The land of Iowa

We loaded up the minivan with bikes/scooters/strollers/suitcases and everything else we could fit and drove to Iowa. I had a sprint triathlon scheduled for Sunday morning.  Ashleigh was at Grandma's house while we were there so we had the added benefit of hanging out with her and having her help out. She's the sweetest almost 13 year old and she's amazing with the kids.  It's an incredible combo.  Grandma had a wedding Friday night so Ashleigh went with us and we went to check out a friends restaurant.  There were lots of video games and the kids wanted to play them all but really couldn't.  Ashleigh helped the kids play pac-man but mostly we just wasted a lot of quarters!

On Saturday Andrew and I went for a bike ride on the trails since CR has amazing trail systems that we don't have the luxury of having in the city.  We showered up, went to pick up packets, grab a bite for lunch and then headed to Coe College.  Yep. We went and toured Andrew's old stomping grounds with the kids. It was hot but it was fun to walk around and just be outside.  We ended up at the football field which was open.  We ran around the track and infield. The kids also insisted on climbing up and down the bleachers. 

Sunday we woke up early to get to the race to set everything up.  I wasn't really nervous. I was excited until the swimming started. I forgot how much open water swimming isn't anything like swimming in the pool and what a panic it creates b/c there are people everywhere. I survived and didn't drown so I kept racing! Next up the bike.  It was a hilly course but didn't feel bad until the turn around point (pictured below) when the headwind was horrific.  It was hard to keep going but in my head I knew the course wasn't too long and manageable.

I need a new wetsuit. This one was purchased three kids ago and it doesn't fit well enough anymore! But it got the job done for Sunday. 

The picture below makes me so happy b/c it was taken by the dearest Megan. I didn't know she was at the race until I came into the turn around and saw her and Nic. It was such a refreshing change of scenery.  My dearest Jenny came out too.  She hung out and entertained Andrew!  It's nice to see familiar faces and know they are rooting for you no matter what.

I finished.  I am trying not to analyze or dissect the race too much. It's too easy to be critical.  I just want to be grateful for the experience.  I have lots of work to do before the long course in August.