ITU World Championships; Beijing, China

I never in a million years, thought I would travel to Beijing, China. When I qualified last year at USAT Age Group Nationals, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I was excited to represent the USA, race on the 2008 Olympic Course and fortunate enough to be able to travel with my great friend, Julie Lyons. We travel together very well and always have a real good time.

The pollution was a big concern for me. I had met with Dr. Adinoff to medicate me appropriately so my asthma would have the best chance in such conditions. The smog the first part of the week was almost unbearable. The grey sky, no sun, black boogies, was very concerning to me. The weather took a change for the better and rained. It rained! The morning after, I saw a blue sky. I had no idea how much I had missed a blue sky. At this point, I prayed for rain on race day. I know that adverse conditions separate the weak from the strong and it would also keep the air clear.

Well, it rained on race day! I seemed to be the only one excited about this and I didn't dare tell anyone that I was the one responsible for it! The bike was technically challenging and many corners already had padded trees for protection, so I knew I would have to dial the bike back a bit to make sure I didn't go down. My swim had a little to be desired, but with it being as cold as it was with no swim warm up, I guess it was good enough. The bike was a bit sketchy and I almost went down in one of the first turns, but fortunately, my mountain biking skills came to the rescue and with a little luck, I pulled out okay.

I hit the run and felt great! It was so awesome running in the collosium. It was a 3 lap run. On my last lap, I noticed that a girl from Mexico in front of me and was in my age category. In the last stretch, I tried to catch her and began making gains. As she turned to head to the shoot, she looked for me. I had pulled up right behind her. I decided to make a move to pass her and she quickly caught back up to me and we were running neck and neck.

As we got within 100 meters of the finish, I was worried she might kick it. I thought to myself, "My children are watching.. GOOOO!" I knew I had to dig deep and find one more notch! I dug.... praying there was something in there... and pulled just ahead... and held... and WON!

What I didn't know, is that effort pulled me in for a top 10 finish! I had only dreamed of this and it now was reality. I ran solid off the bike for the first time in 2 and 1/2 years post injury. My A race came together and even though I had some muff ups, like frozen hands that wouldn't allow me to take off my helmet in a speedy fashion and a few other things due to the cold rain... I had an amazing day, and most importantly, I had fun!

During my time in Beijing, I also was able to tour the Forbidden City with other Team USA athletes as well as the Great Wall! While I was walking the Great Wall, it really hit me where I was. I yelled to Julie and said.. "Julie, I'M IN CHINA!" Many looked at my as if I were crazy, but at that moment, I had gone back into time and was in a history book. As a young girl, I remember looking at pictures of the Great Wall of China; and there I was.

I met other amazing athletes from around the world, many of which I will see next year in Auckland, New Zealand. As awesome as the adventure was; I will say, I patted the ground when I landed in Washington, DC. I love America. Did you hear that... I LOVE AMERICA! A big thank you to TIMEX, KSWISS and MIX 1 for all the support this season and for the amazing support getting me to Beijing, China: ITU World Championships. I am supported by the best! Enjoy your training =) www.tristafrancis.com