Swim, Bike, Run & Sunny St. George

Sorry in advance for all of the pictures - I swear I took SO many more and really tried to narrow it down.

So my mom and I had this brilliant idea that we would take the kids down in the truck because it would be a lot quicker if her and I headed down for St. George before everyone else - since they stayed later for work - that way only one car had to make all the necessary stops that children require ;) This is what I got to see every time I looked out the back window of my dad's truck.

About 1/2 an hour after Anna fell asleep, Maddie screamed and it woke her up. Shortly thereafter Maddie fell asleep and about 1/2 an hour later Anna woke her up - so fun. We kept them entertained with electronics.

My mom and I got sick of driving, so we let them take over ;)

Really though, for 3 kids in the car - it wasn't that bad and it surely could have been a lot worse. For me, it made the drive go by quick constantly trying to make one happy, find the binky, etc.. We got to St. George and checked into the hotel, went to the race site, got our packets, got our bodies marked and went to the Pasta/Pizza Factory for dinner. I don't think John or I slept much that night - we were both too excited.

We got to the race quite early to set up. This is my bike/transition area.

John and I before the race (don't mind the lady nursing in the background - I surely did not see that when we were there)

Me swimming - definitely the weakest link in my triathlon skills. I like 'open water' swimming a little better. If only I would I would have done better in my swim...

John swimming - he did not get to enter the pool until almost an hour after me! It was cool though cause then I got to see him do a lot of the triathlon, cheer him on and take some better pics (love ya dad!)

The bike was 2 loops and this is me coming down through the parking lot of the aquatic center ready to go back out again. There were a few hills, but the course was great. I wish I could have taken some pictures while I was biking because it was such a beautiful day and a scenic ride.

John biking.

Me running up the dirt hill to run up another hill. My biggest fear would be barfing at this point and I am happy to say that it didn't happen :) Running is my favorite part - I actually ranked 1st in the running in my division.

I had to slow down here cause the speed limit was 20 ;) I was cheering for myself (which explains the 'Arsenio Hall' action going on) cause I was at the top of the hill and all I had to do was run down it and sprint about 100 feet to the finish line - HOORAY!

John on the run. I made sure to get the red mountains behind him.

It was kind of sad when it was over and all said and done. Last year the best time in my category was 1 hour 16 minutes, so my goal was to finish around that time. I finished in 1 hour 17 minutes; however, this year the 1st place girl in my division did it in 1 hour 12 minutes and I missed 3rd place by 3 minutes and placed 5th in my division. Oh well! John finished in 1 hour and 14 minutes. See results here.

Annabelle had a blast playing in the sand behind the aquatic center. She was truly in heaven being able to play outside this whole trip. Hopefully the spring weather will stick now that we are back home!

After the race we went back to the hotel to shower and the kids needed a nap. Later that evening we hit the pool and Anna had fun splashing in the water.

What better way to celebrate though, than a trip to ColdStone Creamery?!

Sunday after church, we headed to Bear Paw - it just wouldn't be a trip to St. George without it. Annabelle and Bradee had fun playing across the street while we waited to be seated.

Our yummy breakfast.

Ross wasn't able to go to St. George because he had to work on the car and work cause we will be out of town again this week. So when I got back he surprised me with a present to congratulate me on the race. It was a big bag of peanut m&m's (my fave) cause I had sworn off sweets for a while before the race and the movie 'Juno'. I had been wanting to see it since it was in theatres. It had nothing but good reviews - which maybe set my hopes too high. If you want my take on the movie, click here .

I am happy to be home, but sad to leave St. George as usual. I had a great time and I am looking forward to the next race. Sorry for the uber long post - I don't even know if anyone is still reading this - and thanks everyone for wishing me good luck - I had a blast!