Hello everyone, I am sorry it has taken me so long to provide you with an update as to how my training and competitions have been going.  Training with Team Hendryx for the epic challenge has been great; we are increasing our mileage and intensity every week.  Actually, this past weekend I had a sprint Tri in Sebring on Sunday, I was reluctant to go through a hard workout (bike, run brick) on Sat  (the day before the event); but the coaches encouraged me to do so and use the sprint tri as training.  I succumed to their request; to my surprise, my legs felt great on race day, even after the intense sat workout.  This alone is a good indication that I am getting stronger and building the appropriate base for the Florida Challenge (1/2 ironman) in Clermont Florida in Oct. It is extremely encouraging to see and feel the changes that are taking place within my training; especially within the past 2 weeks...I am getting stronger each day; I notice it in my training workouts as well as in competitions.

Speaking of competitions, let me update you all of my accomplishments.  On June 23rd, I competed in a Sprint Tri in Baldwin Park, Orlando, Fl.  the event consisited of a 750m swim; 13.4 mile bike; and 2.5 mile run.  I finished the event in 1:07:39, with this time, I was the overall women's winner and 7th out of the entire field.  My time also qualified me for the US National team for my age group.  The national even takes place in Portland, Oregon on Sept. 20th.  I am looking forward to taking my competitions to the next level; not only in distance but also quality of competition.

On July 13th, I competed in another sprint tri in Sebring, Fl.  The event consisted of 400m swim; 15mile bike; and 3.1mile run.  I finished with a time of 1:06:15; with this time I was the overall women's winner and 6th out of the entire field.

Needless to say, I am very proud of my accomplishments; I am also looking forward to longer competitions in the near future.  The true test will be in Oct during the Florida Challenge (1/2 ironman);I have my goals and aspirations set high, so lets hope the coaching and everyone's hard work continues to pay off.

Mandy McLane