Swam. Biked. Ran.

[katemn]

I seriously did that today.  I finished my first ever Sprint Triathlon!!!  Whooopeee!!!  I did it in under two hours.  1:54 was my time. 

And the cool part was that my nephew did it too.  He doesn't get a lot of chances to do something that takes this much work so we all encouraged him and he did great.  His time was 2:25.   Daniel had the little kids and they walked and rode around in the car and took pictures and encouraged us.

I felt like I had a decent swim, which could have been better with a little more training. I kind of slacked off training at the end because of--well, if I make an excuse it will be just an excuse.  My bike ride was really strong.  I overtook and passed Adam, a senior at my school, but I knew it wouldn't last long because his ego wouldn't stand for it.  But I did pass him and dang it felt good.  He pushed me to ride hard the last mile.  The run was half jog, half speed walk.  My legs didn't know what to do after the bike ride so it took me about a half mile to remind them.  I alternately jogged and walked, saving some strength for the end so I could jog the last mile and sprint it in.  I had to play mind tricks with myself that last mile so my body would keep jogging.   I could hear my sister's (a marathoner) voice, as if she's talking to her body, "I don't recall telling you to stop!"  I wore the same t-shirt I wore in Africa carrying water with the local women.  I thought about them and thought that if I didn't give my all, I would not be honoring them or myself as a strong woman.  I thought about what a very wise person reminded me of, and that is that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. 

I came in ahead of some people who have done more triathlons and some who are beginners like me.   I came in behind some people who are Fitness Gods and Goddesses.   But since this was the Beginner Tri, there was no emphasis on time or place, just completion and encouragement.   They made burritos for us afterward. 

And I did it.  My energy is wearing off right now and it is being replaced by physical tiredness.  But I'm still really happy.  Last week, completing the mini-practice-tri, I was very emotional.  The most intense workout of my life.

Today, my emotional state is satisfaction.   This is what I can do if I train and put my mind to it. 

Ok, well, I'm pretty emotional too.  I completed a Sprint Triathlon.  Me.   ME!! 

(The official time on the clock at the finish line was started with the first heat of swimmers, and I was in the second, so subtract 32 minutes and you get 1:54.)  Yes, those are our mountains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tressa260]

May. 19, 2008 at 9:05 AM Not only wow, but Super WOW!  That is way cool awesome! I am very proud of you! 

[kiripapaapic]

May. 19, 2008 at 10:39 PM You are amazing woman!  So glad that you posted a journal entry about this, I was wondering how you did.  Now it's just the sprint to the finish line at school, right?  Love you and I am very, very, proud of you.

[KarateBoMom]

May. 20, 2008 at 12:56 AM Kate, YOU ROCK!  I know how hard you have trained for this and YOU DID IT!!  WOW!  What an achievement!  I have all I can do to WALK in the MS Walk half the time!  LOL  I am so happy for you and proud of you.  Thanks for being an inspiration!

[MommaK2007]

May. 20, 2008 at 7:47 AM

I am in awe of your perserverence and your drive and your strength.  You're my HERO!!!! I love you, Kate, and am SO proud of you!!!!  I am delighted that it went well!!  BRAVO, my friend!!!!

[jylfkanney]

May. 24, 2008 at 9:48 PM That sounds like an amazing experience and I hope I can look to your for training tips as I begin to think about doing this.