The Danskin Woman's Triathlon was a .75k swim, 20k bike and 5k run. I was number 749.
Besides the Bolder Boulder, I have never competed in an athletic event before. Today was my first triathlon.
This morning started at 4 Am. Mimi woke me up the night before at 11:00 and at 1:00 Am. So I did not get much rest before the event.
We got the kids up drank coffee and drove to the event, arriving at about 6:00 Am. I went to the staging area and set up my gear and watched the swimmers ahead of me jumping into the 61 degree water. I did not have a wetsuit or goggles, but did fine without either. I eased myself into the cold water and started dog paddling. I then moved into a side craw. I was one of the last three in our wave, deliberately letting everyone go ahead because I did not want to get kicked or swam on top of. The woman next to me looked like she was having a difficult time and the support kayak was there with her the whole time, after swimming for a little bit I felt my chest tighten up, from the cold I guess. I took deep breaths and did the back stroke. I swam past the three buoys and headed into shore, feeling more confident. I began to really swim and managed to pass a couple people. I was really slow walking out of the water. I took about 10 minutes in the transition area changing into my bike gear. I took my time.
The bike was a piece of cake. I passed a ton of people. A few people with really high numbers went zooming past me, really fit and young looking... A bunch of people were on really old squeaky creaking bikes grinding along at a snails pace. I felt really great. But was also worried about the 5k run that I had ahead of me. I rode past Tim and the girls cheering me on.
When I got to the transition area, I took my time and changed into my running shoes and hat. I walked to the running path. I tried to jog but my body was feeling weak so I just walked. I felt badly because everyone was running past me, but then saw the same people hitting their legs and stretching on the curbs because their legs were cramping up. As I got my stride, I felt better and started jogging. I alternated between jogging and a fast walk. I felt great. A ton of people passed me, but I also passed a bunch of people.
During the running portion I found myself thinking "I cant do this because I have broken both of my ankles". I then told myself that I COULD do it and that my ankles were healed and brought myself into the present moment. I ran with a big smile on my face. I ran more than I thought that I would be able to. I was doing great!
I danced over the finish line! I felt elated and proud.
I completed the 1/2 mile swim, the 12 mile bike ride and the 3 mile run, plus transitions in 1 hour and 44 minutes.
They presented me with a metal that says, "The woman who starts the race, is not the same woman who finishes the race". This is so true.
I am now a Triathlete.
Jeff and Mark. Mark is the one with the chicken on his head.
Liliana on the hike
Mimi tries to ride a big dog sitting in front of us.
Liliana and the black bear
