Where oh where do I begin..... the race was home of USAT long distance nationals about 6 weeks before the race the Athena/Clydesdale were made aware they would have a competition also. So being I had been staying pretty active since my race in September was canceled in July. Yes, I had 6 staples in July too but hey I was doing lots of miles.

I spoke to my coach before I signed up and she thought I could rock it.... goodness.

I thought I might be ready. It seemed though everyone had more confidence than me. When I started getting confidence I got there and met Sugarloaf Mountain. In case you didn't know Sugarloaf is the highest point in the state of Florida, a lovely 10% grade. Wait, I am getting ahead of myself....

The swim, the full is 3 laps in a trapezoid shaped loop. The swim in Lake Minneola. Get out after each lap and head back out. The first cutoff is in the swim. Must be out of the water 2.5 hours. There is a little current headed out but then you get a little current heading back in. I am a slow swimmer and I made the cutoff. Plenty of water support in my opinion. Got out and headed to transition 1. The change tent was good enough. Thanks covid. Though not many tri athletes are modest. Just don't want to be penalized for nudity. (Oh and this was another race that is wetsuit legal lots of years but I again am jinxed and it was not wetsuit legal for us this year.)

Transition was good, full change and out on the bike. So back to Sugarloaf mountain. The full bike was 2 lake loops followed by 3 main loops (that means the hills x 3) the lake loop is fairly flat the main loop is not. I was told elevation gain around 6600. My watch registered 7000. The bike cut off was finish lap 2 by 4:30pm and bike course closes at 6:30. I cramped on lap 2 my bad lost a botle of nutrition and didn't supplement with additional salt. Hosed. I made it in lap 2 at 4:24. Went out for lap 3 and luckily lolololol, got to the top of Sugarloaf at 6:30. I rode just a bit more and called it. My legs were done. I made the decision to not run. Maybe I should have, but I turned my chip in and called it. They would have let me continue it was said we want you to succeed on whatever level you want to succeed.

I was sad. It was over looking back I probably should have opted for a shorter race. They have sprint, 1/3. 2/3 and full.

There was no expo, thanks covid.

I originally said no way would I come back. But I am not one to let a course win so I will probably be back, when. Not sure. Greatful to get a race in in 2020. Sad I didn't finish. Not many crowds - again thanks Covid. Good volunteers. Most of the cops were gone when I went back out for lap 3 - but all the volunteer aid stations were still open. Very grateful back of the packer for those!