One Down, Seven To Go

I finished my first ever Triathlon and first race of the season today! It was an experience I'll never forget. I went through so many emotions- fear, competitiveness, joy, relief, calm, anticipation, excitement, dread.

Fear- My heart was racing out of my chest when we were lined up for the swim start. I was very scared about my first ever race. I swear, my heart rate was over 150bmp just waiting to swim. I don't know my split times yet but I don't think my swim was very good. I couldn't ever recover from freaking out and I didn't feel smooth. The pool was huge! As big as our small goat pasture! There were no black crosses on the walls and this screwed me up. I would slow down when I got near the unmarked wall. I think I have a depth perception problem. I was breathing nearly every stroke. I think I will enjoy the open water swims more. I passed four people on the swim.

Calm- Surprisingly, I felt the most comfortable on my bike, I was really thinking I could love the swim.. Hubby and I drove the bike course before the race, so I knew what to expect. I felt really good on the bike, maybe it was the jersey! I passed the first woman novice that started the swim in the middle of the bike course. Bike shop friends told me not to "blow myself out" on the bike. Also, stretch my legs out one mile before finish. #1 novice swim lady passed me, the last hill on the bike and I let her. She was breathing really hard. I was trying to listen to bike shop friends. At that moment I realized I was competitive. I was determined to chase her down on the run.


Dread-I saw the run course before the race too. I dreaded it! It was mostly grass and gravel roads. The gravel road was a hill, we had to do it twice! Out and back. I chased down swim lady because she started walking. I think she blew herself out. I'm glad I listened to bike shop friends!

Excitement- Me and Jessica before the race. I am so glad I had someone to help me through the race. Jessica was a wonderful friend. My husband yelling at me every time I would take a breath at the wall of the swim, "Maguai". The ladies handing out water- yelling at the bottom of the gravel hill "475- You rock girl, you look great!" The lady with her child "Way to go 475, you are almost done be strong at the finish!" I smiled at her. "Keep smiling your beautiful smile. " she yelled back. These experiences were all exciting to me and were very encouraging. I can't say enough about the volunteers and spectators.

Relief- When the run was over. I thought I was going to throw up the last mile. I also broke out in a cold sweat and goose bumps.You see, I didn't drink anything during the race. I was too busy on the bike ride and I tried to drink a cup of water running but choked. I learned a lesson, I need to drink on the bike. I think my run time suffered.

Joy- When I crossed the finish line. A few times in the race I felt doubt within myself. I would not stop or quit. When I crossed the finish line and saw tears in my husbands' eyes. When I felt so happy to be healthy and alive to experience this moment. When I placed second in women's novice and won a red pull-over vest. When Jessica won third in her category.


My time was 1:18. I don't know the split times yet, they'll be posted Sunday night. Swim lady didn't beat me. I forgot, this race is based on time- not who's in front. The #1 female novices' time was 1:15, she started behind me. I think the 1st Elite woman's time was 1:03. She was so great in the swim, I timed her at 5:55 but that didn't count running to the mat. I spoke with her husband and she swam in college.(she had two beautiful little girls too) She came out of the pool 1st! She beat all the men!

I screamed "You Go Girl!"

Anticipation- Do I have to spell everything out for you?