My first race of the 2002 season! I was both excited and nervous before the race. I was excited because I absolutely love to race, but at the same time I was nervous about racing for the first time since August. My training has been going very well, but you never really know how fit you are until the races start.

Since I have done this race the past two seasons, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect; however, the bike and run courses had been altered, so I had to stay on my toes for any unexpected hazards. The swim was a 500 yard pool swim. The pool was set up so that the swim started in lane 1. We then had to swim down in lane 1, flip under the lane line, and return in lane two. We continued to wind our way all the way to the end of lane 20. The race officials started each person about 10 seconds apart, so it was not a crowded swim. The swim start positions were determined by the 500 yd. time that each competitor put down on his/her registration form. Based on the times, I had the 3rd start position. Two men were seeded ahead of me. I felt great from the beginning of the swim, and I was excited to see that I was actually catching the guy who started 10 seconds before me. The swim seemed to go by very fast. I ended up having a faster swim than last year, setting me up well for the bike, or should I say the refrigerator.

After leaving the pool I had to run to my bike and then do the 10 mile ride in the mid 30s Charlotte morning cold-not the best cycling temperatures to say the least. I ran to my bike as fast as I could, but I could already tell that biking in a wet swim suit with wet hair was not going to feel very good. I did take the time to put on a wind jacket during transition which I normally would not do. However, I really do not feel like the jacket did much good. I felt strong at the beginning of the bike, but by the middle I was pretty numb. I just tried to keep pedaling hard, hoping to find some solace (and perhaps a little warmth) in my exertion level. I reminded myself that it was a short bike. The ride certainly felt a lot longer than 10 miles. Overall, I liked the bike course; however, we were biking in downtown Charlotte, and the streets were not in very good condition. I cannot say how many bumps and pot holes I hit, but I now know the Charlotte D.O.T. has some work to do. I heard other competitors complaining about the bumps after the race as well. A friend of mine even cracked his wheel during the race. I am glad that my wheels made it through in one piece. I was very happy to get through the bike and move on to the run.

I was not sure how I would feel on the run, because my legs were pretty numb. Once I started, however, I felt great. The run was a 5k. The first two loops were the same loop and then we added on a different loop. I continued to feel even better throughout the run, no doubt due to the fact that I was no longer decreasing my core body temp.

I finished the race in 57:03. I am not sure how the time compares because the course was different this year, but overall I felt good about my race. I was especially pleased with my swim and run. I was also glad to get a race under my belt. After having a stress fracture in my leg all fall, I feel fortunate that I even got to race. I definitely do not take racing for granted anymore.

I really enjoyed the American Express Triathlon. The race was very well run and very organized. The race officials and the other competitors were extremely friendly and helpful. I had a wonderful time and I hope that I will be able to do this race again next season