Invited to Worlds 70.3!!

You've heard of qualifying for Ironman Kona, well I placed first in my age group and qualified for the Half Ironman World Event this year in Australia!  Wowzers!  I was shocked that I did so well especially considering I broke my ankle 8 weeks ago in Bali and just started running a few weeks ago (slowly and short).  But I do know in race day I gain a few gears and total mental focus.  It was a fun course and we lucked out with the weather.  The bike course was extremely technical with lots of u-turns!  The run ended up being a lot hillier than expected (and hot) and the swim was nice despite my goggles fogging up, not being able to see, getting kicked in the head and needing a jet ski to get me back on course.

Overall a great race.  My training buddy and good friend did awesome as well with a personal record.  We were both really stoked with our training and race. 

The weekend itself was fun, but a whirlwind with 1300 miles driven from Sasebo up to Nagoya (thanks Jeff and NEX for a toll-free van rental!).  We split up the drive going up by staying in Iwakuni and back stopped again (this time so I could get a massage!).  We woke up at 2 AM Tuesday to drive back in straight for work. 

Morgan had 2 days of school and then Friday we are celebrating her birthday party and Sunday fly to Hawaii.  Wanted to get these pictures up before I get too far behind.  Love you all.  JeLiMoBe

the blue loop at the top was repeated 4 times

Jeff's special pasta fuel - 2 nights before race day in our Air B&B that Brandi found

last training brick

overly priced new cycling set - even happier I bought it after having a great race!

Jeff got this picture from a bridge and just missed this guy swerving in front of me to kick me in the head (mind you his wave started 15 minutes before mine)

high fiving the announcer - who later asked my girls, 'is that your Mom?.... then yelled - GO MAMA!!!'