Twas the night before St. Anthony's

THE NIGHT BEFORE ST. ANTHONY'S

Twas the night before St. Anthony's

And all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring,

not even a spouse.

The bikes were all racked

in transition with care,

in hopes that a good race day

soon would be there.

The children were nestled

all snug in their beds,

knowing that Papa

would be there instead.

With I in my bracelet

and chip timer strap,

I had soon settled down

for a few hours' nap.

When out on my nightstand

there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed

To turn off the chatter.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear

but excitement and happiness

And no longer fear!

I gathered my backpack

my towel and Gu's

transition mat, (no wetsuit)

sneakers, bike shoes.

My helmet, race numbers

and my body glide

prepping my mind

for this wild ride.

I jumped in the car,

the stereo thumped,

I sang loud and hard,

to get myself pumped.

And soon there I was

with transition still dark,

my age on my calf,

my body marked.

The sun started rising

just over the bay,

I put on my swim cap

and got on my way.

I stood on Spa Beach

and it called to me,

the ocean, the waves,

the sparkling sea.

The national anthem,

Swimmers gathered around,

Last minute chatter,

The horn ready to sound.

In just 30 seconds,

It would be my turn,

the countdown's begun

and my face starts to burn.

I zero my watch,

And play air guitar:

Happy racing to all!

And to all, NEW PR!