September 20, 2005 – For those of you who read my last update, the good news is I didn’t drown! After only three training swims, I was a little nervous lining up beside some serious-looking women in sleek wetsuits for my first triathlon since my kids-of-steel days. My apprehension was soon washed away by the warm waters of Lake Couchiching and the frenzy of battling my way through flailing arms and legs towards the distant buoys silhouetted on the horizon. For the next hour and three quarters, I would be a triathlete. Although I enjoyed the swim, and I only had to resort to breast stroke a couple of times, I was grateful after 750m to get my feet back on dry land and start the bike. The advantage of being a slow swimmer is that I had the thrill of passing people continuously throughout the entire 33km bike course. I was keeping an eye on the markings on everyone’s left calf as I rode by to determine if they were in my age group. During the bike portion I moved from 29th to 7th in my category!

As I neared the end of the bike, it occurred to me that maybe I should ease up to loosen up my legs in preparation for the run. I saw another woman ahead of me though, and my competitive instinct was as always hard to repress, so I basically hammered all the way to the transition. My legs felt like they weren’t attached to my body as I tried to force them to take long strides. Everyone else was apparently in the same boat though, because I still managed to pass people during the 7km run, including one woman with the elusive ’25’ (signifying the 25-29 age group) on her right calf, putting me in 6th place.

One thing that took my mind off the fatigue in my legs was the pain in my left heel; after crossing the finish line I discovered that the back of my left shoe was soaked in blood. In the interest of a speedy transition, I had opted not to wear socks, with bloody consequences! All in all though it was a wonderful experience, and I hope to return next year, preferably with a little more swimming under my belt.

The rest of my holiday at our cottage in Ontario was very relaxing and rejuvenating. I always wish that I could stay there forever, but after twelve days it was time to head back to Edmonton where a new semester of school awaited me. I am now officially in my fourth year, and I have noted one distinct change: my biggest class this semester has 13 students! Maybe it is my choice of courses, although I can’t imagine why everyone doesn’t want to learn about molecular and developmental neurobiology!! For those who know me, you know I am only being slightly sarcastic here – I always try to interest everyone else in neuroscience, but I rarely succeed.

It looks like my delicate balance between school and skiing is going to succeed this year, despite our schedule of four straight weekends of racing in November and December, including the Silver Star and Canmore World Cups. Luckily, my professors have been very understanding so far, and are willing to make changes to my exam schedule to allow me to fit everything in. For me, going to school really complements my skiing, and allows me to maintain perspective while I pursue my dreams, so I am very excited that I will be able to take courses this fall.

In closing I would like to thank all of our sponsors, team builders and supporters – your contribution to our team is not just financial. With every person and company who shows us their support, it feels like we have one more person who stands behind us and believes in our ability to succeed, and that is a powerful force. Thank-you!!