Saturday, June 8, 2013

Sprint Triathlon

 As I've gotten older, I've realized that I am much better suited to individual sports (as opposed to the team aspect). It's my race, my pace; I am only competing against myself. Running is usually the logical choice for me. I've run many too 5k races to count. I took part in the Klondike Road Relay in Alaska, a 110 mile road relay, back in 2005. Marathon? Not likely. :) Last year a friend of mine completed a sprint triathlon, something I'd never considered doing. But it got me thinking: If she could do, why couldn't I? So, beginning the New Year 2013, I set my sights on training for and competing in a sprint triathlon. June 8th was the date, Denver the place. Five months of dedicated training (as much as a mom of two young kids can, anyway), a newly tuned-up bicycle, and the right gear found me as ready as I was going to get for this event.
My bike was racked and ready to go in the transition area at 5:15 Saturday morning. My nerves had to wait nearly an extra hour until the swim actually started, but once the whistle sounded, it was time to jump in the pool and ready-set-go! The race consisted of a 500 yard swim, 12 mile bike ride, and 3.1 mile run. My goal was to finish. It was a challenging combination of events. By the time I was running, the final leg of the race, I could hardly breathe. I'd been fighting to get enough oxygen into my lungs the previous two hours (that's what happens with constant exertion) and I was quickly wearing out. But you push on, keep going, finish the race. And that's just what I did. I finished in just over two hours (2:04:26.8 to be exact!).   


It was exhilarating to cross the finish line, to know that I'd pushed myself hard and done my very best. I truly appreciated having my family there, Brian and the kids, & Aunt Frances and Lee, cheering me on throughout the race. And all of my friends who were cheering me from afar. After I crossed the finish line, Jake and Makenna handed me a medal that said #1 Mom. Talk about choking up.
Will there be a second sprint tri? Probably. :)


1 comment:

Wendy said...

So PROUD of you!