I thought my racing season was done. In the last 9 months, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time training to qualify for and then compete in the National Age Group Triathlon. And, honestly the last 2 months, I’ve been pretty burned out. I went to Portland to compete, but I was way more excited to take in all the bike culture than to suit up for another race. Even though I’ve been racing and enjoying triathlons for 4 seasons now, I’ve been contemplating taking a break and doing something else next year.

Then I did one more race this weekend that changed my outlook.

I signed up for the Gatorbait Tri a couple of months ago as a warm up race for Portland, but Hurricane Ike punted the race to the weekend after my big race. I considered blowing it off or doing something wacky like riding Marcus’ Azor Secret Service in a suit. In the end, my inner competitive streak won out, and boy am I glad it did. For the first time in my time of racing, I podiumed in my age group, coming in second by a healthy margin. As a former fat cyclists, this was a BIG deal for me. I don’t know if it was left over form from my other racing or what, but I’m actually board line fast now.

I’m still happy to take a few months off and just bike for transportation and exercise only when I feel like it. But, now I’m thinking I just might be back for more next year.

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