Big weekend

We had a massive weekend last weekend. 2 races in 2 days. Saturday was the Karapoti, which is New Zealand's biggest, most popular mountain bike race. Bryce rides the main 50km race each year and has attempted several times to do it in less than 3 hours; no easy feat. One year he did it in 3 hours and 0 minutes and 57 seconds. Gutted. But this year he finally achieved his goal and completed it (on a single speed bike, no less!) in 2 hours, 59 minutes and 53 seconds. A very exciting day! Plus, I dressed up like a groom and my Maori co-worker Thomo dressed up as my bride and we ended up winning the fancy dress prize. Second year in a row for me (last year went as a geisha). We both won $50 worth of cycle clothing so it was worth all the weird looks all day. Plus it was fun to be cycling around as a partnership. It made lots of people smile and I ended up passing about 6 girls in the last 10 minutes of the race to come 10th overall female and get my best time in the 20km course.

On Sunday, Denise and I did the Kapiti Women's Triathlon and Duathlon (respectively). We both did well and had a good time. I enjoyed not having the added pressure of having to go in the rough ocean, as I have in past years and loved pushing myself all the way through the run and ride. I came 4th in my age category and 9th overall so I was pleased with my efforts. Especially after having exhausted legs from the day before.
Marathon training is going well, and I feel like I am getting faster than I was when I was primarily the "shuffler". Just over 50 days to go...