over 23 minutes. So proud of him!
Scott approaching the finish line and last few seconds of the race.
Erin sprinting to the end!
So close! I finished the 5k in 27:59 (and I will have you know I passed several people on my way in...*smile.)
We had absolutely perfect weather on Sunday and everyone did such an amazing job. What a great time!
Triathlon #2 - check.
yay, congrats!! Now next year you can move on to just doing bike races with me :)
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