Try, tri, again.

I'm sure that Liz's and Kirsten's recap of yesterday's triathlon is more exciting than mine.

Yes, it was cold!!  I set up my gear at the transition area...goggles, swim cap, bike, helmet etc.... 

We started out together for the run.  I was so sluggish and I'm sure the two nights of dancing and maritnis the nights previous didn't help one bit. Liz!!  You were awesome, thank you for your tough love and for yelling at me.

M: I'm tired, I can't do this.

L: YOU CAN, AND YOU WILL!!!

So we completed the run and I went to my bike, got my helmet on and was off.  I pedaled down the street, turned onto a deserted two-lane highway and noticed I was pedaling really hard and not going so fast.  The bike didn't feel right, and it sounded funny.

My front tire was flat.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!"  I began to yell out a string of obscenities and pulled over to pump up the tire.  Trying to fix it only made things worse. I bent the airvalve and broke the pump.

I had no choice but to turn around and walk the bike back. I was so mad, and was holding back tears. Eventually the sag crew on motorcycles came to help me, they called for a pick-up truck to drive me back to the start line.

I was not happy.

I got back to the transition area and many of the faster cyclists were already returning and heading for the pool.  I took off my helmet, and wondered I should do next.

"Screw it, I'm going to swim anyways."

I took off most of my gear, and stripped down to my compression shorts and my running tank. I put on flip flops and began to run towards the pool.

Even though I only did the run, by the time I got to the pool I was tired. There was hardly any water stations along the running route. I arrived at the pool where swimmers were jumping in the water.  I stopped and looked around.

"What are you looking for?" asked one of the race organizers.

"Water!"

She motioned to the pool.

"No, to drink! I'm thirsty!!!"

Idiot. I got in the pool and began to swim. felt like I was swimming through molasses, I was so tired. I made my way through the pool, stopping several times to catch my breath. Liz's husband got a great shot of me swimming face down in the water.

So I finished, but I completed a dual-athlon. I'm so proud of Liz and Kirsten and I was honored to have been there to watch them cross the finish line. They are true athletes.

You are ALL true athletes and I am so proud of all of you!

Dang flat bike tire!!!


Shells

You're all nuts~!  But I am so proud of you all.  Who cares about a flat tire, it was your first one and I am sure it will not be your last, just as long as you learn from the problems you encountered. 

I will always be cheering you guys on, from the comfort of my warm home.

Lots of love and hugs,

Diane

Your courage to even try amazes me! Next time will be better. Good luck to you!

Monica I cannot see the pic here from work, but wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You really have come a long waysssssssssss baby and really deserve mucho kudo's for all your hard work. You are amazing! BTW...the ornament you gave me last year...sure looks pretty this year!!!

you're welcome! the little shop where I bought that ornament has gone out of business and I really miss them!

Don't forget to sign up for The Tri on the base....last day for discount is TODAY!!!!!!  :-)

WoW to even have the strength to try is amazing.. And I am so proud of you for not giving up.. Even though your bike failed you, you pushed on, and I am SO PROUD of you for that..   You girls are so amazing...   You are a winner to me..  Way to go... 

 Congratulations.  It sucks about that flat and I know your disappointed, but YOU ROCK!  Could you see yourself doing what you did 2 years ago?  I bet that answer would be a big fat NO!!!!!  You are such an inspiration to me. 


Linda

Even though you had problems, you must be so proud of yourself!  You are going to have your own 'trophy room' soon.  When I was biking (years ago) I took community classes on bike repair.  they really came in handy, cause I kept riding over stickers and getting flats.  Just look at the wonderful things you are learning.  Take care!