Yesterday I did a sprint distance triathlon.  It was probably my 8th or 10th sprint distance tri, and as such, I was pretty nonchalant about the whole affair.  I even drank a few beers the day before the race, something I would never do when I was a "newbie".

When I signed up, I realized it was a "girls" triathlon.  For those of you that don't know, the latest fad in fitness is these "ooh-rah, girl power" races to which men aren't invited.  My general opinion of these is typically low.  I mean really, ladies, isn't an all-girl race somewhat of a sellout?  Haven't we been fighting for equality all these years?  Do we just want it when it's convenient?  I was even MORE nonchalant about the race after learning I'd be surrounded by 2,499 other women.

When the alarm went off at 4:45 a.m., I actually considered blowing off the race.  "I've done this distance before", "It's just a girl race", "I could go out and run 10 miles and get a better workout"...those were just some of the excuses I came up with laying there in the dark.  But, I knew I wouldn't forgive myself for no-showing, so up I got.

The race start was delayed due to lighting.  Again, I considered bailing.  "Pancakes sound really good right now", I thought. 

Just after a drenching downpour, I learned that Patrick, my boyfriend, had arrived with his two daughters.  This was amazing, considering they had to get up at 6 a.m.  We stood together, waiting for the "all clear" from the race officials.  It was fun standing with the girls, discussing race strategy and other important topics like whether I was permitted to keep my orange swim cap. 

Finally, after an hour wait, I was off.  I had a good, strong swim.  Swimming has never been my event, and generally, I stick to the back of the pack.  But on this day, I charged and passed a few people in my wave.  As I was getting out of the water, still focusing my eyes, I could hear kid voices yelling my name.  "Oh my gosh", I thought, "those are the girls".  I found them in the crowd and there they were, with their dad, jumping up and down and screaming their lungs out.  I waved and smiled and then I got goosebumps.  This was definitely a new feeling, having kids at a race cheering for me.

Out on the bike course, I kept leap-frogging with this woman who was at least 10 years older than me, judging by her wave number.  She would come up behind me and say, "on your left".  After about three times of us passing each other, I finally asked her her name.  Debbie and I remarked at how only in a women's race would you hear things like, "passing on the left - you look great!".  We laughed that if a man were passing, he would either say nothing or something way less friendly.  The bike course was comprised of two loops, so twice I got to hear my cheering section screaming my name.  It was so awesome, I got a little choked up.

On the run, I passed the woman with a cane whom I had seen during the swim.  Seriously...a cane!  She was in one of the first waves which means she was either a cancer survivor or over 50 years old.  Either way, I was thoroughly impressed to see her out there on the run course, motoring along.  As I came up behind her, I said, "you are amazing".  She seemed kind of surprised, but thanked me. 

As I was heading for the finish line, I was scanning the crowd for Patrick, Ellie and Julia.  I didn't see them and thought I missed them, but then almost as I entered the chute, there they were, jumping and screaming and smiling.  I've never been so happy to see someone at the end of a race. 

So here I am, reflecting on a race that I initially wasn't too excited about doing.  Lessons learned:

1.  All-girl events can be fun.
2.  Once the dark clouds pass, great things can happen.
3.  Kids make the best cheerleaders, especially when they're cheering for you.
4.  Sometimes it's not about you, and you have to go through the experience to touch someone else's life.
5.  Being loved is the best feeling on the planet.

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the death of my friend Susan Maslen from breast cancer (and related complications).  Aside from the fact that this disease took my friend at way too early an age (44), it's just a pretty nasty disease that has no cure - yet.  Did you know:

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. 

This year, almost 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in this country, 60,000 women will be diagnosed with in situ (early stage) breast cancer , and over 40,000 will die from breast cancer.

At 43, I have a one in 70 chance of developing breast cancer in the next seven years.   (*American Cancer Society, Surveillance Research, 2007)  I wish the lottery odds were that good.

Things that can help reduce one's risk of developing breast cancer - weight management,  regular physical activity and minimizing alcohol intake.  Hopefully I do enough of the first two to overcome the third....A recent study revealed that 2 drinks per day on a regular basis can increase breast cancer risk by 21%.  YIKES.

The bottom line is, this disease sucks and every woman should know the facts.  Check out cms.komen.org or the American Cancer Society's site for more info.  If you're over 40, GET THOSE MAMMOGRAMS!

Susan was an important presence in many lives.  She was driven, competitive, funny, bright and kind.  She was a great athlete and friend, and I miss her, especially as triathlon season begins.  Susan competed, and often did exceptionally well in triathlons WHILE she was undergoing non-stop chemo.  I don't think she knew what it was to slow down or God forbid, quit.  She was, and continues to be, an inspiration to me.