After having a disappointing race in Cancun, I was initially very glad that I had an opportunity to compete again the following week at the World Cup in Rio, Brazil (results). By the time I had to leave for Brazil that Thursday, however, I was definitely wishing that I had more than a week between the two races. My quads were still so sore from my race in Cancun, that I could barely walk, much less run and bike. I guess the dehydration had taken its toll on my body. I tried both massage and ice baths, but nothing seemed to help my quads feel any better. I was very close to just canceling the trip all together. I did not want to fly all the way to Rio to not be able to finish the race. I eventually decided to go ahead with my plans to race, but I left for Rio really only feeling confident that I could make it through the swim portion.

From Atlanta, my father and I flew first to Miami and then on to Rio. We arrived in Rio Friday morning. It was about 10:30 am Rio time (which is 3 hours ahead of Atlanta at this time of year). I pretty much used the rest of the day Friday and all of Saturday to rest up and take care of my quads. I made sure to take in lots of fluids and I stayed off my legs as much as possible. I was glad that my hotel room had a television that showed many of the programs that we see regularly in the United States because I definitely spent a lot of time in my hotel room. I also did a lot of reading. While I could not help feeling like I was wasting an opportunity to see some of Rio, I know I made the right choice by resting, because my legs continued to feel better the closer I got to the race. By the time I headed out to do my 15 minutes of each sport on Saturday, I was no longer feeling the intense pain in my quads. They were still a bit achy, but compared to the pain I felt all week the achiness did not bother me at all.

Sunday arrived and I woke up to see that I was going to have another hot race. I was actually not as worried about the heat as I though I would be, however, because it provided me with another opportunity to figure out how to race well in the heat. Both my coach and another friend had suggested after the Cancun race that I start taking in more electrolytes before, during, and after my races. I had really only been taking in water and salt up until that point and both of them felt that I needed all the electrolytes to race well in the heat. I was excited to try out their advice!

We started the swim with a running beach start. I tried to get out as fast as possible, but as usual I got knocked around a bit at the start. I cannot relate how rough these World Cup swim starts are. There is so much pushing, kicking, shoving and dunking. Sometimes, I feel more like I am in a water polo match than a triathlon. Fortunately, by now I have gotten fairly used to it and I just try to remain calm and work my way through it.

The swim in Rio consisted of two loops in the ocean where we did have to get out and run around a buoy on the beach before starting the 2nd loop. As I headed back in to the water for my 2nd loop, I could see that I was actually at the back of the lead group of girls. I had never been that high up in a World Cup swim before, so I was determined to stay with them for the rest of the swim. I really made an effort to stay on the feet of the girls in front of me and it seemed to help. I exited the water with the lead group (there were 2 or 3 individuals out ahead, but I was with the rest of the lead girls).

Fortunately, I had one of my better swim to bike transitions and by the time I got on my bike, I could see the first pack forming just ahead of me. I biked hard with my feet on top of my shoes until I made it safely into the pack. I then had to get my feet in the shoes which turned out to be more difficult than I had hoped it would be. I fumbled around with my shoes for a minute or so terrified that one of them would fly off again (like in the Bellingham Race), but this time I got my feet in safely. I was extremely relieved because I would hate to lose my shoe again in any race, but I would have hated it even more if I had lost it when I was in the first bike pack for the first time in a World Cup.

Just like in Cancun the bike course was pancake flat. This time, however, we only had to complete seven loops. I felt great through out the whole bike. We had a pretty big first pack of about 20 girls. There was another group about the same size chasing behind us. Once again, the second group had a lot of great runners in it, so we knew that we would need a lead starting the run. It took our group three of four loops to get organized. The chase pack was actually catching us, until my group finally got organized and started a pace line. Once we started working well together we ended up pulling away from the chase pack.

I had another good transition and I headed out on the flat four loop run course a little anxious about how I would feel in the heat. I had finished both my sports drink bottle and most of my water bottle during the bike. I had also taken in the electrolytes, but I still was not sure how my body would respond. It was definitely hot out on the course and there was no shade.

I started out strong on the run. I felt great from the beginning and continued to feel strong until the 4.5 mile mark. I ran in 10th-12th place until about one loop to go. I then started to get the chills and feel very woozy. I focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I just wanted to get to the finish line. I knew if I could just finish I would earn some more points.

I finally made it across the line in 18th place, tying my best finish at a World Cup and earning some more points. After running in 10th –12th position for most of the race, it was really hard to get passed in the last mile. However, I had had a great swim and bike and I had run well in the heat for longer than I ever have before. I now feel like I am very close to being able to race well for the entire race when the conditions are hot. I guess I just need to play around with my fluid and electrolyte intake a little more.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with my race performance. I was very excited to make the first bike pack and to be the first US finisher again. Considering that I almost did not even compete because of my quads, the race turned out to be a success for me. This race gave me a lot of confidence that I know will carry into my 2004 season!

I am now through with my 2003 racing season. I am planning to take a couple of weeks of rest and light training before starting to train again for the 2004 season. I know I have many things to work on during the next few months. I cannot wait to apply the experience I have gained to my races next year. I really enjoyed this 2003 season. Most importantly I remained healthy and injury free which was my number one goal for this year! I could not have done it without a lot of help. I am extremely grateful to my family, my friends, my coaches, my doctors. You guys are awesome!

Happy Holidays!