Tinfoilman Triathlon

After resting for two days I [finally] have enough energy to update my blog about my triathlon experience.
My morning started around 4 A.M.. I got up, ate some breakfast, did my morning rituals, and got my gear together. The transition area opened up at 5 A.M. and it was already filling up when I got there at 5:30.

 The temperature was already 80 degrees when I got to the event course. I knew at that point that it would be a hot hot run. I thought, "Oh well, you better run that 3 miles fast to get it over with." We found out beforehand that this triathlon was sold out; completely full. It was fun to be in that crowd. I could feel everyones' excitement and anxious nerves.

The pool the the University of Arizona welcomed us all.

My nervous smile.

 I was really happy that I didn't have to wait too long to start the swimming event. The event coordinators planned this all out so it went really fast and smooth. Like my hot pink tri suit? I was the only person in hot pink and it made it so much easier for my cheerleaders friends and family to find me.

 I knew the swim would be a challenge for me. I mean, I had two months to learn to swim freestyle and then learn to swim for 750 meters. Around 300 yards I had a moment in the water where I thought to myself, "Holy crap, what did you sign up for?" Honestly, the idea that I would need to swim 750 meters and then jump on my bike and ride for 12 miles and then run for three miles, seemed impossible. I knew this triathlon would challenge me, but I wasn't anticipating the mind F***. Right after my doubts started plaguing my mind, I pushed them away and continued on.
During the swim I was passed by three people. While I could have been upset about being passed, I was enjoying swimming in the other racers' bubbles. Silly, huh? I actually ended up passing a swimmer that passed me. It was a small moment of triumph and retribution. I finished my swim in 18:21.

At the transition from swim to bike. This is me walking my bike to the starting line. 

 The bike event was my worst. It took me 52 mins to finish 12 miles. Blah! Not impressed with that performance. I remember getting on the bike after the 750 meter swim and being super hungry. I probably should have eaten a little something 30 mins before my swim. I immediately downed a GU gel with some caffeine in it. I needed a little pick-me-up. Some of the biking course was on a mile stretch of crappy road. It was full of cracks, pot holes, dips, and fill-ins. I had to slow down and be careful while navigating this road. Admittedly, I am not the strongest biker so I needed to be careful.

 I was so looking forward to the running portion of this triathlon. Running is my strongest sport by far and I was soooooo ready to get to an event that I am comfortable with. Not surprisingly, by the time I tied on my running shoes I was feeling tired. The last leg of this race took every ounce of my will power.

 But I was able to cross the finish line with a smile on my face. I was so happy. There are no words to describe how much relief I felt seeing "FINISH" in the distance. I suddenly forgot all my discomfort and had complete tunnel vision. Seeing finish, I knew I had done it. I completed my triathlon.

What a relief! I am still so proud of myself. I finished the run in 33 mins. My over-all race time was 1:44:51. I was 13th in my age group. Being 26 years old, I was competing in one of the larger age groups. I am happy with my finish. Not too shabby for my first triathlon.