The Annual Triathlon Post

Gator Grinder time again.  Like everyone else, I was up at 6am back in December to register; it sold out that day.



I didn't NEED any new triathlon gear - I've already got enough for two triathlons.  So, when Susan at Team Estrogen asked Linda and I if we wanted to be sponsored athletes this year (she dresses us, we write reviews), of course, we both said yes.

The fit session was entertaining.  I was kind of high-maintenance; stuff we thought would look good didn't (at least to me), and I tried on many tops and bottoms.  Then Susan asked if I wanted to go out on a limb and try a one-piece suit.  Ok.  First one suit came out, but it was black/gray (ok by me), and she didn't want everyone in dark colors.  Did I really want to go out on a limb?  Out came the very bright red Tyr short jane. Took a bit of serious wiggling to get it on, but it fits like a second skin, which, I believe, it is engineered to be.  But you'll have to read the review on the Team Estrogen site...





Had to be there before 7am for pre-event photos.  My start time wasn't until 9:45am.  I did get an awesome parking spot, and the choice location on the bike rack in the transition area.  We took pictures (while the weather was going to be outstanding by the time my start rolled around, it was still in the high 40's), then I checked in, set up my transition area, and watched a few swim heats.



Took a little nap in a corner of the bleachers.  Twitched.  Met Linda's friend Heidi, who was talking about her races, her fast new bike, etc...  Guess which age group she was in?  And who are you? she asks.  Oh, just the defending age group champion.  My goose was cooked. :-)  At which point got a kick in the pants from Susan - "it is about your time.  You can't control who else shows up!"

Finally wandered back out to suck down a gel, remove the warm-ups, and get my towel, cap, and goggles.  Watched Jeff and Susan swim (same heat, adjacent lanes).  Their swimming technique and pace has really improved!

The four swimmers in our lane got together and chatted about who was doing flip turns and passing protocol.  One of the women said we had to be sure to keep track of our laps, because maybe the folks at the other end weren't (they did a kickboard in the water on the last one).  It would be very, very hard for me NOT to keep count; I can do the count to 20 (lengths) in my sleep.  And, we were off.  And so very close in swimming pace that we kept exchanging the lead and trying really hard not to swim over each other.

And then done.  Given the time on the wall clock, I figured 9:25, but my official time is 9:45, because I had to get myself out of the pool, grab my towel, and pass over the timing mats.  Last year 9:37, with a 3:53 t1.  This year, a 1:54 t1.

Out to the bike, sort of drying off, socks (pre-powdered), Keens, gloves (pre-powdered), glasses, helmet, bike, gone!  I had a great bike leg - going really, really fast until the hilly bits, which impeded some, 72 (from my lane) and I traded leads, cheering each other on.  Managed to suck down another gel about 7 miles in, and drink some Fizz. Last year 44:15, t2 of 2:02, this year 41:40, t2 of 1:45.  The avg riding pace was 17mph.  Whoo!

Keens off, Nikes on, helmet and gloves off. I wear shoes with traditional laces.  Maybe next year I'll get some of those Yankz.  I lose time tying my shoes.  Also time moving the scratchy timing chip strap to outside my socks.  Must investigate putting it on my Road ID strap next year.

Halfway out of the transition area, I realized I had forgotten my cap, but I was not going back.  Plod plod plod plod plod.  My only strategy for the run is to keep a steady pace and not drop off.  It was quite hot and sunny, but there was a faint breeze, and the suit did its thing of not making me hot and sticky.  72 and I cheered each other on.  Also exchanged encouragement with 70, and high fives with Linda, Susan and Jeff, who were on the return for the run leg.  Got water both times I passed the water station.  Then back out from the school and onto the road, last bit.  Cyclists were still finishing their leg.  I was wondering if anyone had a kick I could borrow.  Did manage to scrape one up for the last quarter of the track (I am sure no one noticed but me), and done!

Susan: "you did a PR!  Lots faster than last year!".  I didn't remember what I had done last year, so I didn't know. For the run 29:06 this year, 29:14 last year. But I was faster overall, 1:24:13 vs 1:29:04 last year. Not my fastest ever; that was 1:23:12 in 2006. Something to shoot for next time.

Heidi (Linda's very fast friend) and I were checking out the posted results.  I thought I was second.  She wanted to know how I knew...  I just found my place on the overall list, and counted all the women in my age group who finished faster.  There was only one - Heidi :-)  By 11 minutes.  She finished 5th overall for the women.

A round of post-event pictures by the Team Estrogen photographer, then we all headed back for showers and our group's post-event party.  We had a great spot under the trees, Jeff and Susan provided burgers (veggie, salmon, turkey and beef); we all brought sides.



I did not win any fabulous door prizes, but I did get to take home a pretty red ribbon.  And, as I mentioned earlier, my fastest time in a very long time.

All the pics

Gory details of time:
bib number:71
age:56
gender:F
location:Portland, OR
overall place:68 out of 172
division place:2
gender place:21
time:1:24:13
pace:0:
swim:9:46
t1:1:54
bike:41:40
t2:1:45
run:29:06

What? Another Sprint Triathlon?

Maybe I needed to use my new triathlon top more than once a year.  Maybe Cecil wanted company. :-)  So here I was, finding myself getting ready for the Blue Lake All-Women's Sprint Triathlon.  By "getting ready", I meant locating the triathlon gear and packing my bag.  Training?  Not so much.  Hadn't run OR swam since the Canby triathlon.  The last time I was on this course, it was my very first sprint triathlon ever, back in 2003.

Packet pickup was the day before.  I was attending Sock Summit at the Convention Center, so ducked out at lunch, caught a bus to Fit Right NW, collected my packet, and had a very nice visit with Marc F, a former co-worker who works there now.  When he isn't running marathons.  I think he runs one or two a month, at least.  Then back to Sock Summit and lots of yarny and knitty goodness.  But I digress.

Collected Cecil bright and early.  We got there, got our numbers written on our calves (better to check out the competition during the event) set up our transition areas, and walked over to the lake to check out the swim course.  Lots of colorful buoys out there, and we couldn't figure out WHAT was going on.  Walked back for the pre-race briefing.  The buoys were explained - we were swimming around the green ones.  The third green one was waaaaaaay down the lake.  800m open water swim in murky Blue Lake.  No wetsuit needed; the water temp was just right.

We ran into KRhea (Portland Velo cycling club prez) and Mrs. KRhea, doing her very first triathlon (the short intro one).  Scoped out the competition (women in green swim caps).  We decided our gooses were cooked; they all looked scary serious.  Group by group we were herded into the start pen (no escape now!).  Then into the water.  Icky lake grass.  KRhea was cheering us on.

Finally, we were swimming.  I picked a spot to the outside of the mob; I do not like getting swum over.  That swim took a very long time.  I felt like I was swimming to Cuba.  Finally, FINALLY, I was done, and trotted the very long way back to the transition area for the bike leg.  Tried to dry off somewhat (maybe I shouldn't do that; wastes too much time), pulled on my sandals, gloves, glasses, and helmet, and I was off, trotting another long way to the bike course.

My bike leg was amazing.  No one passed me.  I passed all of them like they were standing still.  Saw Cecil maybe 1/2 mile before the turnaround; she was, of course, already heading back.  Sadly, I did not pass anyone in my age group.  But it was still really, really amazing.

Back to the transition area, into my running shoes and cap, and off again.  KRhea was standing there, and he very enthusiastically cheered me on for quite some time (he's got a big voice).  Kept up a steady pace, and eventually saw Cecil heading the other way.  Plunk plunk plunk plunk...  I knew the return was not the same as the outbound route, so was not discouraged when we went the "wrong" way.

Finally, the finish!  Yay!  Cecil was waiting, and we went off to find snacks (there were roaming Jamba smoothie servers) and such.  Found KRhea and Mrs. KRhea.  She did really well.

Ate some food.  For what they charge for this event, the food ought to be better.  And parts of it ought to be vegan-friendly.  Waited for results.  Eventually we determined that we were both out of the hardware - me 4/11, 112/259. Not too bad. 49th place overall for the bike leg.

Rummaged around for my previous results on this course (athlinks.com will aggregate every result you ever had).  Back in 2003, I trained - I ran, I swam, I biked.  Did the course with the very same bike (it was brand new in 2003).  2011 - 3:39 faster!  Yay me!

If there are pictures, I do not have any of them yet.

Triathlon!

Once a year, whether I need it or not. :-)

The Gator Grinder sprint triathlon in Canby, again, hanging with Team Estrogen and Friends.  I'm in the "Friends" group.

Upgraded my triathlon wear to a new Sugoi top.

Collected Cecil and we carpooled on over.  I had a 9:30am start; hers was 9:45, so no need to rush.  The weather was... damp-ish.  Coolest, wettest triathlon I've ever participated in.  I had extra layers ready for the bike and run legs, and a big plastic bag to put over the top of them so they wouldn't get wet in the rain.

Much visiting and twitching beforehand.  I don't usually get this worked up before a bike ride anymore, but this was a race.  Starting with swimming.  My pre-swim-meet jitters completely took over.

pic by Cecil Reniche-Smith

Good swim lane, no demented frogs this year.  Wish I could say the same about my swim.  A few seconds faster than last year is all I can say.  Transition to bike took a bit longer - with the cold wet, I elected to pull on knee warmers.  This was a good thing.  2:45 faster than last year.

Didn't feel like I was running on wooden legs on the transition to the run.  Cecil was coming in on her bike as I was about a half mile or so into the run. To the school, around the track twice, pass Cecil again, back to the start.  Big TE and Friends crowd at the finish :-)  Hugs, congratulations, pictures, waiting for Cecil.  And there she was.

3:00 faster on the run.

Pic by Jeff Mendenhall

pic by Jeff Mendenhall

We walked back to the start area to put away our bikes and get our shower stuff.  Once we were clean and warm, headed out to the post-race TE tailgate party area.

Many fabulous door prizes were won.  I got a gift cert, which I promptly turned into a Transition Mat (think small yoga mat.  works as a transition mat, something to sit on, all sorts of uses).  Results were slowly announced.  I had a cheeseburger and sides and cookies while waiting for my age group...  Our group picked up MANY of the ribbons.

Waiting...  5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd...  They weren't calling times, and I heard the 2nd place called, and, well, she always beats me.  Or so I told Cecil, right before they called my name for 1st in my age group.  Squeak!  First out of seven in my age group, and I took first place by 5 minutes.





A good day!

And great fun on Monday, sharing at our group standup. To quote a co-worker: "you CRUSHED!".

Gator Grinder Triathlon

I've been competing in this sprint triathlon most years since 2005 (at least). Most fun sprint triathlon ever (I've done a few in the area; I come back to this one). Hosted by the Canby Gators swim club, it is staffed by the families and swimmers, is great fun, and the volunteers are the most supportive EVER. "Way to go! Looking great!" - that's what you hear during the event.

Registered back in December (it sells out quickly), put down my 9:00 swim time and didn't think anymore about it. I started my recovery in December, too - running, cycling, lifting weights. I figured I'd get in a pool in March. I got into a pool this past Thursday. Ooops. Didn't swim a 9:00 either. (but not a 10:00. It wasn't THAT dismal.)

After the 300km a few weeks back, I fell off my training. Completely. Probably not the best plan, but I was so done, toasted, exhausted, sore, you name it, that I had absolutely no motivation to do anything. I did keep up the cycling on weekends and did run a couple times - got out and ran 30-40 minutes, no intervals, no timing, just ran a route around the neighborhood, and however long it took, well, that was it. That was fun. That is why I run. Not everything has to be training and organized. Of course, I am signed up for a half marathon in October, so I'll have to get serious again pretty soon.

Where were we? Oh, right. Started organizing on Thursday. This was a good thing, because my triathlon shorts just vanished. I dumped out a couple of drawers, even went through Fitz's cycling gear, looked in all the athletic bags... Nope. A quick perusal of the Team Estrogen catalog, and some shorts were selected and would be ready for me TE World Headquarters. The weather forecast was, at that point, iffy, so I tossed in some warm shirts, knee warmers and a jacket.

Friday I arranged to collect Cecil, as this was her first triathlon (she was doing the swim leg for Team Last Minute, because she still can't run) and she was a bit stressed about the timing mats and transition and all. She'd get the grand tour when we arrived. Stopped at TE on the way home from work to collect my shorts and visit with Susan. Final packing, bag by the front door, bike and tire pump in car.

And then we went to the concert, and didn't get home until late. Up at 6am. YAWN. A lot of stumbling around, but I did get a big cup of coffee, a big bowl of Cheerios and strawberries, and was at Cecil's at our prearranged 7:30am meetup.

Arriving in Canby, we got our stuff out of the van, I gave my tires a final pump-up, and we headed over to check in. Didn't get there QUITE early enough to score an end spot on the bike rack for my heat, but close. Checked in, found Susan, set up my transition area, got my race number written on various appendages, gave Cecil the transition area tour, then we went in to cheer the other TE and Friends folks on. I'm always one of the later (often last) swimmers of the group, but Cecil had finished her swim, handed off to the cyclist on her relay, and was there to cheer me on. Which is novel - everyone is out on the course by the time I get in the pool. (What I'm saying here is that my competitive swimmer past has not entirely left me. In the general population I am accounted a faster swimmer :-) )

I was in the last lane position, which I thought would be good, because 1) maybe I wouldn't be swimming the promised 9 minutes, and 2) I could do flip turns and not freak out the other lane occupants. Flip turns are quicker than grabbing the wall, for sure. The first swimmer was, um, well... he had no form. I am not sure he managed to ever swim a 9:00 500yd swim. I passed the third position swimmer and then him, but he was speeding up and slowing down, and he passed me. Then I passed him again, finally. It was kind of like swimming behind a very confused frog. But in all that, I lost count, and figured I was about 15 when the kickboard was waved in the water at the far wall - I was at 19! Yay! Just about done!

Hauled myself out of the pool (my heart rate monitor expired once I got in the pool. I think it is done), got out to the transition area, turned into Bicyclist and zipped out. The route is a big loop, mostly flat but for the climb up to Central Point Rd, the rollers on Central Point, and then the rollers on Territorial Rd. The last set is fun - you really can surf them. Gorgeous scenery, but clearly, not taking pictures today! Cheerful and supportive volunteers at every turn. Oh, and I forgot the curvy descent - now that I'm better at descending, and know the road, I have more fun with it. That said, still climbing like a rock, and it showed. My average was 15.8mph. I've previously ridden it in the high 16's. Toward the end I was passed by competitors from the next swim heat - the Very Serious Triathletes with Real Tri Bikes and time trial helmets. If you put all their bikes together, my low-spoke-count Bontrager wheels would still have more spokes in them.

Back to the transition area, where I turned into Runner, said hi to Cecil, and stumbled off on the run (well, that's how it FELT). The first little bit of the run includes non-pavement - lumpy grass. Not fond of that at all. Then down the road to the elementary school track. Two laps; I got some water on each. It was getting hot! I did stop briefly to move the velcro strap with the timing chip to the outside of my sock; it was very, very scratchy. Out of the school (over the entire course, I think I passed two cyclists, and that was it), back up the road to the middle school, over the grass to the track, half a lap and done. Whew. No one there, but I wasn't really expecting it. Got some water and started walking back to the swim center/transition area. Met Cecil, so we headed back together. My overall time was 6 minutes slower than my most recent start, but, really I wasn't expecting great things this year. The bike course was also a bit longer, which might account for some of that 6 minutes.

Got my shower. Locker room entertainment - all the TE staff had the Zoot Recovery Compression Tights. Putting them on seems to be challenging. That said, might be worth considering. My legs hurt all the time now. Headed off to the post-race bbq. Fun as always - Susan and Jeff grill a variety of burgers, and everyone else brings other stuff. Like homemade ice cream, apple crisp, salads, chips, cookies, soda, beer... Most of us placed in our age groups. One of Susan's employees took 2nd overall in Women's Road Bike division. I even came in 4th in my age group, and there were at least 5 folks in it! Update - results are up. There were exactly 5 folks in my age group :-)

bib number:73

gender:F

location:Portland, OR

overall place:118 out of 177

division place:4 out of 5

gender place:46 out of 83

time:1:33:25

swim:9:48

t1:2:40

bike:47:07

t2:1:29

run:32:19

Cecil's comment: "you know, that's a lot more than most people would expect from someone who was sick all last year". I'll just say that this recovery is not going as rapidly as planned. Grumble. That said, when a certain cycling partner is ready to resume riding 200kms, well, I'm here :-) S*cks that we are serially incapacitated.

Won a fabulous door prize - a new RoadID. My current one is getting very ratty, so I'm pleased about that. I wear it whenever I'm riding (even commuting. Especially commuting) or running.

Learnings this year: those standard issue velcro straps for the timing chips are very abrasive. I know you can buy a nicer one, but Susan pointed out that the RoadID strap is perfect. Well then!

New triathlon shorts mini-review: I got these. I'd like them to be cut higher in the back. I bet I have a sunburn between the bottom of my shimmel and the top of the shorts. Also, whenever I pushed off from the wall during the swim, they'd catch the water. I'll have to cinch them down tighter next time. I do like the no-elastic leg openings. The shorts stayed put through the whole race; didn't have to yank them down once.

All the pics here

Gator Grinder Triathlon

When I finally got around to registering, I found myself #50 on the waiting list (!) But Lisa the registrar was hopeful that I'd get in. And sure enough, three weeks before the event, I did get in. So I got in a few trips to the swimming pool, too, to remember how.

Organizing for one of these is always fun. I've developed a list on my Palm, so I don't have to remember from year to year what to take.

As many of us were participating (Team Estrogen and Friends), some carpools were organized - I took Natalie, Austin and Greta. Natalie and Austin were doing the swim legs for Susan and Jeff's relay teams. Greta was supervising.

We got there in plenty of time (note to self - it is ONLY a 30 minute drive), and as it was so very early, we also got the best parking place ever.

Checked in. Got the PRIME rack position for my transition area. Got my number marked. Walked around. Visited. Sat. Walked around. (we were there before 7am; my start was not until 9:45). Organized my transition area. Obessed over whether I'd need extra clothes. It was darn chilly this year. Laid out a long-sleeve shirt and pants, just in case.





Watched all the children want to pet Greta. She's not outgoing. Shy, but well-behaved about it.



There were 10 swim heats, slowest to fastest. I was in heat 8. I put down 9 minutes, which is right about how fast I really do swim 500 yds.

Cheered Edna through her swim and transition to bike. Cheered Natalie on her swim leg, and Renata, Karina (?), Sandy, and Michelle (?) on their swim leg (all in the same lane, too!). French-braided Mandy's hair (shades of gymastics-team-parenthood). Went out to the transition area and got rid of the outer clothes, picked up the towel, cap and goggles...





My turn. Nice, chatty folks in the lane this year. We started, and eventually sorted ourselves out into speed order. Plonked along, but was able to do flip turns this year; some years we are kind of bunched up in the lane, and it doesn't work out.



Last lap. Out, and on to the bike leg. It was still pretty darn chilly, so I pulled on the long-sleeve shirt. I wore the Keen bike sandals this year, they pull on very quickly. And I was off. The Lemond felt very fast and twitchy; I haven't ridden it much in the past 6 months.



The muscles above my right knee felt weirdly tight, but I kept on pedaling. Flat 4 miles, then the curvy downhill, the uphill, more flat, the Uphill around mile 5, rollers until the end. There was one rider, at the top of the rollers, who was standing by the side of the road. No flat or anything. I think she was just discouraged. I told her only 4 more miles, and kept on riding.

Zipped in, left the bike, long-sleeve shirt, and bike gear, pulled on a cap and running shoes, and off again. A gentleman from the next swim heat was also in his bike to run transition. I told him I was impressed.

Linda was heading back on her run as I was heading out; we high-fived each other in passing.

Jim M. from work passed me about a mile into the run. I was actually surprised he did not catch me on the bike leg.

I will say this again about this triathlon - the volunteers are all uniformly cheerful, positive and encouraging. Some will even high-five you during the run! Heck, the competitors are also cheerful, positive and encouraging - we all cheer each other on.

As I was heading back on my last mile of the run, I saw the woman who had stopped at the beginning of her run, and gave her a big cheer.

Last half-lap around the track; Laura was waiting for me at the finish. I got some water, and we slowly walked back to the pool, where everyone had unloaded their chairs and bbq and my picnic table, and had the post-event tailgate going. I got a shower and warm clothes, and hauled my bike and bag over to the party. Mmmm. Burgers, chips, cookies, pretzels, salsa.



Our group won an amazing number of raffle prizes (not me specifically, darn), with the announcer making snarky comments about that group sitting slightly off in a circle :-)

Then they moved onto the awards. Most of us got ribbons, too - awarded up to 5th place in each age group. More comments about that, since we got a LOT of them and we cheer loudly for each and every one. :-) :-) :-)



I myself got 4th in my age group and 29th out of 80 women. 4 minutes off my time from last year. I'll just say I'm perhaps not entirely recovered from the previous weekend's fleche.

All the pics here
Results here

Canby Gator Grinder Triathlon, May 12

Being on vacation the week before, doing only a few (strenous) hikes and one 22 mile bike ride... fine tapering for a triathlon :-) I was SO not ready for this one. I didn't even time my swim; just went with last year's swim time (9 minutes).

So, got home Thursday, and realized I'd have to get organized for the triathlon to happen Saturday morning. The projected outdoor temperature was the dreaded low-50's. Will it be cold? Or not? Remember I'm starting off the bike ride soaking wet. Packed the usual stuff, plus knee warmers, a wind vest, and a lighter-weight long-sleeve shirt. I decided that despite the speed of putting on running shoes with velcro fasteners, I was going to do this run in my preferred running shoes.

Found the driving directions still in my bag from last year. As I wasn't carpooling this year, I got to sleep in until 6:30am, for my pre-8:30am checkin, 9:30am start time. Nice.

I arrived a little after 8, and was greeted by Renata as I walked through the transition area. She was warming up on her bike. I stopped and chatted with Nora, Lindsey, Molly, Abra, Katie... and eventually went over to get my numbers marked and set up my transition area space. Went inside to cheer Susan's swim start. Went back outside. The sound system was playing "Roxanne"; a group of us sang along.

Susan finished her swim, so we cheered her through her transition to bike. Nora's husband and middle child were also in that heat, so we cheered them on, too. Katie, also I think. More standing around, and then Jeff came flying in from his bike leg - he was the second cyclist to finish. The woman who came in after him was very admiring of his skill on the curves and downhills. That's Jeff :-) Nora's husband and son came in; had a very leisurely transition, and trotted off to start the run.

Ate a Mango Hammer Gel about 9:10.

FINALLY it was 9:20, so I wandered in to get ready for my swim. The heat before finished, and I got over to my lane - 3 big guys; I was the last position swimmer. They'd already worked out passing guidelines. Fine by me. I don't much enjoy this part - not because I'm not a more-than-decent swimmer, but racing 4 in a lane just isn't fun. I wanted to get in and swim a BIT to warm up, but they were all blocking and talking, so I didn't get into the pool until it was time to start.

Time to go. I wasn't planning to pass anyone - my strategy here is to just swim the 500 yards and move on. Passed the swimmer in front of me by the 2nd turn, and by the 3rd-to-last turn, passed the first swimmer. Got to enjoy 3 lengths of no one one front of me.

Ran out to the transition area. Nora's tip from last year of talcum powder in the cycling gloves worked well - I wasted a lot of time pulling on my riding gloves last year. Susan and Jeff had finished by then, so were cheering me on. It had warmed up enough; no extra clothing needed. Lindsey's boyfriend unracked my bike and brought it over. Nice.

The course seemed shorter than I remembered (clearly doing it the 3rd time is the charm). I had the Mocha Mocha Clif Shot just before the big hill, and had sticky fingers and hoods for the rest of the ride :-) My right inner quad was not happy during the ride; lingering aftereffect of the crash in February. Caught up and passed Lindsey on the hilly stretch. Tried to drink some Gatorade during the ride; didn't get much. Did the hard right turn onto 13th, then up the slight incline, past the running course, around the corner, and transition to the run. That's the easy transition - rack the bike, cycling sandals, gloves, helmet off, running shoes and cap on.

Out throught the school grounds (lumpy :-) ) then around the building and onto the paved surface, down the street to the turn into the neighborhood with another school; two loops around their track, then back out. The volunteers were wonderful as always - "you look awesome!" - at this point I feel vaguely like death warmed over. My head is playing little games with me, and another part is going NOT A DEMOCRACY KEEP THOSE LEGS TURNING OVER! Back up the street, turn right, a half loop on the track, try to summon a kick... I hear Susan, et al cheering me on. Cross the finish line, actually remember to stop my HRM, and get some water. 1:23:32.

We all stand around waiting for Molly, Brian, Abra, and Lindsey to finish. Abra was bound and determined to pass the folks in front of her on the track; she caught most of them! They all had very strong finishes.

Eventually we decided to head back to the locker room and get showers and eat. Jeff and Susan brought their grill and food; most of us brought more food, so we had a nice little tailgate party while waiting for the results.

results are here:http://www.canbygators.com/Grinder/2007Results/Index.html

I'm in Individual Road Female 50-54. I finished 2nd in my age group, 20th out of 92 women, and 70th out of 186 overall entries.

Pictures are here:http://www.backprint.com/view_user_event.asp?PID=bp%18%7EA&EVENTID=18958&BIB=89&S=230&PWD=
and one more here:http://www.backprint.com/view_event_photos.asp?PID=bp%18%7EA&EVENTID=18958&PWD=
(I'm on the bottom left, row 7 pic 1).
Brian is row 3 pic 3
Susan is Row 4 pic 4
Renata is Row 6 pic 2
Nora's son is Row 1 pic 1