Uncomfortably numb

According to Pink Floyd.....its "Comfortably Numb", but my title fits much better!

Bright and early Sunday morning, Heath and Jessica set out on their 1 1/2 hour drive to Enumclaw to participate in the Black Diamond Sprint Triathlon. Grayson was dropped off at Grandpa's house at 6:30 am and snuggled back into bed with Grandpa...all warm and cozy. Heath and Jessica were bundled in many layers of clothing hoping to stay somewhat warm as they watched the temperature climb to a whopping 45 degrees Farenheit! When they arrived at Nolte State Park, where the triathlon was being held, they found that the water temperature was a mere 61 degree Farenheit. Yikes! After setting up their gear in the transition area, they put on their wetsuits to prepare for the polar-bear-club-like event. Jessica looked around to notice that many people had on long sleeved wetsuits....something that she wished she had, rather than the sleeveless wetsuit. She was grateful, however, that it had long legs. As she ventured off towards the water in barefeet she realized that she was getting an ice-cream-headache type feeling in her feet. This did not seem to pass while it also got worse walking along the rocky beach of the lake.

At 9:00am Heath's wave was sent off for their swim. Heath had a bit of a struggle at first trying to get around people and fighting the urge to drown while people climbed on his back. He quickly found a good spot along the outside of the pack and stayed there throughout the rest of the swim. Jessica's wave started at 9:05am in the freezing cold water. It took her a bit to relax and breathe normally so she wouldn't go into panic mode. The cold water in combination with the beginning of the race adrenaline and the several other bodies claiming water rights caused her to get a little bit anxious. Once she mentally fought through it she was good to go. Even though her body got somewhat used to the cold water, it still was pretty darn numb. Again....long sleeves would have come in handy.

Next the two had a transition to the bike. They each took their time so they would be able to warm up a bit. Jessica's feet were still numb! Their bike rides seem to go nicely and they both made pretty good time and passed many people. Jessica's rear tire went flat right at the very end....she was quite thankful that it happened then and not out on the course.

The run came next and Jessica's feet were still numb....the numbest they've ever been in her whole life. The run course consisted of two laps on the trail circling the lake. This was a nice flat course, but one had to watch their footing because of sneaky roots and rocks. Heath became a victim to one of the roots and twisted his ankle and foot pretty badly. He ran on though. As Heath came to what he thought was the finish, he noticed other people running by and continuing on around the lake. He was not aware about the two lap route....and it was too late to continue on. He was slightly bummed but was glad that the race officials wouldn't DQ him and instead doubled the run time that he had done. This still put him in a great standing and in contention for an age group medal. As for Jessica, her feet finally started feeling normal after the first loop of the run. She was then able to kick it in a bit and pass some more people. As she neared the finish, she saw that their support crew of Grayson, her dad, Carol and Natale were all there cheering them on.

Overall Heath and Jessica felt good and thought it was a good race. Apparently this year was actually warmer than last year.....it rained and was 8 degrees colder in the water. Thank God it was a clear day.

(Thanks for reading my long story! Sorry, no pictures yet....we will have to get them from our support crew.)