My first year I set out to accomplish two things: not drown and finish the race.

Since I set the bar SO high ;) … it was pretty easy to reach my goals in last year’s Capitol View Triathlon.

This year was a different story. My coworker, Chris Woodard, and I had a little healthy competition going. He set out to beat me and talked some smack. His goal was 1:15 and my time from 2008 came in at 1:24 so needless to say, he had a leg up on me. But, I indulged in the conversation because I’m always game for a challenge.

We agreed not to make a bet about the winner, but both knew it was an unspoken contest. I went into the race thinking all I wanted to do was beat my time from last year. One second faster and I’d be happy! That is, until we crossed paths on the cycling course and again on the running course. Each time my determination grew larger and I pushed a little harder.

Finish line in sight, I began to sprint... knowing each second would count. I approached the tent to get my preliminary results and I couldn’t believe it: 1:14:41! I beat my time by 10 minutes!!! My next thought: Woodard. But then I saw his smiling face approach me and knew my excitement was a lost cause. His time: 1:11:41. We were three minutes apart. Thankfully, he was a gracious winner… noting that I actually beat him in the swimming portion of the event. (I’m not sure how, since that is my worst section!)

At any rate, it was another successful year and great event… full of good memories. And it was so much fun participating with a number of NBC 15 colleagues and friends!

Thanks to my husband, Charlie, Jess Omdahl and James Edward Mills (www.joytripproject.com) for the awesome photos!