I'm ecstatic. Normally I don't care that much about results, but this race I was more focused, and more intent on competing than any race I've ever done. Maybe it was pre mid-life, maybe it was because I don't get to race as much as I would like and I didn't want to waste an opportunity, in any case, I was driven, and my racing partner was just as driven. We worked as a team and pulled off in my estimation a surprise 3rd place overall ranking. 1st in the 2-person division. WOO-HOO!

We kept up with the leaders up to the end. It was a huge. I'm still in amazement.

Race format:
6 treking/running checkpoints that had us running up and down hills for 3 hours
2 kayak checkpoints that had us battling wind, waves and hail for 2 1/2 hours
8 Bike checkpoints (out of a possible 11) that had me dying for the remaining 3 1/2 hours.

Kylie knows the terrain and unlike the last race at Pacheco, ALL teams hit the water, and most did the 12 miles of kayaking. Also in contrast to the October race that was at Pacheco, this one, being in spring, EVERYTHING was GREEN. There was a checkpoint in the most fragrant, oxygen-filled clover field I've ever been at. Amazing.

Kudos to the norcal-ar team for putting on a fantastic race.

-B