Definitely Rural

In the middle of nowhere...that's where today's race was.  On the private residence of the Tong Family farm, I completed state #37, outside of Joplin, Missouri.
Here are the highlights: 100 degrees, hot, corn fields, 81 degree water, armadillo roadkill, Route 66, did I say hot?, rented bike from RD (photo included), sweet sled, Sargent John Lee, painful feet, pristine farm, super nice people, pulled pork and ice cream post-race, 1st place in age, did I say hot?
Next stop, Colorado.

Forecast: HEAT

In the most southern, western tip of Missouri is a little town called Joplin.  That is where I will race state #37 this weekend.  The Summer Roundup Triathlon is calling for temperatures in the high 90s with lows only in the 80s for the race start.  Water temps are hovering around 80 as well, making it a NON-WETSUIT event.  Of course, it's for safety reasons but boy does it make a difference swimming a mile in a wetsuit.  The swim is easier and faster in a wetsuit, saving precious energy for the bike and the run.  But it is not meant to be.
The last time I raced in temperatures this high was last year, in the neighboring state of Kansas.  That will forever be etched in my mind as my worst event.  I clearly had heat exhaustion and walked the 10K.  Hours of lying horizontal on a picnic table recovering and hydrating and I was finally able to drive back to the hotel.  I am really hoping this weekend will not be a replay of that event.
But in true Jenn spirit, I will chose to focus on the positive.  The race director has been terrific and the venue seems beautiful.  And state #37 is on the horizon. 

A Much Needed Weekend

No race this weekend.  Catching up on laundry, work, life, time with my husband and training with friends.  Racing and traveling around the country is kinda lonely sometimes.  Not that I am complaining but when I train with friends, I am reminded how much energy I draw from them.  A 25 mile ride yesterday seemed effortless in the company of Suanne and her sister, Andrea. A six mile run this morning went by in a flash thanks to the company of my friend Pamm.  It really is more enjoyable to "play" with others. 
Next weekend is a different story.  Joplin, Missouri.  New state, no friends meeting me there but Rufus Racing and the race director have been very supportive already.  I am hooked up with a tri bike thanks to the RD (I even think it is her personal bike) and have a potential television spot on WKSN.   Looks like it'll be a really fun event.  And state #37.  You know the drill by now.... all in an effort to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.  Stay tuned.

Holy Lily Pads, Batman

I can't really explain where this title comes from.  All I know is I was swimming in a very dark lake this morning, streaming over hundreds of lily pads and this is what I kept saying to myself.  I have NO idea why but 8 hours later, I find it amusing.
State #36, New Hampshire....check.  Here are the highlights.  I met Dawn, but not Melissa.  They are the gals who did the radio interview/podcast which apparently quite a few people listened to.  That was cool to learn.  Thanks again to them for the sponsorship of my entry.  The money I saved ($75) on the entry was turned into a donation to OCRF by me.  So they directly (and indirectly) helped the campaign.
Surprise, surprise...my friends Colleen and Linda saw my post on Facebook this morning and decided to show up and support me.  What an awesome feeling to see them and hear them cheer.  Thanks gals for making the trek.
It might not mean much to some but the photo of me racking my bike is significant because it shows I was the FIRST bike in... that is a first for me and a pretty awesome feeling if I do say so myself.   I really rocked it today.  Averaged 20.2 mph on the bike.
Of particular note is a woman named Laura that I met today.  She heard my radio interview and after experiencing "some symptoms", went to her doctor the next day.  Happy to report she is fine but this is why I race.  Empowering women to be proactive about their bodies is how this campaign will save lives!  Thanks Laura for sharing your story and for affirming that I am on the right track. 
What a day!

"O" is for One Fantastic State

Representing state #35, Route 66 Triathlon was an impeccibly produced event that did not disappoint.  The kindness of strangers, the hospitality of the event coordinators, bike mechanics, bike store and press was true to southern style.  I felt welcomed and the campaign was very much supported.
A special thanks to Steve, the race director, who introduced me to many folks with links to ovarian cancer.  We started building a network months before I even arrived.  When we finally did meet, it was as if we were friends for years and there were hugs all around. 
Shout outs to Roger, Christy, Team Becky, Steve at Schlegels, Marty, Glen and of course my Texas buds, Kari and John for an awesome weekend.  I think we were able to touch many lives this weekend.  On a more somber note, many women are no longer with us because of this disease and this race was dedicated to them.  Nancy Gartman, Nanci Cacossa and Dee Dee Miller were with me the entire day.  I have often said "I race for women in treatment, women who have lost the battle and for women yet to be diagnosed" but this past weekend, it was all for the ones who lost the fight.  It was indeed a special event.