2:31.00

300 Yard Swim - 5:13 (minutes)
18 Mile Bike - 1:44
5K Run - 44 (minutes)

I got there early and was incredibly nervous about the transitions. Everyone I talked to was so great and helpful. And there were so many people who passed me (eek!) that gave encouragement as they passed.

I swam:


That was the easy part. I even passed 2 guys on the way through AND I ended up swimming faster than my seed time! Placed 4th in my agegroup for the swimming.

I biked:


There were a ton of hills and I lost my chain on about mile 9 of the bike.

I ran:


The first mile of the run was killer (more hills!) but got my stride by the 3rd mile.

Burst into tears when I realized my parents were there at the finish line: I FINISHED!!

My goal for the day was 2:30, so completely stoked that I was that close.

I placed 13 out 15 in my agegroup. I placed 74 out of 79 for women. (At least I was not last!)

Thanks to RayRay for coming and showing support. (and for a great breakfast!!)

I need a new bike more condusive for these races.

Now that I finished one, I know what I need to do for the next one.

I believe that officially I am now a "Triathlete"

Summer of Shannon - Update!

When we last left our heroine, she was enjoying her new convertible and getting ready to start a new project at work....

4th of July weekend was fun and furious. My friend RayRay and I enjoyed the John Mayer concert (ran into T there, BTW - very strange encounter!) and then went to the Cubs/Cards game and then Ted Drewes on the 4th - very traditional STL! The rest of the weekend was spent golfing and swimming.

My cousin Zacky and his fiance Jules were in town over the weekend of the 10th, so swim party and dinner! They were stopping through while driving to FLA from Hawaii (no, there is no bridge there...) and I hadn't seen them in years. Their wedding is in Key West in March - another family wedding not to be missed!

I spent the weekend of the 17th - 20th in ATL with relatives. It was a great weekend with family. Lots of great food and drinks, golf, tennis and meatballs! I had such a great time with them and was so fortunate to be able to visit. I miss everyone down there and hopefully fate will change and they will all get to come "home" soon!

My tri-athlon had to be postponed. First, I dragged my feet a little too much and it was full by the time I tried to register. Second, I was suffering from shin splintz and probably would not have been able to make it as much as I wanted to. (And I didn't get to train as much as I needed to - see paragraph above!) And honestly, it was really hot that day - I ended up golfing and it was really freakin' hot that day. Very happy I didn't end up racing that day.

So I did sign up for another tri-athlon on the 17th of this month. The swim is a little shorter, but the bike ride is much longer! I did buy new shoes (thanks for the recommendation JimC & MA!) and that has helped my shins. I am training more than I was before, so hopefully I'll at least be able to finish! I did find out that the store that RayRay's fiance works at has a tent there that day and I've been TOLD that I'm hanging out with them after the race. Grrrreaaaat... Probably a bunch of cute, toned guys and I'm going to be a giant gooey mess after the race. Hopefully they will find that endearing!

In a moment of weakness last weekend, I signed up for the online dating scene again. I know, I totally was going to swear it off, but I got a little bored and lonely last weekend and wanted to try again! I'm not sure how it's going to go...if I'm disappointed again, then I'll be totally done with it - just not worth the hassle, heartbreak and $$. I was dating someone I met through RayRay early this summer, but he drove me crazy. Was a bit too immature and flaky for a 29.5 year old. (yeah, thanks for the 2am "booty calls"...when I'm in ATLANTA!!) Maybe someday when he figures it out, but definitely not any time soon. It's actually starting to drive me crazy - like there is no one out there, or there's a big red warning sign on my forward that repels anyone decent. Not sure what to think of that anymore.

The Summer of Shannon is winding down, but August is chocked full of excitement - it's not over yet! Party for MA & JimC this weekend, bridesmaid dress shopping and golf too. Tri-athlon next weekend - send me rest and lots of Carbs! Visiting my aunt & uncle in IA for a weekend. Sailing into Labor Day weekend - full speed ahead. Oh, and that project is in full swing at work and consuming time, but totally cool and keeping me busy. I've learned so much over the last year or so - totally worth it.