The honor is all mine...

As I relax I can only think of this weekend....I had planned going on a 70 mile ride today, but my body said, "Hells no way.... after yesterday? You crazy girl..." lol! I know when to listen.

I was thinking of the Triathlon venue that was on the Navy side where the Hovercrafts are stored. They are indeed beautiful to see up close and to get to run onto one at the end of the race is by far a treat that we earn.

While on out on the bike with loads of time to make up from my dismal swim effort, I powered on as quickly as I could despite the dehydrating effect of swallowing all that sea water which was taking its toll. I was literally the last to come out of the water. Remember, I was in the last wave of the day. You remember don't you lol! This time I told those nice marines as I got out of the water, I'm the last civilian out of the water.. I have to thank God for all the marines.on base and those who are deployed and serving all over the world. It was my honor to be in their house, as gracious hosts they were. On the bike portion I was indeed happy... spinning away. It was only a short Sprint of 18 miles with moderate hills and some headwinds... nothing I wasn't prepared for except making a wrong turn on the course. I was behind this guy cyclist who said I was doing pretty good. Maybe, that's why I followed him? Lol! Jk... anyway we came upon an intersection, and since I thought he was in the race, there you go. I followed him to another part of the base to an exit and a guard shack but no signage. Oh no, where am I? Crap, I thought. After asking the guard about where I was, and confirmed dread of my mistake, ugh. I pedaled as fast as I could. Oh well what can I say? It happens...ahhh..so I did an extra two.miles. eh, so what. I get back onto the tarmac and head to transition or T2 for second transition from bike to run. At that point I had to pee like you can't imagine. Okay so I'm honest..I almost went under the ropes but the thought I might get disqualified so suck it up I said to myself. I ran up the tarmac to the top. There we were Marines handing out water and Gatorade. I had my Gatorade.in hand from my bike, but kindly requested water. Ha! They thought it funny that I didn't want to drink it but rather preferred it poured on my head. The nice Marine smiled and said, " yes, maam." You see, my hair at that moment was dry from my ocean swim and looked like Doc Brown from Back to the Future movie, stiff and filled with salt water. Funny thing was , I forgot my cap for the run. BTW, I now have a sunkissed.looking face with sunglasses. Nice...job Helene.

At that point a young lady Marine asked me if she could join me for the run to complete her PT for the week. I said sure,, of love the company. Then four more of her peers joined in on the run. Wow, was I lucky, or what? I do want to say I do know their names. They are... Luann, Chrissy, Rob, Luke, and Hollywood. Hollywood is named Hollywood because this was where he was trained, while the rest came from other parts of the country. We maintained a good pace as they ran the entire three.miles with.me. we had a blast.

Luann was who joined me first and I think the oldest at 21, and in the Corp for 3 years now. Beautiful girl. Chrissy was very energetic and cute with a very short haircut with brown hair. She actually started us singing some.songs. Bon Jovli's Living On A Prayer means much to me now.
Luke was rather quiet with an awesome smile, and a cool laugh. He would interject a little and would run ahead and tale pics.of the group as.we ran with his phone. Rob blond hair blue eyes maybe 18 yrs old was animated.at times, but more serious, while Hollywood made me laugh the most. It was such great fun,, and three of my teammates Jose, Chris, and Rolo who joined in on the run as well. We were a.running party. Tired as all heck, we inspired each other.

At the end of the run everyone encouraged me to run the last 100 yards full on, as fast as I could. Then Jose lights a fire under my feet by saying, "Helene that lady is coming up fast"... to which I reply, "Aw shit"... and pour it on. Nice trick Jose. My legs thank you now. I'm so lucky to live..

I want to say that I love the Camp Pendleton Triathlon. Even if it kicks my ass good.

It is my honor to share a day with our servicemen and women.
Cheers!!!