Spa Girl San Antonio-2014

I think this was the most fun I've ever had at a "race." It really was a whole weekend affair.  Kate is a friend from my high school days as a Congressional Page. We were friends, but we weren't particularly close. However, thanks to Facebook, we reconnected. She is a bicyclist and was looking for relay partners for Nation's Triathlon a few years ago. We recruited Ingrid and Team 3-Page-Pamplet was formed. I swam (page 1), Kate biked (page 2), Ingrid ran (Page 3).

Team 3-Page-Pamphlet at Nation's Tri 2011

It didn't melt

And we became closer friends. Kate wanted to do her first full triathlon, and a Spa Girl sounded like the way to go. I did this one last year. Great venue at the JW Marriott. She came to San Antonio for the weekend and brought me real New England maple. What a great surprise. The spun maple sugar had directions and I happily obliged.

I have joined a group of amazing women in San Antonio who like triathlons. Tri Moms SA are strong and inspiring and give me courage to ride Vaderette on the roads. They let me be a Tri Mom because I have 4-legged "kids."  And, they are keeping me a bit more accountable in training. Yep, training.  Friday evening, we picked up our packets and considered racking our bikes.  But, it had rained . . .HARD . . .and I didn't trust that it would stay dry. Tri Moms had reserved bike racks, so we figured we would rack in the morning.  

I picked up swag for other friends, too.

We put our stuff together and talked about transition. Tried to go to bed early. Didn't succeed. 

Endymion and Vaderette had a date

I always freak out a little and can't sleep, so up and out of the house early. Racks were FULL . . .people ignored the reserved sign, but no one should mess with a pregnant triathlete (not me), a feisty Puerto Rican (also not me), and an officer with an ego (me). We politely (but firmly) reminded people what "reserved" meant and we made room for our bikes with the group.  Took a picture. 

Tri Moms, with reflective caps

Headed to the Lazy River. 750 women's voices sang the National Anthem, and there was a small prayer. I moved to the back of the pack to hang with Kate for the swim.  We met a pair of ER nurses from Dallas who taught me a new word . . ."douchathlete." I don't have to explain, triathletes out there know what I'm talking about. Anyway, I didn't really freak out because I was just planning to hang with Kate, no matter what. I wanted to celebrate with her when she officially became a triathlete. Wouldn't miss it. So . . .we had a leisurely 400 meter swim in the lazy river and a quick walk 1/8 mile to transition. 11:17

Kate lost her chip in the pool and we had a brief episode of panic. Told the volunteers in transition and they had it waiting for her for the run. Yea!! Great volunteers.  Transition was my usual picnic. Kate considered trying out the transition bucket that I don't use anymore, but even she didn't need to have a seat. 5:40

I screwed up my ride app and didn't try to use my non-functioning computer. For some reason, chip didn't record, either, so the bike and T2 are an estimate from the other times. The Bike was FUN!!! I think it's the first time I've ever had so much fun on a ride, it is surely the first time I've drafted. I followed Kate and she pulled well. The ride was just so much fun. A few little barely climbs, and I didn't get out of high gears until the last steep hill at the end. Even then, I didn't have to grind, just a short spin. I sing 99-bottles-of beer during hard climbs . . .I only went through 3 bottles. There were tight 180 turns and I made the first one, and had to scoot the last 3. Kate waited for me on the second, but dropped her chain getting going again. Sorry, Kate.  I pedaled slowly until she caught back up, but Vaderette wanted to GO GO GO!!! She passed people who were pedaling, even when I wasn't. On the second lap, Kate could tell my steed was champing at the bit, so told me to take off. I sure wish I was recording, because it was awesome!!! I felt strong and happy. Then to T2. Probably also a picnic. For some reason, chip didn't record, either, so the bike and T2 are an estimate from the other times.  There was a bit of a walk with the bike before (and after) the mount (and dismount) lines and that probably added to transition times. At least that's the excuse I'm using. Anyway, the 10 mile bike and T2 56:45. 

I figured I would go my pace and catch Kate after the turnaround.  Quarter mile and my hip flared again. DANG IT!!!! Back to a walk. It's a beautiful course filled with really great happy women. After the turn around, I found Kate and turned around again to hang with her the rest of the way. It added 0.79 miles to my total distance, but I had great company.  We talked, and walked, and FINISHED TOGETHER!!!!  2.79 miles in 47:26.  Total time: 2:01:08

Thanks for the lovely medal, Major Rivera. I love a picture with a handsome man in uniform. Now time for mimosas and food. I really like this event. It's low key, friendly, beautiful swag, awesome food, mimosas (better than beer). What more can a girl ask for? 

We celebrated with naps and pedicures. Next day went to Austin for brunch, and I found (and bought) this great bowl. I can't wait until my next party invite.

Just posting this picture because I think it's funny.