Great swim for me. I was feeling good from the moment i got in the water.

Nothing...so far so good!

Transition was good as far as I am concerned. I was going to be taking my time no matter what that day. Just really wanting to enjoy the day and what it was all about.

Maybe speed it up next time...was having so much fun, why do that and miss all of the excitement around me.

The ride was not very exciting except for the crappy roads. Wow, they were bumpy. Bt the end of the ride, my bum was ready to be done. Saw Mike from Janesville on the ride, chatted with Anna and really had a decent ride. I was petering out a bit towards the end, but in general was strong. Next half, I will do some more long rides to prepare. One 45 mile ride does not make for enough training on the bike. Thank god I do have good bike fitness. Was able to maintain an 18 mpr average throughout. Happy girl!!!!! Came in to transition, 3:05 for 56 miles. I will take it. So far, way ahead of the 7:00 hour goal :-)

Do some more longer training rides to prepare.

Back in transition, again took my time and got ready for the 13.1 mile run ahead of me. So far, this has been the most fun I have had in a race ever. Got the running shoes, the pink hat and the pink breast cancer cape on (couldn't forget that)...and I was ready to rock!!!


Nothing...it really wasn't about my time in general, just being in the environment was amazing in itself.

Well, here is where I got my penalty - I am listing my run time as it was...I got a 4:00 minute penalty for receiving outside assistance...I will get into that in a bit :-).



Heading out on the run, I stopped for the potty stop and went out. Got to see the Donkey jockstrappers (athletic supporters) and big bonus, Kathi hooked up with me!!!!!! She ran the first 3 miles with me. We chatted and looked for her son Matthew (who rocked the half by the by)! She peeled off when she saw him and I was on my own. ** (Ding, ding, that was my penalty. I emailed the head official asking what the penalty was for and told her it was worth the 4 minutes).

I must say that the cape was the best part of the whole run. Got to chat with many people, Super Girl was a big theme that day. I actually felt great on this run, although not fast I felt really good. During the first 3 miles, there was a young guy who said he haad to catch up with me and ask about the cape...Did I have breast cancer? Yes, I do I said, going through treatment right now as a matter of fact. He was amazed and told me stories of his aunts and cousins who have all had it. Great to hear the stories. Sent me on my way and I kept going. After Kathi saw Matthew, I saw Terri (Joe Runner) at the turn around, she was feeling good...at that point she was about 10 minutes behind me...well, I knew that wasn't going to last long. She caught up with me just at about the 6 mile turn around. So great to run with her for a while. Passed the Donkey tent, got to see all of the Donkey supporters, my dear friend Deann, Tom and Suzie, Kathi and Dan, Jack and the P-burger and a big smooch from my hubcap Brendon!!!!

Second loop, felt just as good as the first. I do highly recommend wearing a cape for a race. Got to talk to some amazing people, many questions were asked about the cape...a pink cape with the breast cancer ribbon on the back gets a lot. Shared my story with a few and got so much support and a ton of smiles. Go SUPER GIRL was a big cheer!

The last 3 miles slowed down quite a bit, but I was stilll having a blast! Each mile, I walked at the mile markers and at the water stations...got oreos at one...who can pass them up!!!! At about mile 12, I saw Deann and Tom (Father in law) and Parker. Parker wanted to run a bit with me...in white heels and socks. Gotta love that girls fashion sense. Asked if she wanted to continue...she was ready to walk, so I gave her a big kiss, and off I went with Deann biking beside me. Along came DJ Davey to run in with me... so nice that he did that. He had already finished...he is another wicked fast one, so it was great that he took the time to come back to run with me. He asked if I had cried yet. Only once. He said, well you will again and now I am off. As soon as he and Deann peeled off I was about to hit the finish area...passed the Donkey tents and immediately got the ugly cry going on. So awesome to have everyone cheering...got to see everyone that had finished already, my family and my wonderful new friends I had made...what an emotional moment. Tearing up as I am typing this. I was about to cross the finish line... 70.3 miles while going through treatment for breast cancer...That was one of my proudest moments, and to have so many people share it with me was extra special.

As soon as I was crossing th finish line, I hear the announcer say..."Here comes another donkey...Super Girl Michele Wilkinson" What a great moment...I did it!!!!!! 6:19:53!!!!!...6:23:53 with penalty...I am going with the 6:19. Not the fastest, but not the slowest and I did it!



Nothing at all!!!!!

As I gave back my timing chip, got my medal and water, I saw Suzie, Deann and Kathi. So glad to give them all big hugs. Wow, my legs got sore quickly!!! Legs....slowed down, Deann helped me get my stuff from transition and we went back to the Donkey tent. Got to see everyone again and congratulate everyone that finished...everyone was so strong and did an amazing job. I am so proud to be able to call all of them my friends, and everyone that came to support me and everyone out there, you are all the bomb! Craig...awesome pictures!!!! My hubby was the ultimate jock strapper that day. He is the best.