I competed in the Diamond in the Rough Triathlon in Perryville, Maryland last Saturday, July 11th. I had a great time at the race and was proud to wear our team colors. I have competed in the race for the past 4 years and really enjoy it. The adventure began on Friday with trek down to Perryville during rush hour. Good thing I wasn’t driving and could take a well needed nap after a world win trip to 4 PA farmer’s markets and specialty stores. If anyone shops at Dayton Coffee in the West Shore Farmer’s Market, Nude Food in the Broad St. Market or Hatcher’s Bagel and Coffee Nook in the Lebanon Farmers Market, tell them how much you love our granola for me 
We pulled up at the hotel around 6:00, just in time to eat dinner and watch the end of the tour. I love staying at business travel oriented hotels with all the amenities. It makes life so much easier.
Race morning arrives uneventfully and for once in my life I have extra time to spare before the race. I wish all races started at 8:00 am! That extra hour is so nice. The swim was a little choppy and warm but I have yet to meet a swim I can’t handle. (Thank you 5 hour workouts over Christmas break). The bike is a 28 mile loop with a couple of good climbs, fun downhills and fast rollers. I really like the bike course.By the time I hit the run the sun had heated things up and it was hot. My stomach was a little queezy coming out of the swim and didn’t settle much on the bike so I didn’t take in as much fluid as I wanted. I knew the run was going to be a challenge and well… it was. I got into a nice rythm and was able to maintain a decent pace through the end. I came so close to catching the 1st place 20-24 year old but came up 8 seconds short. I gave it my all but ran out of room. Next time.
Next up… New York City!!!! I can’t wait. This is the best race ever!
