I actually did it! I successfully completed my first tri-athlon without drowning, crashing or passing out and I made it in less than 24 hours! :) For anyone out there who has ever considered attempting a tri-athlon... if I can do it, YOU can do it!! It was such a crazy, exciting, exhausting morning, but well worth it! The morning started bright and early at 4:30 am with a piece of toast with peanut butter (I guess it's good carbs and protein) as we headed down to Coolidge with my tri partner Alyssa and our husbands. Luckily we left all the kiddo's with grandma's/nana's so they weren't a distraction. The race started at 7:30 and it was called a serpentine swim (one person at a time in 10 second intervals) needless to say, we didn't actually start until about 9:00 because of all the faster tri-athletes in front of us. I was so nervous about the swim but after all was said and done, I would do the swim three times over if Ididn't have to bike or run! I felt good about my swim and even better when I passed about 7 or 8 other people. YEAH! The swim was 400 meters. Then we transitioned onto the bikes and let me just tell you, padded riding shorts and a gel seat... no, it doesn't help! The bike was much more difficult than I imagined. I tried to stay positive as I got a great view of the lovely Coolidge farm scenery for the 10.7 mile loop. About 3/4 of the way through the ride, the volunteer who was directing the bikers and stopping traffic yelled, "great job, you are half way there!". I just about jumped off my bike, punched her in the face and then crawled up in a ball on the floor crying. My hands were numb, my toes were numb and my "sitting area" felt like someone had hit me with a hammer over and over again. Of course, I survived the bike and then it was off to the run. At the transition point, I was so thirsty that I guzzled an entire water bottle (note to self - BIG mistake)! I immediately got a cramp in my side which of course started off the run on a good note. The run was probably the most difficult part of the entire race because I was so exhausted. All through the training process I was not real concerned about the run since I had done the 3 miles several times without a problem but I obviously didn't take into consideration that the run would be the last part. I was just jell-o legs by the time the run came and it didn't help that it started off in desert terrain full of washes, rocks, sand, hills, etc. With a mix of running and fast walking, I finally completed the whole race. Although I was flat out exhausted, it was such a great feeling to cross the finish line. I feel silly admitting it, but I found myself tearing up as I got to the end. It was an emotional, draining, tiring process but it was such a big accomplishment for me! It was also amazing to have so much support along the way with family and friends cheering us on. My mom and aunt Lyn competed as well and did GREAT! Although I gave them grief throughout the whole training process about the crazy idea they had to actually do a tri-athlon, I am so glad they convinced me to do it! My mom and aunt want to do another one in May in Vegas.... anyone want to join us?!?! :) Whose up to the challenge?
Alyssa and I getting our stuff ready!
The lovely swim... it's the cap sexy?
Coming in at the end of the bike, getting ready to transition.
This is about 50 yards from the finish line... we are dying!
YEAH!!! The FINISH LINE!
My mom, aunt Lyn, Alyssa and I.
Training buddies!
The gingerbread train (I ended up doing it all because the boys wanted to eat all the candy instead of decorate and then they got distracted and wanted to play instead).
