We survived.  Just barely (for me at least) - it was freakin HOT!!!!  The first photo is of the nuclear reactors (no longer in use) that were just on the other side of the lake we swam in (more on that later).  I was obsessed with taking pictures of them - popping up out of the fields of grapes.  It’s been so long since I’ve seen one that they were kind of like an exhibit.  Photo 2 is Sarah flying past Mike on her way back for the run.  Photo 3 of me on my bike looks like I am barely moving - which I guess at that point I was…  Photo 4 is the kids and Sarah helping me get to the finish line.  This was after Sarah had finished 10 minutes prior and came back to boost me up!  It was so nice to see her come back on the trail.  And it was really fun to run with the kids - they were quite the inspiration in the final throes of the day.  And the final photo is the happy women who now get to relax and refuel!

The race itself was much more challenging than I thought it was going to be.  First of all, it was HOT!  Did I mention that yet??  The day before the race was 104 degrees at 5pm.  I don’t think it got quite that hot on race day, but it sure felt like it when I was supposed to be “running” at 11 a.m. in AUGUST in the CENTRAL VALLEY.  I mean, who plans these things anyway?!?  Sorry, I digress. 

The Things We Learned At Our 1^st Triathlon:

• 1. Summer triathlons should really start at 7 a.m. (I know that point has been made, but I did learn it)
• 2. Racing with all women is an awesome feeling. Both Sarah and I really enjoyed that part of the event.
• 3. Getting kicked in the face while swimming is a new experience (Sarah).
• 4. Swimming in concrete water is a new experience (Amelia). Or maybe the nuclear waste was dumped in the lake and made it extra thick. Seriously, I didn’t know water could feel so… thick. I was wiped within 10 strokes. THAT was a big wake up call that the day was going to be loooooooong. Luckily, I didn’t throw up in the water at the end like I thought I was going to!
• 5. 50+ year olds ROCK TRIATHLONS! I got passed by practically EVERY 50 yr old on a bike. One woman’s comment was that they have been at it a while. I can’t wait to be a kick-ass 50 something. They were so inspiring! The 2^nd woman to finish the race was 51. Right on.
• 6. The feelings of heat exhaustion should be taken seriously and even though you want to keep up with your training partner, you just have to wish her well. Sarah walked with me for a little over 2 miles and then she had to go go go!
• 7. We both want to do more! I feel like I have begun a new chapter in my health and fitness (see #5).

Numbers:

We have raised $775 so far for Naba!  It’s a little shy of my goal of $2,500, but I am so grateful for your support!  You are part of the global “Neighbors Across Borders” community.  We will always accept donations for Naba (she needs ongoing care), so at any time you wish to donate - or pass the word to someone, feel free! 

We still have t-shirts!  The WOMEN’S CHOCOLATE BROWN LARGE AND EXTRA LARGE are ON SALE for $10 (e-mail me at abiagi@hotmail.com for details).  If you would like to donate online, go to this link: http://nomorevictims.org/communities/author/mariposa/ .    If you do choose to donate online, please put ‘Mariposa/Naba Race’ in the Comment Box on that link so that it will get allocated to Naba and I will add it to our count.  If you want to write a check, e-mail me and I can get you details. 

We are also at the Mariposa Farmer’s Market until the end of October (unless the shirts sell out).

Thank you SO much from the bottom of our hearts here in Mariposa.  We can’t do this without you.  The narrator in the video on the link says:
 “If you help one single child, with whatever you can, you should know that you are a messenger of peace.”