For a more extensive race report experience check out my husbands blog post: Sacramento International Triathlon- The “Official” Race Report

It was about 42 days post Ironman Texas and Ken and I were ready to get back to racing. I remember chatting with Marni post Ironman and she suggested that a month or so post Ironman would be a good timing to do a shorter distance race. So last week was perfect timing to jump on a local Olympic distance race, Sacramento International Triathlon. I was excited to be able to Rock The W and represent locally.

We got to the race without a hitch. Got checked in, race wheels on, transition set up, sipped on PowerBar Perform, wet suit on, and I was ready. One Power Gel Tangerine 2x caffeine down the hatch and it time to head to the swim start.

Racing at Discovery Park is a great venue with the greatest challenge being swimming in the American River (AR). AR has a strong current that we would be swimming against for the out and then down stream for the turn around.  I started off somewhat conservative because I knew that swimming against current was going to take some energy. I liken the current to a treadmill in the water, going nowhere fast. However, I kept my head and my mantra “strong and steady.”  I exited in time of 36:44. This was 6 minute slower than my norm and closer to my 1.2 swim split. Ken had a similar issue with his swim split. No worries. When I got to transition there were plenty of bikes.

The bike was 4 laps for a total of 40k with closed roads and great volunteers guiding directions, but no aid stations. Thank goodness I had my Speedfil with 40 oz of PowerBar Perform mix. It was just right for the 4 laps and staying hydrated in 100+ degree temps. It was great to see Ken flying by and lapping me. He looked strong! I got off the bike in 1:10. Quick change and I was off.

The run is a flat out and back along the American River bike path. There were aid stations every mile. I took in water and electrolyte drink every mile. I saw Ken coming back as I was running out and he yelled “Good job sweetie, you’re fourth woman!” I kept my pace and caught up to two other females before the turn around. I had one Power Gel soon after the turn around, but what really gave me an energy boost was seeing all the Team Triumph  (http://www.myteamtriumph-ca.org/) racers on the course.  I gave as many high gives and props as I could as I ran by. I felt pretty solid the on run given that it was hitting 100 degrees out. I kicked it in and finished as 2^nd overall woman (2^nd fastest women’s 10k split, 43: 57) and 1st place age group 30-34. Ken finished 2nd in his age group with a smoking performance.

Overall, it was a great way to represent our Wattie Ink team, our team amazing sponsors, get back into racing,  and nice that it was only a 15-minute drive home to recovery:)