Race Photo Gallery and Recaps

Terri Jones's Eagleman Recap.

"Take some chances"….those were EH's final words in the days before the race. This is the fourth year I've gone down for this race, the third under Eric's coaching. For the last year, I've been trying to learn how to push myself and actually race rather than go through the motions. Eric has been telling me that I'm capable of going much faster, I just need to believe it. After doing a lot of road races this year of various distances and learning what it feels like to be uncomfortable, it was time to try it in a longer triathlon.

The day began a little rough with the swim, water temps were cold and we swam against the current on the way out. Normally, women in wave starts are a little more polite, but they weren't today and it was a battle against the water and the swimmers the whole way. After a tough swim and a slippery transition in the mud, I headed out on the bike nice and easy. I started concentrating on eating and drinking and mental checks to make sure I was working and not being too cautious. At mile 36, I started to push the pace and started catching people who passed me before. This is new for me, I'm usually out there playing around. This time, I was patient and calculated. I came in and changed into my running shoes and headed out determined to stick to the Plan. I eased into the run, breaking it down into segments and watching the clock. Normally, I take advantage of the "buffet" out on the course and look around, chat and talk to everyone, but not today, it was time to work. I have to say that it was pretty cool too, I was suffering, but it was worth it. I wasn't waving and laughing like I normally do, but when it was all over, there was a bigger sense of accomplishment. I did it, I raced that course, I hunted people down and passed them. I watched the clock, stuck to the race plan no matter what and did something that I've always been afraid to do. I pushed.



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