by Whew. Today was a blast. I’m finally clean, fed, and cooled off, which feels really, really good.
After helping with the TriZones tent set-up, I went down to the swim exit to watch and cheer. This was fun, as usually I don’t get to see the first people come out of the water. I watched until quite a few of my girls had come out and then decided I would treat myself to seeing the front runners come up the hill on the run. So I bunnied on over, grabbing my cowbell and water along the way.
I positioned myself about 3/4 of the way down the hill–just far enough down that it’s started to turn into a hard hill, and just far enough from the top that there’s a fairly daunting amount left. I’d told my athletes that they’d hear me before they saw me, so I whooped and rang my cowbell and generally was goofy and loud. And then whenever I saw somebody I knew, I jumped in and ran up to just before the turn (or until the next cheerer– Rita, from TriZones–depending on how I felt or if I’d had any rest or if I thought a bunch of people were coming and I’d miss somebody who needed a run buddy). It was a blast to turn around and then head back down and cheer at the same time. Ah, soooo much fun! The time flew by and I got to see everybody, including my IM friends Malinda and Robin. I ran all the way up with Courtenay and then hit the tent for post-pictures and cheering and hugging. It was excellent.
I feel a nap coming on.
It was so sweet seeing you both at swim exit and on that mother of a hill! I knew you were going to be on the hill and I was so looking forward to seeing you. I used that as my motivational carrot and there you were!! Thank you for running me along and giving me the boost I needed to finish strong! Now we need to get you out there so we can return the favor!
That was me. Umm…yeah. What I said.