The big race

Last year's start

This Sunday is my "A" race - the Suburu Women's Triathlon. This is the race that my training all season has been targeted at. And it will be my final tri of the 2006 season.

It's also the toughest course - hilly on both the bike and the run. The bike is shorter (only 12 miles) but the run is longer (4 miles) than a typical Sprint-distance race. The very end of the bike has a steep climb, then you go out of transition into the run up the "ZZ trail" -  a steep set of switchbacks. It's a two-loop run course, which means you need to run up the ZZ trail twice.

I don't have a time goal - I just want to feel like I did my best while being supportive of the other gals out on the course. There are a lot of first-timers and for many just being in the race is a huge accomplishment in moving from a sedentary life style. The run is my favorite part because you get to interact with others on the course. And you get to have both feet planted on the ground!

The race expo is tomorrow - I plan to go down first thing in the morning to catch the short 1-mile fun run  lead by Colleen Cannon, a former world-champion professional triathlete. I had such a great time at the race last year - I am really looking forward to it this year!