Colleen's Q & Dusty's A

What was the hardest part of your race?
The hardest part of the race was getting off the bike after 112 miles and not being able to walk, let alone run. The first 8.7 mile lap was a lot of walking. The running got easier as the Ibuprofen kicked in.
What tasted the best along the course?
Vanilla Powerbar Gels with 4X the salt. I carried my own. Salt and sugar in the same sticky mess. Yummy!
Was the swim physical?
The swim was physical when I saw some lily pads and realized there were probably leaches near me. I had to keep myself slowed down and repeat, "Leaches will not go in your ears, leaches will not go in your ears..."

The other time it was physical was when a group of us caught up with a slow guy who couldn't swim well. He was pummeling the water with his arms, kicking hard and pin balling off every person in the group. It hurt when he bounced off me!
Any technical issues on the bike?
The only technical issue I had was that my ENTIRE BIKE cost the less than ONE WHEEL of some people's bikes. I even passed people with bikes that cost as much as cars!

I stuffed my bike gloves in with my wet suit and passed it to Paul. Oooops! Too late to get them back since spectators are not allowed to assist the people in the race. It's ok, it was very liberating to not wear gloves for once!
How were the Aid Stations?
NOT ENOUGH BATHROOMS. Other than that, the volunteers were SPECTACULAR and helpful! Lots of water and Gatorade, sometimes ice.
How was your energy throughout each leg?
My energy was good through the swim and bike. Weak for the first lap of the run. I think my transitions were where my energy was the worst. I had too much stuff with me and I was a spaz.
What was the toughest challenge to break through?
The toughest challenge was to keep myself from crying. When I finished the bike, I was thinking, "Holy crap, I don't have to ride a road bike again for a long, long time! Holy crap, I just rode my bike a 112 miles! HOLY CRAP! I HAVE TO RUN A MARATHON!" When I was coming into the last .2 miles of the run I started crying because I was so happy and relieved. I almost cried throughout the run because I couldn't believe I was doing what I was doing.

When you cry and you're breathing hard, it's really hard to breathe. Not good.