I attempted my second triathlon on Saturday in Durango. I participated in the
Durango Rec Center sprint triathlon - 500 yard swim, 13 mile road bike and 5k run. The bike was along a country road with tall red mountains on both sides and endless pasture/ranches. I told Kirk that if we choose Durango for a retirement location, I want to live on this road! The run was along the Animas River trail. It was neat to have the
Narrow Gauge train come through with tourists that were cheering us on during the run. The only hitches along the race were monster calf muscle cramps in both legs as I was coming into the final stretch of the bike (it felt like someone was pulling the muscle out of my leg) and feeling like I had heavy lead legs coming off the bike and transitioning to the run. The lead leg feeling happened last time so I was expecting it but man ol'man, I felt like I was running in extreme slow motion. But the sunshine was in abundance, the vibes were good and I finished about the same time as the last triathlon. So no overall improvement to brag about but not bad considering my preparation for this race wasn't hard core. Plus I took my time during the transitions to make sure my energy gel and fluid intake were better than the last time.
Tri the Rim Results (April 2009)
Swim (includes time to swim, get out of pool and run to transition area entrance): 13:54
T1: 1:23
Bike: 48:35
T2: 0:24
Run: 30:17
Overall: 1:34:33
Durango Rec Center Results (Aug 2009)
Swim (includes time to swim, get out of pool and run to transition area entrance): 13:37
T1: 2:09
Bike: 49:25
T2: 1:01
Run: 28:06
Overall: 1:34:18
I don't have pictures from the event because while I was racing, Kirk and Sarah were enjoying the leizure pool and slides at the rec center. Family fun for all!
It's also time to take advantage of pre-season sales including Gymboree where I picked up Sarah's purple fairy costume for this year. The plan is to spend Halloween in Phoenix with family pillaging the neighborhood for sugar treats. When the costume arrived, Sarah had to put in on and it stayed on through the afternoon. Too cute!
Sarah is going on her third week in Mom and Tot tumbling class at the local dance/gymnatics studio. Her favorites are the trampoline and bar. She also is getting the hang of the toe dips on the balance beam. It's a big part of the week.
Thanks to the majority of the American public for voting in favor of "Change". At the end of Obama's four year term (if he lasts that long), that's all working Americans will have left in their pockets...change. That's assuming the majority of working Americans are able to hold onto their jobs. God help us and the future of this nation.
We made it to Silverton last weekend for our first camping adventure with Sarah. We stayed at Molas Lake Campground right outside of Silverton and it was gorgeous. Our campsite was right on the lake. It was a bit chilly with the wind coming off the water but still a great spot. We enjoyed lunch in the camper once Kirk had it set up followed by a visit from the local duck family. A mama and her babies waddled up to the site with no problem to enjoy pieces of hoagie buns and bagels. We had to cut them off at some point so we still had food for breakfast and lunch the next day.
After lunch we piled into the truck, knowing Sarah would not take a nap in the camper, and headed off to drive around Silverton. The town is small and unique with a true old western flavor. Once out of town we started up a dirt road that eventually turned into a 4 wheeling adventure up to Animas Forks. We found out after the trip that Animas Forks was an old west ghost town. Spooooky. When we got up there, Sarah was out for the count. So I stayed back in the truck while Kirk toured around the old mining village. He took amazing pictures.
After the Animas Forks tour, Sarah was starting to wake up in time for us to go back to Silverton and walk around the town. First stop, Rocky Mountain Funnel Cakes for Sarah’s first taste of the yummiest funnel cake. We also made a stop at Silverton Brewery to pick up a growler of IPA for Kirk and I to enjoy during dinner and at home.
We had a yummy dinner of spaghetti followed by more duck visits, a campfire and smores. Again, it was Sarah’s first taste of the smore goodness. She was a fan of the marshmallow and chocolate separate. We let her spin out of control and then it was time to settle down for the evening. I ended up sleeping with her which was not that bad other than I did find out how much of a kicker my daughter is when sleeping. We had a great morning with duck and chipmunk visits before packing up to head back home. Sarah talks about camping a bunch and wants to see the “duckies”. She was a trooper and loved every minute of it which was great! 
We started Mom and Tot tumbling class this week. The local dance/gymnastics gym offers the class once a week for the little ones to fine tune their motor skills and burn calories. Sarah loved the trampoline, balance beam and bar. We are excited to return next week.
We are making plans for our maiden voyage in the pop up camper trailer this coming weekend. “Intended” destination: Silverton. Wish us luck!
