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.