Certified Triathlete

I did it! My first Sprint Triathlon on Sept 19. 2010.. Something I've been training for, for almost 1.5 years (learning how to swim was definitely the challenge) but going from a barely doggy paddle to free-style ocean swimming is just invigorating! And I Can't wait to do it again!  70.3 (one day)!!!

Since I was on vacation the week prior, it had been awhile since I had ran, been on a bike, and in my new wet suit swimming. So Saturday morning, Connie and I woke up at 5am, met up at 630am, went down to Corona Del Mar to run 3 miles, Swim 1/2 mile, and bike 18 miles. It was definitely good to get a feel for all 3 activities again before the big day. I was pretty exhausted all Saturday, but I kept busy, packing, and triple checking I had everything. I forced myself to NOT  nap because I wanted to crash and sleep right away, (which worked out well). I didn't really carb or protein it up the night before. I just had a bowl of rice noodle soup with some veggies. I just wanted to eat something safe, and easy to go down, and not too much sodium.

So the big day.. Sunday

I woke up at 4am, ate my breakfast of 1 egg white, protein & soy shake, peanut butter and banana sandwich, got dressed and met Connie at 5, where we headed off to Long Beach.

We arrived at the transition around area around 6 ish, unpacked all our gear, and organized everything, and Wet-Suited up. taking photos getting our numbers drawn on, using the restroom, it was time to line up at the water..

The swim was better than I thought. I didn't get kicked in the face, which was what I was worried about. But people did run into my legs.. so I hope it was them, and not me..

Being so excited I did take 2 mini breaks in the water to gather myself and move forward. I took Kate's advice and just counted my strokes, and then we were out of the water and onto our bikes! I didn't wear my tri/cycle top in the water because it was cold that day, so I just put it on when I got to the transition area. It wouldn't have saved me much more time, if i had it on.

Biking was really fun. It was great going as fast as I could. The 2 loops wasn't that bad, it was really wide (most of the way) but it did have lots of narrow turns, which forced you to slow down a lot.

then the Run.. which I 150% underestimated.
I figured being a runner, this last part would be the easiest.. boy it was NOT. After the bike, my legs felt like bricks running. My legs were so heavy and not aware of what the *BLEEP* was going on. My muscles trembled and spasmed due to the sudden shift in muscles being used. I had to stop after a mile in to stretch just to warm up my legs.

That was the hardest 5k I've done.. thank goodness it was flat and short!!

It was great seeing my family there, and they were really proud. Usually I don't care if people come out to my races, because they're pretty boring to me, I don't want to put others thru that, but i was excited for them to come experience my first tri with me. They really enjoyed themselves as well.

just a fabulous experience and I cant wait to do it again!!

Soon enough I'll work up to a half iron man.. but for now.. we'll look forward to an Olympic..