My husband and and I were married in 2000. Both of us had been cyclists prior to meeting each other in 1998. Prior to marriage, I had raced bikes competitively, ran a marathon, multiple running events, and for Paul as well- although, he was and still is, strictly a cyclist. I never trained very seriously nor consistently in those early years of marriage but we would go for a ride on Sundays and sometimes during the week, we’d go out for a ride after work, but never anything major. However, every year in February there is a sprint triathlon here in Redlands. It’s 3 mile run, 10 mile bike and 100 yard swim. So, we’d both start “training” in January for the annual triathlon. We’d go on a run together and I’d get mad because he was running too fast or we’d go for a bike ride and I’d get upset because I always felt “pushed” and this is a training ride and he shouldn’t be out to beat me, etc… You get the idea. I am the PAIN! Seriously competitive with everyone even my hubby.

Race Day, 2001, Rachel beats Paul but 1 minute or so. We ran together for the first mile and I got ahead of him and KILLED MYSELF to stay ahead of him the rest of the race. I was faster on the run and in transition, so was able to stay out front. By the way, I was sore for a week after this event because I was not fit for it!

Race Day, 2002, Rachel beats Paul by seconds. Again, I can run faster, so I got out and stayed out front for the duration. I remember seeing him in the transition zone for the swim, and SPRINTING TO THE POOL! Paul is more like a fish out of the water, than in the water, so I managed to stay ahead for year two.

Race Day, 2003, PAUL BEATS RACHEL!!! AAHHH!! 2 seconds was the winning margin. I again did everything the same as years prior- little training- but I’m a faster runner- so- I could stay out front- HOWEVER, this year, I was KILLING myself on the bike to stay ahead of him and started to cramp (inner thighs, calves). I can’t remember anyway, I still got to the pool first, BUT, I jumped in feet first and CRAMPED! So, badly was I cramping that I couldn’t move. Here comes Paul, he jumps in and cramps too! I had to go to the side of the pool and have somebody massage out my calves so I could swim! He, however, didn’t ask for any help, he simply pulled himself along the lane line to stay ahead of me. Ok, well as soon as I could move, I started swimming hard and fast, but he was still ahead but just a little bit. Do you think he was going to let me pass him?? Are you kidding, he was going to do anything possible to BEAT ME!! And he did, I caught up to him on the last lane but he got to the finish line first. UGGG! 2 seconds between him and me.

Race Day, 2004, Benjamin is 3 months old, so I ran the 5km only. Paul did the Redlands Triathlon without me. So, no story there.

Race Day, 2005-missed

Race Day, 2006, Ryan is due to arrive, so no racing for me.

SO THE RACE IS ON FOR 2007!! RACHEL NEEDS TO RECAPTURE THE TRI TITLE. You all better be routing for me. My hubby is a seriously FAST cyclist, but he’s only good at one sport. So, I am writing it down here. I will be training for the Redlands Triathlon starting today and I plan on winning.