The world masters games were in Edmonton Canada this year and was probably the biggest event I will ever be in. The set up of the games is like an olympics for old people, and is actually the biggest multisport event in the world. People from all around the world came to these games.Just in the triathlon there was over 900 competitors.

Anyway, had to do the 6 hour drive from my home to Edmonton the day before the race leaving at 6 AM so I could get all the registrations done. First step find a convention centre downtown. I was suprised that I found the place pretty easily. The next step was to get to the park where the race was and get my arms tatooed and get my goody bag, and drop off my bike. First I was given wrong directions, then got new directions but made a wrong turn. Ended up taking 2 hours to find the park that was 15 minutes away. :mad: Got my package and of course being so late the only size T shirts left were small. I wear at least a large. Anyway frustration over. Went to the mall, found my hotel, had a good supper and tried to get a sleep.

Woke up at 3:00 AM, raining cats and dogs outside. Now I'm upset because the forcast changed and I didn't cover up my bike. It was 30 above and not a cloud in the sky yesterday,I also didn't bring warm enough clothing to wear before the race. I leave at 5:30 AM and get to the race and get my set up done. The rain had stopped just before I got there but it was darn cold. They say on the loudspeaker that water temp is 21 degrees so we can wear a wet suit. I wish now that i had bought one!

9:05 the race starts. I was happy that the water was warmer that the air above it. I let everyone get a head start then take off. The water is very shallow but I can not see more than six inches below me and the ground is all slimy and weedy. Apparently the lade used is a duck pond, and the city chlorinates for about 2 weeks before the event. Minutes into the race my goggles steam up and I am swimming blind. Oh yeah that spit before you start trick!! I was in the back of the pack and on my second lap was passed by quite a few of the next wave of athletes. Finished the swim, looked at my watch, just over 37 minutes. I was thrilled! I was hoping to be under 45 minutes. (Yes I do swim like a rock)

Next the bike. 4 laps of steep hills up and down, but feeling preety good, then the wind starts. I was sure glad that I live in one of the widiest areas of Canada during that. I passed quite a few people and loved the steep downhill with the wind on my back. I was really suprised how easily some of the other cycleists passed me, even on the downhills while I was pedalling as fast as i could. Finished in about 1hour 30 minutes. Again very happy with my time.

Then cam the run. The sun came out and the wind stay strong. Glad I saved on of my gels for this part. Unfortunately I left it on my bike. :o Started slow and then slowly picked up my pace. i kept picking a person in front of me and then try and pass them to keep me going. By the end of the run there were not that many people to pass. Made resolution to train for next year to get faster with about 1k to go. Pushed to the end and finished in 3 hours and 7 minutes. Again happy as I was targeting finishing in under 3 and 1/2 hours.

After the race the profesionals on the ITU circuit did their thing. All I can say is WOW are those guys and ladies talented.

It ended up being a great day, even after all the frustrations. The volunteers were amazing, and I have to say that triathletes are the friendliest people in the world. I just wish that I could have seen a couple trifuel jerseys while I was out there.