Oh my so busy, I am falling behind again on my journals. And since I know "everyone" reads these, I must make amends. So where was I...? Ah yes Thurs April 20, big Party/Fundraiser after work so I did my swim in the morning. Nothing exciting to report, but it took me forever!!! I don’t know why I am swimming 2600 meters when the race is only 1600. It is just too far in the pool that darn wall keeps getting in my way. Oh well, I then felt like I had earned those several beers at Kell’s that evening as we laughed and caught up with friends from season’s past. We should have more alumni events! Fri we headed out to Aquatic Park for an OW practice. While the weatherman had said rain, luckily it was clear and actually pretty warm. But the wind was up and the water was very choppy. I have never seen it like that before; the waves were actually going over my head. Then there was the mater of my stupid goggles leaking the whole first lap. I finally poked and rearranged them enough to stay and did the 2nd and 3rd laps without stopping. I have to get new goggles! Then it was off to yet another fundraiser and more drinking. With the impending big workout the next day though I only managed to stay out until 10:30 (pathetic).

That brings us to Sat. I was looking forward to a tough workout and gauging progress as we did this ride last year. We started with a very intense hour of swimming. Lots of short fast sets with just a little rest. It was tough, but warmed us up nicely for the ride. After the quick shower and change we headed out to Fairfax through the windy bike route of San Anselmo. I was sweeping Elite so I hung out in the back. Once we got to Fairfax we headed up, up, and up the road to Alpine Dam. I felt very strong throughout the whole ride. I tried to push myself on the hills, but then I would have to wait at the top so I could stay at the back of the group. I have concluded then that this ride was a lot easier this time around and I am a lot stronger (I am hopeful that is the case and it is not just because I kept stopping as sweeper). The rest of the day is boring and not worth writing about until we get to my birthday party!!!! After such a tough workout I was worried that many people would not be able to come out for the festivities, but we had a great group of TNTers as well as my other friends who came out for some laughs, some dancing, and far too many shots. As midnight came and it was my actual birthday, we toasted with more shots and I felt very lucky indeed to have such wonderful friends hell bent on inebriating me for my birthday. Given that I got home after 3:00am, I took Sun off from working out, slept the first half of the day, and was very lazy the rest of it. The perfect way to spend a birthday!!!

Swim = 2600 + 1600 + 1400 = 5600 meters!!!
Bike = 25 miles