Triathlon--The Story

The story is actually pretty uneventful. Everything went just as I planned in my head which is a good thing! We started by picking up our packet and getting our markings. I think this part is cool. I kinda felt like a warrior! ha! I will get a round (obnoxious) sticker that says "TRI" as soon as I find one. They weren't selling them today.  I'm sure I'll get one at the marathon when I get one that says 26.2!  WAHOO!!

We got everything set up in our transition areas. This was the pool area. Goggles and cap were set and ready!

This was the bike area. Helmet, shoes, gloves, water, and bike. Ready! A HUGE shout out to Allison for loaning me her bike. That thing is awesome, awesome, awesome!!!! I felt like such a pro clipping in!! :)

The order of a "normal" triathlon is swim, bike, run. This one was in reverse...run, bike, swim because of the cold weather. I went with Deana, Laura, and Alisha. Fun group!!

And we were off! The run felt great! My pace was 7:58. I held back because I was nervous since it was the first leg and I didn't know what to expect. I was passing people left and right on the hills. We've been training hills because of our Nashville race being so hilly. I can tell. I think it's paying off! Total time: 24:41. I came in first in my age group for the run.

Transition time. I really don't know what I could do here to make this faster. I had everything set up. I changed from my running shoes to my biking shoes and I changed gloves. I put on my face mask and my helmet and I was off. I was 4th in my age group for the transition. Not sure how to make this faster.

The bike portion was a 6 mile loop that we did twice. My time was 40:12. I came in 2nd just behind the overall first place girl. She and I were neck in neck. I was worried the whole time that I would blow a tire. I didn't train for that and I knew I would be pretty much screwed! Thankfully, that didn't happen!

The swim was last. Oh the swim. I knew this would be my weakest leg....and it was. I came in last place in my age group for a time of 11:43. The first place gal finished in 6:31. This is where she got me. I am slow don't get me wrong but the pool was crowded. It was hard to maneuver around all the people. I did breaststroke some so I could see the people around me. No matter my time....I was pumped to be FINISHED!!!

Everyone did a great job!! We were so happy to have all finished in one piece!

And our numbers!!

I am so happy with my time....1:21:31! I really didn't know what to expect. I had no expectations. When I heard that I came in 2nd in my age group, I was excited. I won a prize and I got to walk up and claim it! I know what I need to work on....clearly it's swimming. I am just slow and steady and I need to be fast and steady! ha! I may do the next one in March. You swim first so it will all depend on the weather. I will not swim first if the temperature is going to be 30! We shall see! I will be at EP Tom Sawyer for sure in August!! This stuff is addicting!!!

Check that off the bucket list!!