Danskin Triathlon 2010 -- Finisher

I finished my first triathlon yesterday in 2 hrs and 14 minutes. I'm pretty pleased as I didn't train and only got in the water a week and one-half before yesterday to see if/how long I could swim a 1/2 mile. We were blessed with a very hot 95-degree day that warmed the lake water to a balmy 71-degrees. We arrived at 5:45 a.m. to a brightening sky. As we entered the lake (my start time was 6:46 a.m. 1 minute behind the elite racers). My companions, Dorothy and Bonnie, gave me the best advice of the race -- focus on one stroke at a time and keep to my right when I enter the water. The advice served me well as I finished 12 out of 22 in my age bracket and at 29 minutes for the 1/2 mile, one minute better than my pool time.
Out of the water, we ran to the transition area to get bike gear on and run to mount our bikes for the 12.4 miles which I did in 50 minutes and a speed of 14 mph. Once over I ran to rack my bike and get on my running gear and out the gate to run the 3.2 miles in 42 minutes at a pace of 13.5 mph. My transitions took 5 minutes each (the time it takes to cross the gate in from one event, change, and cross out to the next). The Danskin isn't that physically demanding (it's not the Ironman) but for this aging nonathlete it was my Olympics.

I'll do it next year and try to best my time. This time I'll try to train.

Race done, metal on, going home.

Running to the finish.

Tom caught this photo of me completing the bike course. I was so focused I didn't even see him.

Moving as fast as I could in this first transition. (Me with my bike)

Still wet from the swim, trying to put on the last of my gear.

We entered the swim course as the sun was coming up over the Lake.

That's me somewhere (on the right) at the start of the swim.

Waiting for the start signal to enter the water.

Crowds lining up. Three thousand and thirteen women completed the race.

Checking out where we start the swim leg of the race.

Dorothy (Bonnie's sister), Bonnie (my neighbor and friend) and me preparing for the swim.

My number. They write in on your arm the day before. Nothing says committed like indelible ink.

Below -- arriving at twilight getting my transition gear in order.

Pete's in Town

Pete was in Seattle for two weeks and we made the most of it. So fun to have him in town.

Beautiful Day on the Water








Can You Bake A Cherry Pie -- Twin Peaks

Apparently. the series Twin Peaks is alive and well in Phili. Anna, a big fan, had to see the cafe filmed in the TV show and have a piece of cherry pie, of course.









All Boy's Annual Fishing Trip to Janice Lake

Once again this year, the boys-only fishing trek to Janice Lake in British Columbia was on. This year's participants: Andy, Shawn, Tom, Pete Neu, Pete Gaffney, and Sid. This is the lake where Tom's Grandfather taught him to fish in his youth. Silver, the camp's owner, cook, and camp keeper who is now in her 90s, continues her fishing camp traditions welcoming this motley crew back in year, feeding them well, and sharing with them stories of yesteryear.















Welcome Home and Fish Catch Barbeque

Dirty, tired after the 7 hour car ride from B.C., the "boys" return home with catch in hand. Party ensues.

Cycle Oregon

This year's Cycle Oregon was again headquartered at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. The weather was in the 70s which is perfect for a pleasant day biking. We did an easy 45 miles the first day and 39 the next. Afterwards we camped on the Willamette River in the beautiful Champoeg State Heritage park biking all over this historic area. On the way home, just a few miles from the park, we stopped to pick 23 pounds of fresh blueberries. Bonus: We searched for and found some beautiful agates in the Willamette.