I learned so much about the event, transitioning, challenging myself, proper etiquette, what to do next time, and that it was really good to push myself out of my comfort zone. For years I've told myself to either sell my bike or ride it, do a tri and don't be afraid, but for many years I've allowed myself to back out. The Rex wellness tri was a perfect start, a great way to conquer all those little fears that like to creep up into my head.
At the packet pickup place, I stood around and waited for the informational session (though feeling like a nerd, I was determined to get over that). It was extremely helpful to learn where to put my bike, where the swim would be and how it would be done, the routes for the courses, etc. It really took away many "what if's" and "how to's." Later that night, I followed the advice of Jason K and watched as many YouTube videos as possible on how to set up your transition area. Total geek (again!) BUT, extremely helpful in not looking like a novice on race day morning. :) With my new found confidence, I packed my bag, laid out my clothes, made my lists, and loaded up my car. I was bound to do this event if my car was already loaded, another way to keep myself from backing out.
Race day morning, 4 am wakeup call, not as exciting. I've been up this early for long runs, for marathon events, but not for something I was less than confident in doing and I wanted so badly to hit the snooze button. Considering I had finally fallen asleep sometime after 11:30pm, this alarm wasn't very inviting. I wasn't sure how to fuel for an event like this, so I just did my pre-long run routine and went with that. I set up all my gear at the transition area, got marked (can't say I like having my age written over my calf muscle, but LOVED knowing the ages of those I passed while biking/running!) then walked around to see what other people did next. I was really out of my element, how does one warm up for a tri? Running, that's what I do best, I run, so that's what I did to warm up.
The race began at 7am with everyone lining up by bib number in the pool area. I learned a couple of things about this type of swim. One, do not be the "nice" person that let's the lady cut in front of you because she didn't feel like waiting in line like everyone else UNLESS you know that she is a faster swimmer than you. Two, if someone says that you may feel free to pass them in the water if they are too slow, they are lying. Three, figure out how to pass while swimming with multiple people in your lane or the frustration will eat you alive. That's what I learned about participant number 100, yes, she was an irritating little lady that helped me know what NOT to do for the next tri. After treading water 4 times so that I wouldn't get entangled in her legs, I wasn't able to swim my rhythm or speed and I wasn't experienced to know what to do in that case.
The bike was amazing, hilly but great. The wind whipping at your face, flying down hills at much greater speeds than on foot, and bugs shooting at your eyeballs and mouth at warp speeds were all new phenomenons to me. My bike has many gears, the problem is that I have no idea how to use them or when to use them. This is something I need to learn before the next tri....
Ahh, then the run. After getting off my bike, my legs were like jello and I had no control over them! I felt as though I had just ridden a horse for hours. I should have practiced, should have trained, then at least I would have known what to expect and how to manage the crazy jello legs. Such a strange sensation that stayed with me until mile 2ish when they finally relaxed enough that I could safely increase speed.
The finish line was a welcomed sight, I could finally stop and grasp all that I just accomplished and relish in the fact that I had finally conquered some long time fears and goals. It was an amazing feeling.
Here's the final result: 3rd in age group, 15th overall female---bad for a first time ever tri, I'll take it. :)
| 15 | 102 | Lora | Charles | 41 | Durham | NC | 0:05:00 | 29 | 0:01:37 | 40 | 0:35:14 | 17.0 m/hr | 19 | 0:01:22 | 51 | 0:25:30 | 8:13 min/m | 17 | 1:08:46 |
I've already signed up for another one in October, I'll be back.
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