The Triathlon Experience

Exactly five months after being discharged from the hospital, after giving birth to our son, the Morrisons make a family day out of my first attempt at a triathlon. Earlier during the week I had told Casey I didn't expect him to get up with me to be at the event by 6:30 AM. I figured he and Gavin could just meet me up there towards the end to cheer me across the finish line. But being the wonderful and supportive husband that he is, both my boys were with me from start to finish. Casey was on double duty as he juggled camera and baby. Prior to the race beginning I warmed up by doing a couple of laps in the pool.







All in all the sprint triathlon was a success. I can say that because my only expectation was to finish. Of course it would have been nice to magically cross the finish line 15 pounds lighter, but what can ya do? Keep plugging away I guess. I finished in approximately 1.5 hours, which was what I expected. Overall I was eighth in my age group, which isn't dead last!! My goal for next time around is to shave 15 minutes off and eventually get my time under an hour. I have a VERY long way to go, but its a good goal. Also as expected, the swimming and biking events were by far my weakest areas. I did attempt to use my freestyle stroke when I entered the pool, but after the first lane I knew I would have to switch to the breaststroke. I swallowed too much water swimming freestyle and spent more time coughing and trying not to drown than actually swimming. So I resolved to just use the breaststroke, take my time and get to the last lane as best I can. I did manage to pass one person in the pool, that was somewhat encouraging. Working on my stroke before another race will definitely help my overall time. I also should have gotten in line a lot sooner than I did. I didn't give myself enough credit by getting at the end of the line. I would have had more opportunities to pass people later in the race had I jumped in sooner.


While "it's not about the bike" for Lance Armstrong, it was definitely about the bike for me. I found the biking event the most frustrating. Using a mountain bike slowed me down considerably. Most of the route was uphill and despite my energy, resolve and motivation to go faster, there was only so fast I could go. So like the swim, I just had to do my best and enjoy the experience.


The run was by far my best event. I could have ran another mile or two with the energy I had. Despite the first half of the run being mostly up hill and my legs feeling like cement blocks I paced myself well and approximate 9 to 10-minute miles. I crossed the finish line smiling, with my two racing buddies running along side me cheering me on. They had finished before me. I thought that was really nice. Jenn, the runner in the hat, finished first in her age group. We were all very excited for her. Katherine also finshed 8th in her age group but finsihed about 20 minutes before me. Overall I passed nine people. One in the pool, five on the bike and three on foot. Like I said earlier, had I begun the race sooner I probably would have passed more people, which is always good for boosting confidence and adrenaline during a race. I know better for the next one. Thanks to Jenn, Katherine and Erik for being such a patient and encouraging group. Also thanks to our awesome spectators, Casey, Gavin and Steve. We celebrated with beer and bloody marys :) Well not Gavin, he celebrated with a bottle of formula and a nap.


Something else I really enjoyed about the race was how many families I saw competing together. There were several children under the age of 15 competing. Their parents ran or rode along side them encouraging them. One of the participants I passed during the biking event was a 12-year old girl. She was also on a mountain bike. She was a tiny little thing and her dad rode and ran with her. It was really sweet to watch. I hope I can do something similar with Gavin when he gets older.

My advice to my runner friends who are on the fence about competing is still to "just do it." Next event is the 3-mile Marine Mud Run in September. There is another Sprint Triathlon the following day. I may decide to compete in both if I have the funds and motivation and can procure a road bike between now and then.