Catherine decided to enter another triathlon. This one, unlike "Barb's Race" in Santa Rosa, was not primarily for beginners. Held in Santa Cruz, it was called "The Big Kahuna" and had a Hawaiian theme. In spite of a 12 minute delay repairing a flat tire during the bike ride, she beat her previous overall time of 5 hours, 52 minutes completing the Big Kahuna in 5 hours, 39 minutes. WOW!

Here she is, before 6 AM, getting herself together at her assigned station for bib # 781. 2003:09:07 06:07:26 34 mm 1/60 f4.2

Time for breakfast back at the car. Devin and the boys are the smart ones; they're still in bed! 2003:09:07 06:11:38 38 mm 1/60 f4.2

Checking the list - "What have I forgotten?" 2003:09:07 06:16:43 35 mm 1/60 f4.2

This time the rack designates the exact spot for each bike to hang. 2003:09:07 06:21:25 48 mm 1/60 f4.5

It was crowded, with little space for her supplies and equipment for the transitions from swimming to biking, biking to running. 2003:09:07 06:22:51 28 mm 1/60 f4.2

...off to body marking with bib # and age... 2003:09:07 06:38:46 44 mm 1/60 f4.2

The sun is beginning to rise as the contestants all busy themselves with preparations. 2003:09:07 06:39:22 28 mm 1/50 f4.5

Mom zips up the wet suit. Ocean temperature in Santa Cruz is rumored to be in the 50's, and Catherine tried it the day before, pronouncing it COLD! 2003:09:07 06:44:22 34 mm 1/60 f5.6