I have been dreaming about getting a pair of Crocs for almost 2 years. Why haven't I gotten a pair yet? Because I am horribly indecisive and would never be able to choose between all the juicy colors and to make matters worse there are now even more styles. I rememeber when I first saw someone wearing them, I think around 2003, I laughed at them, but secretly wanted to steal the shoes and chew on them. They are so soft and squishy and colorful.
They are so past trendy now, I see babies wearing them, taxi drivers, families of stressed out parents yelling at their kids..all wearing matching crocs (or knock-offs). There are even websites about why people hate crocs.(they probably secretly wish they had every color)
BUT..I still want some of my own!!!!!!!! Maybe this is the year to give in.

Just got back from the north where I participated in the Emek ha Yarden Triathlon. It is a triathlon festival with kids races, sprint, olympic and half-ironman distances. I did the olympic distance tri which was the longest triathlon I've done in quite a few years. (the reston triathlon is just short of an official olympic). Anyhow, the race started at 7am and I needed to get my bike into the transition and everything set up by 6.30 am. As we hadn't arranged a place to stay(which I will do next year for sure!) we woke up at 3am, started driving at 4am and got to the race site at around 6. I hadn't slept too well the night before, but the excitement kept me awake for the drive.
The triathlon takes place on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee or the Kinneret as it is called in Hebrew. The shoreline is at an elevation of 200 meters below sea level...which means more oxygen in the air to make me super speedy!! Anyhow, I got my bike into the transition, numbered up, sunscreened (though supposedly it is harder to burn at such low elevations)arranged my run shoes (with socks...i always wimp out and put on the socks for fear of blisters)and headed down to the shore.

In this picture you can see how we had to start pretty far out in knee deep water...the means of course having to run back in over the rocky ground. The water was cool but not too cold, completely flat and just perfect for swimming. It wasn't very clear but I don't think there is much to look at underwater anyhow. Not like Hawaii!! The start was good, a few kicks and people randomly switching to breast stroke, but pretty soon I got into a good rhythm and found someone to draft. When I got closer to shore I swam as far as I could rather than having to walk over the rocky bottom, but eventually stood up and hopped up to the shore where there was a 5 minute run up to the transition. I was happy with my time of 35 minutes, especially considering the fastest women was only about 25 minutes once the run and transition time were added.


If you look close, you can see me in the bright pink top and black shorts making my way to the shore.

On to the bike which was great! I didn't get any pictures of it, but it was more hilly than I had thought has the road didn't stay close to the shore.

here's a pic to give you an idea of the scenery.

It was an out and back 40k on the eastern shore of the Kinneret which I guess is considered part of the Golan heights even though it's below sea level. It wasn't too hot, fun downhills after the climbs, and wonderful views..I was flying along happily...BUT..not drinking!! When I looked at my water bottles after the race I realized I'd only drunk about a quarter of a bottle. oops! Not good for the run. I really wanted to get under 1.20 for the bike so I was pushing the whole time and not thinking about drinking. I need to get a handlebar bottle with straw which make drinking effortless.
Anyhow...Back to the transition area in 1.18. I got a bit lost..went to the wrong rack, but eventually found my running shoes, which mysteriouly looked blue and not their usual green! I put on my socks, despite my resolve to try running without them and headed out for the run.

here I am trudging towards the finish line


The run was not as pleasant as the swim or bike. Most of it was on a concrete walkway, except for a short off-road loop into some fields at the turn around. The sun had come out and it was hotter. Anyhow, when I tried to move faster I couldn't so I kept trudging along looking out for every kilometer mark, hoping they would go by quickly. Unfortunatley the did not go by fast enough. Run time: 1.03. Running after biking, and running in general has never been my strong point but I know I could do better!! NEXT TIME!! Anyhow my time was good enough for 3rd in my age group (triathlon is still a young sport here so it's easy enough to place!)


Here I am getting my 3rd place trophy. Of course as soon as I got home, I checked the results to see the times of the girls who beat me...plotting my climb to the top!

And of course, thanks to faithful sherpas! I can't wait till Alon learns to swim better so I can do the same for him.
alon taking a quick nap while we wait to pick up my bike