::  2008 marked a few milestones in my triathlon career--my first trip overseas, my first Ironman racing in the pro category, and my first time breaking 5 hours in a half ironman. TeamTBB entered me as a pro in the inaugural Ironman China, where I braved (well staggered through) the insane heat and humidity, finishing as 9th female pro but 20th woman overall. I actually beat one pro woman but in turn was spanked by 10 age group women.  I remember feeling completely sick to my stomach as I met the other pros I would be racing against--they just looked so damn fit!  Back home I continued to grind away at training while finishing up my prosthetics residency, and kept chipping away at my personal best times.  My season culminated with my first sub-5 performance at the Vineman 70.3, at which point Coach Brett told me not to waste any more money racing until I was much faster.  In September I kissed life as I knew it bon voyage, and embarked on my first teamTBB training camp in the Philippines.  ::

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