On thanksgiving, ran the Kent tree city turkey trot in 24:23, placing 14th of 268 females and third in my age group. It’s a full minute over my usual time, which I attribute to the two icy bridges on the way out and then back. 😊.

Between The Portage Lakes 5K

Saturday November 12th 2016

Portage Lakes, OH

Finish Time 23:19

17th overall

2nd in age division

200 dedicated and probably half crazy runners and walkers braved the cold
temperatures, rain, snow, and wind to compete in this year’s Between The Portage
Lakes 5K. This race certainly delivers on the promise of scenic views of the
Portage Lakes through the entire course. I doubt many runners took in the
scenery as they battled the elements. Race time temperature was 35 degrees.
Heavy rain turned to a wet snow mix just before the start. Winds were gusting
at 20 – 30 mph. The first mile of this course is fairly flat and fast. The
second mile has a slow steady incline at the beginning and a few small rolling
hills. The elevation changes aren’t severe, but running into strong headwinds
and wet snow made this part of the course much harder than normal. The third
mile features a short but very steep hill followed by a fairly flat fast section
leading to the finish. The finish times all appear slower than normal because
the course again was longer than 3.1 miles. Most runners had the course
measuring 3.3 to 3.4 miles. As in years past the awards were unique. Overall
winners received giant plaster fish. Age group winners received nautical themed
candle stick holders, wine bottle holders, and small candle lanterns. All
participants received the race’s customary mutant fish tech shirts and finisher
medals.

18:56, 2nd age group, 36th overall out of ~2600.

11-19-2016 Lake Crackenback Australia-ITU World Championship Cross Triathlon (Off road)

This trip was an off the charts adventure in every sense of the word. To represent team USA was a true honor, and loved racing against people from all over the world. Met a lot of really interesting people.
I have never had an adventure even close to this trip- it was epic. All the things I had worried about- renting a bike- long flights-driving on wrong side road-food & water were non-issue’s. Things I assumed would go smooth- were real challenges. The scenery is unique the, people are super friendly & laid back. The race Venue was the most scenic place I have ever been- only Crested Butte Colorado comes close. A 1500 meter lake swim, 30K mountain bike, and a 10 k off road run. The run was more of a adventure race ( river crossing/ boulder climbs/ mud bogs )

We had some challenges with long flight- but got through it. Had a delayed flight/ luggage misplaced and a rental car breakdown in the middle of the outback that kept me from getting to the race site till last minute. I had issues on the swim (no warm up-cold water)- a solid bike, and run was going great till I made a wrong turn on the run loop costing me a top finish. Ended up 7th. Saw Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and race site was Lake Crackenback in the mountains (ski resort in winter) a fantastic trip.