Inspired Writing by Lynne Flory, Co-Owner of Twin-Fit Personal Trainers Inc.

Hi.

It is with pleasure to publish this story by an aspiring Author and Poet, Lynne Flory, Co-Owner of Twin-Fit Personal Trainers Inc. This story details her experience with her twin sister during a "Tri It Triathlon". Enjoy!

It was an amazing experience. It seems as though things were going in slow motion.

As you know Sunday morning was quite cool around the 54 degree mark. Our race was to start at 8:15am, so not much time to warm up with the sun. At the very least the sun was shining and the wind had died down. The added benefit to the cold weather was that the water felt warm.

Since there were 151 participants in the Super Sprint (375m swim, 10km bike ride, 2.5km run) we had to enter the water in waves. We were in the third wave. Our goal was to stay close and then let the race unfold from there. We stayed close by around the first buoy and headed over to the next. The distance was a lot farther than we had trained for.

I spent a fair amount of time on my back kicking my feet, just to get my heart rate under control. Carole took the lead after the second buoy and I struggled on the way back to the shore. I was humbled by being passed by some pink bathing caps who were in the wave behind us. They started 3 minutes after we entered the water. At long last after about 13 minutes we finally reached shore with Carole exiting the water first. The swim was part of the race that I dreaded the most. Now that it was over I could enjoy the rest of the race.

We didn't seem to have an urgency. We took the time we needed to dry off, fuel up and headed off on the bikes. Carole headed out first, but I was undaunted, I knew I could catch up. Partway along the way I passed her and lead the way back to the park. I loved the ride, for me it was what I looked forward to the most and it did not disappoint. I love the challenge of the bike with all the elements, wind, other bikes, traffic, hills and valleys.

On the way back to the park the wind was at my face blowing hard, but I refused to give in to it. I kept trucking along and soon was back at the bike racks. Spectators were cheering on everyone, which gave you a huge boost. Once back at the bike racks, I had the option to continue on my own and complete the race or wait for Carole. It did not feel right to go on my own. My instincts told me that I should just chill and wait, time was not the important part. I had to know that she was okay, that she did not have a flat tire or had fallen off the bike.

I decided to wait for her and she came around the corner all smiles. I knew I had made the right decision. After we refueled we headed out for the last part of the run. We stayed together running and walking and crossed the finish line together. As the announcer put it "they got out of the water together and finished together".

When you get to know us a little better you will see that we are so closely connected that often times we speak of "We" and very seldom use the term "I". For me there was nothing better than to accomplish your goal and be able to share it with your sister. We finished one second apart according to the timing chips in a time of one hour and two minutes. It was not blazing speed, but for us it was not so much about the number as it was finishing the race.

To make things even better our dear friends from Philadelphia came up here this weekend just to come and watch our race. They were cheering us on and every time I needed some encouragement I saw their smiling faces. Big hugs at the end of the race. Life does not get any better than this.

By Lynne Flory, Twin-Fit Personal Trainers Inc.