Don't Mess With Texas

Last week I took a trip to The Woodlands, TX to visit my close friend and Timex Teammate, Kim Hager. Triathlon has brought some wonderful things to my life. Namely, some amazing friendships I have made along the way that will likely be permanent. Hager ranks among the top of that list. This pic above is Kim’s daughters: Lauren, doing my hair, and Hanna, preparing the makeup.

I first met Hager in 2003 at the California ½. I was still an age grouper and still trying to qualify for Kona. I was leading the race in the 30-34 AG through mile 3 of the run until a petite cheetah flew by as if I was standing still. I noticed the “31” on her calf and felt my heart drop knowing I had just lost...